Lansing Spring Cleanup Day will be April 14

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday night, March 2 and designated Tuesday, April 14 as Spring Cleanup Day.
Dan Fisher, Main Street Lansing Director, presented materials from Main Street Iowa that summarize the vision and goals of the organization as well as the functions of the four committees. Fisher said the inaugural Winterfest event this past weekend went well and that the date for next year has been set (February 27, 2016) and the ice sculptor reserved. Councilman Roeder and others agreed the sculptures were of interest to many and that adding lights would enhance the appearance of the display.
Street Superintendent Jerry Aperans reported five deer carcasses had been dumped at the City burn site between four and five p.m. today. The Council discussed how to dispose of the carcasses and agreed to contact the DNR for instructions.  Aperans also reported damage to two alleys due to someone’s personal snowplow and said a citizen could identify the operator. The Council instructed Aperans to prepare a cost estimate of the damage and report back to the Council.
Ed Stahl, Police Chief, distributed a traffic report that identified the number of vehicles observed and their speeds at several locations in Lansing October 14, 2014. The larger share of the vehicles were traveling at the posted speed, but Stahl said 10-15 tickets were issued.  The Council and Stahl also discussed the possibility of entering into an agreement with the City of New Albin to continue to provide them with police services. The Lansing Police Department has been providing services since their Chief of Police accepted another position. Using a contract between Ossian and Calmar as an example, the Council discussed hiring an additional officer and providing police service to New Albin on a similar contract basis. The Council agreed to discuss the idea further with New Albin officials.
City Clerk Katie Becker and Mayor Mike Brennan reported the results of State examiners who reviewed the City’s financial records. Other than two minor recommendations concerning documentation, nothing of significance was discovered.
In other business, the Council rescheduled the public hearing regarding the City’s proposed 2016 budget for March 14 at 10:30 a.m. in order to comply with publishing requirements. The Council also denied a request from Kayle and Linda Drape to reduce their sewer bill due to an outside faucet being turned on. The Council members all agreed that granting the request would set an unwanted precedent.