City of L.S. no longer accepts cash for billing

Lime Springs - Some new policies will take affect on Nov. 1 in Lime Springs as the City Council voted to not accept cash for payments to the City. This includes payments for bills or from City departments after a fund-raiser.
The issues were discussed at a work session on Sept. 11.
Other policies voted on at the Oct. 2 meeting were splitting the cost of checks and envelopes between the entities; giving mileage at the IRS rate and paid holidays are paid at 1.5 times for hours worked; and all boards will have a member responsible for handling cash. All members vote aye on the votes.
• In other business, Brady Norman, a member of the Howard County EMS Association, talked to Lime Springs City Council on Oct. 2 about a measure on the Nov. 6 ballot. Members of the association also spoke at the other council meetings in the county, as well as to some organizations.
The measure will allow EMS to collect taxes to help with costs associated with becoming a first responder or paramedic.
“We are levying for a maximum of $50,000 per year. It costs about $5,000 for each new volunteer to be certified. That includes the class and outfitting the person with supplies.”
Howard County is in need of first responders and EMS personnel. Brady explained, “In the last 10 years, we’ve lost half our first responders through retirement.” New ones are needed to replace them. 
There are only 16 first responders in the County at this time, with an additional 10 serving the Riceville Ambulance Service. Many of the volunteers work out of town and are unavailable during the day.
Several Lime Springs firefighters were willing to take the classes, but found out they were responsible for the $2,000 class. The EMS Association wants to be able to pay them back for passing the class.  “I don’t feel it’s fair for a volunteer to pay for the schooling. They’re not getting paid for the class or gas or time spent on call.”
Brady stated the cost of the levy would be 6-8¢ per $1,000 in valuation. “That’s about $6.00 for a $100,000 house. I think it’s worth it.”
He said the classes need to be paid upfront, and the local banks are willing to give a loan at reduced rates.
Lime Springs Fire Chief Nate Schwickerath added, “We had some interest in classes but cost is a big deal. The fire department has looked at helping to pay a portion. It is something to vote for.”
He stated it used to be only first responders could use the AED (Automated External Defibrillator), now the fire department carries it in the truck. “We are all trained on it,” the chief stated.
• Schwickerath then gave the fire department report. Levi Hart was approved to be on the department. That makes 19 members. Twenty is a full crew.
The department was planning for Fire Prevention Week.
“We went on a mutual aid call to Evans Memorial Home. That call went as good as it possibly could. The outcome was as good as it could have been.”
With Council’s approval, the fire department will be a drop-off site for deer hides. They get $3.00 for each hide.
• Library representative Dr. Don Lyon gave his report. A Halloween magic show will be at the Community Center on Sunday, Oct. 14 for everyone. He also stated Library Director Janet DeVries visits four daycares in town. She takes a container to each one with 10 items in it.
He then started to mention a conflict between DeVries and City Clerk Rhonda Klapperich. Council went into closed session.
When Council and the Library Board came out of closed session, new library board member Becky Pahl referred to the trustee handbook. Libraries are governed by the state and are required to follow its policies.
No action was taken in open session.
• The Community Center is still sponsoring bingo. [Since the meeting, bingo is on hold until further notice.]
• There was no Pool & Park Board report, but it was mentioned the addition to the guard shack was almost completed. The work was being done by City employees Casey Sebastian and Ed Hampe.
• Public Works Director Sebastian then gave his report. An easement document is being reviewed by Mr. and Mrs. Emerson Leid.
Council needs to set a policy to allow or not allow residents to take their concrete to the city dump. It was suggested to make a sign saying what can and cannot be left at the dump.
With the upcoming winter season on the horizon, Sebastian said the blades needed to be replaced on snow removal equipment. In addition, the sander needs to be replaced either this year or next.
It was brought to Sebastian’s attention there is a small tract of land east of 230 Sage St., a rental property owned by Janet Mensink, that is City property, attached to the ball field area. Believing the land to be owned by Mensink, it has not been maintained by the City. Both parties are looking at how to or whether to transfer it to Mensink.
• In regards to the property at 118 E. Jackson St., Council will give the owners until Aug. 1, 2019 to fix it up to the satisfaction of the City or legal work will begin on the nuisance property.
• A building permit was authorized to MLJ Properties for a lean-to onto the warehouse.
• Council approved the DOT City street financial report.
The next council meeting will be Election Day, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.

Cresco Times

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

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

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed