|
|
The council resolution on the downtown project stated that the City of Kalona was seeking funding for infrastructure improvements, streetscaping improvements and cultural amenities with total cost of project exceeding $2.2 million.
City Councilman Ken Herington noted that cost could increase if plans to include improvements to the west parking lot at the Kalona Rec Center are included in the project. He noted paving of this lot and installing proper lighting could add 60 parking spots for merchants and visitors during and after the construction.
Councilman Steve Lafaurie added that at last week's revitalization committee meeting had selected red brick for the entrance signs that will feature a large Kalona plus water tower quilt pattern and horse and buggy illustration. He added that the city attorney is now working on obtaining easements for placement of the signs that may be done yet this fall.
It was also noted that MMS Consultants would have a display in the Ag Building at the Kalona Fall Festival. That booth will feature storyboards and illustrations of the planned improvements.
Councilman Herington urged that if anyone has any problems or further ideas or suggestions on the Downtown Revitalization project they need to make their views known now, as the project is moving forward.
The $50,000 being asked by the library in conjunction with the Wellman Scofield Library, Washington Public Library and the Mid-Prairie School district is for the purchase of software and equipment.
Schlabaugh pay
The council approved a pay package for new city administrator Ryan Schlabaugh that included salary of $58,800, car allowance of $200 a month for all travel within 30-mile radius plus approved federal mileage allowance if travel is outside that area. The package also included $80 a month for cell phone and insurance, vacation, etc. according to the city's personnel manual.
Schlabaugh began his duties as city administrator on September 24. Doug Morgan steps down on Sept. 30.
Rec Center project
The council approved two change orders that resulted in a reduction of $4,175 in the siding project of the Rec Center and a reduction of $5,500 in the roof project due to changes in prices and materials. The project is expected to get into full swing the first week of October, depending on the delivery of materials.
Other action
In other action, the council approved a resolution temporarily closing portions of 9th Street and D Avenue for the Kalona Fall Festival Friday and Saturday, Sept. 25 and 26.
A bench monument in a family plot (6 lots) in the Sharon Hill Cemetery was approved.
The council also approved the annual Iowa Department of Transportation City Street Financial Report.
The report showed the city started the year with a fund balance of $570,436 and income of $190,250 from Road Use Taxes, $88,550 from property taxes and $163,934 in miscellaneous income including $154,083 from local option sales taxes and $9,851 in TIF funds. This made $1,013,170 available.
Expenses included $38,426 for roadway maintenance, $13,226 for snow removal, $22,876 for engineering fees, $23,787 for street/bridge construction, $43,955 for administration, $154,083 for purchase of equipment, $33,417 for miscellaneous, for a total expenses of $329,769. Fund balance on July 1, 2009 was $683,401.
Expenses all paid to L. L. Pelling, included $10,305 for C Avenue repairs, and $9,851 for 14th Street Seal Coating, and $3,631 for marking streets and parking.
Equipment purchases include a 1999 Tymco 600 Street Sweeper, $70,458; 2008 John Deere 310J Backhoe, $63,500; 1996 Motor Grader, $66,500; 1987 Ford Dump Truck, $25,000; 1981 John Deere tractor, $8,000; 2006 1 ton dump truck, $38,539; 1972 Gallion Drum Roller, $l, 500; 1983 John Deere Backhoe, $35,000 (sold); 2003 John Deere Backhoe, $64,000 (traded); 1980 Gallion Road Grader, $25,000 (traded).
During the discussion on bills, Councilman Herington question why the city was paying for locating water and sewer lines needed for the Kalona Cooperative Telephone Co. (KCTC) to install fiber optic cables to all residents and businesses in the city. He stated that he felt it should be part of the project cost for KCTC, not the responsibility of the taxpayers of Kalona.
City Administrator Doug Morgan noted the city workers are spending up to four hours a day doing 25 to 20 locates. The city is charged $2 for each locate. There have been over 200 locates each of the past two months.
Last meeting
Monday night's meeting was the last council meeting for Morgan as city administrator. Mayor Jerry Kauffman expressed appreciation for the job Morgan has done over the past 15 years.
Creek concerns
Leroy Nida, 208 F Place, expressed concerns about the deteriorating condition of the banks along the drainage ditch on the west side of the KEY Estates development. He stated that those homeowners who have the creek in their backyards are experiencing erosion due to heavier flow of storm waters since the Development of Kreekside subdivision.
Mayor Jerry Kauffman said he walked the area and witnessed the deterioration of the banks on both sides of the drainage ditch.
Nida asked the city to do something to stabilize the banks of the drainage ditch.
The council had no response.
