Lansing City Council approves sale of used City-owned vehicles and equipment

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday night, April 18. The Council reviewed and approved two requests from Lansing Fire Chief Tony Becker, both related to department training. One request was to close Valley Street for a few hours this Saturday, April 23  for house fire training and the other was to park a confined space trailer at the Sports Complex April 30-May 1 for training purposes.

The Council voted to advertise three City-owned vehicles and related equipment via a bidding process. The vehicles, which are older and no longer needed, include a 1996 Chevy 3500 flatbed truck with hoist and Meyer snow plow, a 1988 GMC 6000 flatbed with hoist and Meyer snow plow, and a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria. All three vehicles will be sold “as is”.

Kristi Hager, a Dorchester resident running for the District 56 Iowa House of Representatives seat, addressed the Council, asking for its input and concerns, stating she would like to make sure the area is represented fairly in Des Moines.

In Park Board-related items, Mayor Mike Brennan presented a check for $3000 from Joyce Brennan for completion of the City ball field dugout  project. The City will contribute an additional $500. The Council discussed replacing the tennis court nets, but postponed a decision until costs can be determined. Summer recreation coaches have been hired and will include Kyle Walleser for head softball coach at $9.50 per hour, Quinn Brennan for head baseball coach at $9.50 per hour and Nate Wood for assistant coach at $8.50 per hour.

Troop 47 submitted a request to run the concession stand during the summer, which the Council approved. The Council also discussed a potential  tree donation for the Sports Complex, but postponed a decision pending further study as to the type of tree desired.

In other business, the Council reviewed and approved  relocation of the dumpster at Shep’s Riverside Bar and Grill, approved an IIW Consultant Contract subject to results of an IDOT audit, and approved Resolution #871, a plat of survey for Jeff and Maryanne Harris.

People Service Representative Heath Draeger reported that the on-site archaeological monitoring contract for the Clear Creek Project has stalled because no archaeological services company is available at this time. Mayor Brennan said more calls will be made to the various entities to try to speed up the process.