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!