Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Members continue to address nuisance issues
The City of Royal wants to purchase a mower, but has not been able to test models in order to decide which option is best.
According to discussion at the July 14 council meeting, a final decision will depend on staff being able to test a Ferris mower from Jaycox Implement. The city currently has a Ferris mower and is happy with its performance.
“We’re holding out for Lake Park to get one there so we can try it out,” said Maintenance Supervisor Sherman Nielsen. “Lance (Kruse) is really impressed with the Ferris. He really likes the one we’ve got. He wants to see the new one.”
Nielsen said another option to consider is a Gravely mower from Galen’s Pro Mow.
Council members expressed concern that a final decision would have to be delayed until their next meeting.
“What I don’t want to do is lose three weeks because of a technicality,” said Council Member Matt Goyette.
Based upon Jaycox Implement’s quote for the Ferris, the council authorized spending a maximum of $10,500 for whichever mower Nielsen and Kruse choose.
• Progress with nuisance properties
A recent survey of properties which had received letters from the city indicated progress was made at most.
“Ninety percent of them are cleaned up,” Goyette said. “We are noticing the ones making improvements, but we need to stay on top of it.”
Those where cleanup was not completed according to conditions listed in the letter will see another. One owner will be directed to submit a plan and timeframe for addressing cleanup of the property.
The files of those who do not adequately respond to the next letter will be forwarded to the city attorney for further action.
“There’s no excuse, really, for people not to do more,” said Council Member Jim Virelli.
Mayor Josh Toft said nuisance abatement language in the updated code of ordinances will give the city more clout in its efforts to address property cleanup.
“The new code language will give the city more power and more legs to stand on,” Toft noted. “It will be even easier to go after the small things after the new language is adopted.”
Council members are currently meeting with Darren Bumgarner, of Northwest Iowa Planning and Development, to complete Royal’s updated code of ordinances.
• Funding updates
Royal is eligible for an estimated $60,950.68 through the American Rescue Plan, based on a population of 409 residents. The funding is part of a federal allocation of $65.1 billion for cities and towns nationwide.
The Iowa League of Cities is assisting with the application process. City Clerk Barb Fletcher said more guidance will be forthcoming in regard to how ARP funds may be used. She will be working on Royal’s application in the coming weeks.
“If we don’t take it, somebody else will,” Virelli said.
Fletcher also received word that Royal’s application for a generator at the lift station was selected by FEMA for further review. Further word about the application’s status will be received after the review is finished.
In other business, the council authorized Rehab Systems, of Cherokee, to jet sewer lines this summer.
“We’ll have to see what we get when we start,” Nielsen said. “It’s a whole lot cheaper to do as a preventive, rather than wait until we have a problem.”
