1. Brush Facility: Roxanne Hunerdosse is recommending the brush facility fees remain the same for the 2011 season which will begin April 5 and end November 18 (memo attached).
2. Bond Schedule: The 2012A (Wellness Center) and 2012B (streets, ambulance, jet/vac truck, J&K realignment and water slide) and street assessment schedule is below:
Feb 21st Adopt assessment policy and Public Hearing on 2012B Bonds
March 5th Initiate 2012 Street Replacement Project
March 19th Direct Advertisement for 2012A and 2012B Bonds
Approve Preliminary Official Statement
April 2nd Hearing on Resolution of Necessity for Street Project
Order Plans, Specs, Bidding
Sale and Award of 2012A & 2012B bonds
April 16th Authorize Issuance on 2012A & 2012B Bonds
May 1st Close and Delivery of 2012A & 2012B Bonds
Please let me know if you have any questions.
3. Holiday: City offices will be closed Monday in recognition of President’s Day.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Friday, February 3, 2012
News Items _ February 6, 2012
1. YMCA: In the packet is a letter from SVPA’s Vitus Bering indicating that their architectural fee will increase from $765,000 to $882,650 given the construction budget of $12.7 million. That brings the total to $14,817,650. The city can issue up to $12.5 million per the March 1, 2010 referendum.
The next Vision Iowa meeting is February 15.
2. ELECTRIC LINE UNDERGROUND: According to General Manager Todd Kielkopf, Dig America has requested to start the Highway 65/69 project ASAP and P&E Engineering is preparing the official notice to proceed. The project will start at the corner of Country Club & West Iowa and will proceed eastward along Iowa Ave. There won’t be any services converted (feeders only) until it gets closer to the highway so only the rights-of-way will be disturbed during this initial phase. The schedule is to hang customer notices this week (door knockers), staking next week, and then starting to bore the next (all based on favorable forecasts).
3. W HWY 92: The IDOT Project Management Team meeting has been moved to February 28 in Ames. Project updates for the improvement from the Fairgrounds west to R-57 will be provided and discussed. That information will be shared with elected officials.
4. SRF/WATER QUALITY PROJECT: A third meeting was held on the 31st to discuss water quality projects (drainage improvement, water gardens, permeable paving) that can be funded with the interest on a Sanitary Sewer State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) Project and the consensus was that those projects with sanitary sewer benefit could qualify. In addition, the attorneys were to work on language that clarifies the ability to issue sanitary sewer debt and use the interest for water quality projects.
If the language is changed, interest that “would” be paid to the SRF can instead be used for water quality projects. In short, water quality projects would cost nothing to our citizens.
5. SUSTAINABLE EVENT: In your packet is a memo from the Sustainability Committee requesting $500 in funds for their annual April 2012 event. I have authorized the request.
The next Vision Iowa meeting is February 15.
2. ELECTRIC LINE UNDERGROUND: According to General Manager Todd Kielkopf, Dig America has requested to start the Highway 65/69 project ASAP and P&E Engineering is preparing the official notice to proceed. The project will start at the corner of Country Club & West Iowa and will proceed eastward along Iowa Ave. There won’t be any services converted (feeders only) until it gets closer to the highway so only the rights-of-way will be disturbed during this initial phase. The schedule is to hang customer notices this week (door knockers), staking next week, and then starting to bore the next (all based on favorable forecasts).
3. W HWY 92: The IDOT Project Management Team meeting has been moved to February 28 in Ames. Project updates for the improvement from the Fairgrounds west to R-57 will be provided and discussed. That information will be shared with elected officials.
4. SRF/WATER QUALITY PROJECT: A third meeting was held on the 31st to discuss water quality projects (drainage improvement, water gardens, permeable paving) that can be funded with the interest on a Sanitary Sewer State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) Project and the consensus was that those projects with sanitary sewer benefit could qualify. In addition, the attorneys were to work on language that clarifies the ability to issue sanitary sewer debt and use the interest for water quality projects.
If the language is changed, interest that “would” be paid to the SRF can instead be used for water quality projects. In short, water quality projects would cost nothing to our citizens.
5. SUSTAINABLE EVENT: In your packet is a memo from the Sustainability Committee requesting $500 in funds for their annual April 2012 event. I have authorized the request.
Friday, January 13, 2012
News Items - January 17, 2012
1. Y/WELLNESS CENTER: Project Manager Bob Sodders, Community Development Director Chuck Burgin and I met with a construction documentation company on the 11th to review the service for the Y. The company has been hired by Simpson for their Kent Student Center and have also been employed by the City of Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
The documentation system creates a comprehensive photograph record of the entire construction project that is indexed by time and location. The service can be very valuable for resolving a variety of construction issues including schedule delays, change orders and legal claims. Based on initial review, the service can very well pay for itself.
A recommendation will be on the February 6 council agenda.
2. ELECTRIC OUTAGE: According to General Manager Todd Kielkopf the 30 minute electric outage on January 11 was caused when a cable (one phase of a 13.2 feeder) that feeds the downtown plant 4 substation blew. That tripped breakers and other devices designed to protect the system so major parts of town lost power.
The Clerk’s Office received in excess of a hundred calls.
3. GROWARRENOW: The kick-off of Warren County Economic Development’s GroWARRENow is January 31 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Summerset Winery. Governor Branstad and Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham will be there to help celebrate the event.
Also, we received a request (packet) from WCEDC to make a five-year pledge of $250,000 ($50,000/year) that will be placed in the budget for council consideration. Our current contribution is $33,000 annually, however, the WCEDC request is to council and trustees.
4. SNOW REMOVAL: We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about how much savings there are this year given the weather. The response has been that the savings will actually be spread over two years because the Street Dept already purchased its winter materials earlier in the year. So, the savings will result next year when there is less material to purchase.
We are, however, spending less (nearly $8,000 compared to last year) on labor this year.
5. BRUSH FACILITY: About 20 trees were dropped off at the brush site over the last couple weeks.
6. WARREN COUNTY: Carlisle, Indianola and Norwalk elected/appointed officials met with supervisors and other staff to discuss Emergency Management and E 911 organizational issues on the 10th. Another meeting is scheduled for later this month to continue the dialogue. The intended goal is to improve efficiency and meet technology needs in the next year (narrow-banding) and beyond (digital transition). Reports will be provided periodically to council.
The documentation system creates a comprehensive photograph record of the entire construction project that is indexed by time and location. The service can be very valuable for resolving a variety of construction issues including schedule delays, change orders and legal claims. Based on initial review, the service can very well pay for itself.
A recommendation will be on the February 6 council agenda.
2. ELECTRIC OUTAGE: According to General Manager Todd Kielkopf the 30 minute electric outage on January 11 was caused when a cable (one phase of a 13.2 feeder) that feeds the downtown plant 4 substation blew. That tripped breakers and other devices designed to protect the system so major parts of town lost power.
The Clerk’s Office received in excess of a hundred calls.
3. GROWARRENOW: The kick-off of Warren County Economic Development’s GroWARRENow is January 31 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Summerset Winery. Governor Branstad and Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham will be there to help celebrate the event.
Also, we received a request (packet) from WCEDC to make a five-year pledge of $250,000 ($50,000/year) that will be placed in the budget for council consideration. Our current contribution is $33,000 annually, however, the WCEDC request is to council and trustees.
4. SNOW REMOVAL: We’ve been receiving a lot of questions about how much savings there are this year given the weather. The response has been that the savings will actually be spread over two years because the Street Dept already purchased its winter materials earlier in the year. So, the savings will result next year when there is less material to purchase.
We are, however, spending less (nearly $8,000 compared to last year) on labor this year.
5. BRUSH FACILITY: About 20 trees were dropped off at the brush site over the last couple weeks.
6. WARREN COUNTY: Carlisle, Indianola and Norwalk elected/appointed officials met with supervisors and other staff to discuss Emergency Management and E 911 organizational issues on the 10th. Another meeting is scheduled for later this month to continue the dialogue. The intended goal is to improve efficiency and meet technology needs in the next year (narrow-banding) and beyond (digital transition). Reports will be provided periodically to council.
Friday, December 30, 2011
News Items January 3, 2012
1. WELLNESS CENTER AGREEMENTS: With the “tentative” 14.7 million (original was $13 million) budget authorization on December 19 the city needs to enter agreements with the Schools and Simpson for their contribution toward the pool. On April 18, 2011, council approved a proposal from attorney Daniel Manning of the Lillis O’Malley LLP Firm to assist with drafting the agreements.
This item will be on the January 9 committee agenda and my recommendation will be for council to establish a committee of myself and/or Finance Director Jean Furler and two council members. The Y’s Vernon Delpesce should also assist and the goal will be to develop agreements that:
• Provide for the timely and appropriate use of the YMCA/Wellness Center competitive pool
• Adequately compensates the city for pool use based on the competitive pool’s total cost and the proposal presented by Jay Byers on December 10, 2010
• Ensures the city’s expenses are within the parameters established by the March 1, 2010 bond referendum, and, the commitment to not increase taxes
I contacted Dan Manning on December 29 and he is prepared to provide assistance.
2. W HWY 92: I have been invited to attend a Project Management Team (PMT) meeting in Ames on February 9 to continue dialogue on the Hwy 92 Improvement Project from Indianola to R-57. Meeting details will be provided to elected officials immediately after.
As discussed previously, right-of-way for this project will be acquired by IDOT in 2012 and construction in 2013. Plans include extending the 3-lane design from R Street west thru R-63, and, the city asked IDOT to extend the project east to the Fair Grounds in order to provide curb/gutter from “N” Street west to R-63. A trail has also been requested by the city.
3. HWY 65/69 SPEED STUDY: Per the city’s request, IDOT performed a speed study on Hwy 65/69 north of Hillcrest in light of Theisen’s opening. The recommendation follows:
District 5 requested a Speed Study for the Subject area on behalf of the City. The City had concerns with speeds near the driveway of the recently opened Theisens.
Speed Data was collected (see below) and a review of the area was conducted.
Last Staff Action/Commission Order: 08-0130 dated August 21, 2007
The following observations were made of the area reviewed:
• 4-lane, divided (wide-ditch median), rural cross-section from E. Hillcrest
Avenue, northward.
• Signal at E. Hillcrest Avenue
• Alignment was good.
• Vertical curve length difference in northbound lanes versus southbound
lanes.
• Sight distance not limited as to merit a warning sign from the existing
accesses at the posted speed limit.
Upon completion of the data collection and review of the area, the Office of Traffic and Safety recommends maintaining the present speed zones.
The studied zones are within an acceptable range of the 85th percentile.
We do not recommend changes to the speed zones at this time.
If the District has crash data for this area that they would like us to factor into this speed study, please forward the information to us.
Please respond to this recommendation with your concurrence or suggestions for change.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ron McDaniel at 239-1537 or Ron.McDaniel@iowa.gov .
The IDOT determines speed limits by observing traffic speeds for a given period and adjusting that speed down to the 85th percentile. In other words, if the average speed is 50 in an area, they’ll set the limit at 45 mph. Their philosophy is that the average person will drive a speed at which they are most comfortable at so it does not make sense (in IDOT’s perspective) to set a speed that most people will not obey.
4. BUDGET PROCESS: Staff is working on the FY 12/13 budget and will present a recommendation on January 23. A detailed document will be provided with a line-item description of each department’s expenses, revenues and beginning balance. If questions are not answered or there are significant changes, council can meet again on January 30.
The formal process will begin on February 6 where council sets March 5 as the public hearing. The budget notice must be published twice and the date will be February 15 and 22. Once a tax rate is published it can be decreased but not increased.
5. CHRISTMAS TREES: We recently learned that there are no disposal options for live trees so the Brush Facility was opened on December 29 and will remain open through January 9.
This item will be on the January 9 committee agenda and my recommendation will be for council to establish a committee of myself and/or Finance Director Jean Furler and two council members. The Y’s Vernon Delpesce should also assist and the goal will be to develop agreements that:
• Provide for the timely and appropriate use of the YMCA/Wellness Center competitive pool
• Adequately compensates the city for pool use based on the competitive pool’s total cost and the proposal presented by Jay Byers on December 10, 2010
• Ensures the city’s expenses are within the parameters established by the March 1, 2010 bond referendum, and, the commitment to not increase taxes
I contacted Dan Manning on December 29 and he is prepared to provide assistance.
2. W HWY 92: I have been invited to attend a Project Management Team (PMT) meeting in Ames on February 9 to continue dialogue on the Hwy 92 Improvement Project from Indianola to R-57. Meeting details will be provided to elected officials immediately after.
As discussed previously, right-of-way for this project will be acquired by IDOT in 2012 and construction in 2013. Plans include extending the 3-lane design from R Street west thru R-63, and, the city asked IDOT to extend the project east to the Fair Grounds in order to provide curb/gutter from “N” Street west to R-63. A trail has also been requested by the city.
3. HWY 65/69 SPEED STUDY: Per the city’s request, IDOT performed a speed study on Hwy 65/69 north of Hillcrest in light of Theisen’s opening. The recommendation follows:
District 5 requested a Speed Study for the Subject area on behalf of the City. The City had concerns with speeds near the driveway of the recently opened Theisens.
Speed Data was collected (see below) and a review of the area was conducted.
Last Staff Action/Commission Order: 08-0130 dated August 21, 2007
The following observations were made of the area reviewed:
• 4-lane, divided (wide-ditch median), rural cross-section from E. Hillcrest
Avenue, northward.
• Signal at E. Hillcrest Avenue
• Alignment was good.
• Vertical curve length difference in northbound lanes versus southbound
lanes.
• Sight distance not limited as to merit a warning sign from the existing
accesses at the posted speed limit.
Upon completion of the data collection and review of the area, the Office of Traffic and Safety recommends maintaining the present speed zones.
The studied zones are within an acceptable range of the 85th percentile.
We do not recommend changes to the speed zones at this time.
If the District has crash data for this area that they would like us to factor into this speed study, please forward the information to us.
Please respond to this recommendation with your concurrence or suggestions for change.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Ron McDaniel at 239-1537 or Ron.McDaniel@iowa.gov .
The IDOT determines speed limits by observing traffic speeds for a given period and adjusting that speed down to the 85th percentile. In other words, if the average speed is 50 in an area, they’ll set the limit at 45 mph. Their philosophy is that the average person will drive a speed at which they are most comfortable at so it does not make sense (in IDOT’s perspective) to set a speed that most people will not obey.
4. BUDGET PROCESS: Staff is working on the FY 12/13 budget and will present a recommendation on January 23. A detailed document will be provided with a line-item description of each department’s expenses, revenues and beginning balance. If questions are not answered or there are significant changes, council can meet again on January 30.
The formal process will begin on February 6 where council sets March 5 as the public hearing. The budget notice must be published twice and the date will be February 15 and 22. Once a tax rate is published it can be decreased but not increased.
5. CHRISTMAS TREES: We recently learned that there are no disposal options for live trees so the Brush Facility was opened on December 29 and will remain open through January 9.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
News Item - December 26, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is January 3 and begins at 5:00 pm to allow attendance at the 7:00 pm caucuses.
2. HWY 65/69 SEWER: They are planning on paving today and hoping to open the highway to traffic tomorrow. Also a local business has filed a damage claim with our insurance company in regards to loss of business revenue due to the detour.
3. K-9: Sadly, our Police K-9 dog Scout, was euthanized on Monday the 19th. He suffered recently from seizures and treatment was not successful. Chief Bonnett reports the program will not be funded in 12/13 and that the Chief’s successor can review the program for 13/14.
4. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: Labor consultant Jim Hanks would like to meet with council members (closed session) on January 3 to discuss progress with the city’s union. Depending on the length of the agenda and schedules, it may be before or after the 5:00 pm council meeting. More will be available next week.
5. TAX REVENUES: Revenues thru December are just over 52% and slightly ahead of this time last year. Good news!
6. RACE CAR ORDINANCE: In the packet is a letter from Community Development Director Chuck Burgin to 5 race car owners requesting compliance with the ordinance that was approved by the District and Appellate Courts. Race cars have been a source of complaint in the community for a number of years. The letters will be sent next week.
2. HWY 65/69 SEWER: They are planning on paving today and hoping to open the highway to traffic tomorrow. Also a local business has filed a damage claim with our insurance company in regards to loss of business revenue due to the detour.
3. K-9: Sadly, our Police K-9 dog Scout, was euthanized on Monday the 19th. He suffered recently from seizures and treatment was not successful. Chief Bonnett reports the program will not be funded in 12/13 and that the Chief’s successor can review the program for 13/14.
4. LABOR NEGOTIATIONS: Labor consultant Jim Hanks would like to meet with council members (closed session) on January 3 to discuss progress with the city’s union. Depending on the length of the agenda and schedules, it may be before or after the 5:00 pm council meeting. More will be available next week.
5. TAX REVENUES: Revenues thru December are just over 52% and slightly ahead of this time last year. Good news!
6. RACE CAR ORDINANCE: In the packet is a letter from Community Development Director Chuck Burgin to 5 race car owners requesting compliance with the ordinance that was approved by the District and Appellate Courts. Race cars have been a source of complaint in the community for a number of years. The letters will be sent next week.
Friday, December 16, 2011
News Items - December 19, 2011
1. NEXT MEETING: The next meeting is Tuesday January 3 at 6:00 pm.
2. HWY 65/69 SEWER: Per earlier discussions, Hwy 65/69 south of Euclid has been closed for an emergency repair on the sewer main that is about 25’ deep. It should be opened by Monday.
3. VISION IOWA: I attended the meeting on December 14 and updated the Board on the city’s progress. The next meeting is January 11.
4. MEETINGS: Another reminder the January meetings will be on Tuesdays, January 3 and January 17, due to New Years and Martin Luther King holidays.
February’s second meeting will be Tuesday, February 21 due to Presidents Day.
2. HWY 65/69 SEWER: Per earlier discussions, Hwy 65/69 south of Euclid has been closed for an emergency repair on the sewer main that is about 25’ deep. It should be opened by Monday.
3. VISION IOWA: I attended the meeting on December 14 and updated the Board on the city’s progress. The next meeting is January 11.
4. MEETINGS: Another reminder the January meetings will be on Tuesdays, January 3 and January 17, due to New Years and Martin Luther King holidays.
February’s second meeting will be Tuesday, February 21 due to Presidents Day.
Friday, December 2, 2011
News Items - December 5, 2011
1. COUNCIL COMMITTEES: The following are the committees that council members will need to appoint. The item will be placed on the January committee agenda for discussion and then the January 16 agenda for formal council approval.
Indianola Development Association - Mark Vickroy, Shirley Clark and Randy Gathers
Warren County Economic Development Association – Shirley Clark
Dangerous/Dilapidated Committee – Mark Vickroy
Wellness Center Committee – John Sirianni, Mark Vickroy
Landfill Committee – Pete Berry
Investment Committee – Pete Berry
Metropolitan Planning Organization – Chuck Burgin, Shirley Clark and Tim Zisoff
CIRTPA – Chuck Burgin and Tim Zisoff
2. WELLNESS CENTER: The committee met with the SVPA Team on the 1st and will present a progress report at the 12/12 council study committee meeting. There are still some figures and concepts to work thru.
3. STATE REPRESENTATIVES: Representative Julian Garret and Senator Kent Sorensen attended a chamber luncheon on the 1st to discuss 2012 legislative issues and respond to questions. Senator Sorensen commented that he did not think the commercial rollback would be passed in this session.
4. LOOP DETECTORS: Loop detectors are complete and operational at Hwy 69 and Valley Place Dr. The existing camera detection has been turned off for Valley Place Dr. as well as the NB and SB left turn movements. The cameras for NB and SB advance detection remain on. Loaner detector amplifiers were installed in the cabinet pending receipt of new amplifiers to enable turning on the new detectors at this time. The new amplifiers will be installed within 30 days. Invoice to follow.
5. JANUARY COUNCIL MEETING: January’s first meeting will be Tuesday the 3rd since Monday is the recognized holiday.
6. RECYCLING: City Clerk Diana Bowlin reports 32 residents have requested the 48 gallon recycling bins. The bins will be distributed the week of December 12.
7. SUMMERCREST HILLS: Taxable value to date is $16,368,200. Good news!
8. EASTON PARK: Storm water repairs (includes concrete flume, grading and fill material) in the amount of $40,000 will be made to Easton Park this fall and next spring. FEMA will reimburse about $5,500 of the city’s expense resulting from the 2010 storms.
9. CIP: Changes are being made per council direction and the Capital Improvement Plan will be presented to council December 19.
10. MCCORD PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT: The age 2-5 play equipment, retaining wall, drainage system and fall protection are completed and have been open for public use for several weeks. Also the border/walkway is completed on 3 sides. Work is currently being done on the toddler swings and border around the swings. Layout of the age 5-12 play equipment is also currently being done. With winter near, the larger play equipment and swings may not be completed if it snows and the ground freezes. The installation process had to be completed in two phases and took longer due to the topography, the larger size of fall protection area required for the equipment and trees not being where noted on the plans.
Indianola Development Association - Mark Vickroy, Shirley Clark and Randy Gathers
Warren County Economic Development Association – Shirley Clark
Dangerous/Dilapidated Committee – Mark Vickroy
Wellness Center Committee – John Sirianni, Mark Vickroy
Landfill Committee – Pete Berry
Investment Committee – Pete Berry
Metropolitan Planning Organization – Chuck Burgin, Shirley Clark and Tim Zisoff
CIRTPA – Chuck Burgin and Tim Zisoff
2. WELLNESS CENTER: The committee met with the SVPA Team on the 1st and will present a progress report at the 12/12 council study committee meeting. There are still some figures and concepts to work thru.
3. STATE REPRESENTATIVES: Representative Julian Garret and Senator Kent Sorensen attended a chamber luncheon on the 1st to discuss 2012 legislative issues and respond to questions. Senator Sorensen commented that he did not think the commercial rollback would be passed in this session.
4. LOOP DETECTORS: Loop detectors are complete and operational at Hwy 69 and Valley Place Dr. The existing camera detection has been turned off for Valley Place Dr. as well as the NB and SB left turn movements. The cameras for NB and SB advance detection remain on. Loaner detector amplifiers were installed in the cabinet pending receipt of new amplifiers to enable turning on the new detectors at this time. The new amplifiers will be installed within 30 days. Invoice to follow.
5. JANUARY COUNCIL MEETING: January’s first meeting will be Tuesday the 3rd since Monday is the recognized holiday.
6. RECYCLING: City Clerk Diana Bowlin reports 32 residents have requested the 48 gallon recycling bins. The bins will be distributed the week of December 12.
7. SUMMERCREST HILLS: Taxable value to date is $16,368,200. Good news!
8. EASTON PARK: Storm water repairs (includes concrete flume, grading and fill material) in the amount of $40,000 will be made to Easton Park this fall and next spring. FEMA will reimburse about $5,500 of the city’s expense resulting from the 2010 storms.
9. CIP: Changes are being made per council direction and the Capital Improvement Plan will be presented to council December 19.
10. MCCORD PARK PLAY EQUIPMENT: The age 2-5 play equipment, retaining wall, drainage system and fall protection are completed and have been open for public use for several weeks. Also the border/walkway is completed on 3 sides. Work is currently being done on the toddler swings and border around the swings. Layout of the age 5-12 play equipment is also currently being done. With winter near, the larger play equipment and swings may not be completed if it snows and the ground freezes. The installation process had to be completed in two phases and took longer due to the topography, the larger size of fall protection area required for the equipment and trees not being where noted on the plans.
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