$2.7 million sale of Garden View approved
Garden View Senior Living Facility, in Monona, will be under new ownership and management beginning Jan. 2.
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
In what mayor Lynn Martinson called a “milestone for the community,” the Monona Council officially approved the $2.7 million sale of Garden View Senior Living Facility to MALC, LLC at its Nov. 19 regular meeting.
The city preliminarily agreed to sell the 34-unit assisted living facility at its Nov. 5 meeting, but had to post notice of its intent to sell and hold a public hearing Monday night before taking final action.
“We’ve been talking with city attorney Greg Schiller and the bulk of the agreement is in order,” stated city administrator Dan Canton.
He noted a few details had to be wrapped up, including settling the property tax obligation and resolving any issues with resuming contracts.
Garden View was built in 2005 and has been owned by the city of Monona since then. It was currently managed by Tealwood Assisted Living, based in Bloomington, Minn.
MALC, LLC, of Waterloo, will take ownership of Garden View effective Jan. 2. The facility, located at 800 Darby Dr., will be managed by Senior Housing Management, out of Cedar Rapids.
“Tealwood has been very cooperative in letting them know about the assets and software,” said mayor Martinson.
“We saw a lot of potential in Garden View since it is located in such a pleasant area and already serves a great need for local seniors,” said an investor in a press release. “It is not our goal to change the community completely, but to offer enhanced services and amenities under the guidance of a new management company.”
Senior Housing Management provides innovative, compassionate, resident-focused healthcare and management services for over 20 retirement living communities throughout the states of Iowa and Illinois.
“We did some investigating prior to the sale, and they’re very well-liked and do a good job,” said Martinson. “We’re very excited about this. It’s good for the city and good for the citizens.”
“Senior Housing Management operates under the philosophy of ‘rolling out the red carpet.’ It is our hope that you will feel this hospitality and see the positive impact of our standards and expectations when you visit Garden View in the future,” explained Allison Law, senior vice president and chief operating officer, in a statement. “As Iowa’s largest retirement living management company, we couldn’t be happier to welcome the community’s residents and staff into our growing family. Residents, staff and community members have much to look forward to.”
First draft of chronic nuisance ordinance considered
During Monday night’s meeting, the council also considered the first draft of a proposed chronic nuisance properties ordinance that it hopes will cut down on continual police calls to the same residences.
Martinson said visiting the same homes over and over again has become a chronic problem for the Monona Police Department. With an ordinance, he said the police could “start fining people who are tying up officers.” “We’re going to bring in the owners, whether it’s a rental property or you own it yourself,” he explained.
“It’s not lengthy, but gives the city the ability to deal with properties and write tickets, if needed,” added Canton. “The ordinance makes it enforceable.”
Under the potential ordinance, Martinson said some of the “nuisances” that would be covered include disorderly conduct, drugs, parties, weapons and animals.
New mobile computer for PD
The council approved the purchase of a new mobile computer (including dock and mount), at a cost of $1,613, for one of the police department’s squad cars.
Councilman Preston Landt, who researched the computers, said the new version will have a touch screen and can double as both a laptop and tablet. It will also take up less space and have a longer battery life, he noted.
Chief Jo Amsden said the new set-up will help as the county makes the push toward doing everything via computer.
“We’re trying to stay up with everything,” she commented.
Although there was room in the budget to purchase two computers, the council agreed to purchase just one for now and test how the officers like it.
Some sidewalks in need of repair
City officials have been conducting residential sidewalk inspections in the northeast and northwest quadrants of Monona. In the next few weeks, residents will be notified via letter if they have a portion of sidewalk in need of repair or replacement. Landt said most of the issues aren’t major.
“For almost everyone, it’s in one piece [of sidewalk],” he explained.
Once residents receive a letter, they can contact city hall if they have any questions about what needs repaired and why.
