Street work, garbage and debris were among key topics at the Wednesday, Sept. 8 meeting of the Nichols City Council held at the Nichols City Hall, with Mayor Linsey Reimers presiding.
The council raised monthly garbage pick-up rates by $2 to $23 to local residents because of an increase by the city’s garbage collector, Overson Refuse and Recycling in Wilton. It was the third reading of that ordinance, approved by the council via a unanimous vote.
The new rates will take effect with the October invoicing according to city clerk Aeneas Schmitz.
In a related issue, it was pointed out the city’s brush pile can only be used by residents of the city, which now plans to post signs because of abuse by people outside the community.
The brush pile is burned on an as-needed basis as practice for the Nichols Fire Department first responders.
City council member Russ Grim said abuses to the pile have taken place from out of town commercial businesses, which are not allowed to dump debris at the undisclosed site. A list of rules to use the burn pile will soon be posted and abusers caught dumping at the site will be cited by the local police.
The city also passed an ordinance to file the city’s street finance report with the state DOT (Department of Transportation) in order to obtain Road Use Taz funds allocated for the city The reports must be completed by Dec. 1.
In other business, fire chief Kevin Flynn reported that engine 411 is under repair in Alexis and hopes to have it back in action soon.
Police chief Jeff Jirak reminded residents to lock up buildings, their residences and personal property like vehicles as there has been a multiple number of break-ins to storage units and sheds throughout central Iowa in recent weeks.
Council member Grim also praised the work of Brian Wright, the Muscatine County Emergency Manager, who is leaving his position for retirement.
Council member Cindy Massey said the city plans to host youth Halloween activities at the fire station and more details would be released at the October meeting of the council.
The council also approved a resolution to match funds on a grant for a new generator to be used as a back-up at the city’s sewer lift station. The grant is being applied for through FEMA.
The council won’t meet again until Wednesday, Oct. 13, for a 7 p.m. meeting at city hall. Anyone is welcome to attend.