Commercial insurance proposals reviewed by Royal council

Commercial and property insurance proposals were considered by the Royal City Council at its meeting on March 9.

Spencer Insurance Services submitted quotes from two insurance companies. The quote from EMC Insurance Companies, the current carrier, is $15,468; coverage through Iowa Communities Assurance Pool was quoted at $11,927 plus a maximum of $2,603 for worker’s compensation insurance, bringing the total to $14,530.

Community Insurance in Spencer submitted a quote from Iowa Municipal Insurance, Ltd. for $13,221. According to discussion, that proposal suggested increasing coverage because the company felt some areas were underinsured.

“I value being a customer of someone for a long time, but I also value someone eager to get your business and do it honestly,” said Mayor Josh Toft.

Council members discussed pros and cons of the plans as well as coverage options. Wanting to have an accurate comparison of the proposals, a committee comprised of Toft and Council Members Sara Ricke and Jim Virelli was appointed to meet with the agents. Council Member Matt Goyette was named alternate.

The group planned to meet as soon as possible, as the policy renewal deadline is April 1. The committee is authorized to make the final decision.

• Final reading of ordinance book

The third and final reading of Royal’s code of ordinances completes the process of updating the entire code book. The updated language goes into effect upon publication of a summary of the ordinances.

Interpretation of the limitations on semi parking in the restricted residential area and the 9-ton weight limit on streets was discussed again.

“How I read it, if you have a weight restriction on a road there is a weight restriction on a road,” Goyette observed.

Council members acknowledged there are times when semis exceeding the weight limit would be allowed to make deliveries, but the intention is to limit the impact of heavy vehicles on city streets.

• Alliant easements, tower painting

Documents granting easements to Alliant Energy for placement of electrical equipment in city rights-of-way were reviewed. The easements are related to Alliant Energy’s upcoming underground construction project.

Easements were requested on 7th Avenue (150th Avenue) on the west side of Royal, at the intersections of Meadow Street and Church Street. Council members suggested the location on Meadow Street be relocated to an alley right-of-way.

The council accepted Alliant Energy’s proposed location for the easement on Park Street in northeast Royal, and recommended the requested easement near the Great Hall of Royal be moved to the north side of an adjoining street right-of-way.

Estimates received for painting the water tower range from $25,000 to $40,000. American Rescue Plan Act revenues could be used to finance the project. Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen suggested the project be done while repainting is all the structure needs.

“If we wait until it gets rusty before we paint it, it will have to be sandblasted,” he noted.

In other business, council members agreed it would be advantageous to map water and sewer mains, valves and shutoffs while they are being located for the underground electrical project this year. Curb stops will be checked when Nielsen replaces water meters.

Properties will be surveyed to determine which ones did not make progress since final nuisance notices were sent out last year. Those not in compliance or having vehicles not meeting the code will receive another letter. Clean-up Day in Royal will be scheduled for late April or early May.