The Public Hearing on “Budget Amendment” was opened and as there were no written or oral objections, the Public Hearing was closed very quickly.
Good news for the Marcus Clubhouse (Golf Course)! They received a $300,000 grant from IEDA (Iowa Economic Development Authority) CAT. There will be a match campaign begun to help reach the financial goal. Also, Tim Holmes and Jake Lehnhoff have donated a golf cart to the City to raffle off.
The six items under “Consent” Agenda were enacted by one motion. One of the items was approving ICAP Insurance. That is property insurance that now included the Golf Course buildings.
Another item was the Facility Agreement Between Connections Area Agency on Aging and the City of Marcus.
Chuck and Ed Sand came to address the Council with Chuck speaking. He said that Sand Seeds original agreement with City of Marcus was that Sand’s would donate money to Marcus to help with upkeep of the city streets or if Marcus ever needed a bond. A Sand’s board was to approve the use of the funds with the balance of these funds being kept track of. As of recent, new water meters have been purchased with this money and those funds were to be paid back into the account in three years. Now the Council was asked to use $50,000 of these funds for the driveway going into the Golf Course but after the Clubhouse is built. $6,000 is to be used for the walking trail.
Ordinance 348, “An Ordinance Designating a One-Way Alley in the City of Marcus, Iowa” was up for first reading. The alley is the former bank alley as well as alley for Panhead, Grandma’s Garden, etc. The person who has leased the bank building wants a one-way alley. A special meeting at 7:30 a.m. was held for the second reading of Ordinance 348.
The Holmes Street/Reagan intersection is the only needed area that will be resurfaced because of the cost it will take. The Public Works report was that the pool was getting ready for opening on May 27. Mowing has begun and sticks are being picked up that resulted from winter storm.
The Mayor has received complaints on nuisances. He is working with Bob Anderson from ADI Architecture to get bids sent out for the Clubhouse construction.
Resolution #23-19—A Resolution Setting Wages & Fees for the Marcus Municipal Pool is as follows: Manager is to receive a salaried position with min. of 40 hours per week for $7,500. Head Lifeguard: $10.25/non-WSI or $10.75/WSI.
Lifeguards: First year lifeguard $9/hr; Second year lifeguard $9.25/hr and Third year lifeguard $9.50/hr.
WSI Certified: $.50/hr added to current wage.
WHEREAS, Lifeguards are eligible for fifty (50) percent reimbursement for the following certifications after employment of the full pool session with proof of certification payment: Lifeguard Certification; WSI certification; Re-certification.
WHEREAS, the following pool membership fees are Family Membership ($110.00); Individual Pass ($60.00); Daily Admissions ($4.00); Swim Lessons ($40.00).
WHEREAS, pool hours will be: Open swim 1:00-5:30, 6:30-8:00
Lap Swim Mon.-Fri. From 7:00 a.m.- 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m & 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Police Chief Brian Flikeid reported the following: He attended Medical Examiner Training and completed the training; had several car accidents this past month, a minor vaping THC, and helped assist Cherokee County Sheriff with theft investigation in rural Marcus. New car is in and will get the decals ordered. The old car is posted on Police website for sale.
On April 18, 2023, the Marcus Police Department responded to area of MMCRU High School for a minor two vehicle accident. It was determined a juvenile student failed to safely back from a parking area and struck a school vehicle traveling in the roadway causing minor damage to both vehicles. Total damages were estimated at $7,500.
On April 19, 2023, the Marcus Police Department responded to area of N Elm St. and N Oak St. for a report of a vehicle vs utility pole accident which resulted in a downed pole and power lines that left several residences out of power for several hours. The driver of the vehicle reported this accident to both Mid-American Energy and Law Enforcement. Total damages were estimated at $18, 500.
On May 5, 2023 the Marcus Police Department responded to MMCRU High School for a report of two juvenile females found vaping. It was determined they both possessed vaping devices, one of which contained THC. Both were issued referrals to the Juvenile Courts for Possession of a Controlled Substance (THC) and issued citations for Possession of Vaping Devices Under 21 years old. Both Juveniles were released to a parent.
The Marcus Police Department assisted Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office with an investigation into several burglaries and thefts from rural and abandoned farm places including farm places located south of Marcus. During these incidents several items being stolen including tractors, vehicles, and engines. During the investigation, officers identified a suspect and tracked a tractor stolen to Ida Grove. On May 8, 2023, officers executed search warrants at two locations in Ida Grove recovering multiple stolen items. As a result, John Senski, 46 years old of Ida Grove was charged with Burglary 3rd degree by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Additional charges are expected.
The Marcus City Council met in regular session in Council Chambers on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 5 p.m. with Mayor Bunt presiding. Council members present: Ebert, Jenness, Schmillen, and Frangione. Absent: Enneking.