(LE MARS)–A new group in Le Mars helps other volunteers give a fresh look to a popular park feature tonight (Tuesday).
Micah Lang is president of Helping Young Professionals Energize the Region known as HYPER. Lang says the young professionals group works on a goal to get younger people networked with others.
Listen here
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Lang describes the group as in its infancy. HYPER began with a meeting of 37 people in May of last year and now meets the third Thursday of each month at Mr. P’s.
Listen here
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As its first project, Lang says the young professionals will help Main Street Le Mars and Mary Reynolds and any other volunteers by painting and refreshing Cleveland Castle tonight at six.
Listen here
{audio}images/stories/mp3/august2010/hyper3081710.MP3{/audio}
Information about HYPER is available by contacting Lang at 546-2345 or emailing hyperlemars@hyper.com
(LE MARS)–Two openings will be on the November election ballot for the Plymouth County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The terms of District Commissioners Nancy Anderson of rural Merrill and Pat Winter of Le Mars end this year.
District conservationist Jim Lahn says those interested in the district commissioner openings may pick up nomination petitions at the Natural Resource Conservation Service(NRCS) office on 12th Street Southwest in Le Mars. The commission terms are for four years.
The completed nomination papers are to be returned to the Plymouth County Auditor’s office no later than 5 p-m August 25th.
Sheriff’s office investigates business burglaries
(ORANGE CITY)–Two burglaries at ag businesses are being investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s office.
Authorities say both burglaries were reported last Wednesday (August 11th) and had occurred overnight.
Staff from Bunkers Feed and Supply of Granville and the Maurice Elevator each reported the theft of an undisclosed amount of cash. One of the businesses had a large number of quarters taken.
Entrance to Bunkers in Granville was through a door that was kicked in. The Maurice Elevator had a window broken out.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sioux County Sheriff’s office or to use the “Text a Tip” program. Those who contact authorities may choose to remain anonymous.
Dialysis loan request on Supervisors’ agenda
(LE MARS)–A loan for a new health care service in the Le Mars area will be considered by the Plymouth County Board of Supervisors today (Tuesday).
The Le Mars Area Dialysis Services revolving loan is an agenda item with the Revolving Loan Fund Committee at 10:30 today (Tuesday). The Committee held a public meeting recently to consider the loan request. The agenda item is listed for discussion and possible action.
Supervisors will review estimates for work to deal with rooftop water problems. Nohava Construction of Le Mars has prepared estimates for new Courthouse scuppers, downspouts and gutters. Water leaks have occurred in the third floor Clerk of Court’s office
Two minor subdivisions will be presented for supervisors approval as well as a gravel contract with Higman Sand and Gravel of Akron for product from a pit in the Washta area.
The public meeting begins at 9:30 this (Tuesday) morning in the board’s meeting room in the lower level of the Courthouse.
Agenda:Tuesday, August 17, 2010
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
A. Review estimates from Nohava Construction for new courthouse scuppers, downspouts and
gutters for approval (Discussion and action)
7. New Business
A. Open and review mail/correspondence (Discussion)
B. Open public forum (Informational)
10:00 AMCraig Bauerly, Attorney
1.Approval of Grain Bin Addition, a minor subdivision for Leo Ludwigs (Action)
2. Approval of MMX Addition, a minor subdivision for Nancy Nystrup (Action)
10:30 AMPlymouth County Revolving Loan Fund Committee – Discuss loan to Le Mars Dialysis Center
(Discussion and possible Action)
11:00 AMTom Rohe, Plymouth County Engineer
(Action Items)
1. Bid Letting: Projects LC-141340, LC-142650, LB-352190
2.Traffic Safety Improvement Funding Agreement-FM-TSF-CO75(125)-5B-75
3. Gravel Contract-Higman G-310 Washta
(Discussion Items)
1. Signature of material inspection vouchers with IDOT
Projects: FM-CO75(116), ESFM-CO75(120), (121)
(Informational Items)
Update on construction projects
Council reviews energy options Tuesday
(LE MARS)–Energy improvements for the Le Mars Convention Center will be discussed by the Le Mars City Council during a noon meeting today (Tuesday).
The Council also consider applying for additional energy conservation opportunities at the Convention Center. The State Energy Program (SEP) is funded with federal stimulus money.
The agenda indicates the Union Pacific Railroad asked the city to review traffic patterns and safety concerns at the intersection of 18th Street and Business Highway 75. Recommendations from staff and the city attorney include equipment to remind drivers not to stop on the tracks.
Other items on the agenda for the public meeting include bids for airport snow removal equipment and another consideration of a proposal for reorganization of the Le Mars Fire Department.
The meeting begins at noon in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
NOTE: AGENDA ORDER SUBJECT TO CHANGE
LE MARS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
AGENDA
A. CALL TO ORDER – MAYOR
ROLL CALL – CITY CLERK
COUNCILMEMBERS: NELSON_____, KNAPP_____ REXWINKEL_____,
LEONARD______, IHRKE_______
B. GENERAL DISCUSSION
1Citizens
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 August 3, 2010 Regular Meeting Minutes
2.List of Bills for Period Ending 8/13/10
3.Monthly Financial Statement for July 2010
4.Renewal of Liquor License (Hugo’s)
5.Issuance of New Liquor License/Wine Permit (Cork It!)
6.Issuance of New Cigarette Permit (Cork It!)
7.Appointment
8.Request to Close Streets and Parking Lot (Chalk Art Festival)
D. ACTION ITEMS
1.Le Mars Convention Center
2.State Energy Program (SEP)
3.Airport Snow Removal Equipment
4.Reorganization of Fire Department
5.Intersection of 18th Street South and Business 75
E.DISCUSSION
1.Council/Mayor
2.City Administrator/Public Works Director
3.Assistant City Administrator
a) Fall Clean Up Days
F.ADJOURNMENT
Next Resolution No. 10-31
Next Ordinance No. 888
Le Mars City Council Meeting
Tuesday, August 3, 2010, 12:00 P.M.
Minutes
Mayor Kirchoff presided. Present: Ihrke, Nelson, Leonard, Knapp, Rexwinkel. Absent: None.
Nelson moved, Ihrke seconded that the following items be approved under the “Consent Agenda.” On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
-Regular meeting minutes of July 20, 2010.
-List of bills for period ending 07/31/10.
-Renewal of Class C Liquor License to Sweet 16 Lanes and Class C Beer Permit to Casey’s.
Leonard moved, Nelson seconded the concept of the Le Mars Public Art Project be approved as presented and that staff, consisting of one (1) Fire, one (1) Public Works and one (1) Code personnel be authorized to select specific locations on City sites. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Nelson moved, Ihrke seconded the second reading of Ordinance No. 887 amending Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department” be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: Rexwinkel, Knapp, Leonard, Nelson, Ihrke. Nays: None.
Leonard moved, Nelson seconded the “Agreement for Engineering Services – Water System Facility Evaluation, Cost of Service Analysis and Water Rate Study, Le Mars, Iowa 2010” with a not to exceed fee of $44,600 be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Knapp moved, Rexwinkel seconded the Development Agreement between City of Le Mars, Plymouth County and ICON Ag Solutions LLC be approved. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded the Industrial Track Agreement and schedule of tariffs be approved as amended, subject to annual review of tariff rates. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Ihrke seconded the plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the 2010 Snow Removal Equipment – Le Mars Municipal Airport be approved, and that August 16, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. be established as the date and time to open bids with said bids to be considered on August 17, 2010. On Roll Call: Ayes: All present. Nays: None.
Rexwinkel moved, Nelson seconded the meeting be adjourned at 1:30 P.M.
_________________________________________________
Beverly Langel, City ClerkDick Kirchoff, Mayor
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
ConsentREQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
List of Bills for Period Ending 8/13/10 Item No.
C-2
Attached is the list of bills for the period ending 8/13/10.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Approval of bills for the period
ending 8/13/10.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Monthly Financial Statement for July 2010
Item No.
C-3
Attached is the monthly Financial Statement for July 2010.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion acknowledging receipt of monthly Financial Statement for July 2010.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Renewal of Liquor License (Hugo’s)
Item No.
C-4
Application has been received from Hugo’s for renewal of their Class C Liquor License. Papers are in order. Approved by Police and Fire Departments.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) issuance of Class C Liquor License to Hugo’s.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Issuance of New Liquor License/Wine Permit (Cork It!)
Item No.
C-5
Application has been received from the Cork It! LLC, 769 Prospect Street S.W., for a new Class E Liquor License and Class B Wine Permit. Papers are in order. Approval should be subject to final approval by Police and Fire Departments.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) issuance of a Liquor License/Wine Permit for Cork It! LLC subject to approval by Police and Fire Departments.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Issuance of New Cigarette Permit (Cork It!)
Item No.
C-6
Application has been received from the Cork It! LLC, 769 Prospect Street S.W., for a new Cigarette Permit. Papers are in order. Approved by Police Chief.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion (approving) (denying) issuance of a Cigarette Permit for Cork It! LLC.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Appointment
Item No.
C-7
The Mayor is recommending the following appointment:
Board of Zoning Adjustment:
Reappoint Linda Mayrose for a five year term.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving Linda Mayrose be reappointed to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for a five year term.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Consent
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Request to Close Streets and Parking Lot
(Chalk Art Festival)
Item No.
C-8
Information:
The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce/Main Street has requested the following Street and Parking Lot Closings for their Chalk Art Festival per their letter.
Letter and map are attached.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving that the Olson Cultural Event Center and Postal Playhouse Parking Lots and various street closings as requested for the Chalk Art Festival on Saturday, September 18, 2010 and Sunday, September 19, 2010.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Le Mars Convention Center
Item No.
D-1
Information:
This item is placed on the agenda to further discuss the condition of the HVAC System within the Le Mars Convention Center. Several evaluations have been conducted, including:
1)Condition and Capacity of Existing Duct Work
2)Condition and Capacity of Existing Air Handler
3)Condition and Capacity of Existing Chiller
Additional capacity and operational concerns need to be phased into the renovation and upgrade of the overall system.
Karl Seggerman will be available at the meeting to review his findings.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
As desired.
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
State Energy Program (SEP)
Item No.
D-2
Information:
Iowa Office of Energy Independence is seeking proposals for projects that will:
“reduce energy use
“have a positive impact on budgets
“enhance economic development
The SEP program is based under the federal stimulus ARRA.
DeadlineAugust 18, 2010
AwardsAugust 31, 2010
The required match is 66% which can and will include MidAmerican rebates/incentives. Therefore, the City’s cost will be less than 66% depending on the amount of the utility’s rebate.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends the Council authorize the application to include the additional energy conservation opportunities at the Le Mars Convention Center.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion adopting Resolution No. _______ authorizing the application for federal stimulus funds through SEP program for Le Mars Convention Center HVAC System.
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Airport Snow Removal Equipment
Item No.
D-3
Information:
Mr. Ron Roetzel of Bolton & Menk has prepared technical specifications for the airport snow removal equipment and bids were received and opened on August 16, 2010 and will be available at the meeting.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
August 16Open Bids
August 17Council to review / award bids to lowest approved bidder
Week of August 17thComplete FAA grant application
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommendation will be available at the meeting following the bid opening.
Financial Impact:
Le Mars is a recipient of the FAA grant for this equipment.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion awarding the contract for the 2010 Snow Removal Equipment – Le Mars Municipal Airport to _______________ in the amount of $_______________
(No Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Reorganization of Fire Department
Item No.
D-4
Information:
Fire Chief David Schipper is proposing changes to Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department”. Attached are copies of the proposed sections.
The Council approved the second reading of the Ordinance at their August 3, 2010 meeting.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the third reading of Ordinance No. 887 amending Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department”.
(Roll Call)
Motion adopting Ordinance No. 887 amending Chapter 36 “Fire-Rescue Department” on its third reading.
(Roll Call)
CITY OF LE MARS, IOWA
Action
REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION
Date:
August 17, 2010
Description:
Intersection of 18th Street South and Business 75
Item No.
D-5
Information:
UPRR has recently requested that the City review traffic patterns and safety concerns at the intersection of 18th Street S. and Business 75.
Staff Recommendation:
City Attorney and City Staff have discussed and reviewed the situation and recommend the following:
1)Place a length restriction on approach of westbound traffic to stop sign on 18th Street SW. This will require three (3) advance warning signs.
2)Install three (3) additional advance warnings to remind drivers “Do Not Stop on Tracks.”
3)Authorize staff to submit application to State of Iowa DOT for Safety Improvements to the Railroad Crossing.
COUNCIL ACTION REQUESTED
Motion approving the recommendations for safety improvements at the intersection of 18th Street SW and Business 75 Railroad Crossing.
(No Roll Call)
Briar Cliff ranked by U-S News and World Report
(SIOUX CITY)—U-S News and World Report is ranking a Siouxland school among the 2011 America’s Best Regional Colleges.
Briar Cliff University President Beverly Wharton says Briar Cliff is honored to be nationally recognized once again for being among the best.
The annual “America’s Best Colleges” study by U-S News and World Report represents the most comprehensive look at how schools stack up based on a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
Iowa courthouse lawn OKed for yoga gathering
FAIRFIELD, Iowa (AP) Yoga enthusiasts will gather on the west lawn of the Jefferson County Courthouse next month in an attempt to break a group yoga record.
The county’s Board of Supervisors approved the event Monday.
Assistant Director Terry Baker of the Fairfield Iowa Convention and Visitors Bureau asked the supervisors to allow six instructors and possibly hundreds of yoga practitioners to use the lawn in what could become an annual event. The goal would be to break a group yoga record to promote wellness in the community.
The board approved the request, but not until discussing whether to set a policy for using the courthouse lawn.
The yoga group will be attending the Southeast Iowa Wellness Expo Sept. 25 at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Despite heavy rain, Iowa crops in good condition
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Despite last week’s heavy rains, Iowa crops are in mostly good condition.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture says parts of central Iowa received more than 7 inches of rain early last week.
But while central Iowa saw floods, southwest Iowa is getting dry and could use rain.
Hay growth has been excellent because of the frequent rains, but the rain also has hampered harvesting.
The latest Iowa crop report says corn and soybeans continue to progress ahead of normal, thanks to hot, humid weather. Corn and soybean development statewide is ahead of last year and the five-year average.
But corn condition has decreased slightly, as has soybean condition.
This week’s forecast calls for drier and slightly cooler weather, which should help crop development and overall condition.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Submit your news release, confidential news tip or news idea by email klemnews@lemarscomm.net, by calling 712.546.4121 or 712.546.9672 fax.
