Cresco contemplates locking yardwaste site
Wed, 05/10/2017 - 10:59am
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By Marcie Klomp News Editor tpdeditor@crescotimes.com
CRESCO - It is an ongoing problem. Individuals are dumping non-biodegradeable waste at the Cresco yardwaste site, which is against the city’s ordinance.
Each year, Council looks at possible solutions. Several ideas were presented by Public Works Director Rod Freidhof at the May 1 City Council meeting.
1. The site could be closed except for a four-hour period on Saturday, when it would be supervised by an employee. Although this is not a popular idea with Council, it may be the only option available.
2. Keep the site open, but put up lights and cameras at the location.
This option was looked at last year, but was found to be cost prohibitive. Freidhof said he will look into different options and bring costs for electrical and solar lighting and cameras for council to review at a future meeting.
He added, “We get bowling balls and davenports and more. Ninety-eight percent of the people use it correctly. It’s that two percent . . . ”
• In other business, Council members Steve McCarville and Dave Brenno questioned what the City can do about nuisance properties, including local trailer parks.
Freidhof explained the City has taken 5-6 properties over the past five or so years to clean them up. Letters are sent to nuisance property owners and to trailer park owners. Sometimes there is a response and sometimes not.
Freidhof and Braun are both busy with other issues and find it hard to put too much time into the nuisance properties. Braun offered to have a colleague from West Union dedicate more time to the issue.
McCarville wondered if a work session could be set up with the City’s attorney, Joe Braun. He was told that special session would cost over $500.
Speaking about one of the trailer parks, McCarville said, “It’s a disgrace for our town if we don’t do anything. Half of them are empty.”
Freidhof agreed. “Something needs to be done. I’ve had two trailer owners come in here and hand me the title to the trailer. I don’t want it.” He continued the City tries to keep the nuisance properties to a minimum.
Brenno said to ask Braun if there is a set of procedures for forcing property owners to clean up the area.
More will be discussed in the future.
• Freidhof gave his department report, noting 44 trees have already been planted, with one more scheduled. One was planted for Arbor Day in memory of Cliff Carolan on April 28 at Beadle Park. “There was a good turnout. We had two representatives from Alliant Energy and one from Trees Forever.”
Mike Born, Wastewater Superintendent, passed his Grade 3 test, which is a DNR requirement for a wastewater plant this size.
Freidhof, Born, Council member Amy Bouska and Howard County Business & Tourism Director Jason Passmore attended a meeting at NICC about a new algae-based technology for wastewater plants. The speaker returned from Calmar to Cresco to tour the local facility.
• Police Chief Tim Ruroden said Officer Michels was to graduate from the Academy that week.
The department also received 23 applications for the newest posted position for a police officer.
• City Clerk Michelle Girolamo talked about the City’s upcoming clean-up day June 5-9. In addition, she has been reviewing the FY2016-17 budgets. With two months left, she wants to make sure everything is on track.
• A Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales was approved for M&M Lounge.
• The third and final reading of the ordinance pertaining to the terms and compensations for boards and commissions was approved, with the ordinance passing.
• Mayor Mark Bohle was authorized to enter into a Professional Services Agreement with WHKS & Co. for the downtown alley storm sewer and paving project across from the Cresco Theatre.
• A stop sign will be added at the intersection of 2nd St. SE and 3rd Ave. SE., behind Northeast Iowa Motors. It was an uncontrolled intersection.
• A second reading of the ordinance relating to RAGBRAI activities was read. It states for-profit vendors will pay $600 for the first location and $300 for each additional location with $100 fee for electrical. Non-profits will pay $100 for a spot and $50 for electrical.
Existing restaurants and bars who expand outside the building, but not on the front sidewalk, will pay $400. No outdoor entertainment will be allowed.
• Historical-looking doors are being ordered for the Theatre and Champlin Hall. Total cost is $27,375.
A new air conditioning unit was also approved for $2,862.67 from Gosch’s Plumbing, Heating and Well Service.
The next Cresco City Council meeting will be May 15 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.