L.S. Library is accredited to top level

LIME SPRINGS - Eddie Miller, president of the library board, gave the monthly report to City Council members on July 2. 

He said, “Thanks to you, the City Council, the Lime Springs Public Library is not just accredited. It reached level three of four. Your money is well-spent, and we appreciate your funding.”

Besides listing many of the activities taking place at the library over the prior month, he said a new program has been initiated. Special teacher are tutoring youth on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

• Fire Chief Nate Schwickerath noted happenings from his department. 

“We’ve had about five helicopter landings in the last six months. Landing at the beef plant seems to work.” But he added they ran into some problems with trailers parking on Innovation Drive. In addition a letter was sent to the company, explaining the problems the trailers cause, and they need additional first aid equipment. “I was told they have the equipment, they just need to have better instructions.”

The Steve Kraft family is donating flashing lights for the four corners that will help when the helicopter lands.

Other happenings include the tornado of May 27. “It was a huge learning experience for myself. If it happens again, and I hope it doesn’t, I will shut down the town. It’s not that we don’t appreciate the help, but we don’t want people to get hurt,” the chief said. The department has worked out more plans for the next time.

LSFD is working to gain nine more sections in York township. “We are working with York, Harmony and Chester. It just logistically makes sense.”

The Father’s Day breakfast was the best so far, and the organization is working on getting stuff together for Sweet Corn Days. In addition, the fire department will have a waterball tournament on Friday night.

• Jill Tibbals spoke on behalf of the Park & Pool Board, commenting that lessons were completed the prior week. “A couple guards with WSI (Water Safety Instructor) chose not to renew their certification.” The board dropped them down 50¢ an hour in pay.

At Brown Park, the wood chips are down and the play equipment is in. What is left is timbers to make the area distinguishable.

•Jami Schwickerath told council she was now in charge of the Sweet Corn Days 5K on Saturday. In the past, no streets were closed for the event, but the fire department was used for traffic control. Council said she could continue as in the past.

• Council members and Public Works Director Casey Sebastian will look at prices for a grapple to be used for picking up branches from yards. Assistant Director Ed Hampe said it is a time-saver. The City borrowed one after the June 30/July 1 wind storms. At one spot, Ed noted, it took an hour with the grapple. Without, it would have taken all day.

• Council member Brad Johnson asked who dumped concrete in the city dump, stating it looked like it did not come from city residents. 

A lengthy discussion was held on whether or not to allow area folks to dump trees and concrete at the dump. Sebastian and Mayor Kevin Bill stated by letting some folks dump stuff, it allows the City some bartering ability to get projects done.

Eddie Miller suggested putting up signs to show which areas are designated for trees/shrubs, concrete/rocks and dirt.

• Jerry Johnson was on hand to speak on behalf of Spring Ahead Learning Center. Council had looked over expenses for the facility a few months ago and decided to up the rent from $125 per month to $200, an increase of $75. 

Johnson said his board would like the amount to be less. Council person Kris Kraft said she was at one of their meetings, and they are having a hard time keeping teachers. In addition, Bill stated, “We want to see the daycare stay in there.”

It was voted to raise the rent to $150 and look at it again next year.

• City-wide clean-up is set for Thursday, July 25 for curbside pick-up.

• Bill said the issue of whether there will be sweet corn for Sweet Corn Days has been solved. It will come from Harrington. In the past Libby’s at Rochester has given the corn for free, but it will have to be paid for from now on.

• The next City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, Aug. 6.