Wright sworn in as new Monona councilman
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
Tim Wright was sworn in as Monona’s newest city council member at the regular meeting April 15. He replaces Doug Bachman, who resigned earlier this spring.
Wright’s appointment runs through the fall. At that time, if Wright would like an opportunity to complete the remaining two years of Bachman’s term, his name must be on the ballot for the November city election.
New Hay Days activities planned
The council authorized street closures and the use of ATVs on city streets for Monona’s annual Hay Days event, which will be held this year on Saturday, June 8.
Members of the committee, who were in attendance at the meeting, said the parade will begin at noon and follow much the same route as before. This year, however, it will also go through the downtown.
Organizers noted some new activities are planned, including a climbing wall, petting zoo and carriage rides. There will also be additional food vendors and an expanded beer garden. Three different live bands will play throughout the day, from 1:30 p.m. to midnight.
Police looking to purchase Lidar equipment
Through participation in the STEP Program, Monona Police Chief Jo Amsden said the department plans to purchase Lidar equipment for traffic enforcement. Similar to radar, a Lidar device would allow an officer to check the speed of vehicles going opposite directions at the same time.
During her report to the council, Amsden also noted that this Saturday, April 27, is Drug Take Back Day. Residents can drop off unused or unwanted medications at the police department from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day.
In other news, the council voted to:
• Up its contribution to the Clayton County Development Group’s annual marketing campaign from $500 to $1,000.
• Approve a request from Butterfly Garden committee member Jim Langhus to purchase and install six ADA-compliant truncated sidewalk domes at the entrance to the Butterfly Garden. The project will cost $1,800.
• Approve the purchase of 11 new fire hydrants, valves and fittings at a cost of $35,000. Bacon Concrete was tapped to replace and install the fire hydrants at a cost of $11,870.
• Select Kelly Concrete for street surface replacement work on sections of Davis, Center and Howard streets, for $71,783.
• Authorize construction of new restrooms at Gateway Park.