1. COMMUNITY SURVEY: The top mayor/council priorities are shown below and will be placed in the community survey for citizen input.
• Ash Trees
• Extend downtown building incentive program
• Filling buildings on the square
• Public safety facilities (fire dept needs expansion/PD & staffing)
• Municipal building (fire dept & PD)
2. STEPHENS COURT: Project restoration has been slow and thus far not up to expectations. V&K’s Forrest Aldrich sent a letter (packet) indicating the completion date is April 30 and that any unfinished work would be subtracted from the contract and conducted by the city.
3. WEB PAGE: The City of Indianola website upgrades will be functional on Monday, April 18th. Information Technology Manager Kurt Ripperger has been working with Joyce Godwin, Kathy Kester, Pat Allsup and Thad White to develop a new design, and, the web address will change to www.indianolaiowa.gov . Note that www.cityofindianola.com, www.indianola.lib.ia.us, and www.indianolaparks.com will remain working for the foreseeable future and automatically redirect users to www.indianolaiowa.gov.
The group will continue to develop the site in the next few weeks and will plan for an end of May public announcement once all potential issues are addressed.
Thanks to Kurt, Joyce, Kathy, Pat and Thad for their assistance!
4. INTERN: Chelsea Fulton, recent MPA graduate from Drake University will begin her (unpaid) internship with the City of Indianola on Wednesday, April 20th. Chelsea will work at least one day a week on various special projects including redistricting map for new census numbers, franchise research, grant research, various analytical spreadsheets, surveys, etc.
If time allows I’d also like to have her participate in the upcoming Employee Orientation. I think it would be an excellent introduction to the organization.
5. DRAINAGE: Several homes along the 400 block of South P experienced basement flooding in 2008 and 2010 (two heavy rainfall years). The homeowners indicate the problem is related to the four-plex and duplex built in 2002 and 2004 because the water previously drained west from the Masonic Temple to P Street.
Chuck Burgin and I met with Warren County Fair Board reps and Supervisor Doug Shull on the 13th to discuss an alternate direction of drainage. The Fair Board will discuss the matter and advise of their decision.
6. WALMART SIGNAL: After receiving comments about the signal at Wal Mart going red north and southbound where there is no traffic on the east/west legs, we had Iowa Traffic Control check the computers. The problem lies with the motion detector cameras that shake in the wind or detect shadows.
RoxAnne Hunerdosse is getting quotes to replace the cams with in-pound detector loops which will solve the problem. A recommendation will be brought to council in May.
FYI – The same cams were replaced on 65/69 at Hillcrest a few years ago.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
News Items - April 11, 2011
1. IDOT: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin and I met with IDOT District 5 reps Brian Morrissey and Troy Jerman on the 6th. Brian provided the following information:
• W Hwy 92 is behind on design but still on track for a 2012 right of way acquisition and 2013 construction. A trail will be included in the design.
• The N Hwy 65.69 Traffic Study is still being reviewed by IDOT and should be complete in several weeks. IDOT had concerns about traffic signals at Summercrest’s west entrance and the north entrance (Theisen’s). They prefer a more holistic approach to N. 65/69’s future design. Brian also indicated that cost of improvements should be shared by all entities.
• S Hwy 65/69 improvement from Hwy 92 to 17th is still being considered. It is proposed as a 2-phase project (92-12th and 12th-17th) for 2015/16. The city’s “proposed” cost share is about $300,000 to $500,000. IDOT has yet to put this project in their 5-year plan.
• There is a detour route through Indianola (Hwy’s 92 and 65/69) when accidents or major construction occurs on specific sections of I-35.
2. SUMMERCREST HILLS: Discussions continue with Summercrest Hills developers regarding the development agreement approved last November. Proposed changes are to increase the added taxable value the developers guarantee from $15 million to 17 million, and, to remove “annual appropriation” language for the tax rebate (spread over 5 years). Needless to say the $17 million will strengthen the TIF tax base!
Also, in the packet is a proposal from Daniel Manning of the Lillis O’Malley et. al. Law Firm for services related to the Wellness Center lease agreements. The proposal is a bit more inclusive than perhaps necessary but scope of services can be arranged as needed. The proposal will be placed on the April 18 or May 2 agenda.
3. D&D: The Dangerous and Dilapidated Committee unanimously approved a recommendation to purchase 400/401 E Euclid for $87,000. The recommendation will be on the April 18 agenda.
4. BUDGET AMENDMENT: Finance Director Jean Furler is drafting an amendment to this year’s budget for the following items: Capital Projects: I&I, Electric Underground Conversion and Storm Water Utilities.
Council will be asked to set a hearing date on April 18 for May 16.
5. SEWER PLANT STUDY: In the packet is a Sewer Plant Study proposal from Veenstra and Kimm. This study is a preliminary review (does not include plans/specs) of the plant improvement needs for the renovation in 2012/13. It will be placed on the April 18 agenda.
FYI—The plant first became operational in 1979 and about $6 million is budgeted for repairs/renovations.
6. BUILDING CODE ISO: On March 17th Chuck Burgin met with an ISO (Insurance Services Offices) representative for an update to their building code rating effectiveness. The report was received this week showing the department has been rated (again) a 4 for residential and a 4 for commercial effectiveness. The rating scale is 1-10, with 1 the most effective. The report indicates that Indianola's building code administration is more effective than both the state and national levels for communities Indianola’s size. The report also indicates our department staffing levels are lower than state and the national averages. Congratulations to Chuck Burgin, Rich Parker and Mindi Robinson for a job well done!!
• W Hwy 92 is behind on design but still on track for a 2012 right of way acquisition and 2013 construction. A trail will be included in the design.
• The N Hwy 65.69 Traffic Study is still being reviewed by IDOT and should be complete in several weeks. IDOT had concerns about traffic signals at Summercrest’s west entrance and the north entrance (Theisen’s). They prefer a more holistic approach to N. 65/69’s future design. Brian also indicated that cost of improvements should be shared by all entities.
• S Hwy 65/69 improvement from Hwy 92 to 17th is still being considered. It is proposed as a 2-phase project (92-12th and 12th-17th) for 2015/16. The city’s “proposed” cost share is about $300,000 to $500,000. IDOT has yet to put this project in their 5-year plan.
• There is a detour route through Indianola (Hwy’s 92 and 65/69) when accidents or major construction occurs on specific sections of I-35.
2. SUMMERCREST HILLS: Discussions continue with Summercrest Hills developers regarding the development agreement approved last November. Proposed changes are to increase the added taxable value the developers guarantee from $15 million to 17 million, and, to remove “annual appropriation” language for the tax rebate (spread over 5 years). Needless to say the $17 million will strengthen the TIF tax base!
Also, in the packet is a proposal from Daniel Manning of the Lillis O’Malley et. al. Law Firm for services related to the Wellness Center lease agreements. The proposal is a bit more inclusive than perhaps necessary but scope of services can be arranged as needed. The proposal will be placed on the April 18 or May 2 agenda.
3. D&D: The Dangerous and Dilapidated Committee unanimously approved a recommendation to purchase 400/401 E Euclid for $87,000. The recommendation will be on the April 18 agenda.
4. BUDGET AMENDMENT: Finance Director Jean Furler is drafting an amendment to this year’s budget for the following items: Capital Projects: I&I, Electric Underground Conversion and Storm Water Utilities.
Council will be asked to set a hearing date on April 18 for May 16.
5. SEWER PLANT STUDY: In the packet is a Sewer Plant Study proposal from Veenstra and Kimm. This study is a preliminary review (does not include plans/specs) of the plant improvement needs for the renovation in 2012/13. It will be placed on the April 18 agenda.
FYI—The plant first became operational in 1979 and about $6 million is budgeted for repairs/renovations.
6. BUILDING CODE ISO: On March 17th Chuck Burgin met with an ISO (Insurance Services Offices) representative for an update to their building code rating effectiveness. The report was received this week showing the department has been rated (again) a 4 for residential and a 4 for commercial effectiveness. The rating scale is 1-10, with 1 the most effective. The report indicates that Indianola's building code administration is more effective than both the state and national levels for communities Indianola’s size. The report also indicates our department staffing levels are lower than state and the national averages. Congratulations to Chuck Burgin, Rich Parker and Mindi Robinson for a job well done!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
News Items - April 4, 2011
1. EMERSON SCHOOL: After receiving parent comments about student safety during parking/pick-up, Emerson School Principal Mark Timmerman is working with the PD to eliminate double parking. The enforcement will begin on April 4 with the goal of improving safety and improving traffic efficiency. Emerson parents have been notified of the change.
2. SUSTAINABILITY MONTH: Below are the event dates for Sustainability Month in April.
April 2 Brush Facility, Hazardous Waste Collection Site open
April 4-April 29 Indianola Chamber Bike/Walk to Work Challenge
April 6 Simpson College Campus Day
April 13 Iowa DNR Mobile Education Exhibit at Hy Vee
April 16 Free drop-off of e-cycling products and appliances at
the Brush Facility
April 18-22 Annual curbside cleanup program
April 19 Peoples Bank Free Shred Day at Peoples Bank parking lot
April 22 Indianola Sustainability Fair – IMU line shop-110 S. “B”
April 30 P&R Spring Fun Fest – Warren Co. Fairgrounds
3. SOUTH SEWER PLANT PROJECT: In the packet is a Notice of Violation from IDNR to Neuvirth Construction for improper erosion control. The contractor's subcontractor, Soil-Tek, addressed the issues on Wednesday the 30th.
Neuvirth, (general contractor) is solely responsible for obtaining the storm water permit and creating, implementing and monitoring the erosion control plan. They are also solely responsible for any fines that occur if the plan is not implemented or monitored.
The erosion occurred away and out of site from the current construction activities. I have asked our staff and V&K to more closely monitor the erosion control measures on all construction projects in the City and to report any repair items to the contractor.
4. HAZARDOUS MITIGATION: In the packet is a summary of the city’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan addressing Indianola’s capabilities and projects that can be implemented to improve capabilities. Fire Chief Brian Seymour will present the plan at the April 11 committee meeting.
5. SPECIAL ELECTION: The cost of the election was $5,400.
6. BUILDING PERMIT FEES: Since 1991 the city has had a policy of reducing building permit fees for county and school projects. The amounts have been based on tax base, tax rates etc. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is revising the policy to be based more on their cost of providing service (overhead, for example) that taxes. However, the percentages will be basically the same. The revised policy will be on the April 18 agenda.
7. LAZERFEST: Lazerfest is Sunday May 15 at the Balloon Field which coincides with a 30-team softball tournament at Pickard. Both the PD and P&R are aware of the events but Police Chief Bonnett indicated the Lazerfest crowd is more scattered since it begins in the late morning and continues through the evening.
The event is scheduled to end by 10:30 pm per Supervisor Doug Shull (balloon field is not in the city limits).
8. HEALTH PLAN: The pool reserve remains at $1.1 million and very “healthy”.
9. TREES PLEASE: On March 23 MidAmerican Energy’s Darla Vanderpool gave Mayor Bresnan a $1,000 check from their Trees Please program. The Tree Committee and P&R will use the funds to replace trees at Pickard Park along Highway 92, new trees at the amphitheater and some along the Highway 65/69. Our thanks to MAE!
10. GAS LEAK: There was a gas leak in the 700 block of Hwy 92 West today. Hwy 92 was blocked blocked off around this area and crews/departments were on site.
2. SUSTAINABILITY MONTH: Below are the event dates for Sustainability Month in April.
April 2 Brush Facility, Hazardous Waste Collection Site open
April 4-April 29 Indianola Chamber Bike/Walk to Work Challenge
April 6 Simpson College Campus Day
April 13 Iowa DNR Mobile Education Exhibit at Hy Vee
April 16 Free drop-off of e-cycling products and appliances at
the Brush Facility
April 18-22 Annual curbside cleanup program
April 19 Peoples Bank Free Shred Day at Peoples Bank parking lot
April 22 Indianola Sustainability Fair – IMU line shop-110 S. “B”
April 30 P&R Spring Fun Fest – Warren Co. Fairgrounds
3. SOUTH SEWER PLANT PROJECT: In the packet is a Notice of Violation from IDNR to Neuvirth Construction for improper erosion control. The contractor's subcontractor, Soil-Tek, addressed the issues on Wednesday the 30th.
Neuvirth, (general contractor) is solely responsible for obtaining the storm water permit and creating, implementing and monitoring the erosion control plan. They are also solely responsible for any fines that occur if the plan is not implemented or monitored.
The erosion occurred away and out of site from the current construction activities. I have asked our staff and V&K to more closely monitor the erosion control measures on all construction projects in the City and to report any repair items to the contractor.
4. HAZARDOUS MITIGATION: In the packet is a summary of the city’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan addressing Indianola’s capabilities and projects that can be implemented to improve capabilities. Fire Chief Brian Seymour will present the plan at the April 11 committee meeting.
5. SPECIAL ELECTION: The cost of the election was $5,400.
6. BUILDING PERMIT FEES: Since 1991 the city has had a policy of reducing building permit fees for county and school projects. The amounts have been based on tax base, tax rates etc. Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is revising the policy to be based more on their cost of providing service (overhead, for example) that taxes. However, the percentages will be basically the same. The revised policy will be on the April 18 agenda.
7. LAZERFEST: Lazerfest is Sunday May 15 at the Balloon Field which coincides with a 30-team softball tournament at Pickard. Both the PD and P&R are aware of the events but Police Chief Bonnett indicated the Lazerfest crowd is more scattered since it begins in the late morning and continues through the evening.
The event is scheduled to end by 10:30 pm per Supervisor Doug Shull (balloon field is not in the city limits).
8. HEALTH PLAN: The pool reserve remains at $1.1 million and very “healthy”.
9. TREES PLEASE: On March 23 MidAmerican Energy’s Darla Vanderpool gave Mayor Bresnan a $1,000 check from their Trees Please program. The Tree Committee and P&R will use the funds to replace trees at Pickard Park along Highway 92, new trees at the amphitheater and some along the Highway 65/69. Our thanks to MAE!
10. GAS LEAK: There was a gas leak in the 700 block of Hwy 92 West today. Hwy 92 was blocked blocked off around this area and crews/departments were on site.
Friday, March 25, 2011
News Items - March 28, 2011
1. STORAGE BUILDING: Work is progressing well on the 50’x100’ storage building for Police and Fire. City Inspector Rich Parker is managing the job with assistance from the Street Dept’s Matt Anders, Steve Crawford, Steve Greif and Marty Chittenden from the Park Dept.
2. ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT: While reviewing the city's minimum assessment agreements, Jean Furler discovered the city does not have a signed agreement (see packet for unsigned agreement) with Family Video. In 2006, FV agreed to a minimum assessment of $1,000,000, however their current value is $708,000. Without the agreement, it may be difficult to enforce. Jean is contacting FV and they are checking with the corporate office to determine if they have a copy.
3. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE: Staff will propose two amendments to the Downtown Incentive policy.
John Hoyman has been working with Ivan Webber to draft an amendment to the incentive that would not allow a “double” payment for renovations that are paid by an insurance reimbursement. According to Iowa Constitution Article III Sec. 31 cities cannot provide public funds unless there is a public purpose. If the renovations are paid by insurance, there is no public purpose and are therefore illegal.
The second amendment is that loans of less than $10,000 will be made directly by the city using the USDA funds. USDA recently indicated to Finance Director Jean Furler that their funds must be lent directly by the city. The current policy allows the city to give funds to a local bank to lend (under bank conditions) to an eligible building owner.
4. TREE INVENTORY: The Indianola Tree Committee (Darla Kickbush, John Akers, Cathy Nutting, Jim Coffey, Jennifer Leech, Bill Gross and Glen Cowan) will provide mayor/council with a tree inventory and emerald ash borer recommendation at the April 4 council meeting.
5. SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS: Some additions this year’s sustainable activities include:
Medicap Pharmacy collects unused/old medications through their TakeAway program. Old medications are collected at Medicap year round free of charge. Medications do not need to be purchased at Medicap. Narcotic drugs must be called in prior to drop off. TakeAway is funded with grant money through the state of Iowa, Department of Natural Resources. Pharmacies throughout Iowa are helping to reduce the amount of medicine that is flushed down toilets or disposed of in landfills through this initiative that collected approximately 3,800 pounds of unused and expired medicine since the program began in November.
Peoples Bank Shed Day is Tuesday, April 19th from 11am to 1pm. The public is welcome to bring their sensitive documents to Peoples Bank parking lot and have them destroyed properly. Up to 200 lbs of documents per person are accepted. The shredded paper is then recycled.
Art Kern with Metro Waste Authority will be at the hazardous waste facility on May 12th to collect hazardous waste from businesses. This service is by appointment only. The business program offers help in proper identification, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. This program can reduce a business’ liability and potential danger to its customers and employees. Most businesses see a 40% savings in hazardous waste management cost. Businesses in Indianola that produce 220 lbs (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste or less per month are eligible. Call Art at 515-333-4434 for more information.
6. TAX REVENUES: Collections are holding stable for this year compared to last. Total collected is nearly 55% of the amount budget and on target. March and April are bigger payment months.
7. HAZARDOUS MITIGATION PLAN: Brian Seymour will present our completed Plan to committee on April 11. It’s taken about 2 ½ years to complete and countless staff hours. Well done, Brian!
8. D&D: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin will be recommending the city purchase 400 and 401 E. Euclid at the next D&D Committee meeting. A recommendation will be brought to council in April.
9. TREE GRANT: The City of Indianola has been awarded $1,000 from Mid American Energy for the Trees Please program. This program encourages community beautification, help the environment and promote energy conservation
2. ASSESSMENT AGREEMENT: While reviewing the city's minimum assessment agreements, Jean Furler discovered the city does not have a signed agreement (see packet for unsigned agreement) with Family Video. In 2006, FV agreed to a minimum assessment of $1,000,000, however their current value is $708,000. Without the agreement, it may be difficult to enforce. Jean is contacting FV and they are checking with the corporate office to determine if they have a copy.
3. DOWNTOWN INCENTIVE: Staff will propose two amendments to the Downtown Incentive policy.
John Hoyman has been working with Ivan Webber to draft an amendment to the incentive that would not allow a “double” payment for renovations that are paid by an insurance reimbursement. According to Iowa Constitution Article III Sec. 31 cities cannot provide public funds unless there is a public purpose. If the renovations are paid by insurance, there is no public purpose and are therefore illegal.
The second amendment is that loans of less than $10,000 will be made directly by the city using the USDA funds. USDA recently indicated to Finance Director Jean Furler that their funds must be lent directly by the city. The current policy allows the city to give funds to a local bank to lend (under bank conditions) to an eligible building owner.
4. TREE INVENTORY: The Indianola Tree Committee (Darla Kickbush, John Akers, Cathy Nutting, Jim Coffey, Jennifer Leech, Bill Gross and Glen Cowan) will provide mayor/council with a tree inventory and emerald ash borer recommendation at the April 4 council meeting.
5. SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS: Some additions this year’s sustainable activities include:
Medicap Pharmacy collects unused/old medications through their TakeAway program. Old medications are collected at Medicap year round free of charge. Medications do not need to be purchased at Medicap. Narcotic drugs must be called in prior to drop off. TakeAway is funded with grant money through the state of Iowa, Department of Natural Resources. Pharmacies throughout Iowa are helping to reduce the amount of medicine that is flushed down toilets or disposed of in landfills through this initiative that collected approximately 3,800 pounds of unused and expired medicine since the program began in November.
Peoples Bank Shed Day is Tuesday, April 19th from 11am to 1pm. The public is welcome to bring their sensitive documents to Peoples Bank parking lot and have them destroyed properly. Up to 200 lbs of documents per person are accepted. The shredded paper is then recycled.
Art Kern with Metro Waste Authority will be at the hazardous waste facility on May 12th to collect hazardous waste from businesses. This service is by appointment only. The business program offers help in proper identification, storage and disposal of hazardous materials. This program can reduce a business’ liability and potential danger to its customers and employees. Most businesses see a 40% savings in hazardous waste management cost. Businesses in Indianola that produce 220 lbs (about 25 gallons) of hazardous waste or less per month are eligible. Call Art at 515-333-4434 for more information.
6. TAX REVENUES: Collections are holding stable for this year compared to last. Total collected is nearly 55% of the amount budget and on target. March and April are bigger payment months.
7. HAZARDOUS MITIGATION PLAN: Brian Seymour will present our completed Plan to committee on April 11. It’s taken about 2 ½ years to complete and countless staff hours. Well done, Brian!
8. D&D: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin will be recommending the city purchase 400 and 401 E. Euclid at the next D&D Committee meeting. A recommendation will be brought to council in April.
9. TREE GRANT: The City of Indianola has been awarded $1,000 from Mid American Energy for the Trees Please program. This program encourages community beautification, help the environment and promote energy conservation
Friday, March 18, 2011
News Items - March 21, 2011
1. COMMITTEE MEETING: The March Council Study meeting will be March 28 at 6:00 pm.
2. MERCY GROUNDBREAKING: Mercy Clinic’s groundbreaking is scheduled for March 23 at 3:00 pm. A very exciting event as Summercrest Hills development continues.
3. SOUTH Y PAVING: Thus far 43 voluntary assessments have been turned in totaling $332,692.36 of the $534,383.22 assessed amount.
4. WPC OPERATOR: Dan Miers and RoxAnne Hunerdosse will be interviewing 6 of the 64 applicants on Thursday and Friday for the replacement of Marty Marriott in the Water Pollution Control department. A very strong applicant pool was received for the position.
5. NORTH 9TH: Forrest Aldrich, V&K, is unable to attend Monday night’s meeting and asked that change order #1 for $7,106 to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street be placed on the next agenda.
2. MERCY GROUNDBREAKING: Mercy Clinic’s groundbreaking is scheduled for March 23 at 3:00 pm. A very exciting event as Summercrest Hills development continues.
3. SOUTH Y PAVING: Thus far 43 voluntary assessments have been turned in totaling $332,692.36 of the $534,383.22 assessed amount.
4. WPC OPERATOR: Dan Miers and RoxAnne Hunerdosse will be interviewing 6 of the 64 applicants on Thursday and Friday for the replacement of Marty Marriott in the Water Pollution Control department. A very strong applicant pool was received for the position.
5. NORTH 9TH: Forrest Aldrich, V&K, is unable to attend Monday night’s meeting and asked that change order #1 for $7,106 to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street be placed on the next agenda.
Friday, March 11, 2011
News Items - March 14, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is March 21, at 6:00 pm. The committee meeting has been rescheduled for March 28.
2. KELLEY TRAIL: Great news! The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Policy Committee approved a $309,000 grant to extend the Kelley Trail from the Memorial Pool to Wilder Elementary. Congratulations to Glen Cowan for a successful grant application. Funds will be available after October ’11 and trail construction is anticipated in the summer of ’12.
3. SOUTH Y: Thus far 42 voluntary assessments have been received totaling $329,192.36 of the proposed $534,383.22 assessment.
4. SEWER DEPT HIRE: Thus far 43 applications were received for the sanitary sewer operator vacancy. Supt Dan Miers and HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse will conduct interviews March 24 and 25. A recommendation will be on the April 4 council agenda.
5. J/K REALIGNMENT: The property owner (used car lot) contacted Chuck Burgin to discuss the possible sale of land to realign “J” and “K” at Hwy 92. This project was discussed a number of years ago but the property owner was not interested until recently. We plan to review the file, contact the IDOT and V&K and bring to council in the future.
6. STEP REPAIR: The steps on city hall’s north side are being repaired by the Street Dept staff. Our thanks for all their efforts!
2. KELLEY TRAIL: Great news! The Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Policy Committee approved a $309,000 grant to extend the Kelley Trail from the Memorial Pool to Wilder Elementary. Congratulations to Glen Cowan for a successful grant application. Funds will be available after October ’11 and trail construction is anticipated in the summer of ’12.
3. SOUTH Y: Thus far 42 voluntary assessments have been received totaling $329,192.36 of the proposed $534,383.22 assessment.
4. SEWER DEPT HIRE: Thus far 43 applications were received for the sanitary sewer operator vacancy. Supt Dan Miers and HR Director RoxAnne Hunerdosse will conduct interviews March 24 and 25. A recommendation will be on the April 4 council agenda.
5. J/K REALIGNMENT: The property owner (used car lot) contacted Chuck Burgin to discuss the possible sale of land to realign “J” and “K” at Hwy 92. This project was discussed a number of years ago but the property owner was not interested until recently. We plan to review the file, contact the IDOT and V&K and bring to council in the future.
6. STEP REPAIR: The steps on city hall’s north side are being repaired by the Street Dept staff. Our thanks for all their efforts!
Friday, March 4, 2011
News Items - March 7, 2011
1. ELECTION: Below are the March 1 election results from the county auditor:
COUNCIL AT-LARGE
Miller 501 21.84%
Pepper 1101 47.99%
Richert 662 28.86%
Write-in 30 1.31%
COUNCIL 2ND WARD
Sindric 126 14.25%
Sirianni 884 84.84%
Write-in 8 .90%
WELLNESS CENTER
Yes 2023 76.69%
No 615 23.31%
2. SAFE PRACTICES: Just a reminder there will be a small reception at 5:30 in the council chambers on Monday prior to the council meeting with Iowa Municipal Workers Compensation Association reps, safety committee and elected officials. Please plan to attend if available.
3. COTTAGE INN: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is getting an ad in the next RH&T regarding sale and removal of items in the Cottage Inn. There may be some items of value.
Bids on the demo will be received on March 15 and a recommendation to council on March 21. Demo will be required by May 1.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE: Benefit Source’s Debbie Dean is getting quotes from third party administrators for our July 1 renewal. Principal Financial is no longer in the health insurance business so the city will have a new administrator.
A recommendation will be brought to council in May or early June.
5. SNOW REMOVAL: What a difference a year makes. Ed Yando reports the following information:
2008 2009 2010
Snow Days 19 26 15
Sand/salt (tons) 738 1425 510
6. POLICE/FIRE STORAGE: Building Inspector Rich Parker will lead a crew of Street employees in building the 50 x 100 storage building located immediately east of Arby’s beginning March 21. The $110,000 building is funded with $80,000 of police seizure monies and tax revenue.
7. PRESS RELEASE: In the packet is a press release highlighting major economic development in Indianola. Lots of good things happening including the following:
• Indianola Wellness Facility
• Theisen’s Farm & Home Store
• Vintage Hills
• Indianola Community Youth Foundation Project (expansion of the Indianola Middle School)
• Simpson College 18,000 sq. ft. addition to the Blank Performing Arts Center
• IMU studying to expand fiber-based commercial internet & telecom services to individual homes
8. NORTH 9TH STREET PAVING: In your packet is change order #1 which will be placed on the March 21 council agenda. The $7,106 is to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street. Forrest Aldrich indicates V&K relied on a survey from another source so they were not informed of the depression in time to add the intake.
The depressed area was therefore not discovered until construction started and the street grades could not be changed to drain the depressed area into the street and still provide a smooth pavement profile. The intake and storm sewer were needed regardless if the depression was known during design or during construction. According to Forrest Aldrich, V&K, the cost of the intake and storm sewer is within the budget presented in the assessments for the project.
9. SUMMERCREST HILLS PLAT 3: Improvements for the development of lots within the plat including the installation of sanitary/storm sewer, water main, rough grading and paving is scheduled to begin the middle of March. Work will proceed with final installation of individual utilities (electric, fiber, gas, phone) by the first week of June.
COUNCIL AT-LARGE
Miller 501 21.84%
Pepper 1101 47.99%
Richert 662 28.86%
Write-in 30 1.31%
COUNCIL 2ND WARD
Sindric 126 14.25%
Sirianni 884 84.84%
Write-in 8 .90%
WELLNESS CENTER
Yes 2023 76.69%
No 615 23.31%
2. SAFE PRACTICES: Just a reminder there will be a small reception at 5:30 in the council chambers on Monday prior to the council meeting with Iowa Municipal Workers Compensation Association reps, safety committee and elected officials. Please plan to attend if available.
3. COTTAGE INN: Community Development Director Chuck Burgin is getting an ad in the next RH&T regarding sale and removal of items in the Cottage Inn. There may be some items of value.
Bids on the demo will be received on March 15 and a recommendation to council on March 21. Demo will be required by May 1.
4. HEALTH INSURANCE: Benefit Source’s Debbie Dean is getting quotes from third party administrators for our July 1 renewal. Principal Financial is no longer in the health insurance business so the city will have a new administrator.
A recommendation will be brought to council in May or early June.
5. SNOW REMOVAL: What a difference a year makes. Ed Yando reports the following information:
2008 2009 2010
Snow Days 19 26 15
Sand/salt (tons) 738 1425 510
6. POLICE/FIRE STORAGE: Building Inspector Rich Parker will lead a crew of Street employees in building the 50 x 100 storage building located immediately east of Arby’s beginning March 21. The $110,000 building is funded with $80,000 of police seizure monies and tax revenue.
7. PRESS RELEASE: In the packet is a press release highlighting major economic development in Indianola. Lots of good things happening including the following:
• Indianola Wellness Facility
• Theisen’s Farm & Home Store
• Vintage Hills
• Indianola Community Youth Foundation Project (expansion of the Indianola Middle School)
• Simpson College 18,000 sq. ft. addition to the Blank Performing Arts Center
• IMU studying to expand fiber-based commercial internet & telecom services to individual homes
8. NORTH 9TH STREET PAVING: In your packet is change order #1 which will be placed on the March 21 council agenda. The $7,106 is to install 170 LF of 8-inch plastic storm sewer and a 10-inch area intake to drain a depression on the east side of North 9th Street. Forrest Aldrich indicates V&K relied on a survey from another source so they were not informed of the depression in time to add the intake.
The depressed area was therefore not discovered until construction started and the street grades could not be changed to drain the depressed area into the street and still provide a smooth pavement profile. The intake and storm sewer were needed regardless if the depression was known during design or during construction. According to Forrest Aldrich, V&K, the cost of the intake and storm sewer is within the budget presented in the assessments for the project.
9. SUMMERCREST HILLS PLAT 3: Improvements for the development of lots within the plat including the installation of sanitary/storm sewer, water main, rough grading and paving is scheduled to begin the middle of March. Work will proceed with final installation of individual utilities (electric, fiber, gas, phone) by the first week of June.
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