Lansing City Council appoints Curtis Snitker to fill vacant council seat
by B.J. Tomlinson
The Lansing City Council met Monday night, July 25 in a delayed regular session, a week later than normal due to scheduling conflicts last week. After approving the Consent Agenda, the Council reviewed letters from three candidates - Curtis Snitker, Joe Strobel and Deb Volker - who expressed interest in filling the council seat vacated by John Rethwisch earlier this year. After discussion, the Council appointed Snitker to fill that open seat. Snitker was immediately sworn in by Mayor Mike Brennan and joined the other Council members at the table. Snitker will hold the position until the next general election in November of this year.
The Council reviewed bid proposals from Kerndt Brothers Savings Bank and New Albin Savings Bank for the (not to exceed) $300,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Note to complete the City’s Clear Creek water and sewer project. Kerndt Brothers bid an interest rate of 2.75% and New Albin Bank 1.75%. The Council approved the New Albin Savings Bank bid and then passed Resolution #874 to authorize the loan agreement.
Dennis Blocker, representing the Allamakee County ATV/UTV Club, approached the Council for approval of ATV routes within the City limits. Mayor Brennan postponed further discussion, pending further information from Allamakee County Attorney Jill Kistler. Blocker also asked the Council’s permission for the Club to use Mt. Hosmer for a one-day special event October 1. Blocker said there will be approximately 100 riders in town that day who will be utilizing local business resources - food, gas, motels - which will benefit the City. The Council advised that the Club could apply for a special use permit and suggested Blocker return in August when a specific route has been determined.
The Council reviewed and approved Lions Club requests for City support for this year’s Fish Days celebration. The request included financial support of $2,970 for fireworks, sound system, porta-potty and tent rental in addition to public works tasks and police department protection, traffic control and signage.
Street Superintendent Ken Ripp presented a bid for $1000.50 from Lansing Housing Products for two steel doors for the restrooms at the Marina. The bid did not include installation. After discussion the Council instructed Ripp to submit another bid and/or compare prices of similar doors from other locations. The item was postponed until the next regular Council meeting. Ripp also reported vandalism at the pool and that two half-swing doors were demolished. Bids for replacement will be obtained.
The Council also postponed a ruling on two bids submitted by Heath Draeger, People Service representative, for manhole repairs. More information is needed concerning warranties and materials costs before a decision can be made.
Kevin Graves of WHKS Engineering addressed the Council regarding a change order for the Clear Creek Water and Sewer Improvement Project. Additions to the Skyline Construction proposal include installing concrete structures for two manholes, an Omni-Site alarm dialer for the grinder station and utilizing higher end concrete mix. The Council approved the net increase of $11,988 for the project.
Mayor Brennan presented data related to the 28e agreement between Lansing and New Albin for Police services. Brennan said the New Albin City Council approved an increase of $4,978 in the contract price (from $44,622 to $49,600). Council members Becky Conway and Don Peters questioned whether this was enough. Peters said he had reviewed the budget and found that the Police Department was over budget by $118,000 and could not explain a miscellaneous figure of over $40,000. After discussion, the Council postponed action pending further information and investigation.
A bid from Strub Blacktopping for Valley Street asphalt was discussed, but a decision was postponed until the next Council meeting. Also discussed was work on the alley between Third and Second Streets. Mayor Brennan proposed constructing “a berm” to direct water into a ditchline, and wants to hold an informational meeting for affected residents at the Community Center at 6 p.m. Monday, August 1.
The Council opened three bids for the 1988 GMC truck, and accepted a bid from Brian O’Neill for $507.
