City Council News

The Postville City Council, meeting in regular session Monday evening, heard an update on the water storage tank and softball complex from Dave Schechinger of Veenstra and Kimm. He noted that the tank is in place, painted and has between 4 and 5 feet of water in it. He said the electrical work will be completed as soon as the frost goes out of the ground. He added that the replacement pumps also need to be installed in the adjacent building.
When updating the Council on the softball complex, he said the field should be ready for use by early to mid-summer. The dugouts, concession stand and sidewalks will be complete at the same time. The roadway, which allows access to the Postville Farmers Coop, will also be straightened.
Bids will be opened for the painting of the water tower on Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. An estimated cost of the project is $175,000. It was noted that nearly half the estimate has to do with the containment and disposal of lead-based paint which is currently on the structure.
The engineers are anticipating that the tower will be painted sometime in the fall of 2005.
Dr. Ken Weston, co-owner of the Postville Veterinary Clinic, was present at the Council Meeting to discuss the speed limit near the newly constructed clinic in the Postville Industrial Park. He said that the current 55 mile per hour limit makes entering and leaving the clinic quite dangerous and the hill near the entrance increases the hazard risk. Weston, along with other business owners along the southeast corner of the City, will contact Bob Clark of the Iowa Department of Transportation and ask the DOT to lower the speed limit in the area. He said, "The current speed limit poses a threat for our customers, especially with the large volume of semi traffic on this highway."
The City of Postville, along with the Vet Clinic, Suckow Dairy, The Electric Motor Shop and Hartley Electric will write letter to Mr. Clark requesting that a speed reduction be initiated.
Wayne Schroeder, representing the City Buildings Committee, made the following recommendations to the council:
*Memorial Hall and the old fire station be offered for sale. He said it was the committee's recommendation that they be offered either as a package or as two single parcels.
Council person Sowers stated that she was concerned that the building could be turned into a "blight" for the community. and in that case maybe it would be better to tear it down.
It was noted that the Historical Society is very much against having the building torn down but has no problem with it being sold.
The Council voted unanimously to offer the properties for sale with the right to reject any and all bids.
*The Current City Hall (old hospital) would be offered for sale either as two parcels or as a package. Again, the proposal was accepted with the stipulation to reject any and all bids.
*Following a closed session, the Council voted unanimously to purchase the Citizens Community Center from Citizens State Bank at a cost of $118,750. The building will, more than likely, be used for City offices.
City attorney Matt Erickson discussed the collective bargaining session held with union employees. He said the new three year contract reflects a 3% raise in the first year, 3 1/2% raise in year two and a 4% raise in the final year. The Contract will go in effect July 1, 2005.
Robert Cowie updated the Council on the wastewater treatment facility saying the project is 63.5% complete and further noted that grant money is to be released this week in the amount of 1.8 million dollars which will be used to honor the pay requests of Staab Construction Co.
Council Person Ginger Medberry, who was on the agenda, said she felt the Code of Iowa had been violated on Jan. 10 when Council Person Rekow spoke in open session about alleged leaks by the Council concerning confidential information.
Rekow reiterated his stance that someone had leaked information which cost the City time and money and he felt the community had a right to know what caused the delays in the releasing of funds for the wastewater treatment facility.
Attorney Cowie said that indeed someone had contacted the USDA and Upper Explorerland causing them to question the city's intent. He reminded the Council that as part-time council people they are to never divulge confidential information.
Council person Medberry said, "We were all admonished in closed session and then it came out again. Things that are said in closed session need to stay in closed session."
Council person Tracey Schager said, "I feel like our integrity is being questioned here and that upsets me. I think we have many good things going for the City and community now. I hope we can all move on without any further questions about our integrity"
In other action The Council:
*approved the pay request of $11,918.62 for a housing rehab. project.
*approved the purchase of capital improvement plan software for use by the clerk.