Stephanie Runkle appointed to Lansing City Council; Spring Clean-Up Day is April 18

by B.J. Tomlinson

The Lansing City Council met in regular session Monday, February 6 and reviewed two applications for the Council seat left vacant by the resignation of Don Peters. After discussion, Lansing resident Stephanie Runkle was selected and immediately seated at the Council table.

The next regular Council meeting date was changed from February 20 to February 21 because of scheduling conflicts. The Council also postponed setting the Public Hearing date for the South Road Bridge Replacement Project  until February 21. Spring Clean-Up Day was scheduled for April 18.

Sue Stirn addressed the Council to remind its members of the upcoming WinterFest activities scheduled for Saturday, February 18 in Lansing. Stirn requested that City workers flood an area for the ice skating rink, which will be used for bowling and ice hockey. Other Winterfest activities will include ice sculptures, hiking and ice harvesting. Proceeds from the event will be distributed to the Lions Club for new playground equipment.

Main Street Lansing Director Craig White distributed informational manuals from the RAGBRAI® organization to help Lansing and Allamakee County get ready for the anticipated 20,000-plus bicyclists who will visit the area July 28-29. White said there will be town hall meetings in March and consistent article updates published in The Standard newspaper to keep residents informed. In addition, a meeting with RAGBRAI officials will be held at the Driftless Area Education and Visitor Center at noon Monday, February 13.

Lansing will be responsible for providing hospitality, food and parking for the July event; the County will provide support, including security personnel, porta-potties, tents, road management, etc.

Ken Hanson addressed the Council regarding a water drainage problem at his residence on Platt Street. Hanson said water flows down Diagonal Street, runs through his yard and into his garage. After discussion, Mayor Mike Brennan asked Street Superintendent Ken Ripp to look into remedies.

People Service Representative Heath Draeger distributed a sample Excavation and Safety Manual for the Council's consideration. The manual, which is required for Workman's Compensation, was approved by the Council subject to minor changes in verbiage. Contractors will be given a copy of the manual when they receive their building permits.

Superintendent Ripp said 11 ash trees will be taken down on Main Street, plus four near the pool and several more on Mt. Hosmer due to the Emerald Ash Borer.

Police Chief Ed Stahl and Allamakee County Sheriff Clark Mellick presented information related to computers in squad cars. Currently, Lansing's Police officers issue paper citations. New equipment will make electronic  submissions possible. Funding for the equipment is pending.

After waiving additional readings, the Council reviewed and approved Ordinance #195, specifying fines for parking tickets. Overtime parking violations are subject to a $15 fine if paid within 30 days, or $25 after 30 days.   The Ordinance is effective beginning Thursday, February 16.

Fehr Graham Engineering representative Jon Biederman addressed the Council and presented estimates for the Clear Creek Crossing project. Biederman explained the various technical issues, FEMA regulations and two possible construction options (gravity or lift station). Biederman is waiting to hear which options will be acceptable to FEMA and will keep the Council informed. The project is scheduled for completion in 2017, but funding will need to be in place first.