City Council Notes

by Ranee Fladung
Riverside residents, including four with prepared statements asked the city to reconsider its elimination of the Riverside Scholarship program at Monday’s council meeting.  Their requests took nearly a half hour.

It’s taking away a gift to our students

“It’s taking away a gift to our students,” said  resident Megan Allen. “It’s very important to them.” She told the council that criticism and complaints go with the job and they should be able to handle it.  Referring to the elimination of the $7,500 program, she said, “It’s the children who are punished.”
Leanne Sexton, a parent of a previous scholarship recipient, said it made a difference because it was one of very few her daughter was eligible for. “It made a difference.” She advised the council against listening to the vocal minority and to listen to those now speaking because they are the majority. She asked that they reconsider their vote as did  the four others.
Dana Merritt, who was a scholarship recipient, told the council they had forgotten the real purpose of the awards. That it provided an opportunity that many don’t have and makes students feel they have reason to come back to the community that supported them.
The council did not respond until the end of the meeting when all of the attendees had left and council member Ralph Schnoebelen requested it be put on the next meeting agenda.
Mayor Brian McDole polled the council adding that he was in favor of reviewing the issue  but admitted he thought “it was a losing battle.”
Council member Rodney Waldschmidt said he didn’t want it back on the agenda. Council member Betty Kaalberg in agreement said “It just doesn’t help enough people in the town.”
Council member Kevin Kiene shook his head no.
The council at its March 1 meeting in a 3-2 vote eliminate the scholarship that had been established only two years earlier and administered by the Riverside Foundation.
In other business, the council:

• approved snow removal for the coming year for a street which runs through the Iowa Township Cemetery and then increasing the donation from $3,000 to $5,000 for the 2010-2011 budget. It was clarified that road maintenance was not part of the snow removal. The trustees will meet with the city next year prior to setting the budget;
• approved moving forward on a USTEP application for a grant to help with costs to widen a portion of Highway 22 from Stumpf Construction east to Vine Avenue. If the city receives funding the IDOT would pay 55 percent of the $1.1 million project. City Clerk Tina Thomas said, the city has budgeted $733,000 for the project;
• set April 19, 2010, at 6:45 p.m. for a public hearing and bid letting for the 2010 Kleopfer Avenue Street extension project;
• approved the purchase of a portable air compressor from Star Equipment at a cost of $4,263.69. City employee Kevin Engle told the council the compressor will come in handy during early morning breakdowns at the water plant. Council member Ralph Schnoebelen objected to the purchase stating he would rather the city rent one, and not have to deal with the maintenance. Council members Kevin Kiene, Rodney Waldschmidt and Betty Kaalberg voted to approve the purchase. Council member Todd Yahnke was absent;
• heard from resident Kevin Mills during citizen time who questioned the city’s attempt to fix the alley behind his home as it “created a bigger problem.”  The council agreed that it was a bad situation but that it would be fixed as soon as the weather allows.  At the end of the meeting, city employee Brad Herrig said that he has talked with LL Pelling about repairing the alley;
• learned from City Administrator Tina Thomas that the council was offered a private tour of the new medical clinic April 5. The council will meet at the Medical Clinic prior to its regular meeting April 5;
• was invited to the annual Fire District meeting Thursday, April 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Fire Station;
• learned about a request from Heather Schulty to hold an all-night marathon ball tournament at the ball fields this summer as a fundraiser; and
• heard a request from Thomas for the park committee to hold a contest to rename Iowa Township Park.