Lansing City Council approves Clear Creek Water/Sewer Project, addresses number of other items in regular session

by B.J. Tomlinson
The Lansing City Council met in its regular session Monday night, December 7. After approving the Consent Agenda the Council reviewed four bids presented by Kevin Draves of WHKS Engineering for the planned Clear Creek Water/Sewer Project. The Project, postponed this fall due to an administrative issue at the Federal level, is now scheduled to begin in the spring of 2016 and be completed by August 1.
After discussion, the Council selected the low bid of $265,207 from Skyline Construction of Decorah. Approximately half of the cost of the Project will be paid by the City, and the other half from a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The Council also reviewed and approved a contract amendment with WHKS Engineering for $24,207 for engineering services to include observation and oversight of the project.
Mayor Mike Brennan and members of the Council thanked outgoing City of Lansing Street Superintendent Jerry Aperans for his years of service to the City. Aperans resigned two weeks ago and will leave his position December 19. Lansing City Clerk Katie Becker said several applications for the post have been received; interviews will be conducted beginning at 5 p.m. Monday, December 14. Becker said applicants should be aware that the Street Superintendent must live, or be willing to relocate, within five miles of City limits.
The Council reviewed and approved Resolution #865 to subdivide a plat at 40 South Fifth Street. They also approved a request from Marian and Mike Verdon to purchase the property known as the Sixth Street Extension. The Verdons will build a garage on the parcel and share the driveway with neighbor Deb Welsh. And, after discussion, a request from Mark and Deb Dietzenbach for a building permit to construct a gazebo for 660 Wall Street was postponed until ownership of a portion of the parcel could be verified.
After discussion, the Council denied a request from the railroad to construct a 4' x 6' bungalow and 40-foot tower on a levy lot near Iowa Street. Council members expressed concern about obstructing the view for the nearby residents.
City of Lansing Police Chief Ed Stahl reported that the new police cruiser is ready for pick-up; Mayor Brennan may make the trip to Kansas later in December. Stahl also introduced the new police officer, Lucas Inglett, who is now officially on board.
Mayor Brennan announced that the South Road Bridge Committee will be made up of Allamakee County Engineer Brian Ridenour, Tom Novak, Pat Wagner and Ross Kolsrud.