BOOM! Cresco fireworks ordinance up for public hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 9

CRESCO - The Cresco City Council set Wednesday, Sept. 9 as the date for a public hearing regarding the ordinance for fireworks in City limits.

City Clerk Michelle Girolamo explained to council at the regular meeting on Aug. 17,  “Cities do not have the authority to deny the sale of fireworks within City limits as long as they meet all the State Fire Marshal requirements and inspections. However, cities do have control on whether to allow igniting and discharging fireworks and limiting the dates they would be allowed to be set off as long as they are more restrictive than State law.”

The local ordinance will only allow the discharging of fireworks on July 3 from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. and on July 4 from 9-11. Permits are not needed to set off consumer fireworks, which are basically sold in Iowa. The big display fireworks would require a permit applied for at least 30 days in advance.

• In other business, Public Works Director Rod Freidhof announced Bergo Environmental will be removing asbestos insulation from the scene shop, behind Cresco Theatre. After the work, Freidhof will apply for a grant to help pay for the removal.

“We were looking over the numbers [BOD, TSS, flow and pH] from Vernon Springs Brewing Co. The pH will probably be a problem. They will need to pre-treat. Mike Born has been attending these meetings as well, so he will have knowledge of what is happening.”

His departments have also been addressing leaks.

A DNR report stated the City was non-compliant. It was noted the city actively addresses I&I issues. The issue stems from a lift station in the south part of town. Council will look at having another sump pump inspection on that section.

• Police Chief Tim Ruroden said, “We are still on the hunt for officer Cox’ absence. We’ve been busy with investigations. [part-time] Officer [Grant] Doeppke has been helping the DOT in Cedar Rapids.”

• Girolamo reported there will be no tackle football for fifth and sixth grade this fall through the Park & Rec Department. “They are looking at maybe flag football and maybe volleyball and basketball.” Registration is available on CityofCresco.com. Fees will not be accepted until the activity takes place.

Council person Dave Brenno added a call went out for the Bleacher Project, but there were no bids. The board is still looking for a contractor. In addition, fitness center numbers are down 28 to 660, and a new treadmill is being investigated.

• A check was received from Howard County Community Foundation from Alvin and Karen Voyna designated for fixing the bike trail.

• Girolamo asked if the City should see if it could get lower interest rates for some outstanding long-term debt. “We can do this, but it is an expensive procedure. Last time it cost $27,000. 

Total debt for the City of Cresco is a little over $3 million. Council advised the clerk to work with Piper Jaffray to see if it would be worth the effort.

• The clerk stated some cities are moving away from mailing utility bills in post card form due to the privacy of the residents. 

The City is looking into the possibility for Cresco. It will cost more money to mail the bills as postcard postage is 29¢, while envelopes will cost 46¢. The difference between the post card and bill plus envelope is also more. 

The City mails out 1,500 utility bills a month. The extra cost would be about $263 for postage. Girolamo noted that with mailing an envelope, notices could also be included. 

This would hopefully cut down on the number of calls received from 20-40 residents each month who did not receive their postcard.

• Steve McCarville said the Airport Commission is planning to increase hangar rent and found only one person was interested in a new hangar, so they will not proceed with building new ones.

• Cynthia Kay of the Cresco Public Library said a few people at a time are being allowed into the facility for computers or browsing. “We are taking temperatures and making sure they have masks on.”

• BDM Developer’s building permit and connection fees were waived. Usually developers can use an abatement, which was not available for this project.

In conclusion, Mayor Mark Bohle advised residents to be aware of COVID-19 and be respectful of people.