Beavers problem for neighbor

—L.S. Council also addresses tornado siren, streets, department reports
Lime Springs - Tony Roberts spoke during open forum at the City Council meeting on April 2 about the overflow of the creek near the sewer plant onto his property.
“The past few years, we’ve had problems with livestock around the sewer plant. That includes beaver, otter and muskrat. The overflow has ruined two-and-a-half acres of mine. I’d like to put up a dike along the north fence line.”
In addition Roberts said the cement tile underground is plugged. “I don’t know what you want to do, but we gotta do something. They got rid of the beaver dam, but I’m afraid they’re on the creek again.”
Mayor Kevin Bill stated, “We might be able to have a permanent solution when we fix up the sewer project.” In the meantime, the City will see what Mehmert Tiling can do to alleviate the problem.
• In other news from the meeting, it was noted the tornado siren had been working for the prior week. Public Works Director Casey Sebastian said he heard a used one was $10,000-$12,000 and a new one was over $20,000. 
Fire Chief Nate Schwickerath spoke up, “Even if it is working now, we should still look into getting something newer.” Sebastian will do some more investigating.
• Under an equipment update, it was noted the truck is waiting for an inspection to see what it may need. The sander will make it another year.
• Frost boils and heavy vehicle traffic have damaged several streets in town.
“Miller St. is beyond fixing,” Sebastian said. “The only choice is to tear it out and put gravel down.” That would be from East Main to Sage St., but could extend further north.
• Patsy Lepa spoke up about the section of road in front of her property and council person Kris Kraft’s house on West Jackson St.
She said people are driving 40-45 m.p.h. on the road. “It is not acceptable. We have rocks all over our yard.”
Bill said, “Did you get a license plate number?” explaining, “There is no way to govern the speeders in town.”
Lepa jumped in, “There are little kids who play on that street.”
No immediate solution was given, but Bill announced the council recently received a $20,000 estimate for curb and gutter for the street. It is unclear if this is necessary since the road didn’t have curb and gutter before the cement was removed in 2017.
• Schwickerath reported on a county meeting on March 19 in Lime Springs with 40-45 emergency personnel from around the county. “We’re hoping to have quarterly meetings from now on,” he added.
The fire department is working on the Father’s Day Breakfast. It received grants from Howard County Community Foundation, St. Paul Lutheran Church and used funds from the Grace Hughes grant from last year. Equipment included in the grants included portable radios, a truck radio and helmets.
Schwickerath also passed on information about funds available for a first responder class.
• Eddie Miller mentioned many of the events taking place at the library in April. In addition, February saw 215 town patrons and 214 from the country.
• The Community Center received grants for kitchen door replacement and a new refrigerator-cooler.
• Jill Tibbals stated the Pool and Parks also received some grants, including for floor resurfacing in the guard shack; refrigerator and deep freeze for pool and concession stand; ball shed repairs; and Brown Park shelter updates, along with wood chips and concrete for new playground equipment. 
In addition, she said, “We will again sponsor the Mother’s Day Luncheon on May 11. We always have a good amount of salads that people donate. We will maybe have guards help waitress the event.”
• Richard Cottrell updated council on Bingo, saying in the first nine weeks it made $4,600 in sales, with a pay back of $2,300. All the sponsors received $100. The Crestwood PTO will take over the slot for the Junior Community Club.
He mentioned the seniors club has about 20 people attending the two events per month.
• Bill asked council members to think about some incentives that can be given to someone wanting to build a new home in town. It could be a rebatement of water/sewer hookups or free utilities for a period of time.
“People complain we are giving stuff away, but if you don’t start with anything, you never had something to lose.” And eventually it will add to the tax base of the town.
• Hydrant flushing in town will tentatively take place Tuesday-Wednesday, April 23-24.
Council will have a work session on April 16 at 6 p.m. to go over more of the employee handbook.
The next regular council meeting is May 7 at 7 p.m.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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