Kalona OKs contract with All-American Concrete, revitalization project starts

By Mary Zielinski
Although the Kalona city council Monday officially approved the contract with All-American Concrete (approximately $2.6 million), no one had an actual copy of the document. However that will be done this week. In the meantime, All-American has started paving work on the west parking lot of the Kalona Community Center. It will be followed by work on A Place, including storm sewers, and the alley west of the main street. By the time work starts on the streets, the parking lot is expected to be done, offering parking for downtown businesses.
Parking was an issue brought up by property owner Stuart Yoder who again asked the council to permit parking on C Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets. Yoder has previously made the same request after no parking was instituted.
The council members said they would review the request after the downtown revitalization project is done.
The city’s brush pile has been fenced and those wishing to use it need to do so during its posted hours. Regulations regarding what can be left there are available at the city hall.
Cleanup costs for the area exceeded $10,000, noted council member Ken Herington.
The council also set 7:30 p.m. May 17 for a public hearing to mend the 2009-10 budget. The amendment mainly is to cover costs of projects such as the pool repairs, community center renovations and the revitalization project.