Sump Pump Inspections

The City of Roland is requesting proposals from qualified firms or individuals to conduct sump pump connection inspections. Interested parties and/or firms are hereby invited to submit a proposal based upon the requirements and conditions set forth in the RFP available at Roland City Hall, 202 E. Ash St., Roland, IA 50236 or at http://www.cityofroland.org/sump_rfp.htm

This is the process for finding a firm or person who will inspect sump pumps in Roland to make sure all homes are meeting the requirements of the new ordinance. The inspections will begin later this year.

Garbage pickup this week is on Saturday

Just a reminder that garbage pickup this week will be on Saturday instead of Friday. Stone Sanitation backs up everything a day this week due to Memorial Day. So anyway, no need to have your garbage out on Friday.

Pool Leak part 2

Well, the leak is back, and it is not what we thought it was. Starting to lose a lot of water again. We can't get a pool vendor in for a couple weeks to take a gander, so we are going to open up with the leak. However, if we lose too much, the state could shut us down. So hopefully the problem shows itself. More details will be posted when we can confirm where the problem is.

Pool Leak

Good news theoretically on the pool, and leak that I mentioned in a previous post. Again, this is theoretically---but it appears the pool doesn't have a leak. There was water running out of the drain tile under the pool, while the pool was being filled, so that certainly gave the indication that the pool was leaking. Nathan did some "swimming" with dye, to see if he could find the leak, but that didn't show anything. After more investigation, apparently the pool fill line under the pool deck (by the diving boards) is leaking. So when the valve got turned on to fill the pool, it started leaking, and got in the drain tile. Again, it is under the deck, so it is not an easy fix, but it will only leak when the pipe is on filling the pool. The good news is, there is an alternate method to fill the pool. You can fill the pool by simply filling via the circulation and filtering system. So at some time, if the deck ever needs repaired by the diving boards, it should be dug up, and have those pipes replaced. But for now, we are good, and still set for an opening on next Friday.

May 16 Council meeting

Had about an hour and 20 minute council meeting. Only had 3 council members in attendance again, Ford, Proctor, and Sargent. Most of the time was spent discussing the proposed sewer trunk line along Bear Creek. A meeting was held with residents on Tuesday night to show them the proposed route. Some residents still have further questions, so more discussions will be held on the topic.

Bad news on the pool front. We again have a leak in the pool. It held water over the winter, but that is with the valves shut. When the valves are open the pipes at the bottom, where the water circulates thru, something starts leaking. And it is a pretty substantial leak, I think the estimate was that it would be around 10,000 gallons a day. So we have some folks in to try to find where the leak is. Very frustrating. Worst case is digging out the bottom of the pool and replacing the pipes. We don't know yet if that is what needs to be done. So stay tuned.

We approved the ordinance for sump pump inspections and penalties. Again, this is to make sure sump water isn't going into the sanitary treatment system, where we have to treat it. We are going to send out a request for proposal for a company to hire to do the inspections. Everyone in the city will need to be inspected, and working properly by the middle of 2013.

I appointed, and the council approved Chad Kepler to the Pool Board. Thanks to him for stepping up and doing one of those thankless jobs in the community.

There was a Ragbrai meeting on Monday night. The process for having a booth, and what is all going to happen in Roland is starting to take shape. If you would like to help, or have questions, call City Hall.

Garage Sale Days in Roland-June 8 & 9

Garage Sales Days in Roland are coming up on June 8 and 9. If you want to get on "the list" for publicity, there is an application to do so on the city website or you can pick one up at the library. Registrations are due on June 1. 'Tis a good time to get rid of the stuff. HERE is the link to the website with more info.

RAGBRAI meeting Monday

Just a reminder that there will be a meeting regarding RAGBRAI on Monday, May 14 at 6:30 PM at the Community Center. It will be a discussion around vendor booths, volunteering, and the route through town. If you have questions or interest on any of those topics, it will be a great opportunity for learning!

May 2 Council meeting

This one was a bit odd. Council members Canny and Neely were absent, and CM Ford had to call in so we would have a quorum. I don't count towards the quorum--I'm just the mayor. (Because I can't vote on anything).

Nothing really big came out of the meeting. We had a discussion surrounding getting yards mowed--and the city's charge to do so. There is a minimum of $175 if the city comes out to do it.

We got an update on our proposed trunk line sewer. The actual proposed route has been mapped. There is going to be a meeting on Tuesday, May 15 at Jacobson Park to walk the route, and show the property owners were the proposed line would go.

We had a discussion surrounding some newer properties in town that have not put in required sidewalks. We will take them up at a later meeting, after more review of what the ordinance actually says.

We set the date for a public hearing on the transfer of city property. A person wishes to buy the city lot just north of the car wash to put up duplex type homes. If you are interested in buying the lot, let the city know. We will accept higher offers!

The council approved a granting of up to $1000 to RADC to finish off the meeting room at the Community Center. If you weren't aware, this is a room that was built in the back, so the Boy Scouts, or other groups, could have a meeting, without taking up the whole community center.

Also it appears all is going well with the prep of the pool. If I recall correctly, the tentative pool open date is Friday May 25. Also there is an upgrade of the park equipment in the pool park. Thanks to the pool board for working on that project. Those folks have done a nice job there, also with the addition of the basketball court in the past couple years. That seems to be a popular place.