Budget Amendment Approved by Marcus Council
by Mari Radtke
The regular Marcus Council meeting opened in regular form. A public hearing to amend the current year’s budget was opened. No comments or questions were offered for consideration and the public hearing closed.
Council approved the budget amendment and funds transfers as items with the consent agenda.
Noah Wieseler of Woodbury County attended the meeting. He introduced himself and offered his candidacy for District 13. District 13 represents a huge geography including parts of Cherokee and Plymouth Counties, rural Woodbury County and Monona County. The seat is currently occupied by Ken Carlson of Monona County. He is not seeking reelection. Wieseler said his three priorities are economic development, prosperous rural communities and an educated workforce.
Clay Leavitt, Marcus Fire Chief reported to council that the fire department had approved two new members, Rachel (inaudible) and Trace Godbersen, whom council later approved. The Marcus Fire Department currently has 26 members and five junior members. Out of the 26, 21 are also EMT certified.
City Clerk Robin Harvey was reappointed by council to the Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority. At the time she took the Marcus Clerk position her experience with low income, it was felt by the then-mayor made her a good fit for the position. The Authority is made up of city and county representatives from northwest Iowa. Marcus previously was not represented. It is a four year term.
Two bids were received to write and administer a CDBG grant. The intent in applying for the grant is to assist with the cost of the water treatment facility. Simmering-Cory Iowa Codification of Storm Lake was the winning bidder over SIMPCO. Simmering-Cory will charge $1000 to complete the grant application and $22,000 to administer if a grant is awarded. SIMPCO charges a percentage fee which is considerably more.
Change orders for the golf course club house were approved. The second reading of Ordinance for the sewer and water rates was approved. The third and final reading will be held at the regular meeting in May, allowing the public every opportunity to question and comment the new rates before they become effective.
Public works has been busy cleaning up the parks. Some asphalt chunks were placed behind the dugouts at the park where rushing water had eroded. Council members question if tiling at the park was successful for removing water from the field.
Hydrant flushing will begin April 22.
A request for some concrete, formed by volunteers, was made to help minimize rodent access at the golf cart shed. Discussion indicated about a half yard of concrete would be needed to give a solid surface for the doors to close and seal keeping mice and other rodents out.
Discussion of readying the swimming pool for summer revealed that a manager may be hired and staff hiring is underway. Filling and cleaning will begin soon. The pool is not expected to be open before school lets out.
Police Chief Brien Flikead gave his report to council. Officer Jackie Stephens and K9 Vulcan attended the United States Police Canine Association Region 21 Trails at Woodbury County Sheriff’s office. The event recertified Stephens and Vulcan in narcotics detection. This will be followed up with attendance at Patrol Dog Certifications in the fall. Attendance at Nationals at Wichita Falls, TX.
Cherokee County Suicide Prevention Coalition will be awarding two scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a public service career field. Flikead will be making the presentations at a coffee hosted at Cherokee Regional Medical Center.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Cherokee County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) and Marcus Police Department will be raising awareness about sexual assault and the services provided by SART team through social media campaigns. The team will travel to Cedar Falls for a conference hosted by Iowa Attorney General Crime Victim Assistance Section.