Council OKS wage hike, looks at signs

by John Zielinski
Kalona city employees, including the public library staff, received an approximate three percent wage increase, made retroactive to July 1. Action came during Monday’s council meeting. Employees are Karen Christner, city clerk, $38,411 (from $37,292); Todd Fitzsenry, recreation superintendent, $33,931 ($32,943); Ken Kempf, laborer, $33,075 ($31,203); Bob Christner, water, wastewater superintendent, $35,183 ($34,158); and Anne Skaden, library director, $33,717 ($32,718). Mike Bowlin, public works director, received a 5 percent increase because of new duties, going from $39,335 to $42,482. Lory Young, the utility clerk, went to $11 per hour; Doreen McKenna, library assistant, $25,480 from $24,648 ($12.15 per hour), and Marissa Tartaglia, Children’s librarian, $23,920 from $22,880 ($11.50 per hour). Library clerks Rosemary Fisher, Dot Hohler and Patti Stuzman received $7.73 per hour and Ron Harland, custodian, $9.80 per hour.
Council member Claudine Miller-Zahradnek stressed that Fitzsenry needs to make plans for Recreation center activities and “take a more active role” in communicating with Kalona residents about what new services are needed.
There was no increase for City Administrator Doug Morgan who is retiring September 30.
The city has received some 30 applications for the position which will be reviewed by the Finance Committee who will decide upon finalists and make recommendations to the council for interviewees.
The council, following a closed session, authorized its attorney to proceed on the action field by David and Joette Droz against the city’s Board of Adjustment regarding the construction of apartments above their commercial busines on B Avenue. Another attorney will be involved through the city’s insurance carrier, under the omission and errors provision of the policy.
The council received an update about downtown revitalization, specifically to install signage at Highway 1 and B Avenue and Highway 22 and 5th Street. The signage, which will feature landscaping details as well, will be lighted. It is hoped the signs will be in place this fall.
The council also discussed having handicapped parking at the corner of B Avenue and 5th Street, right near the Kalona General Store. The sidewalk already is handicapped accessible at the corner.
In other business, the council:

• discussed replacing the corroded well pump with a stainless steel one that, while installaiton exceeds the pump cost, would be better since replacement would be fewer;
• discussed moving the old generator form the lift station to service emergency use at the Community Center, bvut cost to move and install it would be $19,000. The city has been offered $5,000 for the old unit and council members suggested finding a smaller generator, which also would lower installation costs;
• took no action regarding adjacent property owner Stuart Yoder’s request to create an entrance from A Avenue to the city owned Amish parking area off A Place since no motion was made.