Lansing City Council meets new Main Street Lansing Director at regular Monday session

by B.J. Tomlinson

 

The Lansing City Council met Monday night, November 17 in its regular session. Main Street Lansing (MSL) Board President Bruce Palmborg introduced the new MSL Director, Dan Fisher. A Lansing resident, Fisher said he is committed to preserving the unique character of Lansing while furthering its progress.

In a related matter, Palmborg invited the Council to meet with the Main Street Iowa staff who will be in Lansing December 1 for their annual MSL program assessment. That meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at Sweeney’s on the River.

The Council discussed a request for business parking signs to be placed at 98 North Second Street. Mayor Mike Brennan and the other council members all agreed there is a parking problem in that area and that it will be difficult to find any open spots. However, the Council agreed that more information is needed before a decision can be made. The item was tabled until the next Council meeting.

Street Superintendent Jerry Aperans informed the Council that Mt. Hosmer is now officially closed for the winter. Councilwoman Becky Conway reported that she had received a complaint regarding a pothole in the alley between Dodge and Center Streets. Aperans agreed to assess the issue.

The Council reviewed and approved a payment request for Brennan Construction in the amount of $70,125.44 as partial payment for the Blackhawk Alley and Valley Street Watermain Improvement Project. The remainder of the project, which includes paving the streets, will be completed in the spring. People Service representative Heath Draeger said there are two weak spots on the north and south ends which will require monitoring throughout the winter. Draeger also asked the Council to consider leaving a couple of inches of snow on Blackhawk Alley to help insulate the new pipes, just as a precaution. After discussion, the Council agreed that Aperans and Draeger should use their own judgment concerning the idea, but that residents who are in the area should be advised of the plan.

Draeger and the Council also discussed a suggestion from the Allamakee County Engineer to install a meter and meter vault at the treatment plant and treat it as a six-inch service line. The engineer also advised that a fire hydrant does not need to be installed. After discussion, it was suggested the City would provide the parts and the County should take care of the installation. The County will bring plans to the Council for approval.

Kevin Graves of WHKS Engineering addressed the Council regarding the CDBG grant request for the Clear Creek Sanitary Sewer and Watermain Improvement Project. Graves said the grant application has been submitted and the results of that grant submission are being awaited. He also said that while the grant funds are being waited for, WHKS would like to continue to move forward with design phase engineering services in order to be ready for bid letting in the spring and construction completed in the fall. The City would be reimbursed for the engineering services by the grant funds. Mayor Brennan responded positively, but said that a decision would be made at the next Council meeting.

In other business, City Clerk Katie Becker distributed health insurance and union packets. Becker said the current insurance plan is not available so a new plan will need to be chosen. A closed Council session was scheduled for Monday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. to discuss these items.

The Council also reviewed and approved a payment of $100 to the University of Iowa for an environmental study.