At the Council meeting......... Hearing set for alley vacation, trail update, softball facility contract tabled

The Postville City Council, meeting in regular session Monday evening, heard from concerned citizen Virginia Eichmann about the possible proposed vacating of the Hill Street Alley. She noted that the alley is their only entrance to their garage. Mayor Hyman stated that the agenda item was to be discussed later in the meeting and no decision would be made prior to a public hearing.

During the agenda item discussion of the alley, it was noted that with the sale of the building (old hospital) the only ones using the Hill Street alley would be private citizens. A public hearing was set for April 25 to decide whether or not the alley should be vacated. It was noted that if vacated the alley would be offered to the adjoining property owners at a minimal cost.

William Burke spoke to the group concerning the Postville Recreational Trail. He noted that Postville was the top award recipient when grants were awarded March 10. He said, “The trails committee was very favorable to the route proposed.”

He added that the majority of the trail is on flat ground but an engineer’s study is still needed; however, engineering costs should be minimal.

Postville will receive $64,600 from this grant with a 20% local match. The money from the grant will not be available until October 2007.

Burke also informed the Council of other federal monies available through the grant funding process. Application for the funds must be applied for by May 13. This money, if received, could be used prior to 2007..

Following a public hearing, Dave Schechinger of Veenstra and Kimm Engineering spoke to the Council concerning the bids received for the improvements to the softball facility. He said two bids were received for the project and both came in higher than the engineer’s estimate of $175,000. The low bid was received by Terry Szabo in the amount of $191,319.50. The other bid, coming from Skyline Construction was for $231,796.85. Mayor Hyman said that there are several places where the project can be scaled back so that the cost will reflect the engineer’s estimate. Among the cost cutting items discussed, was the eliminating of new bleachers.

Following the discussion, the Council voted to table the acceptance of Szabo’s bid until items are deleted to reflect the cost differential.

Marlys Sowers, Council Tree Board Representative, told the group that trees will be planted April 30 and asked for volunteers to help with the planting. She estimated that between 17 and 20 trees will be planted.

She also told the Council that a local citizen had removed a tree from the boulevard without permission. The situation has been discussed with the citizen and he understands that all costs incurred are at his expense. Mayor Hyman indicated that a letter will be sent notifying the resident that he must also remove the stump. Hyman and Sowers both reiterated the fact that it is against the law for private citizens to remove trees from the boulevard.

The Council approved a line of credit not to exceed $250,000 for the purchase of the Citizens Center. This would be a short-term loan to be paid off when the sale of the current city building is finalized. The City is expected to take possession of the Center on April 1, 2005. Mayor Hyman has agreed to be the volunteer general contractor of the renovation project as a cost saving measure.

Council person Ginger Medberry questioned using City employees for the renovation project as she felt their wages might become inflated while working on the project.

Director of Public Works Gary Simmons, Sr. said part of employee Mark Seegmiller and Dave Imoehl’s job description includes building maintenance and upkeep. However, he indicated he would be happy to look into hiring help from the outside if instructed to do so.

The sale of Memorial Hall was also discussed. Although no names were released, Matt Erickson, said the committee has come to a consensus that the building should be sold to one of the interested parties.

Gene Sanderman and Wayne Schroeder reported on the City’s general insurance policy. Sanderman told the Council that the City had received a substantial dividend in the last fiscal year.. This cost saving dividend amounted to $5,366 in fiscal year 2004.

The approximate $5,000 increase in premiums is due, in part, to increase in values, the adding of a new police car and an increase in work-comp. claims. Sanderman assured the Council that the premiums would be reviewed after the sale of the current city building is finalized; however, current premiums include the same property coverage as in fiscal year 2004. The cost of the premium for twelve months is $74,419.