L.S. Department reports

 

Lime Springs - Representatives of the five city departments gave their reports at the Feb. 6 council meeting.
Fire Department: Fire Chief Nathan Schwickerath said the dance went well. “It was the second best dance we’ve had. It’s a good fund-raiser.” He noted Chester’s banquet is Feb. 17.
He informed council Mary Larson retired as first responder after nearly 30 years of service. He added first responders are always needed and appreciated.
Schwickerath spoke on behalf of the fire board, telling council the board disputes the $858 bill from Bolton & Menk for the initial assessment of the heating and cooling system. The bill was divided into three, with the city and Community Center also being billed $858.
He explained, the fire department had never been informed about the project.
Radiant heat for the fire station was not included in the decision. Schwickerath said the fire department and board was willing to foot the bill for the floor heat since it would help with heat recovery. “There is no recovery right now,” he explained.
Mayor Kevin Bill stated it was a good idea to waive the payment “as long as they are willing to [pay for radiant floor heat].”
He then explained to new council members the new heating/cooling system. It will help the sewer plant, as right now the cold water is being dumped into the sanitary sewer, killing microbes, which in turn makes it hard to get rid of ammonia.
Library: Doc Lyon gave the report, reading a long list of activities planned by the Library including applying for grants, having a puzzle, a boys lock-in, handy-work session, Color Me Calm, Warm Reads, Date with a Book, Lego, book discussion, games and Bingo, to name just a few. In addition, there were over 1,000 visitors in November and December.
Community Center: Ed Hampe said Bingo night was going well, and the center is working on grants as well. The dishwasher was moved and fixed.
Pool and Parks: City Clerk Rhonda Klapperich said grants were written for a storage shed at the pool and field improvements at the ball field, and picnic tables were being replaced at Brown Park.
Board members are needed for the Pool and Park and Community Center Boards. Bill said, “When Sweet Corn Days comes around, there are a lot of people wanting to talk about the ball field, but they don’t volunteer otherwise. We need to try to get some new people to volunteer.”
Public Works: Council voted to enter into a five-year lease agreement with Boos Implement for a new tractor. A date for a public hearing was set to abandon Rock Street. An easement for property owned by Emerson Leid was tabled. 
A resident was concerned about the gravel part of North Miller needing to be rocked. Casey Sebastian said he will look into the situation when winter is over.
Brian Malm of Bolton & Menk gave an explanation of the waste water treatment plant project for new council members and as a reminder for current members. He said Iowa DNR expects the project has to be completed by April 1, 2023, leaving just five years to get financing and finish the project.
Lime Springs 150th Committee: Councilman Todd Mensink mentioned the committee, which is working with Community Club, has raised a good amount of money for the celebration taking place Aug. 9-12. 
The group is also selling raffle tickets for a lawn mower. Contact Mensink, Jerry White, Jarry or Ronda Hughes, or stop at City Hall for tickets.
• In other business, Council approved the geothermal project for heating the Community Center and Fire Station. The entire cost is $93,831, with $7,000 already paid by Community Center grants.
• Jason Passmore of Howard County Business and Tourism gave a report on what the organization is doing throughout the county.
He reminded council members there is a Revolving Loan Fund available for businesses to expand or start up. One thing needed in northeast Iowa is more housing, especially rentals, as there are plenty of jobs available, but not many places to live.
The next meeting will be March 6.
 

Cresco Times

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

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

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