City to seek grants for major projects
By Shelia Tomkins
At the regular monthly meeting on April 11, the Guttenberg city council approved numerous grant applications, heard project updates, set the date for a public hearing on a budget amendment and considered a nuisance property issue.
On hand for the meeting were Mayor Fred Schaub, council members Mandy Ludovissy, Austin Greve, Jane Parker, Steve Bahls and Michelle Geuder, along with City Manager Denise Schneider.
Grant applications
Diana Johnson from Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission spoke to the council regarding the city's application for a federally-funded food assistance grant for $88,350 for the local Family Resource Center. The council approved the application. The council also authorized UERPC to move forward on applying for a federal daycare grant.
The council okayed proceeding with two requests for major federal community project funding — one for the Great River Trail project and the other for the Corps Pond Rehabilitation project, as well as a state TAP (Transportation Alternatives Program) grant application for the Big Springs Trail project.
Project updates
The city manager reviewed project updates. It was noted that the Schiller Street project is coming to a close, and the council voted for final acceptance of the project. The CDBG grant application for water system improvements has been completed and design is ongoing. Archeologic and historic consultants are conducting their required surveys for the project. A bid from Cherry Valley Excavating was accepted to remove paved areas in various locations as part of the water project environmental review. On the storm sewer extension project, surveyors will be gathering additional information to complete the design, and plans are to apply for federal funding. Bids will be sought for dredging Limbeck (Horseshoe) Pond, and it is hoped a contract can be awarded at the May meeting.
Other business
Mike Landwehr spoke to the council with concerns about the condition of the neighboring Schmitt property on Acre Street, presenting photos and saying he believes the Schmitts are currently in violation of a number of city ordinances. Tim Schmitt and Don Schmitt were present, and Tim addressed the council on the current state of the property. After lengthy discussion, questions and suggestions from some council members, the council voted to give Schmitt a deadline of Sept. 1 to make improvements with visible progress, including the removal of outdoor piles of materials, one building to be torn down or removed and old concrete from a previous project to be buried.
The council scheduled a public hearing for the May monthly meeting to amend this year's budget .
The council okayed a request from Tylyn Rausch of Ma's Daycare to have gravel placed in a low-lying area owned by the city that is located adjacent to the Daycare property.
The council heard an update from Chamber of Commerce director Brandie Tomkins on a project to hang business banners and approved her request to have the city crew hang the banners. She also discussed the Chamber budget and requested an additional $4800 in city funding for this fiscal year.
The council approved a riverfront lease agreement amendment for Mike Hefel that reduces the footage in his current lease.
The council approved a request from Kathryn Klaes, owner of Guttenberg Brewing Co., for a $150,000 loan from the city's revolving loan fund.
A representative from Iowa Parks and Recreation presented a $1,000 check to the city to help fund a city project for inclusive swings to be used by people of all abilities.
Discussion was held on the community vitality position. The CV committee is scheduled to meet this month to formulate recommendations for the council. Councilmember Bahls suggested improvements to the city's website regarding business incentives and also discussed how business inquiries could be handled.
The council postponed a decision on awarding a contract for weed spraying in order to analyze the bids. The mowing contract was awarded to Mike Randall.
Funding agreements were approved for the Guttenberg Chamber of Commerce, Clayton County Development Group and Helping Services for Youth and Families.
The council chose Hacker Nelson & Co. to conduct the city's annual financial exam.
Wages and staff structure were okayed for the coming season at the municipal pool.
The annual employee health and vision insurance coverage was renewed.
The mayor signed a proclamation declaring Volunteer Week April 17-23 in honor of the community's many volunteers.
