Lansing City Council discusses variety of matters during regular session

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday night, April 4 and approved the Consent Agenda, which included Parks, Library and Marina Board minutes, utility reconciliation, Council minutes for March 21 and payment of claims for March and April, 2016.
The Council approved a driveway permit for 941 South Front Street, subject to the Street Superintendent verifying with the contractor that the flow line will allow for proper drainage. The Council also reviewed and approved the purchase of the Omni-Site auto dialer with Verizon cellular service for the South Front Street lift station which was discussed at the last Council meeting.  Cost of the dialer was estimated at $1372.00 at the previous Council meeting.
Street Superintendent Ken Ripp reported that the old GMC and Chevy trucks from the City Street Department and the old police squad car are now ready to be put up for bid. Details for the sale of the car and trucks will be placed on the agenda for discussion at the next Council meeting.
Ripp and the Council discussed the condition of Shaw Street, concluding that not much can be done with it until after a water dynamics study is completed. No completion date for the study was mentioned. Mayor Mike Brennan also reported that a couple of “soft spots”  on Hickory Street need attention.
City Clerk Katie Becker reported that a  Clear Creek Water Improvement meeting was held earlier Monday. Becker said they are waiting on a water permit from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR). She also reported that Bear Creek Archeology is required to be present whenever digging takes place because of the proximity to burial grounds. Mayor Brennan said the digging would occur over a three- to four-day period. It is estimated that the project will be completed by the end of June.
Councilman Pat Wagner, reporting for the Parks Board, said the New Albin softball girls would be coming down to play softball at the Lansing Sports Complex. He also said  construction of the new dugouts at the Sports Complex will begin soon.
The Council approved a motion made by Councilman Don Peters to hire a City Treasurer independent of the City Clerk. Peters asked to clarify that the position is for just an hour or two per month. The City Clerk will contact applicants to determine which are aware of the nature of the position. Applications will be reviewed at the next Council meeting.