Lansing City Council hears plans for upcoming Winterfest celebration

by B.J. Tomlinson

At its regular meeting Monday night, February 1, the Lansing City Council heard and approved Main Street Lansing’s plan for the second annual Winterfest Celebration later this month. Sue Stirn presented information concerning the event, which is scheduled to take place February 20.
In addition to the popular chili cook-off, events will include ice carving demonstrations, a guided Mt. Hosmer hike, horse-drawn sleigh rides, bonfires with hot chocolate and s’mores, snowshoeing, fur bearer displays and turkey bowling. Assorted indoor activities will also be available at TJ Hunter’s Banquet Hall and Milty’s Party Room. Stirn said the goal of the event is to provide family entertainment at an affordable price. The Council approved the proposed sleigh-ride route in the vicinity of the Sports Complex and Anderson Park.
The Council regretfully accepted the resignation of Troy Hill from his position within the City of Lansing Public Works Department, effective February 9. The City will immediately begin a search for a replacement public works employee, but cannot hire anyone until February 15 due to hiring regulations which require the position to be posted for 10 days. No reason for the resignation was given and Hill declined comment.
Mayor Mike Brennan reported that the Council  interviewed eight applicants for the Street Superintendent position which has been vacant since the resignation of Jerry Aperans in December. After discussion, the Council agreed to offer the $38,000 salaried position to Ken Ripp, subject to the outcome of drug testing and background check.
After review and discussion, the Council approved proposed changes to the new Sanitary Sewer ordinance. Changes will include raising the first-time connection fee from $100 to $500 and to charge a $25 administrative fee. The Council also agreed to formally add verbiage to the Ordinance, specifically pertaining to the practice of “forgiving” 50% of sewer fees for water line breaks if the water does not go into the sewer system. It was agreed that adjustments would continue to be made on a case-by-case basis. The Ordinance will now be written by City Attorney Rick Zahasky and formally voted on at a later Council meeting.
In other business, the Council approved an application for a $15,000 Allamakee County Community Foundation grant for Police Department equipment. Officer Conrad Rosendahl said the funds were needed to replace radios and recorders and to purchase medical supplies. The Council also approved Resolution #865, a plat of survey pertaining to a Levee Lot owned by Ron and Edith Hogan.