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January 2001
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Manley Toys
Manley Toys Ltd., a distributor of toys to Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, K-mart and Target, will be locating in the old DeFlecta Shield Building in the industrial park. A loan to Manley Toys was approved by the Board of Trustees and City Council at their meetings on November 27th and December 4th, respectfully. The loans, $18,000 from each entity, consist of one-half as forgivable and one-half to be paid back at 5% interest over five years. An Economic Development Set-Aside (EDSA) Grant Application in an amount of $225,000 has also been applied for by the City. While the city must apply for the grant, it is not responsible financially should the company fail to hire 90 employees in two years. The unique and beneficial aspect of the EDSA grant is that one-half the funds can be returned to the city to be used for future economic development incentives.
The company is projecting it will initially hire 30 full-time employees and have 90 full-time employees within two years. The starting wage will be $8.64/hour and will also be hiring seasonal employees as needed.
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Special Election Results
Congratulations to new Fourth Ward Council member Pete Berry. Pete was elected on December 5th and will serve the remainder of the term until January 2, 2002. The vacancy was created when Tim McNeley resigned on July 25, 2000.
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Turbine Installation Coming To A Close
On Wednesday, December 27, 2000, the IMU Board of Trustees approved a contract with Hooper Corporation for $71,421 to make the final, permanent connection from the new turbine generator to the IMU electric substation. To avoid potential fault currents and improve the operational efficiency of the system, power from the turbine will be directly fed to the IMU 69kV transmission line. Electricity will then be stepped-down to the 13.2kV distribution feeders that will then feed IMU customers. If you have any questions, contact Mark Ramthun or Bruce Gomm at 961-9444.
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Backflow Prevention Inspections To Be Completed
During the winter months, the Indianola Water Department will be conducting commercial properties inspections to verify compliance with the citys Backflow Prevention Program under city ordinance 1020. Iowa Department of Health regulations require that all commercial properties have backflow prevention devices installed to prevent possible contamination of the citys water supply. These devices are also required to be tested annually. Notification of non-compliance will be issued to commercial properties without required devices or devices that are not working. For more information on this program and its requirements please contact the water superintendent, Karl Bachof, at 961-9446.
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Call Out Charges
The IMU Board of Trustees voted not to charge individual customers for specific after hours outage calls that are non related to IMU facilities. Several other utilities recover overtime expenses specific to a customer service line, but IMU has consistently provided that support as part of our customer service. The Board recognizes that this expense is something we can continue to absorb to show our customers the advantages of having a public electric and water utility.
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Goal Setting
At their regular meeting on Monday, November 27th, the IMU Board of Trustees conducted a goal setting session where each individual Trustee had the opportunity to present their goals and plans for IMU. Specific issues discussed included expansion of the fiber optic communications system, successful completion of a contract extension with Mid American Energy for energy purchases and possible addition of a distribution crew for the water department. A complete draft of the 2000 Board goals is available at the Trustee Clerks office in City Hall.
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Tennis Court Cooperation
The IMU Board of Trustees and City Council voted to continue to partner with the Indianola Community Schools for new tennis courts at the Indianola Community School by assisting with the installation of the light fixtures and helping to finance the project. The tennis court project is scheduled to begin in the Spring of 2001.
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Infiltration and Inflow Update
The City began the I&I program in 1994 to remove as much ground/storm water (rain and other sources) as possible from the sewer system. This type of additional flow adds wear and tear to the entire sewer system, loss of sewer capacity and excessive energy expense. Methods to help reduce this flow include repairing/replacing manholes, repairing/replacing and lining mains. Also, residents and businesses have been asked to correct any improper connection of storm water footing tiles around the base of a home or business as well as sump pumps that are connected to sanitary sewer.
In 1996 the McCord area was selected to be tested first since its flows can be isolated at the McCord Lift Station. After repairs had been completed and footing tile/sump pumps disconnected, the sewer department compared the yearly flows from 1995 and 1999. The results showed 11,749,000 gallons removed annually which computes to 32,312 gallons daily. Similar efforts city wide have reduced the flow by over 60 million gallons or 164,510 gallons per day.
Other areas that have been tested and almost complete include: South J Street, G Street and the North J Street and South Kenwood. After these areas are completed the testing will then move to the east side of town between Iowa Avenue and Boston.
If you should have any questions please contact Larry Kubli, Sewer Superintendent at 961-9416.
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Indianola Skate Park Update
As of December 2000, The Indianola Parks and Recreation Foundation has raised an estimated $108,000 for the construction of a skate park at Memorial Park. To reach its goal of $200,000, the foundation must raise $12,000 more in fundraising and pledges to receive a $60,000 grant. The final $20,000 is to be raised before the construction date this spring.
Thank you to all who have supported the foundations fundraising efforts. If you would like to make a contribution, contact the Indianola Parks and Recreation Office at 961-9420.
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City Inspector Hired
December 11th marked the first day for new City Inspector Rich Parker. Parker was hired to fill a vacancy with the city. Parker obtained a Carpenters Journeyman Certificate in 1988 from DMACC and has 12 years of commercial and residential construction experience.
Parker and his wife Julie have live in Indianola for six and a half years. They have a three-year-old daughter, Emily, and are expecting another child in April. Julie teaches first through third grade special education at Whittier Elementary School.
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Snow Removal
The City would like to take this opportunity to explain its snow removal priorities. The Street Department has six full-time employees. Each employee has a route which is prioritized based on street categories. Residential collector streets like East and West Iowa are serviced first allowing neighborhood streets easier access to them. The neighborhoods, especially hilly areas such as West Euclid and West Clinton, are plowed soon after the completion of collector streets. The city square is also high priority and gets early attention to allow residents to visit the courthouse or stop at retail establishments. Alleys and parking lots are lower priority and are plowed last. The motor grader removes snow exclusively on the through street such as 15th Street and Plainview using the most direct route for ease of maneuvering. When necessary, other city departments such as the sewer, parks, electric and water also help remove snow. One thing you can do to help with snow removal is to pile it on the parking and not in the street. Placing it in the street creates a safety hazard for motorists and also extra work for our crews. If you have questions or suggestions regarding snow removal please call Ed Yando, Street Superintendent at 961-9415. Thank you for your cooperation.
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Snow and Ice Removal From Sidewalks
The City of Indianola is asking your cooperation in keeping snow and ice removed from the public sidewalks in front of residential and commercial properties this winter. Your safety and the safety of all citizens is our concern.
The City also would like to remind commercial and residential snow removers not to pile snow at intersections or leave snow in the street. Such actions create safety hazards for our community. Please push snow onto the parking!
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Snow Parking Ordinance
The City of Indianola would like to remind the community that a Snow Emergency ordinance has been adopted and shall be enacted periodically as weather and forecasts dictate.
A snow emergency shall be in effect when snowfall exceeds two inches or when forecasts indicate the likelihood of a 2 inch snowfall. The proclamation will be publicized locally on TV Channel 12 and on available Des Moines TV and radio stations.
This ordinance was passed to improve public safety and provide better and more efficient snow removal for the entire city. Questions or comments, call the City Manager or Chief of Police at 961-4910.
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Access To Meters
IMU is asking your cooperation in keeping snow away from your electric and water meters. This will allow our meter readers to get an actual reading instead of having to estimate your bill.
If you should have any questions or comments, call Mark Ramthun, General Manager of Utilities at 961-9444.
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Citizen Performance Assessment Pilot Program
The City Council formally approved participating in the Citizen Initiated Performance Assessment pilot program at their meeting on November 20, 2000.
The program is sponsored by ISU, Institute of Public Affairs (U of I), Iowa Association of Counties and the Iowa League of Cities. Its intent is to develop a model for incorporating citizen involvement in assessing a citys performance.
The city has enlisted the Indianola Public Library and the Street Department for this program. Within the next few weeks, citizens will be contacted to help in the evaluation of these two department and develop a model for other cities to use.
If you have any questions please contact the City Manager at 961-9410.
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Office Reminders
FEBRUARY 19, 2001
City and IMU offices will be closed for Presidents Day
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Going On Vacation?
If you are planning an extended vacation, 3 months or more, please feel free to contact the City Clerks Office to put your water, sewer and recycling charges on vacation. This will allow no minimum charge of these services to your utility bill. You may also request to have your bill forwarded to your temporary address or taken out of your account at your bank.
When you return you must call our office to take the water, sewer and recycling off of vacation. You will then be billed for those services. Based on actual consumption.
If you should have any questions please contact the City Clerks office at 961-9410.
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It's Not Too Late To Get Your Rebate!
IMUs attic insulation rebate has been popular this winter. You can still benefit on your heating bills this winter (and your cooling bills next summer) by participating in our Attic Insulation Rebate Program. Call 961-9442 for program details.
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Is Your Utility Bill Taking You On A Roller Coaster Ride?
Some months are high some months are low! If you would like to level out your utility payments, why not consider Budget Billing for your utility bill?
Your Budget Billing amount is based on your average consumption. You will know exactly how much you will owe each month, which makes it easier to plan for your payment.
Budget Billing amounts are reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect your current average consumption. Budget amounts will be increased or decreased based on your usage.
For more information contact the IMU Billing office at 961-9410.
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Internet Training Classes Offered At Public Library
The Indianola Public Library is offering basic Internet classes. The classes will cover many topics such as navigation, basic searching, and using an online telephone directory. Learn how to enter web addresses, use search engines, and find addresses and phone numbers of businesses and individuals.
Identical classes are scheduled for January 17 and February 16, 2001 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Indianola Public Library, 207 North B St. Registration is limited so call 515-961-9418 to reserve a place in the class.
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Christmas Trees
You can take your tree to the Warren County Conservation facility, 1565 118th Ave., in the lower parking lot. Please remove all decorations from the tree.
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Newsletter Archives
November 2000
September 2000
July 2000
May 2000
March 2000
January 2000
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