I got a heads up on this a week ago, but we have a new business going on Main Street in the former Cyclone Windows building. Below you will find some details that I swiped off Facebook. Actually stopped in last night during a walk with my wife. They were busy painting, and getting the building fixed up. So if you want to lose some lbs and get toned up a little bit, this sounds like the thing to do. The Mayor endorses fit Rolanders!
Come join the fun at New Creations Fitness! Come see our new fitness studio. It's currently a work in progress, so we ask for patience as we continue to make your workout environment as great as possible. We're very excited to share this new adventure with you.
We're offering another week of FREE classes (Sept. 6th-9th) to give everyone a taste of the new location and time. We are located at 203 N. Main in Roland (the old Cyclone Window and Door Store on Main St). Please come check us out and share this event with friends.
We are starting up a new session of classes Monday, Sept 12th at 5:15am (it says 5am in the time because it doesn't have 5:15am as an option). We'll be offering Boot Camp on Mon, Wed, and Fridays and Interval, Strength and Stretch on Tue/Thurs. Each session will run 8-weeks long. You can attend 2 classes a week for $45 or 3 classes a week for $70. If you want unlimited classes it's $100 for the 8-week session.
We also offer personal training and group training sessions. Ask us for details if you're interested. You can contact me, Katie Helgeson, by calling 515-460-5055 or e-mailing me at katie.newcreationsfitness@yahoo.com
I look forward to working out with you, Katie
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Losing our City Clerk
Got an email from our City Clerk Deneen Frost this past week. Deneen has been out on sick leave/disability since January. She has been fighting cancer for 20 some years I think, and most recently really fighting it, with trips to the Mayo Clinic and taking up residency at Mary Greeley Hospital more than Roland.
But in the fight, Deneen keeps winning. But I know it has taken a lot out of her, and she has decided to resign. Too bad for her obviously, but bad for the city as well. Deneen has been working in City Hall since 1995 I believe. She has done a great job keeping our books, and doing the administrative things that keep a city rolling.
We have had a temporary City Clerk, Jodi Meredith, since about April, and she will be with the city through the end of the year. We had set that up, figuring Deneen would need some time before being able to come back at full time.
Haven't talked with the council about the process yet, but I'm sure we will go forth to hire a new city clerk. I'll post it here when we decide to go about filling the job.
Here is the text of Deneen's resignation letter.
August 26, 2011
Honorable Mayor Roger Fritz and Council members Duane Canny, Larry Ford, Corey Johnson, Jeri Neely & Doug Sargent
City of Roland
202 E Ash St., PO Box 288
Roland, IA 50236
Dear Honorable Mayor Roger Fritz and Council members Duane Canny, Larry Ford, Corey Johnson, Jeri Neely & Doug Sargent:
It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I resign my position as the City Clerk of Roland effective September 30, 2011, due to health issues. I will attempt to be available to work a limited number of hours during the month of September. If this should create problems, please let me know, for I wish a smooth and successful transition to occur.
I will be available to assist Janet and the new City Clerk if they should need my assistance in the future.
I wish all of you good luck and continued success.
Sincerely,
Deneen Frost, MMC
City Clerk
But in the fight, Deneen keeps winning. But I know it has taken a lot out of her, and she has decided to resign. Too bad for her obviously, but bad for the city as well. Deneen has been working in City Hall since 1995 I believe. She has done a great job keeping our books, and doing the administrative things that keep a city rolling.
We have had a temporary City Clerk, Jodi Meredith, since about April, and she will be with the city through the end of the year. We had set that up, figuring Deneen would need some time before being able to come back at full time.
Haven't talked with the council about the process yet, but I'm sure we will go forth to hire a new city clerk. I'll post it here when we decide to go about filling the job.
Here is the text of Deneen's resignation letter.
August 26, 2011
Honorable Mayor Roger Fritz and Council members Duane Canny, Larry Ford, Corey Johnson, Jeri Neely & Doug Sargent
City of Roland
202 E Ash St., PO Box 288
Roland, IA 50236
Dear Honorable Mayor Roger Fritz and Council members Duane Canny, Larry Ford, Corey Johnson, Jeri Neely & Doug Sargent:
It is with a heavy heart and deep regret that I resign my position as the City Clerk of Roland effective September 30, 2011, due to health issues. I will attempt to be available to work a limited number of hours during the month of September. If this should create problems, please let me know, for I wish a smooth and successful transition to occur.
I will be available to assist Janet and the new City Clerk if they should need my assistance in the future.
I wish all of you good luck and continued success.
Sincerely,
Deneen Frost, MMC
City Clerk
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Aug 22 Council meeting
Some random thoughts and comments from the council meeting:
The pool is closed, however, the water is going to remain in it til Sept 11. The fire department is going to be overseeing the burn down of the south elevator on the Co-op property. That will need some amount of water to extinguish the embers at the end of the burn. So instead of letting the pool water down the drain, the fire department is going to pump it out of the pool to keep their tanker truck full. So that is nice "recycling".
RADC is having a final push to raise money for a new LED message board sign. They have raised over half the money, thanks to some local groups and individuals. I think they still need another $6000. The plan is that it is going up on the lot just north of Casey's.
There is going to be a meeting for homeowners on the west side of Samson Street at 7PM on Wednesday September 7. It is going to be a discussion of the city's interest in running a new sewer main down their back property lines. Not a done deal, but if we are to get a flood mitigation grant, that is likely how the city would intend to help the most folks in Roland. So the meeting is simply informational, and also seeking feedback and comments from those homeowners.
The council had a discussion of water and sewer rates. One year ago we had a pretty good jump, but it was needed, so we can match expenses with revenues. The city doesn't run water and sewer for profit, our goal is to charge the amount simply to pay the bills and set aside for capital improvements. Over the past fiscal year, it we came in pretty good. We had a little bit of a surplus on the water side, and a little bit of a deficit on the sewer side. The upcoming fiscal year budget shows pretty much the same thing, so we decided to hold the rates the same, at least for another 6 months, and likely until at least July of next year. So that is good news for all of us.
I made an appointment to the Library Board and Park Board (Cheryl Larson and Jerry Balmer respectively) so thanks to them. Had all the spots full, but due to someone moving, it looks like we now have an opening on the Pool Board, so let me know if you are interested.
We approved the annual contract with Story County Animal Control for the city's animal issues.
You may have noticed Manatts in town working on Maple Street, and fixing up the road, so we are down to one lane. That is always good to have better streets.
We also have added a water shutoff notice fee of $20, and a higher reconnect fee of $85. Our city staff does a good job of letting people know their bills aren't paid, with letters and phone calls. So if city staff has to actually go out to a house and post the notice, that is going to cost the homeowner $20.
It's a 5 Monday month, so 3 weeks til the next council meeting. Yay!
The pool is closed, however, the water is going to remain in it til Sept 11. The fire department is going to be overseeing the burn down of the south elevator on the Co-op property. That will need some amount of water to extinguish the embers at the end of the burn. So instead of letting the pool water down the drain, the fire department is going to pump it out of the pool to keep their tanker truck full. So that is nice "recycling".
RADC is having a final push to raise money for a new LED message board sign. They have raised over half the money, thanks to some local groups and individuals. I think they still need another $6000. The plan is that it is going up on the lot just north of Casey's.
There is going to be a meeting for homeowners on the west side of Samson Street at 7PM on Wednesday September 7. It is going to be a discussion of the city's interest in running a new sewer main down their back property lines. Not a done deal, but if we are to get a flood mitigation grant, that is likely how the city would intend to help the most folks in Roland. So the meeting is simply informational, and also seeking feedback and comments from those homeowners.
The council had a discussion of water and sewer rates. One year ago we had a pretty good jump, but it was needed, so we can match expenses with revenues. The city doesn't run water and sewer for profit, our goal is to charge the amount simply to pay the bills and set aside for capital improvements. Over the past fiscal year, it we came in pretty good. We had a little bit of a surplus on the water side, and a little bit of a deficit on the sewer side. The upcoming fiscal year budget shows pretty much the same thing, so we decided to hold the rates the same, at least for another 6 months, and likely until at least July of next year. So that is good news for all of us.
I made an appointment to the Library Board and Park Board (Cheryl Larson and Jerry Balmer respectively) so thanks to them. Had all the spots full, but due to someone moving, it looks like we now have an opening on the Pool Board, so let me know if you are interested.
We approved the annual contract with Story County Animal Control for the city's animal issues.
You may have noticed Manatts in town working on Maple Street, and fixing up the road, so we are down to one lane. That is always good to have better streets.
We also have added a water shutoff notice fee of $20, and a higher reconnect fee of $85. Our city staff does a good job of letting people know their bills aren't paid, with letters and phone calls. So if city staff has to actually go out to a house and post the notice, that is going to cost the homeowner $20.
It's a 5 Monday month, so 3 weeks til the next council meeting. Yay!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Samson Street Sewer Project
Samson Street is being torn up today for a sewer project. What is being done is a straightening/bypass for the city sewer main that passes there. It had a poor design, and in high flow times, the sewage would start flowing up East Samson, instead of going to the sewer plant. This caused backups in the homes along the east/west part of Samson. So while not a guaranteed fix for high water events, it should help matters for those folks.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Old Heart of Iowa Co-op Administration building coming down
The former Heart of Iowa Co-op Administration building on Main Street is being torn down (or is down by now, haven't been on Main Street since Monday night). My understanding is that it was a barber shop way back when, and then it was expanded upon, and eventually became the admin office for the Co-op.
The building was donated to the Roland Library Foundation, but it was determined by various parties that it would not be suitable as a long term home for the library. So the Foundation continues to hold the parcel of land as a future home for a library should Roland be in a position for that to happen.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Disaster Declaration in Story County
For the most part, Roland was spared from the storm on July 11, as southern Story County really got hammered. But I know there was some damage in Roland. If you had issues because of the storm, there may be money available to help with the damages. HERE is a press release from Story County if you are interested.
Aug 8 Council Meeting
The meeting took about an hour, and we got some good stuff covered. One of the bigger items was hiring Jodi Meredith as city clerk on a contract basis through the rest of the year. Jodi will be increasing her hours, and helping get some paperwork knocked out, that needs to be done. We were hoping City Clerk Deneen Frost would be back on August 1, but she ran into some more medical issues, and her return is again delayed. So to make sure we stay on top of the financial issues of the City, we have secured the services of Jodi, through the remainder of the year.
We also have started the process of assessing a notice fee for delivered warnings of water shutoffs. We have had some customers in the city who have been habitually late in paying their water/sewer bills. Currently for late bills, we put a notice on the next months bill, they get a reminder call, they get a letter, another reminder call, then a knock on the door, and if no one is home, a notice posted. The next, the water will be shut off.
That is a lot of labor for our staff, especially when a water/sewer bill is not a surprise. So many cities are issuing a fee for the home visit final warning. If you simply accidentally forget to pay for a month, and respond to our notice, you should not ever see this fee.
I also made some appointments to various boards and commissions in Roland. Thanks to these folks for stepping up to help Roland.
Mike Risdal Board of Adjustments term expiring 6-30-16
Uri Levine Planning and Zoning Board term expiring 6-30-13 (filling expired term of Doug Sargent)
Marvin Wright Planning and Zoning Board term expiring 6-30-16
Jennifer Sikes Library Board term expiring 6-30-14
Jason Ellsberry Library Board term expiring 6-30-14
Jen Jackson Pool Board term expiring 6-30-14
We also have started the process of assessing a notice fee for delivered warnings of water shutoffs. We have had some customers in the city who have been habitually late in paying their water/sewer bills. Currently for late bills, we put a notice on the next months bill, they get a reminder call, they get a letter, another reminder call, then a knock on the door, and if no one is home, a notice posted. The next, the water will be shut off.
That is a lot of labor for our staff, especially when a water/sewer bill is not a surprise. So many cities are issuing a fee for the home visit final warning. If you simply accidentally forget to pay for a month, and respond to our notice, you should not ever see this fee.
I also made some appointments to various boards and commissions in Roland. Thanks to these folks for stepping up to help Roland.
Mike Risdal Board of Adjustments term expiring 6-30-16
Uri Levine Planning and Zoning Board term expiring 6-30-13 (filling expired term of Doug Sargent)
Marvin Wright Planning and Zoning Board term expiring 6-30-16
Jennifer Sikes Library Board term expiring 6-30-14
Jason Ellsberry Library Board term expiring 6-30-14
Jen Jackson Pool Board term expiring 6-30-14
Pool Park playground equipment help needed
The Pool Board, which oversees the park adjacent to the pool, has purchased new playground equipment for that park. However, they need some help with installation. It will likely be on an upcoming weekend. No specific date, but be pondering that. If you have an interest in helping, please contact City Hall. If you know of a service group that would be interested in tackling that project, also call City Hall with that info.
Swimming pool close date
I learned at the city council meeting on Monday that the Roland Pool is slated to close on Wednesday, August 17. Due to the inability to secure lifeguards on the following weekends, the pool will have to close for the season.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Council and Mayor seats open
Just an FYI if you are interested in running for City Council or Mayor, there are some spots up for election in November.
You need to turn in your candidacy paperwork between August 29 and September 22. you will need to get 10 signatures of Roland adults to be placed on the ballot.
There are 3 city council spots open, which are for 4 year terms. They are the spots currently held by Larry Ford, Corey Johnson, and Doug Sargent. There is also the mayor spot held by yours truly, and the mayor is a 2 year term.
I still have a Park Board and Library Board position open, if you are interested, let me know. Those would be great if you don't want to be in an election, but would still like to help Roland.
I was thinking about the Roland, and our council and board positions. There are approximately 33 of those positions. And there are approximately 800 adults 18 and over in Roland. If you just go with 2 adults in each household, about 1 house out of every 12 in Roland needs somebody on a city board of some kind.
Gonna give my props to my homies here on Arthur Drive. There are 17 houses on Arthur Drive and 7 of those homes have a person on one of the boards.
You need to turn in your candidacy paperwork between August 29 and September 22. you will need to get 10 signatures of Roland adults to be placed on the ballot.
There are 3 city council spots open, which are for 4 year terms. They are the spots currently held by Larry Ford, Corey Johnson, and Doug Sargent. There is also the mayor spot held by yours truly, and the mayor is a 2 year term.
I still have a Park Board and Library Board position open, if you are interested, let me know. Those would be great if you don't want to be in an election, but would still like to help Roland.
I was thinking about the Roland, and our council and board positions. There are approximately 33 of those positions. And there are approximately 800 adults 18 and over in Roland. If you just go with 2 adults in each household, about 1 house out of every 12 in Roland needs somebody on a city board of some kind.
Gonna give my props to my homies here on Arthur Drive. There are 17 houses on Arthur Drive and 7 of those homes have a person on one of the boards.
Ames Straw Poll
Who is going to the Ames Straw Poll next Saturday? I like political stuff, and so I am excited to see an event like this with national implications a mere 20 minutes from downtown Roland.
As you probably know, the Roland mayor and council positions are non-partisan. But that doesn't mean we can't have political opinions. And living in Iowa, we have the opportunity to participate in some unique political opportunities.
I'd be interested if anybody from Roland is going, if so, chime in below. I'm going, and will be voting for Ron Paul. I don't agree with everything of his, but I think his economic policy ideas are right on the mark. There are a couple other candidates that I find acceptable as well, but I think Ron Paul is the best of the bunch.
I gave the "speech" for Ron Paul at the 2008 Iowa Caucuses in the Roland/Howard Township precinct. We finished in a 2nd place tie with Romney locally, with Huckabee winning our precinct.
So who else is going to Ames next Saturday?
As you probably know, the Roland mayor and council positions are non-partisan. But that doesn't mean we can't have political opinions. And living in Iowa, we have the opportunity to participate in some unique political opportunities.
I'd be interested if anybody from Roland is going, if so, chime in below. I'm going, and will be voting for Ron Paul. I don't agree with everything of his, but I think his economic policy ideas are right on the mark. There are a couple other candidates that I find acceptable as well, but I think Ron Paul is the best of the bunch.
I gave the "speech" for Ron Paul at the 2008 Iowa Caucuses in the Roland/Howard Township precinct. We finished in a 2nd place tie with Romney locally, with Huckabee winning our precinct.
So who else is going to Ames next Saturday?
Monday, August 1, 2011
City Clerk Deneen Frost
Hate to have to go back to back with posts about people with cancer, but I have another one. Our City Clerk Deneen Frost was all set to come back to work today. She has been out on medical leave pretty much all year. But after some trips to Rochester, things seemed to get straightened out, and she was going to come back to work today part time.
However, things went south on Friday with some infection or something, and she ended up in Mary Greeley. And things really started going south. There is a website called Caring Bridge where her husband has been giving updates through all her medical procedures. This one got posted last night, and doesn't sound too promising. But I wanted to share it here, to let people know the seriousness of the situation.
Very Critical - Still FightingDeneen is in very critical condition. The doctor told me it was time to call the boys and tell them to come home. Deneen is on a ventilator and is to weak to breathe on her own. She has a very severe intestinal infection and is severely dehydrated. But she is fighting this with everything she has and is hanging on like a trooper. They are going to do some catscans and ultrasound tests in the morning.
The doctor told me it was highly probable that Deneen would not make it. Talk about a kick in the gut! But he doesn't know my wife like I do. If anyone can beat this, she can. We are remaining as positive as we can.
All prayers and kind thoughts and favors from the man upstairs are greatly appreciated! They have her sedated right now and are continuing to give her fluids and antibiotics.
MayGod bless you all, and all the cancer patients in the world!
However, things went south on Friday with some infection or something, and she ended up in Mary Greeley. And things really started going south. There is a website called Caring Bridge where her husband has been giving updates through all her medical procedures. This one got posted last night, and doesn't sound too promising. But I wanted to share it here, to let people know the seriousness of the situation.
Very Critical - Still FightingDeneen is in very critical condition. The doctor told me it was time to call the boys and tell them to come home. Deneen is on a ventilator and is to weak to breathe on her own. She has a very severe intestinal infection and is severely dehydrated. But she is fighting this with everything she has and is hanging on like a trooper. They are going to do some catscans and ultrasound tests in the morning.
The doctor told me it was highly probable that Deneen would not make it. Talk about a kick in the gut! But he doesn't know my wife like I do. If anyone can beat this, she can. We are remaining as positive as we can.
All prayers and kind thoughts and favors from the man upstairs are greatly appreciated! They have her sedated right now and are continuing to give her fluids and antibiotics.
MayGod bless you all, and all the cancer patients in the world!
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