Cresco Council hears about H-W bond issue

CRESCO - Howard-Winneshiek CSD Superintendent Ted Ihns gave a presentation to Cresco City Council members on Oct. 7 on the changes and updates planned if the $23.6 million bond issue passes at the Nov. 5 election.

Ihns started off by explaining the high school was built for $2.1 million around 1968 and the K-8 building for $5.4 million in 1992.

Some of the new construction in the plan includes a new and larger auditorium, an extra one-half gymnasium, a 6-8-grade wing at the high school, secure entrances and more.

In addition, it is proposed to move the preschool from Kessel Kids to the K-8 building which would become a K-5 facility.

Ihns noted that within a 50-mile radius of Cresco, most of the other districts have been updating their facilities. He indicated  the success of the school correlates to the success of the town.

In regards to Kessel Kids, the superintendent said he has been told Kessel needs more room. “Right now there is a waiting list. In addition, the district financially helps Kessel Kids, which doesn’t happen in the other towns.”

If the bond passes, construction should be completed by fall 2022.

Council person Jan Carman, a former school board member, said, “We need to keep our school updated to attract younger families.”

Council person Alex Fortune wondered if it made sense to spend $23.6 million with the declining enrollment. Last year, the difference in open enroll in versus open enroll out was minus 115. “I talked to 75 families, asking them why they were open enrolling their kids. Most was because of convenience of location or work. Only one said it was the school system.”

Fortune then asked about doing the project in phases.

Ihns answered the difference in price would make it more expensive. He added, “If it doesn’t pass in November, we have no plans to bring the bond back”

• In other business, Tourism Grants were awarded to Iowa Wrestling Hall of Fame to update the mural ($1,500 granted); Santa Parade ($400); and Kellow House roof repairs ($3,000).

• The 2nd St. E. reconstruction is completed. Bills will be sent to the property owners adjoining the street. Council had the option to charge interest of 4.375% (the same as the Granger Road project) or 3.28% (which would be 1% higher than the interest the City would have paid on this project). On a vote of 4-1 (Fortune, Dave Brenno, Steve McCarville and Amy Bouska — aye, and Carman nay) property owners will be charged the lower amount.

In addition, the actual assessments for property owners were $51,480 less than expected.

• Public Works Director Rod Freidhof said the Vernon Road project has begun. The paving should start around Oct. 21.

A tree inventory has been done. “We can download that on the GIS system and edit it when we add a tree or cut one down.” The bids for removal of the final 69 ash trees have been sent out.

• Police Chief Tim Ruroden said there was a sTEP program that was successful. “We had quite a few contacts.” In addition, officers are taking online training. “It helps us meet minimum standards.”

• Clerk Michelle Girolamo has been getting numbers together for the budget.

• A public hearing will be held for the purpose of selling a nuisance property at 119 5th Ave. E. to Jeremy and Laura Miller for $6,000.

• The next meeting on Monday, Oct. 21 will also include a public hearing for a budget amendment and adding a new ordinance pertaining to solar energy systems.