New life after death

Family members will soon have a new way to honor the memory of deceased loved ones at Pleasant View Cemetery.

The Hartley City Council on Sept. 14 agreed to move forward with the "Memory Trees for Pleasant View Cemetery" project. The idea was proposed by the Cemetery Chapel Committee, which helps raise funds for improvements and the preservation of the local burial grounds.

"The plan is to preserve the beauty of the cemetery, because most people love that cemetery up there," said committee member Kathy Luedke, who pitched the idea to the council with Annette Gebert. "The trees do provide a lot in terms of offering a wonderful atmosphere for it."

The project encourages community members to purchase a tree in memory of a loved one, entire family or "just because." It will also help meet the need for future trees in the cemetery's east addition.

Luedke noted several trees in the cemetery are in poor condition due to age, disease or weather damage. The new trees will help update and diversify the population, she said.

Trees suitable for the cemetery will be chosen from a selected list and monetary level, which is tiered at $150, $250 and $350-plus. The price will include the purchase of the tree, planting materials, mulch, fencing and continued maintenance. A one-year replacement will be granted if the tree does not thrive in the first 365 days after planting.

The selection of tree planting sites and suitable species will be developed through a long-term plan. A maximum of five trees will be ordered each year to allow for proper care and the establishment of root systems.

The council was on board with the committee's proposal.

"I think it's a good idea," said Council Member Ron Hengeveld.

• Applies for COVID-19 relief funds

In other business, the city council approved a resolution requesting reimbursement from the Iowa COVID-19 Government Relief Fund.

Gov. Kim Reynolds established the fund this year with monies from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic (CARES) Act to help local governments with direct expenses incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reimbursements may only be used for necessary coronavirus-related expenditures that were not accounted for in the current fiscal year budget and have not been reimbursed from other sources.

Hartley is requesting a little more than $30,000. If approved, the city would be reimbursed for expenses such as cloth facemasks, counter sneeze guards, and virtual meeting technology costs for City Hall, the library and pool. In addition, the city qualifies for 25 percent of its police department, ambulance and fire department wages paid during the specified timeframe (March 1 – July 31).

According to City Administrator Erica Haack, this reimbursement program will cover costs incurred through December 31, 2020.

• Sell property, old ambulance

An empty lot located at 350 1st St. SW was sold for $3,711 to Tim and Roxann Swanson.

The former house on the property suffered a fire, which led the previous owner to abandon it. The property was acquired by the city this year and the garage and home were promptly demolished.

Only one other bid was received from Rod and Karen Keller for $1,500. The Swansons reside in the house directly east of the property while the Kellers live in the one directly north.

Roxann Swanson, who is on the city council, abstained from voting on the sale.

Additionally, the council agreed to sell the city's old ambulance to Adam Lux for $4,500. The ambulance team retired the rig after a new vehicle was purchased earlier this year.