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The council approved the appointment of City Building Inspector Jim Pope to develop specifications for reroofing and residing the Community Center/Rec Center. He will prepare a bid sheet to get local contractors to bid on the project. Pope will serve as construction manager/inspector.
Morgan noted that the building committee was suggesting a vertical, commercial grade vinyl siding, better gutters and a steel roof.
Councilman Steve Lafaurie requested spending too much for the repairs if the city wants to replace the south end of the building. Morgan said he feels that the project is five to 25 years down the road and repairs need to be made now.
The council approved a revision in the current contract with Jeremy Gugel d/b/a as Kalona Youth Organization (Elements) for the old library through June 30. The contract was revised to allow an after school program from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Stop signs
The council approved the first reading of an ordinance amendment for authorizing stop signs on 3rd Street so vehicles traveling on 3rd Street stop at C Avenue and on 2nd Street so vehicles traveling on 2nd Street stop at C Avenue.
The council decided to accept public comment before approving the 2nd and 3rd reading of the ordinance amendment set for the April 6 meeting:
*Approval of a grant application to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) for playground resurfacing at the Kalona City Park was tabled. City Clerk said the city has already received a $15,000 DNR grant for the $74,000 project. She said the city would contribute $30,000 and would be asking $30,000 from the WCRF.
Councilman Lafaurie asked for a delay until the April 6 meeting so the other council members could review the grant application. Grant application deadline is April 10.
*Approval of street improvement projects were also tabled until the April 6 meeting since work is not likely to start until May. This included a proposal to repair broken pavement consisting of 27 square yards in several locations at a cost of $4,905; parking lot next to Gambles at B Avenue and 6th Street, $15,913; and intersection of A Avenue and 6th Street, $23,673.
Questions were raised about using asphaltic concrete instead of cement at the A Avenue and 6th Street intersection and Gambles parking lot.
Councilman Herington expressed concern about improving the 6th Street and A Avenue intersection until it was known if there would be any storm sewers with the Downtown Revitalization project.
Morgan said asphalt is being considered because it is more "forging" if the holes have to be made for infrastructure repairs under the intersection.
Other repairs may be added. City Clerk Christner pointed out that over $100,000 in other street repairs needs to be done this spring by L. L. Pelling because they were unable to finish they projects in the fall.
Street Sweeper
Larry Christenson expressed concern about the ineffectiveness of the new street sweeper. He noted that the side or curb brushes were pushing debris to center, but the vacuum in the center doesn't have enough suction to pick up the debris. He asked if the city had considered getting a more durable street sweeper that has a center brush. Morgan and council members said they had not.
Lafaurie said he was also aware of problems with the street sweeper.
Christenson also informed the council of the progress being made on updating the city zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations. He noted the Planning & Zoning commission would be meeting with Chris Janson of MSA Consultants on April 1 and May 6.
Steve Lafaurie praised a letter written by the Kalona Elementary Playground committee pointing out that the Comprehensive Plan consider the schools playground as part of the city park system. He said this is a good project and the city should consider giving a match of 10% of other funds raised up to $25,000 to help with the resurfacing of the playground.
