The Elkader City Council received word that the railing for the Keystone Bridge is expected to be delivered next week. The city is expected to be given a one-week notice in order to communicate with the public. It will take no longer than two weeks to install. Several options were talked about with the city for the installation. The Council decided to close the bridge to vehicle traffic while the railing is installed. A rededication for the bridge will be held on May 7th at 3pm at Keystone Park.
The Council approved up to 56-thousand dollars for additional repair work on Plum Street Northeast.
Elkader City Council Proceedings
The Elkader City Council met on Monday, April 29, 2024 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. at the Elkader City Hall with Mayor Josh Pope presiding.
Roll call: Present: Deb Schmidt, Randy Henning, Bob Garms, Tony Hauber and Daryl Bruxvoort.
Henning moved to approve the consent agenda. Garms seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Henning, Schmidt, Bruxvoort, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
Consent Agenda
a. Minutes from the public hearing and the Council meeting held on April 8, 2024
b. Bills (April 5-26, 2024)
c. Approval of special event request form for Park-to-Park 5K sponsored by Central Community School Central Track & Field Teams to be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024
d. Approval new home purchase housing incentive for 505 1st Street NW
e. Approval of Resolution 2024-17 – Resolution Accepting Donation of Real Property
f. Approval of Resolution 2024-19 - Resolution Setting a Public Hearing for the City of Elkader FY 2024-25 Budget Amendment
g. Approval of Resolution 2024-20 – Establishing pool fees
Public comments The owner of Elkader Pizzeria was in attendance to ask questions about the new refuse collection process and rates.
Update from Kathy Garms on Abdelkader Education Project (AEP) Garms provided an update on activities of the AEP. She asked for Council ideas and input on rebuilding the AEP board and more Elkader presence, bringing back the AEP forum to Elkader and a June 22nd meeting with officials in Mascara (via Zoom). Council members shared their appreciation of her work and dedication to the AEP and keeping the Sister City relationship going.
Public Hearing – Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget; Approval of Resolution 2024-18 – Adopting the Annual Budget for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 Mayor Pope opened the public hearing on the FY 24-25 budget. No questions or comments were received. Mayor Pope closed the public hearing. Garms moved to approve Resolution 2024-18 approving the FY 25 budget. Hauber seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Henning, Schmidt, Bruxvoort, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
Update on Keystone Bridge project
Installation of railing It is anticipated that the railing will be delivered May 7th. They are to give the City at least one week notice in order to communicate with the public. It will take no longer than two weeks to install. The engineer from Origin Design reviewed several options with the Council for the installation: closing the bridge to pedestrians, closing the walkway only during working hours, closing the bridge to vehicles, using a shuttle service for pedestrians, using a flagger to allow either one lane of traffic or pedestrians to cross. Cost estimates were available with each option. Hauber moved to close the bridge to vehicle traffic. Garms seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Henning, Schmidt, Bruxvoort, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
Schmidt indicated frustration with the cost and schedule of the project and that Origin needs to address this concern.
b. Storm sewer outlet Over the winter the large storm sewer installed on the courthouse side of the bridge experienced joint separation and loss of bedding material. The engineers and contractors are meeting to determine the cause and options for repairs. They will not know the exact cause of the problems until they dig it up.
c. Possible discussion of change order #4 The final change order for the project is ready for IaDOT review and will come to the Council at their next meeting. It covers additional stone repair and changes to prices for items that were bid for 2022 construction but not constructed until 2023.
d. Approval of pay request #23 for $49,568.95Henning moved to approve pay request #23. Hauber seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Henning, Schmidt, Bruxvoort, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
First Reading of Ordinance 2024-01 – Changing Zoning Code to prohibit storage containers in C2 zoning district (public hearing to be held on May 13, 2024) Garms moved to approve the first reading of 2024-01. Schmidt seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Henning, Schmidt, Bruxvoort, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
Administrative staff update:
Approve proposal for additional repairs to the 300 block of Plum Street NE (not to exceed $56,000)
($43,850 is additional unapproved cost); push Poplar Street to next fiscal year? Hauber moved to approve the proposal for repairs to Plum Street and using the money allocated for Poplar Street repair towards this project. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Aye: Henning, Schmidt, Bruxvoort, Hauber, Garms
Nay: None
Staff updated Council on several other topics.
Questions and concerns of the council A concern was shared about people speeding on E. Bridge Street. Chief
Seitz is conducting research in this area. A concern was shared about the gates at the dog park. A concern was shared about increased traffic in the alley between W. Bridge Street and Cedar Street NW.
Adjournment Henning moved to adjourn the meeting. Schmidt seconded the motion. Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.