Departments update council
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 11:01am
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By:
Marcie Klomp ~ News Editor tpdeditor@crescotimes.com
Cresco - Trying to be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the April 20, meeting of Cresco City Council was held via computer/phone.
Public Works Director Rod Freidhof noted the City had received $3,500 from Alliant Energy. Trees Forever is running out of funding and is accepting donations. “Arbor Day is being recognized on April 24. We will do a video of planting a tree.”
He added the City has been busy with building permits.
The water and sewer departments are not sure what their usage is during COVID-19. Freidhof said by all indications residential usage is up, and some commercial, bars, restaurants and several businesses are down. “It’s looking like a wash.”
• Amy Bouska reported Howard County Economic Development held a tele-meeting, and most area events have been cancelled for the time being.
She mentioned the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail is having virtual 5K runs.
The first Sunshine & Sanity Virtual Run took place April 3-5, with the next scheduled for May 2. Check out wgwltrail.com for more information.
• Ronda Hughes had told City Council the Howard County COVID-19 Disaster Recovery Fund has about $18,000 raised so far. Howard County Emergency Management Coordinator Darrell Knecht will coordinate the donations. Council members voted to donate $2,500 to the fund.
• Jason Passmore of Howard County Business & Tourism informed council of a project being implemented to give protective masks to businesses, employees and members of the public that have “Cresco Cares” screen-printed on the front. Council voted to fund about 500 masks for a donation of $1,500.
Bouska said, “I really like the idea.”
• It was mentioned Howard County had 55-56% of residents who have already filled out their 2020 census form. It is critical for residents to fill it out to allow needed funding to come to northeast Iowa.
• In general discussion, member Steve McCarville mentioned Fat T’s food truck is selling in Cresco. City Clerk Michelle Girolamo noted he still needed to fill out his paperwork.
• Cresco Mart and Atomic Pizza beer, wine and Sunday Sales permits were approved.
• The second readings of changes to the water and sewer rates were both approved.