by Mari Radtke
Councilperson Robin Jenness noted in the lease with the Golf Course that there is no specified sublet to Kim Means for the kitchen. She felt that the sublet should be recognized specifically in the lease.
Three people were on the June 10 agenda to speak with Council. Nick Noyes did not make it. Jeff Schmillen spoke to the council about tree removal. He expressed to the council that he was not notified of Council’s interest or need for the service. The work was not high enough to require a bid do publication was not needed either. Mayor Pat Bunt explained the pricing the city got from Schwebach was for a batch of trees and all the cleanup work that goes with that, to which Schmillen responded that he could have given the same kind of pricing. Councilperson Robin Jenness stated that Schmillen Services is a local business and should have been contacted.
Mandy Dreckman spoke very briefly that she supported the round-about and expressed the value of the public meeting DOT held in Marcus on the matter.
The Council went on to consider Resolution 24-25, Support for the Round-about at the intersection of Highway 3 and Highway 143. The resolution simply memorializes formal support for the round-about and support from the community has been expressed.
A tax abatement for Gary and Connie Edwards under the Marcus Urban Revitalization Plan was approved. Councilman Edwards abstained from the vote.
Iowa DOT is placing flashing speed signs on Highway 143 within the 45 mph section. Two warning signs are being place, one at the south and one at the north. The city is responsible to maintain the signs that come with a 5-year warranty. Battery replacement is expected to be the biggest problem, according to Police Chief Brian Flikeid. Council approved the placement.
Digging a test well to determine the best water source for the city was discussed. The McClure Engineering requested bids from 15 services and got one cost estimate back. Sargent Drilling of Carroll, Iowa was the only bidder. This part of the project is to drill a well, up to 500 feet deep and pump water to the treatment plant to test the water and see if it is better water. The current wells are deep wells. Water from deep wells generally requires more treatment and chemical additives to meet standards. The proposed test site, after consideration of several different sites, on the east side of town is the location to be drilled. If water is hit there it would be from a different acquifer than where the current wells draw from. The bid is for $127,409.00. If they don’t hit water The cost will be reduced by $71,000.00. Council is moving forward on well testing on a 3-acre city owned land on the east side of town.
Ordinance 361 was read for the first time. Sections of the ordinance describing allowable trees on parking or public right of way has been removed. A single section replaces them. Beginning August 1, 2024 no person except city personnel or agents can plant trees or shrubs on city owned property or right of way.
A diver was brought in from Omaha to inspect the swimming pool which had been losing water. One large leak at the deepest point was identified. Several other cracks also exist. Water is in a continual slow flow to keep the water level proper. Discussion of closing the pool for repairs was had. After discussion it was decided to bring the divers back to refresh where the cracks are, identify any new cracks and repair in the fall.