Lansing City Council discusses alternate snowmobile trail during regular Monday session

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in its regular session Monday night, November 7. After approving the Consent Agenda, the Council reviewed and approved two building permits, one from Michael Schweitzer for a garage at 460 Center Street. The other request was from Kayle and Linda Drape at 611 South Front Street; their request was approved contingent on placing the structure six feet from the retaining wall lot line.

Snowmobile club representative Greg Stirn addressed the Council regarding an alternate snowmobile route into town. Stirn reported that Duane Barth has requested the Club move its trail off his property and requested that the Council consider using Allamakee Alley and/or South Road. Mayor Mike Brennan questioned whether the surfaces on those roads would be good for the snowmobiles.  Councilman Don Peters said the snowmobilers have been using Allamakee Alley over the years anyway. The Council will ponder the issue and make a final decision at the next Council meeting.

Gary Jasper, iiW Engineer who has been working on the South Road bridge design, presented information regarding acquisitions for permanent and temporary easements. Jasper said the easements are necessary in order to access the sewer lines. Jasper said a permanent easement would give the City the right to use it, but would not be open to the public. He said compensation to land owners was determined by fair market value, which is $4,568 per acre, and that these costs are included in the original proposal. A temporary easement is also needed while construction is going on. Landowners are also compensated for fencing, which in this case is estimated at $1,585. After review, the Council approved both measures as well as hiring the City Attorney to review the Purchase Agreement language.

Street Superintendent Ken Ripp presented information related to the purchase of a used street sweeper which is available from the town of Algona for $20,000. The City’s sweeper was damaged in an accident in August and cannot be repaired. Ripp said the Algona sweeper, a 2004 model, has a diesel motor, has many hours of use left and can be delivered. Funds available for the purchase include $7,200 of insurance money from the claim on the old sweeper, $3,000 from the water budget and street improvement funds. The Council approved the purchase.

The Council reviewed proposals from four engineering firms to submit a design plan to FEMA for Clear Creek crossing, an area behind the old Northern Engraving plant that was damaged during the flood. After considerable discussion, the Council selected the Fehr Graham Engineering firm from West Union for the project.

Police Chief Ed Stahl said another arrest has been made after a second warrant was issued for drug violations.  Mayor Brennan commended the officers for their perseverance in removing violators from the town.  Officer Conrad Rosendahl reported he had attended the services for the Des Moines police officers killed last week and was very moved by the experience.

In other business, the Council discussed a request by the Irons family to place a memorial bench on Mt. Hosmer for Jerry Irons. The Council approved the request and will ask the Parks Board to select a suitable spot for the bench. The Council also approved Resolution #876, an application from the Lions Club for the City to assume Fiscal Agent responsibilities for grant funding.