Council says no to contract

CRESCO - City Council members voted against Proposal A from Hawkeye Recycling to pay the company $4,000 (along with Howard County Supervisors paying $4,000) per month to help cover a portion of labor costs for recycling, at the Oct. 3 regular meeting.

In addition, the proposal included a 10-year contract; yearly rate increase of between 3% and 10%; and Hawkeye would not allow any vehicles large enough to require a CDL license to bring in items unless it is approved by the company.

This would be $48,000 paid by both Cresco and Howard County the first year, going up between $62,629-$113,181 in 10 years.

Before the decision to not pay a monthly fee, some discussion took place between council and audience members.  

Mayor Dave Brenno said he had talked to Winneshiek County Recycling. Staff is concerned about more recycling being put into the regular garbage, filling up the landfill. He will continue to have conversations with them.

Council members voted to allow outside vendors to provide dumpster services of non-recyclable waste from commercial and industrial customers.

• In other business, a total of $4,500 was given to three projects out of $6,220.07 available.

~ The Santa Parade was given $1,000 for the Black Friday event. It scored high/medium in advancing the economic welfare of Cresco.

~ The Cresco Theatre received $500 for having the Looney Lutherans return to the opera house stage. It rated high.

~The Cresco Wildlife Club’s flooring project received $3,000. The club has been actively promoting their events and activities to bring more people to Cresco, giving them a high/medium rating.

• It was noted the EV (Electric Vehicle) charging station, located at Fareway’s parking lot has been installed and will be in operation soon.

A ribbon-cutting for the station is set to be held on Monday, Oct. 17 at 5 p.m.

 

Council members voted to charge $.3135/kWh. The driver will also be charged $2.00 per hour for sitting in the space, beginning 30 minutes after charging is complete. 

• Public Works Director Nate Widell reported a water main break, flushing hydrants and yard waste pick-up taking place Oct. 17 and 31 and Nov. 7 and 14.

• Police Chief Tim Ruroden said his department was busy with animal calls, mostly cats and dogs and pests. “There are a lot of raccoons around town with possible distemper. If they seem like they are an awfully friendly coon and follow you around, do not pet them.”

There were quite a few driving complaints in September.

“Officer (Blake) Welper will be graduating from the academy this month, so we are looking forward to that.”

• City Clerk Michelle Elton has been working on the Capital Improvement Plan.

• All Cresco City Council meetings are recorded and can be found on cityofcresco.com homepage under Cresco City Council meetings on You Tube.