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Councilman Ken Herington informed those present that plans to build city welcome signs and improve entrances to the downtown area have to be put back to spring construction as it was getting too late in the year and a desire to put everything together in one project.
Herington noted that as part of the community buy-in, quilt experts were working on coming up with 36 quilt block designs that could be used in the downtown sidewalks. Once that is done, an effort will be made to raise funds to pay for the blocks. This would count towards the need for the public to contribute between $35,000 and $75,000 towards the project.
Already, Freedom Security Bank has pledged to donate to the project by giving the $35 fee the bank normally gets for making car loans for the rest of the year.
Herington said the plans now are to submit grant applications for funding to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation and Vision Iowa. He noted the city is asking for a lump sum from WCRF that cold be spread over two years. The city would use its current WCRF funds of over $400,000 already on hand towards the project. The city has already outlined how it would fund its $1.1 million share of the $2.2 million project.
He added that the current plans call for the alleys to be done right away in the spring. The downtown entrance intersections and welcome signs will also be done in the spring. It is planned that the entire project will be completed in one year, Herington said.
City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh noted that the Revitalization Committee is scheduled to meet next Wednesday with Steve Maxon of Maxcast to explore ideas on benches and other amenities.
Herington noted the committee is trying hard to use as much as possible from local artists and from the area and the state.
Eastside Maintenance Shed
Public Works Supervisor Mike Bowlin presented tentative plans to upgrade the Eastside Maintenance Shed that would cost an estimated $64,000. The building currently is not insulated and has a dirt floor.
The proposal included 6" concrete slab floor (60' x 55') with a wash bay for city equipment. He noted the city street sweeper and other equipment need to be washed down for proper maintenance. The proposal also calls for two overhead doors and installing a ceiling and insulation of the ceiling plus insulate and sheetrock the walls.
Bowlin was told to work with City Administrator Schlabaugh to develop more firm plans. Schlabaugh is also to report back at the October 26 council meeting on how the quotes will be obtained and how the project will be financed. Council members agreed the city should go forward with the project.
D Avenue drainage
Dwight Schumann, 113 D Avenue, asked the city to solve a drainage problem along the south side of D Avenue from Highway 1 east to the drainage ditch. Schumann suggested the city extend a storm sewer up to the Hard Luck. Councilman Herington suggested the ditch be cleaned out on south side of D Avenue until the city can study what needs to be done. The city administrator was instructed to investigate the issue.
City Administrator report
City Administrator Schlabaugh reported on a variety of activities in his first week and thanked Doug Morgan for his assistance in the transition. He said he and building inspector Jim Pope would inspect the siding and roofing materials for the Rec Center/Community Building project scheduled to arrive this week. He said he expected the construction work to begin later this week or next week.
Schlabaugh said he, Mike Bowlin and Todd Fitzenry had met with Jeff Thomann, Jennine Wolf and Lori Swan (pool inspector) of the county Environmental Health Office at the swimming pool to go over what the city needs to do to bring the pool into compliance. He said the improvements already made were satisfactory, but they were given a punch list of improvements that need to be made. He noted these items were not things in violation of code.
He added they were given the go ahead for a concessions area that could serve some warm food, but not be a restaurant. He added the city could staff the concessions area with no extra workers.
Schlabaugh reported that the city had received notice of IDOT funding of the $580,000 A Avenue bridge project that has to be started by Oct. 1, 2010. The city's share of the cost of the project is $75,000, Schlabaugh said.
He added that the city campgrounds had revenues of over $2,100 since Sept. 21 and that the campgrounds had received good use over the summer.
Herington pointed out that the City needs to expand and upgrade the campgrounds in the near future. Schlabaugh said he would have plans for expanded campgrounds and swimming pool improvements ready for the Park Board to review next week.
Other action
The council discussed about the possibility of extending water and sewer to the Golden Delight Bakery. A fee for the service must be set. Golden Delight Bakery owners have already gone ahead to get engineering and costs estimates.
Mayor Jerry Kauffman pointed out the issue must be an agenda item before the council can act on the issue. He also said he would review it with the Planning & Zoning Commission Wednesday evening.
The council approved payment of $18,525 to C. L. Carroll for work on the 6th Street Lift Station. A resolution accepting public improvements in regard to a contract with All American Concrete, Inc. for work completed on the paving of 10th Street from Highway 22 to F Street and F Street from 9th Street to 10th Street.
October 29 was set as the official Trick or Treat Night. The Optimist will have their Halloween Party at the Rec Center that evening.
The council also instructed Schlabaugh to develop an updated cell phone policy for city employees.
