The West Liberty council approved a memorandum of understanding between the city and the University of Iowa. The agreement would see members of the police department help with law enforcement during football games at Kinnick Stadium. Officers will be paid $85 per hour for their work at the games. Police chief Joshua Houser said this was a similar agreement to those made in previous years.
Buysse subdivision easements
The council approved the termination of one sanitary sewer easement in the Buysse subdivision and entered into an agreement for another.
For “the sum of $1.00 and other valuable consideration,” GHS Development Inc. granted this new easement for any and all work in association with installing sanitary sewer lines in the subdivision.
There was no public comment offered, either in person or in writing.
City engineer’s report
City engineer Leo Foley reported there will be a meeting on July 19 between the city and West Liberty Foods to discuss progress on the wastewater project.
Foley also gave an update on Well #2, saying that it has been disinfected. “All the bad water that’s been in it for a long time has been blown out of the watermain.” Foley added that representatives from Northway Well & Pump would be meeting with him and city water and sewer superintendent Danny Goodale to discuss how to integrate Well #2 with the city’s other wells.
As to the Rainbow/Maxson project, Foley said, “We’re down to about one last little crack before we can close that project out.”
A rate study has been concluded and Foley said he would be meeting with department heads to discuss what the next five years will look like regarding city projects that need to be completed. City clerk Shari Hoffert noted utility billing clerk Melissa Stout pulled much of the information Veenstra & Kimm needed for the study.
Foley gave an update on the re-roofing project at the electrical plant. He said during the work, more leaks were discovered. He and electric superintendent Cody Franklin withheld a portion of the payment to D.C. Taylor Co. to “get their attention.
“They were there the next day. They fixed what they say were all the leaks.”
Foley said Franklin wanted to see what would happen to the roof during a big rain. “Fortunately, we’re getting it,” said Foley, referencing last Tuesday’s rainy evening. “Hopefully all those leaks should be settled. If not, I’m sure they’ll be back.” He added that D.C. Taylor had a 10-year warranty from the roofing manufacturer.
The council approved a payment of $121,577.32 to D.C. Taylor for ongoing work on the electric plant roof.
Fair time
New West Liberty Chamber of Commerce director Jacob Lane announced that the Muscatine County Fair parade and the Picnic in the Park will be held Sunday, July 14. The parade will begin at 2 p.m., with the picnic from 3-5:30 p.m. at Kimberly Park. “Bring everyone out. It should be a good time, and we’re excited,” said Lane.
“It was a fun event last year,” said mayor Mark Smith. “I encourage everyone to bring their families.”
Council member Dominguez and Mayor Smith congratulated Lane on his new position with the Chamber.
Bills
The council approved bills in the amount of $353,360.54 and library prepaid claims in the amount of $4,946.16.
Mayor pro tem Cara McFerren and council member Omar Martinez were absent from the meeting.
The council will hold a work session on the pool feasibility study one hour prior to the July 16 meeting.