Lansing City Council hears Main Street Lansing report

by B.J. Tomlinson

At its regular meeting Monday night, January 18, the Lansing City Council reviewed and discussed changes to the Sanitary Sewer Ordinance, but postponed a final decision. City Attorney Rick Zahasky, in his letter dated November 10, 2015 and addressed to the Council, raised several issues that will require further study, including the current $100 connection fee and water leak forgiveness clause.
The Council reappointed Tony Becker as Fire Chief, who then submitted information to the Council regarding the necessity of purchasing new fire equipment. Becker said it had recently come to his attention that, according to regulations, protective equipment such as helmets and coats are only good for ten years. The department's current gear was purchased in March of 2006. Becker said he had received two bids so far, both in the vicinity of $45,000 for 24 sets, and will invite the companies to Lansing for demonstrations in order to select the best quality and most comfortable replacements. Becker and the Council discussed various avenues to pay for the equipment, including loans and grants. Becker will continue to gather information.
In a written report from a Special Council Meeting held January 11, the Council voted to abandon any mileage limit requirements for City employees' place of residence. Mayor Mike Brennan said the decision was made due to difficulties filling vacant City positions.
Craig White, Main Street Lansing (MSL) Director, reviewed 2015 activities, plans for 2016 and requested continued support from the City. White said one of MSL's main objectives is to assure completion of the Conservation Center. New activities in 2015 included Winterfest in February, the Lansing Luau in March, Scarecrow Contest in October and Fall Peak to Peak Leaf Tour in conjunction with Marquette-McGregor Chamber of Commerce. White said four new businesses were added to the downtown in 2015: Scenic Outdoor Adventure Outfitters, Days Gone By Antiques, Easkers Gallery and Studio, and Kobos Fiber Gallery. In addition, Allamakee County ranks 28th in the state of Iowa in attracting tourism out of the 99 counties in Iowa.
Future event possibilities include moving the Annual Biggest Pumpkin Contest from Waukon to Lansing, becoming the end point for 2017 RAGBRAI, and promoting Lansing's 150th birthday and the 80th birthday of the Black Hawk Bridge in 2017. Another big 2016 event includes the Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade which will be hosted in Waukon and roll through Lansing June 13-15; 500 tractors, along with 300 support people, are expected.
White reported that more than $40 million was spent by tourists in Allamakee County in 2014; tourism generated 200 jobs in the county and brought in local tax revenues of $947,000. In addition, MSL received a small grant to start planning for educational signage in Lansing's Historic District. The Council will consider Main Street Lansing's request for financial support from the City in the amount of $10,000, to be paid in two installments.
Councilman John Rethwisch questioned the Marina's electric bill, wondering why it is so high considering that the electricity is turned off. The City Clerk will investigate. Rethwisch also reported that an old bill for sewer degreaser that he supposedly ordered and received in 2012 was probably a scam, but was concerned that non-payment would affect the City's credit rating. The Council agreed to have attorney Nicole Winke address the matter.