L.S. Public Works Dir. resigns

LIME SPRINGS - Casey Sebastian, Lime Springs Public Works Director since 2012, officially resigned at the June 2 City Council meeting. He told council members, “I look forward to helping this community, but in a different capacity.”  He is going to work for Iowa Rural Water to help answer questions and be a go-between with small towns and the DNR.

The City has posted a help wanted ad in several publications. Deputy Director Ed Hampe will continue to help as much as he can, including mowing and doing the weekly duties. 

Rod Friedhof, Cresco Public Works Director, has agreed to be an affidavit operator with the wastewater part of the job, just checking on the facility once a week and signing paperwork. 

Someone is needed for the water part. Sebastian said there is someone from Ossian who may be able to do it. In addition, there is a company that provides staff to help in these situations. “Protivin and Chester are both going through this, too,” Sebastian noted.

Council member Amy Norton stated, “Ed will continue to do the water testing. I had been taught  how to do it, and Casey refreshed me and trained Jennifer [council member DeVries]. It would be nice if everyone would get trained to help out on weekends, too.”

DeVries suggested that new council members should take a tour of the water and sewer plants. “That control [that was voted on at the May meeting] needed to go! When you see it, you understand.”

Norton added, “Thank you Casey for taking your time to give us a tour.”

Sebastian replied, “I think all new council members should have a tour 30-60 days after taking office.”

 

Fire Department

Chief Nathan Schwickerath said the department was on one call, “when the power was out in town for eight hours. And we had enough water in the tower.” A pole was hit in the north part of town, and the person was okay.

“We are still working on fund-raising ideas. The next fund-raiser is the Elma Golf Tournament. We are continuing to work on air packs.”

He also mentioned the family of Roger Foote donated a flag in his memory.

“In regards to the Tienter building, the asbestos quote is really expensive. That probably takes me out of the running.”

The south side of the double building (Curt Tienter side) has more asbestos than the Steve Jenkins side (former Gates Upholstery business).

“The biggest issue on moving forward is the DNR is slow in getting back to us.”

 

Community Center,

Library

No reports were available.

 

Park/Pool

Jill Tibbals said, “We are still waiting until June 15 on deciding on opening the pool. The parks were opened on June 1. Do you want parks to open fully? I think they can open without water or bathrooms.”

Mayor Chris Chilson responded, “If someone is having something, maybe you can open it then as an option.”

Tibbals added, “As a daycare provider, I haven’t taken my kids to the parks yet.”

She added she would have liked to see ball games take place, but as of now, there will be no city-sponsored ball in Lime Springs.

 

Other business

• Howard County Sheriff Mike Miner stated, “This is my final year as sheriff. I’ve been a member of law enforcement for 43 years.”

One of his last projects in Lime Springs is getting a speed sign put up near Brown Park. “Over the years, I’ve had a lot of complaints of driving too fast. I want to get a speed sign with a solar-powered flashing light. I went on my own and secured $1,500 for the cost. If the City could put $700 towards the project, I will continue getting donations.” The price tag is $3,500.

• Building permits were approved for Mark Bowen and Gary Klomp. The Dana Ruggeberg permit was not approved yet.

• There were other items on the agenda, but a storm warning went through the area and firefighters went out on a storm watch. The rest of the items will be brought up at a special meeting on June 9 at 7 p.m.