Council tours new pool; views progress
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The Mount Ayr city council toured the pool project, and discussed a variety of topics at their regular meeting Tuesday, September 3. Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, the council met the following day.
City Administrator Brent Wise (left) and members of the Mount Ayr City Council tour construction progress at the new Judge Lewis Pool. The council members are pictured in the new pool pump house.
Pool project update
Council members began their meeting at Judge Lewis Park to tour the pool construction site and learn how the project is progressing.
Joey Labosky with Carruthers Construction shared that the project is ahead of schedule, and they are working hard to get all the concrete work done before winter.
After the last of the concrete is poured, there will be a 28-day waiting period before the pool can be painted.
Wise explained that there was brick left over from the pump house that will not be used, and it was offered to the City of Mount Ayr for $1 a brick.
Public forum
David Bolles was present to request the council consider repairing the storm sewer line that runs through his property at 804 N West Street. He stated there are holes along the line that present safety concerns and sanitary issues.
City Administrator Brent Wise noted a new tube would be needed, as well as an easement agreement. Although the city does not have the necessary equipment to do the work themselves, Wise agreed improvements were needed in that area.
Airport hangar work
While new hangar doors have already been purchased for the airport, finding a contractor to complete the project has been a challenge.
The initial bid requested concrete be poured to secure footings, and the doors to be hung. A single contractor who could do both had not been found. Judd Bowen supplied the sole bid in the amount of $35,545 for concrete work only.
Jack McConnell has asked the council to consider doing the hangar footings/concrete work at the Airport Hangar.
City Administrator Wise noted there is roughly $29,950 budgeted, and a budget amendment would be needed.
Mike Wik asked if the airport commission has looked into any fundraising.
Chandra Poore questioned whether they would be able to find someone to hang the doors if they have the concrete done.
Mack Greene made a motion to give the job to Judd Bowen, Jessica Murphy seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Meeting schedule change
The council will hold their last regularly scheduled Monday meeting on September 16 at 6 p.m.
Beginning October 9 at 6 p.m., regular council meetings will now occur the second Wednesday of each month in the council chambers at City Hall.
The council will also be holding quarterly work sessions to focus on planning. The council agreed to meet at least one time per quarter, with meeting dates to be announced.
Poore made the motion to approve Resolution 2024-859 in favor of planning more proactively. Matt Henle seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
Trick or Treat night set
Trick or treat night in Mount Ayr was set for Sunday, October 27 from 5-7 p.m., which will follow the Halloween event in Tingley on Saturday, October 26.
Curb and gutter bids
Three curb and gutter bids were received and reviewed by the council. While V&K engineering firm expected costs to range between $25-$42 per linear foot, all three bids were much higher than expected.
“This has been neglected for a long time,” Wise stated, “there’s more to do than we have money for.”
After discussing the amount budgeted, and the areas that need to be taken care of, the council decided to wait and talk to the engineer prior to moving forward. It was noted a pre-construction meeting was scheduled for the Madison Street sidewalk project, and the engineer would be in Mount Ayr on September 5. The council decided to table bids to discuss options with the engineer and gather more information.
Garbage and recycling
While garbage and recycling was brought up again for discussion, no action was taken to accept proposals. The council expressed they would like to have a survey done to learn how important recycling is to the community and what items are most commonly recycled before any action is taken.
Administrator update
Administrator Wise reported he had met with Lincoln Lawn Care and they have determined there are at least 55 dead or diseased trees in town and at least 40 more on Loch Ayr lake lots. During the last year of the 3-yr contract, dead or diseased ash trees will be the main priority, with emphasis on removal of community trees.
Wise reminded the council about an upcoming work session with the city’s attorney planned for September 25 at 6 p.m.
Wise suggested that the bricks from the pool project, purchased for $1 each, could potentially be used for a concession stand at Judge Lewis Park. He noted Jodi Geist is already looking into grant options for a concession stand/rest room.
A First Net quote for four I-pads verses four cell phones was reviewed.
Wise presented information for the possible purchase of a new street sweeper and potential collaboration with the City of Leon for a sewer jet truck at their request.
The storm water project was discussed including how Bolles’ concerns tie into this.
Wik asked about work on the square. The goal is to go out for bid by February or March of 2025 so the north side of square could be done before the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
