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City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh presented information on a Downtown Revitalization meeting, which took place Wednesday Oct. 28. The committee has been working with a local quilt design group to select patterns for the placement on the sidewalks as part of the Revitalization project. The committee will meet on Wednesday Nov. 4 with Katherine Ollendieck, the grant writer to work on the project budget and evaluate funding sources. A full color brochure has been prepared which provides extensive information on the project including the costs, quilt designs and design features.
Schlabaugh reported that MMS Consultants had found a source for solar powered lights, which could be utilized to illuminate the four gateway entrance signs. The Council and committee are awaiting the announcement from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation concerning the $1.1 million grant application submitted for the project. Schlabaugh will make a presentation to the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday Nov. 10 requesting $20,000 support for the project.
Administrator Schlabaugh updated the Council on the selection of firms to assist with the development of a City web site. A list of main page features developed by the City Departments was presented to the Council. Schlabaugh stated one firm provided the best features and support and urged Council members to view several sites recently developed by the firm. Complete cost considerations and development schedule will presented at a future Council meeting.
Schlabaugh reported that the Polk County District Court had upheld the ruling of the Iowa Utilities Board from May 12, 2008, which had denied a petition for electrical municipalization filed by Kalona and four other small Iowa Communities. The appeal of the IUB ruling was filed on behalf of the Communities by the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities and did not involve any additional financial resources from Kalona and the other Communities. The Council made no comments concerning the announcement.
The Community Center repairs were anticipated to begin on Tuesday November 3. Schlabaugh stated the contractor would begin work on the siding and roofing at the north end of the recreation building.
The completion of the improvements to the Recreation Center exercise rooms and Community Room is anticipated later this month. Schlabaugh announced that an open house for the facility would be planned for Friday Nov. 20 from 3:30 to 7 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5:00 PM. The painting has been completed and carpet, weight room flooring and selected new equipment installation would be completed in two weeks.
Schlabaugh presented an extensive cost estimate for the upgrading of the east part of the city maintenance building on A Avenue. Public Works Supervisor Mike Bowlin had obtained cost estimates from several local contractors for the concrete floor, interior finishing and associated mechanicals and three overhead doors.
The proposed upgraded section will be heated and improve the ability to store, service and maintain the City's equipment. The Council Finance Committee will meet before the end of the week to determine funding availability. Bowlin anticipated starting the project as soon as possible to avoid winter delays and additional costs.
During the Public Forum section of the meeting, Lori Chalupa requested that the City Council consider setting the Halloween Trick and Treat event on a weekend evening.
The change from the usual Thursday evening schedule Chalupa stated would expand the opportunity for greater parental participation in the event. Mayor Kauffman and several Council Members stated that the selection was based on the Optimist selection of an evening for the Trick or Treat Party hosted at the Rec Center. Chalupa stated she would also address her concerns at the next Optimist meeting.
The Council approved the 2008-09 Fiscal Year Financial Report. Councilman Lafaurie noted the ending fund balance was approximately $600,000 above that projected due to several tax source receipts being above that estimated. The report is required to be submitted to the State by December 1 of each year.
Schlabaugh presented the Council with recommendations for changes to the employee cell phone policy. Comparisons of policies utilized by other cities and counties were discussed. The formal policy change will be presented at the November 16 meeting.
