Council approves contract, gets VI update

By Mary Zielinski
As part of its Downtown Revitalization project, which includes addressing drainage issues, the Kalona council Monday approved a $13,478 contract with Terracon of Wellman. The city building inspector Jim Pope will serve as the project inspector, said City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh.
Schlabaught also provided an update about Kalona’s applications for a $550,000 grant from Vision Iowa to aid with the revitalization work, noting that Kalona will do negotiations with VI. Kalona met with the state group May 12 and expects to get a decision probably in July.
Schlabaugh ntoed tht project costs have gone up since the original grant request was made.
He noted that work is progressing on the paving of the Community Center west parking lot, a first time effort that dislodged the septic tank system for the post office and also found some other fuel tanks in the ground.
At the time no one knew the post office had a septic system, dating to the building’s construction in the early 1960s, and that it was not connected to the city sewer systems.
Schlabaugh said that “in hindsight it probably was a good thing”, that it needed to be connected to the city system. Since the property was recently bought by the city, there was no issue with the city doing the work.
If cuts in the project may have to be made, Schlabaugh noted that it could involve the lighting for the parking lot.
In another revitalization related move, the council approved seeking permits from the Iowa Department of Transportation for a right of way for 5th Street and B Avenue.
In other business, the council:

• learned that during the May 8 cleanup day, there were six tons of general discards, 1.4 tons of tires and 21 appliances and that the effort was considered successful;
• approved the budget amendment for the 2009-10 budget to reflect additional revenue transferred to the capitol improvement projects;
• learned that renovation of the city hall area in the community center is nearing completion, but there was water that came into the new meeting room., However, there was virtually no damage and wall waterproofing has been done;
• learned that repairs have been made to B and C avenues;
• learned that further pool renovations were discussed with the Park Board, including having the facility opened for all posted hours and creating safe environment; and
• learned there will be an Open House for the pool from 9 to 11 a.m. May 22;
• and agreed it will fill a council vacancy by appointment. However, Schlabaugh noted that residents can petition for a special election. The appointment probably will be at the June meeting and council members agreed any interested in the position should notify the city by May 26, the day the council will meet in special session at 4:30 p.m. to approve a liquor license for Casey’s.