Final steps taken to switch Royal's water utility to ILRW

Transfer of the operation and maintenance of the City of Royal's water utility to Iowa Lakes Regional Water was finalized on July 21, when water meters were read for the final time by the city.

City Clerk Barb Fletcher informed the city council on Aug. 8 that the last water bills due to the city were sent. Future billings to Royal residents will come from ILRW.

Fletcher was authorized to issue refunds to eligible water customers.

The council approved the final reading of the ordinance designating Iowa Lakes Regional Water as operator of Royal's water facilities. All of ILRW's rates, rules and regulations will apply.

Amended language of the agreement for operating the utility was drafted by ILRW's attorney. According to discussion, City Attorney Jill Davis had not reviewed the entire agreement but still recommended passage of the ordinance to protect the city's interests.

Also approved were changes to Royal's sanitary sewer usage rates. The base water amount is now 1,000 gallons instead of 1,300. The new amount aligns with that of ILRW, which will include the city's sewer charges on monthly water bills.

• Street improvements top priority

Further discussion of potential capital improvement projects identified street improvements as the top priority.

Upgrading Main Street heads the list. Cost estimates for a complete rebuild are approximately $900,000 while milling a portion of the existing surface and an asphalt overlay is estimated to cost about half that.

Mayor Josh Toft said he favors the first option because of the longevity of a concrete street.

"It's going to cost a lot, but it would be a much better street," he said. "That's a 50-year street, at least."

The council has set a target date of 2025 to have the Main Street project completed.

Another priority is Long Street, which is in "bad shape." Also mentioned was constructing a new street on property owned by the city in the east part of town.

Completing installation of a generator at the lift station is also a priority. Toft said the proposed type of generator can be connected to the lift station's electrical system.

He also reported on discussions with Clay County about redesignating the farm-to-market road in Royal. To do so will involve several parties at the county and state levels.

"It is a process, but I'm willing to do it," Toft said. "It's worth it trying to work with them."

• Skid loader to be traded in

In other business, the city will trade in the current skid loader after the new one is delivered this fall by Ziegler Cat.

Jim Ransom was reappointed as Royal's representative to the Northwest Iowa Regional Housing Authority for a five-year term.

Two nuisance abatement notices sent by Northwest Iowa Planning and Development were not signed for. Fletcher was authorized to have the sheriff's office deliver them. Fall clean-up day is scheduled for Oct. 16.