(LE MARS) Planning for rural transportation is the focus of the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors meeting today.
Engineer Tom Rohe reviews a proposal for five-years of road construction beginning just after 11:30 this morning. The discussion continues at one after a noon lunch break.
Rohe presents the plans for maintaining or improving roads, bridges, culverts and equipment each year. The road program is financed by federal and state funds and property tax dollars.
The plan may be changed during discussion with supervisors and will be submitted to the Iowa Department of Transportation by April 15th.
Also at today’s public meeting at the Courthouse, Supervisors will discuss establishing a redistricting committee to make changes using the 2010 Census report. That discussion is at 11:20.
The board is slated to review the library funding forum and issue a proclamation of awareness about sexual assault.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
9:30 AMJim Henrich, Plymouth County Board Chairman
1.Call meeting to order
2.Approve this agenda (Action)
3.Approval of prior Board meeting minutes (Action)
4.Approval of claims and payroll (Signatures)
5.Committee Reports (Discussion)
6. Old Business
7. New Business
8. Open public forum
10:00 AMKathy Van Maanen, Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence – Sexual Assault Awareness
proclamation (Informational)
10:15 AMGary Stephenson – Presentation of the 1934 Constitution Lithograph (Informational)
10:30 AMGene Collins, Attorney – Present a minor subdivision in Section 26 in Elkhorn Township for approval (Action)
10:40 AMBoard of Supervisors – Review the library formula to include electronic books on rural circulation (Discussion
and possible action)
11:00 AMPlymouth County Employee Service Awards Presentation
11:20 AMBoard of Supervisors – Discussion to establish the redistricting committee (Discussion and possible Action)
11:40 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
1.Contracts-Bridge Projects-BROS-CO75(127) BROS-CO75(128)
2.Permit-Electric Line Crossing Almond Ave-Sec 1 Remsen Twp-Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative.
(Discussion Items)
Questions/Discussion of the Secondary Road Department
1.Discuss Road Construction Program
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
12:00 PMLUNCH
1:00 PMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
Continued discussion of 5 year construction program (Informational)
(LE MARS)–Pedestrian safety in a Le Mars Community Elementary School neighborhood is on the agenda for the Le Mars City Council at noon.
The proposal before the Council would continue Franklin Elementary School bus loading and unloading along Third Avenue East.
Twelve to 15 parking stalls would be added with changes on the north side of Fifth Street South to provide diagonal parking at school expense and city renovation of curb and gutter as a maintenance item. There would also be parking restrictions on Fourth Street South from Third Avenue East to Fourth Avenue East.
The Council also considers renewing an agreement to provide the City’s Senior Center for use by the Siouxland Aging Services. Both Congregate Meals and Meals on Wheels are offered through Siouxland Aging Services.
The annual report of the Le Mars Ambulance Service is to be presented during the noon public meeting in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1.Citizens
2. “Thumbs Up” Award
C.CONSENT ITEMS
All items listed under “Consent” Agenda will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion on those items unless a request is made prior to the time the Council votes on the motion.
1.Approval of March 15, 2011 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 3/31/11
3.Surplus Items
4.Siouxland Aging Services, Inc. Agreement
D. ACTION ITEMS
1.Franklin Elementary School Traffic Control – Pedestrian Safety
E.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
a. Annual Report – Ambulance
3.Assistant City Administrator
F.ADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 11-11
Next Ordinance No. 893
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Rexwinkel, Leonard, Nelson, Knapp. Absent: None.
NOTE: A hearing was held on, plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 12th Street SE Reconstruction STP Project and no oral or written objections were received.
Leonard moved, Ihrke seconded Resolution No. 11-8 to adopt plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 12th Street SE Reconstruction STP Project be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Leonard, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Leonard seconded Resolution No. 11-9 awarding the contract for the 12th Street SE Reconstruction STP Project to Steve Harris Construction, Homer, NE in the amount of $231,803.93 be adopted, subject to IDOT concurrence. On Roll Call: Ayes: Nelson, Rexwinkel, Ihrke, Leonard. Nays: Knapp.
NOTE: A hearing was held on, plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the Lincoln/Lake Widening STP Project and no oral or written objections were received.
Nelson moved, Rexwinkel seconded Resolution No. 11-10 to adopt plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the Lincoln/Lake Widening STP Project be adopted. On Roll Call: Ayes: Ihrke, Leonard, Knapp, Nelson, Rexwinkel. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Rexwinkel seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
-Regular meeting minutes of March 1, 2011.
-List of bills for period ending 3/11/11.
-Monthly Financial Statement for February 2011.
-Listing Agreement with Athens Real Estate for City properties and requiring inclusion on MLS.
Ihrke moved, Rexwinkel seconded that $25,000 funded by Local Option Sales Tax in FY ’12 for the Main Street Façade Program be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Knapp, Leonard, Ihrke, Rexwinkel. Nays: Nelson.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded the second reading of Ordinance No. 892 Amending Chapter 155 Building and Construction Regulations be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded the third reading of Ordinance No. 892 Amending Chapter 155 Building and Construction Regulations be waived. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded Ordinance No. 892 Amending Chapter 155 Building and Construction Regulations be adopted on its second reading. On Roll Call: Ayes: Leonard, Nelson, Knapp, Rexwinkel, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Nelson seconded the Staff recommendation regarding demolition of the remaining three (3) Westmar Buildings (Centennial Dormitory, KIME Science Center and Charles Mock Library) be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
NOTE: Annual Report was presented by the Public Works Department.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded the meeting be adjourned at 1:35 P.M. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
April 5, 2011
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 3/31/11
Item No.
C-2
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 3/31/11.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
April 5, 2011
Description:
Surplus Items
Item No.
C-3
Information:
Attached is a list from the Le Mars Ambulance Service of two (2) cots which are no longer being used.
Staff Recommendation:
The staff recommends the items be declared surplus and disposed of.
Financial Impact:
The financial impact will be minimal as items have little residual value.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Declare the listed property as surplus and authorize staff to dispose of.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
April 5, 2011
Description:
Siouxland Aging Services, Inc. Agreement
Item No.
C-4
Information:
The agreement between the City and Siouxland Aging Services, Inc. to provide meal service at the Senior Center is up for renewal. The City provides the facility and Siouxland Aging Services, Inc. provides the personnel and meals. The proposed agreement is for one year and is the same as last year. (Attached)
Recommendation:
The Senior Citizen Committee has reviewed the agreement and recommends approval.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the agreement for Siouxland Aging Services, Inc. and authorizing the Mayor to execute same.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ActionREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTIONDate:
April 5, 2011
Description:
Franklin Elementary School Traffic Control – Pedestrian Safety
Item No.
D-1
Information:
On February 1, 2011 Council adopted the attached Resolution and had asked Staff to further consult Dr. Todd Wendt regarding widening the street and specifics of implementation. The original email from Stuart Dekkenga, Police Chief, is also attached.
City Administrator met with Dr. Wendt at the site and concluded three (3) concepts, as follows:
1)Bus loading/unloading should continue along 3rd Avenue East
a.Two (2) exits from building to the west
b.Two (2) approach sidewalks to 3rd Avenue
c.Time spent at curb is 7 to 11 minutes
d.When bus is there lights and stop sign are engaged; therefore, law does not allow cars to proceed through regardless of the width of the street
2)South side of 4th Street South between 3rd Avenue and 4th Avenue is already signed “loading/unloading” for parent pickup.
3)North side of 5th Street South will be constructed with diagonal parking at school expense with renovation of curb/gutter section by City as “maintenance item.” This will add 12 to 15 stalls.
4)Dr. Wendt will request staff parking along 5th Street in new diagonal stalls.
Staff Recommendation:
City Administrator recommends rescinding Resolution No. 11-5.
Financial Impact:
No additional Cost.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. _____ rescinding Resolution No. 11-5.
(Roll Call)
(LE MARS)–A Le Mars woman was recognized in Des Moines for her work as a volunteer.
Theresa Westra received her Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce Main Street “Volunteer of the Year” award from Governor Terry Branstad and Iowa Economic Development Director Debi Durham.
Westra has served as a Main Street volunteer in Le Mars for about three years. She is the receptionist at American Bank in Le Mars.
Westra, left, and Vice President of Main Street Becky Klohs represented the Le Mars Chamber program at the statewide gathering Friday night. The event at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown was part of a 25th anniversary celebration for Main Street Iowa.
The Le Mars Main Street program received honorable mention in the Promotion Awards category for Le Mars/Halloween Fun.
A two-year service award was presented for Main Street Manager Mary Reynolds.
Le Mars joined the Main Street program in 1995. In the Best of the Best 1986-2011, Le Mars winning nomination was the City of Le Mars and Main Street Design Committee.
(SHELDON)–Voters today (Tuesday) will decide a bond issue for a Sheldon college.
The Northwest Iowa Community College 13-point-four-million dollar bond issue is proposed for 15 years. The property tax rate is 17 cents.
College President Dr. Bill Giddings says N-C-C needs to be able to address the growing needs of the Sheldon college and taking this bond to the voters is a way to do that. The college has been reporting record enrollment.
If approved by voters, the funds would pay for energy improvements, changes in classrooms and student support areas, high school partnerships and advanced technology.
The vote is in Sioux, O’Brien, Lyon, and Osceola as well as residents of the Marcus-Meriden-Cleghorn School District in Cherokee County.
Hours are from seven this morning until eight tonight.
(SIOUX CITY)–There’s a change in plans for Larry King to be at the Orpheum in Sioux City.
The planned May 19th appearance has been canceled due to a scheduling conflict.
Refunds will be given at the point of purchase.
SIGOURNEY, Iowa (AP) Authorities say a Keokuk County sheriff’s deputy has died in a shooting near Sigourney that also left another man dead.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Jason Marlow says three deputies went to a home on Monday to make contact with a subject. When they arrived, the deputies were fired upon from the home. Marlow says one deputy was shot and later died. The other two deputies were not injured.
City, county and state law enforcement officers responded to the scene.
Marlow says the standoff ended about 3 p.m. when the man was killed.
No other details, including the names of the deputies and the suspect, were immediately released.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Iowa Senate has approved a measure providing up to $10 million a year in tax credits for the installation of wind and solar power generators at homes, businesses and farms.
The Senate voted 49-1 Monday to approve the bill, which provides up to $15,000 for businesses and farms and $3,000 for homeowners that install wind or solar generators.
The bill now goes to the House, where its future is unclear.
Rep. Thomas Sands, a Wapello Republican and chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, says majority Republicans are more interested in broad-based tax reform than targeted tax credits.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) Nearly 50 people crowded a room in the Council Bluffs Public Library for the first of four public hearings on a plan to redraw Iowa’s congressional and legislative districts, but fewer than a dozen offered opinions on the plan.
The majority of those attending identified themselves as Republicans who opposed the proposed map. The proposal would move the conservative Pottawattamie County in western Iowa out of the soon-to-disappear 5th Congressional District, represented by Republican Steve King, and into a newly-drawn 3rd Congressional District, represented by Democrat Leonard Boswell.
However, a few Democrats showed to voice their support of the plan.
The Monday hearing was connected via video link over the Iowa Communications Network to hearing rooms in Mason City, Sioux City and Spencer.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty after making a deal with Linn County prosecutors to lower his murder charge.
The Gazette says Denem Null, of Cedar Rapids, made his plea Monday to charges of second-degree murder and first-degree robbery. Jury selection for his trial was scheduled to begin on Monday.
He had been charged with first-degree murder for the slaying of 26-year-old Kevin Bell in January last year.
Two men charged with him pleaded guilty to robbery charges and had agreed to testify against Null. Police say Null fired the fatal shot.
Null now faces up to 50 years on the murder charge, 25 years for the robbery.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) The Iowa Department of Human Services says there was no abuse or neglect in a dog attack that killed a 3-year-old girl in Hopkinton in northeast Iowa.
The agency says Monday that officials concluded the death of Vanessa Hussmann (HUS’-muhn) was a “tragic accident.” The toddler died on March 5 after being attacked by two Rottweilers, which had gotten loose from a locked, fenced kennel in her backyard. The dogs were euthanized.
The child’s mother, Rhonda Marty, says she doesn’t know how the dogs got out of the kennel. She was not home when the attack occurred. The girl was under the care of a baby sitter.
The Delaware County sheriff’s office said earlier that the child’s death was an accident and that no charges will be filed.
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) A man is accused of taking prescription painkillers meant for patients at an Iowa City hospital where he worked as a nurse.
Adam Moander, of North Liberty, is charged with 12 counts of prohibited acts and one count of tampering with records.
Moander allegedly removed the drugs from an electronic dispensing machine under the names of 12 people who were admitted to Mercy Iowa City for surgery last summer. Iowa City police say he wasn’t the patients’ nurse and there is no documentation the drugs ever got to the patients.
Online court records show Moander appeared in Johnson County District Court on Monday without an attorney, and the court did not immediately appoint an attorney. There is no phone listing for Moander in the North Liberty area.
NEW HAMPTON, Iowa (AP) The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has joined Chickasaw County authorities in investigating a shooting death.
Sheriff Marty Larson says officers were dispatched to an address late Sunday night about two miles north of New Hampton Airport. They found on person dead.
Another person there was taken into custody. Larson says the person was arrested on an unrelated charge.
Names and other details have not been released.
The sheriff told The Associated Press on Monday that he would not comment yet on whether the shooting was an accident, a suicide or a homicide.
He told Charles City radio station KCHA that the public isn’t in any danger.
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) A coalition of education groups predicts Gov. Terry Branstad’s plan to freeze state spending on local schools would force more than 1,500 layoffs.
The groups say the layoffs would happen as the state is only beginning to recover from the recession. They also warn they are running out of time because school budgets must be certified this month, which also is when layoffs notices must go out.
The warnings came Monday at a news conference by six groups the Iowa Association of School Boards, School Administrators of Iowa, the Iowa State Education Association, Area Education Agencies, the Urban Education Network and the Parent Teacher Association.
Branstad says he inherited a financial mess and voters want him to straighten it out.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Submit your news release, photo, confidential news tip or news idea by email klemnews@lemarscomm or by calling 712.546.4121 or 712.546.9672 fax.
