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Bell said the most recent effort, putting in a new playground surface to replace the current mulch, would be safer and healthier. Part of the surfacing has been installed and more funds would be needed to complete the project. They told the council that the new surface has been shown to reduce injuries by 70 percent.
City Administrator Doug Morgan said that the council might want to consider placing stop signs at some intersections on Third Street, Second Street and A Place West. The new stop signs would require the council to pass an ordinance for their placements.
Todd Fitzsenry, director of Kalona Parks and Recreation, said that they would be looking at adding 8 to 12 more camping spots south of the existing campgrounds. He added that they would also be planting 10 to 15 trees at the park.
Councilmember Ken Herington asked Morgan if the racquetball court had received water damage from melting snow on the Community Center's roof. Morgan said an ice dam on the roof had caused some leaking and damage to a wall. He said they would have someone inspect the roof to see where the water was entering. Fitzenry added that the racquet ball court was getting more usage, with 14 new members signing up in January.
Miller-Zahradnek asked if it was legal to drain water onto the street from a sump pump. She related that she had seen ice from such a source on a street and observed cars sliding on the ice. Morgan said that though it was illegal to drain into the sanitary sewer, there were no city ordinances preventing such drainage onto the streets.
The council approved moving ahead on paving 10th Street from Highway 22 to the Middle School by beginning a design for bids. One block of F Avenue would also be paved. Morgan said the engineers had given the "probable cost" at $149,000. The street would most likely have 7 inches of concrete at 31 feet in width. He noted the entrance to the school was currently 25 feet wide, so the last block of the paving project would narrow to conform to the school entrance. Herington added the street should be the number one paving project for the city.
Lee White asked council members if they had considered placing electronic billboards at the intersection of Highways 22 and 218. With changing messages every 15 seconds, they could promote such events as quilt shows and fall festivals. It could also be used to promote events at Wellman and Lone Tree. He noted there was such a sign on Interstate 380 by Cedar Rapids.
