L.S. Council appoints Smith as new member

LIME SPRINGS - Jen Smith was unanimously appointed the newest member of the City Council to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Brad Johnson.

In addition, the new city clerk, Jane Tibbals, was officially approved at the March 3 meeting.

• Other items discussed included department reports.

Fire Chief Nate Schwickerath mentioned a burn trailer was scheduled to be at Chester for training on Sunday, March 8.

The department recently hosted a HAZMAT refresher course, with 46 individuals attending. “It’s a yearly training,” the chief said.

The department is looking at a First Responder class. So far, seven are interested. “In order to have the class in Lime Springs, we need eight,” Schwickerath said. “The majority is online. The class can be paid for.” He asked if the City would be willing to pay the cost upfront and be paid back once the course is complete. Members will discuss it at the next meeting.

• Eddie Miller reported for the Library Board. For January, 224 town people visited the library and 157 from the country.

Bingo will take place on March 21 at 7 p.m. A special movie will be shown on March 27 from 4-5:30.

“The Howard County Library Association meeting will be on April 7 at 7 p.m. at Riceville.”

• Jarry Hughes of the Community Center Board said the janitor job is open and will be posted for 10 days. The Board was hoping to hire a temporary person before a permanent one can be hired, which the Council okayed.

• Chairman of the Pool & Park Board Jill Tibbals said Cresco is having lifeguarding classes, starting March 15.

Applications for guards are being taken. At least six guards are needed, with more being preferable. Prices for family tickets are $110 before May 31 and $130 after. For a single ticket, the cost is $55 and $70.

• Public Works Director Casey Sebastian introduced representatives from the engineering firm Bolton & Menk who spoke about the wastewater project. (See accompanying story.)

In addition, he said he had not received word on purchasing the grapple bucket. He will have more information at the next meeting.

• Richard Cottrell from the Bingo Club wondered if players could bring in coolers. Hughes said the Community Center Board allows beer and wine to be brought in; he just wasn’t sure if there was a law against drinking and gambling.

Council member Kris McNamara updated the group on having children in the Bingo hall. “I have heard that as long as kids are with an adult, they can play. I still have more information to gather, though.”

The Senior Citizens will not meet in March due to Lent.

• Council learned the gambling license needs to be renewed as the old one expires on March 15. Bingo may need to shut down until the license is renewed.

• Mayor Chris Chilson read a letter from the City Attorney, Thais Folta, who wanted to make her wishes known about a comment made in the Times Plain Dealer. 

The Feb. 26, 2020 issue stated she was “okay” with the Council keeping Jennifer DeVries as a council member and a contracted employee for the library. She said it was not against any ordinance, but she did not recommend it.

No action was taken.

• A special meeting will be held on March 24 at 6:30 p.m. for a budget hearing. The next regular council meeting will be on Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. Both will be held at the Community Center.