Lansing City Council approves snowmobile trail, membership into NEIA Drug Task Force
by B.J. Tomlinson
The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, November 21. After approving the Consent Agenda, the Council reviewed a proposal from the local snowmobile club to utilize Allamakee Alley for its trail this winter. The item had been discussed at the last meeting, but no decision was made.
Greg Stirn, representative of the club, said speed limit signs would be posted and encouraged the Lansing Police Department to issue citations to any violators. Stirn and the Council agreed that South Road is not an option for the trail because it is too narrow and has too many blind corners. After discussion, the Council approved the request. Stirn also announced that his tenure as “trail manager” is ending and that Wayne Weber will be taking over those duties.
Resident Kayle Drape addressed the Council concerning his building permit request, which was denied at the last meeting. Drape asked for clarification as to why the Council denied issuing a variance even though the neighbors had no objections. Lansing Mayor Mike Brennan said that, according to the City Ordinance, variances are issued when there is some kind of lot size issue that would prevent construction if setbacks were strictly followed. Brennan said no such constraints were an issue on Drape’s lot, so the Council upheld its original decision to deny the request.
Lansing resident Bill Burke addressed the Council to ask if the proposed snowmobile trail along Allamakee Alley would continue to be plowed. Mayor Brennan assured him that it would. Burke also reminded the Council that the City’s Comprehensive Plan calls for a retention and expansion survey of key businesses every couple of years, and suggested the Council make use of the survey tool to prevent job losses. He said that with the information obtained from a survey, the City would have more time to intervene if/when major employers need options to stay in Lansing.
Police Chief Ed Stahl submitted information to the Council concerning the benefits of joining the Northeast Iowa Drug Task Force. Although becoming a member costs $550, the plan reimburses Cities for overtime pay for officers who are working on drug-related investigations. In addition, members have access to Task Force equipment and expertise. After further discussion, the Council approved the membership.
The Council reviewed City employee insurance plans. After discussion, the Council voted to continue health insurance coverage with Gundersen Lutheran.
In other business, the Council also approved a request from the Parks Board to purchase blocks and caps for the Parks Department’s flower bed construction project on Mt. Hosmer. The $625 in obligated funds will close out a grant from the Allamakee County Community Foundation (ACCF).
The Council also approved a request to advertise for next summer’s recreation positions in December. The Council agreed to post the following jobs over the Christmas break: Pool Manager and CPO, lifeguards and baseball and softball coaches. The Council also approved a joint project between the Lion’s Club and Parks Board to upgrade the playground.
