Council supports designing recreational trail in Riverside

by Ranee Fladung
It may take many years, and be a long drawn out process, but the Riverside council Monday night approved funds for the first step in developing a recreational trail to run from the west end of Riverside and join Vine Avenue.
Mary Jane Stumpf, Community Visioning committee member said she is supportive of the multi-use trail and hopes it will “further enhance the Veterans Park by having the trail go through it.” The council approved a contract with French Reneker Associates, Inc of Fairfield to design plans for the recreational trail. City Administrator Tina Thomas said the contract also includes writing up to four grant applications for the trail project. The Washington County Conservation Department has committed $10,000 toward the project if the plan is supported by the council.
The City of Riverside hired Clean Harbors Monday to help get rid of an eyesore on River Street. Thomas told the council it could cost $13,000, minus the estimate for salvage, to clean out the tar in the city tank on River Street and haul it away, but “don’t quote me on that.” Very few organizations do this kind of work. But they follow the EPA guidelines. The company needs at least two weeks notice as they are cleaning up the oil spill in the Gulf.”
During Citizen time, Jeanine Redlinger suggested the council take some of the money they plan to use for the new Riverside welcome signs and use it to fix the street signs in town, so “people can find their way around town once they get here.” She pointed out numerous signs that are difficult to read when one is driving by and that a sign for Boyse Street is spelled two different ways. She also addressed the problem with the house numbering system in town since she has the same address as one other home on her street. The administrator will check into what is involved in changing an address. City worker Brad Herig said the city plans to replace signs late this summer or early fall.
Chris Kirkwood gave an update about the Veterans Memorial Park. Lighting and concrete benches still need to be finished.
“Looks to be under budget but we still need a street lamp and electrical work to be done,” said Kirkwood. Approximately $920 in donations have come in from numerous residents in Riverside. “ It makes me feel very proud that other people want to take part in this project,” said Kirkwood. “More people are stopping and bringing their kids there and it’s something that the entire community can be proud of.”
In other business, the council:

• approved purchasing a 4145 John Deere mower from Kalona Farmers Supply Sales at $18,754.81. Council member Ralph Schnoebelen questioned the purchase, noting the city already has four mowers.
• discussed areas in town with steep ditches. Council member Rodney Waldschmidt suggested offering a $150 reimbursement to help residents purchase city approved ground cover to establish growth on steep ditches in town. Residents are asked to check with the city before making any purchases;
• discussed how to handle reports of residents who are remodeling or adding on without building permits. Letters will be sent. Also, set a work session for June 21 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss options for utility rate increases;
• approved a liquor permit for Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, cigarette permit for Kum & Go and a firework permit for Trek Fest;
• approved donation of $4,000 for Stumptown Shooters for a fireworks show during Trek Fest;
• approved Scandinavian Interiors site plan and building permit;
• approved sending a bill to MMS for $75.72 for city administrator’s time and recording fees for legal description;
• approved acceptance of $10,000 from Washington County Conservation for design of a trail in Riverside;
• approved hiring French-Renecker Associates to design the recreational trail in the City of Riverside. Ken will help write up to four grants, 2 years and getting the city to the bid stage of the project;
• approved property exchange and a parking easement agreement with Riverside Grain & Feed Company , so the city may move forward with the drainage project on Railroad Street; and
• approved hiring Adam Montgomery as summer city employee at $10 per hour. Schnoebelen voted no.