Andrew Pennekamp with JEO Consulting shares this artist’s rendering of a new pool at Judge Lewis Park. The design is similar to one presented in the past and includes a lazy river, a lap pool, splash pads for toddlers, and a zero entrance.
The swimming pool and broadband Internet access topped discussion items at the Monday, November 15 Mount Ayr city council meeting.
Pool
Andrew Pennekamp from JEO Consulting Group delivered a short PowerPoint presentation updating the council on progress on a new swimming pool at Judge Lewis Park.
Pennekamp shared an artist’s rendition of the new pool’s design, one that was chosen by the local pool committee.
The design is nearly identical to one presented to the council several months ago. It features a five-lane lap pool, two one-meter diving boards, a lazy river feature, and a zero entry. The pool would utilize the existing bathhouse.
Pennekamp’s firm estimated construction costs of $3.299 million as presented, but he added costs could be cut by reducing features and by utilizing local labor for some parts of the project.
As funding avenues continue to be explored, Pennekamp said the next step for his firm is to organize a public meeting to educate residents about the need for a new pool, concept drawings, the costs associated with its construction, and gathering feedback from the public at large.
That meeting would be held in early spring with details finalized closer to that time.
Internet
Dale Housh of Lockridge, Inc. also appeared before the council to share his company’s plans to bring high-speed Internet to Ringgold County.
Lockridge’s plan is to use antennas located on a series of line-of-sight towers to provide Internet service to towns and rural areas across the county.
Ringgold County Development Director Jodie Geist reported grants have already been secured to complete the estimated $300,000 cost to complete the project.
Following Housh’s presentation, the council granted Lockridge’s request to mount antennas on both city water towers. The towns of Diagonal and Kellerton have already agreed to allow Lockridge to use their towers as well, providing initial coverage across the county. Housh said additional towers would be erected to provide full county coverage.
The Southern Iowa Rural Water Association has denied Lockridge from utilizing their water towers scattered across the county.
Lockridge currently offers Internet service in Wayne, Appanoose, Lucas, and Monroe counties in Iowa and Putnam County in Missouri.
In the past five or so years since his company has been offering Internet service, Housh said only three customers have discontinued service with Lockridge – either because of death or moving out of the service area.
He added the average monthly bill across the Lockridge network is $50, but he added more or less expensive service option are available.
Other business
In other business, the council:
• signed an engineering agreement with the firm of Veenstra and Kimm for work on a potential downtown revitalization project. Cost the agreement was $22,300.
• briefly discussed an amendment to the city ordinance pertaining to the installation of stop signs. The council took no action on the proposed ordinance.
• briefly discussed open burning inside city limits but took no action at this time.
• approved application for a Community Catalyst grant and Housing grant.
• approved the purchase of a salt spreader at a cost of $8,450.
• approved a Class C liquor license renewal for The Gold Mine Saloon.
• discussed the purchase of a new garbage truck along with disposal of the current truck.
• tabled approval of a new city attorney pending further research on the applicant.
