City of L.S. needs to separate elementary, SALC buildings

Lime Springs - The former Lime Springs/Chester Elementary School has been sold to Richard and Angela Cottrell of Arizona. They are now on site and have asked the City to separate the gymnasium part of the school from Spring Ahead Learning Center.

Lime Springs City Council members authorized Public Works Director Casey Sebastian to figure out how much space would be needed between the two buildings to comply with city and state codes. 

He mentioned, “Two years ago, the quote was $6,500 to separate, but that has probably changed.”

• In other business from the meeting, Fire Chief Nathan Schwickerath said the department is planning the Father’s Day Breakfast, as well as the breakfast at Sweet Corn Days. He also plans to have a waterball tournament Saturday afternoon of the 150th celebration, Aug. 9-12, 2018.

The department has received funds for the last piece of turnout gear and is starting to work on replacing air packs. “The ones we have are pushing 15 years old. Replacement will probably be around $75,000.

The group is also working on the radiant heat project.

• There was no representative for the Library.

• Ed Hampe has served his time on the Community Center board, but noted he will still help with Bingo. New members are needed.

It was noted the Community Center received funds for the heating/cooling upgrade.

• Jill Tibbals reported for the Pool and Parks by explaining the pool received a grant to put up a shed, and the ball park received funds for field improvements. More board members are needed for that entity as well.

• Sebastian stated new LED lights would be installed for the ball field by the end of May.

“By the end of this month, they will be drilling loops for the geothermal [behind the Community Center],” he noted. It should be no longer than a 10-14 day project.

The City is currently using a snow blade for free. The extension did not come with the new tractor. 

The new tractor is too high to make it through the east door at old City Hall. The frame of the opening is nine feet and the tractor is two inches taller than that. Fortunately, the garage door is actually 10-feet tall, so the City is going to cut the door frame one foot higher to accommodate the equipment.

As a matter of information, Sebastian said, “The alley behind West Main St. and the houses of Deb Swenson and Heather Tucke is actually owned by A&K Feed & Grain.” In the past, the City has plowed out a portion of the alley but will no longer do so.

The easement on the Emerson Leid property is still pending.

• Pickar-Oulman LLC was allowed a permit for a deck off the old Legion building. An addition and shed was permitted for Jason Munkel.

• Several letters complaining about dogs at large were addressed. They all came from different incidences from one person. The Sheriff will be asked to talk to the owners.

• Thais Folta was officially approved as City Attorney.

• Council approved a resolution authorizing the city clerk and deputy clerk to certify liens for unpaid city utility rates and charges.

• Council discussed the growing number of robberies and trespassing taking place. There have been several sightings via security cameras. It was mentioned the city should install more light poles, as well as check on getting cameras installed for city use.

The next regular city council meeting will be Tuesday, May 1.