Roof replacement process continues

The process of replacing hail-damaged roofs on buildings owned by the City of Royal took another step forward during the council meeting on Dec. 11.

Council members reviewed claim summaries from Iowa Communities Insurance Pool (ICAP) for actual cash value and recoverable depreciation for roofs on the community building and city maintenance shop. Metal roofs on both buildings were damaged during a hail storm on May 20.

“I’m pretty impressed with how high it is on the ICAP side,” said Council Member Jeff Van Westen.

Actual cash value is the amount equal to replacement cost, minus depreciation of the damaged property at the time of loss. According to discussion, the city is expected to receive approximately $131,000, which the council voted to accept.

“Total recoverable depreciation is the amount they will give us,” Van Westen noted.

The council in November directed that new bid sheets be sent to contractors. That was done because not all of the original quotes met the specifications. There were also discrepancies in the new bids, but the council chose Four B Construction to replace the community building roof and Austin Brown and FoamWorx Insulation to replace the roof of the maintenance shop and insulate it.

• Citizen concerns, ordinance amendments

Residents expressed concerns to the council about a property on Meadow Street, alleging that work being done inside the house in the early morning hours creates noise that can be heard across the street. They also stated that materials burned on the property create offensive odors.

According to discussion, requests that the activity be stopped have been unsuccessful, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office has indicated there is nothing it can do.

Mayor Josh Toft said he would talk with Sheriff Chris Raveling about the situation. According to meeting minutes published in this issue, the sheriff has suggested the city attorney send a letter, by personal service, to the property owner addressing the issues.

The council also discussed an issue regarding a fence that was erected without the property owner applying for a building permit. That situation has been resolved; however, council members agreed that city ordinances should be updated so that penalties can be assessed if similar situations arise in the future.

• Wages set for 2025, donations approved

Discussion was held concerning city employee pay rates for 2025. The following hourly rates were set: Maintenance Superintendent Sherman Nielsen, $25; City Clerk Jill Hickey, $20.50; part time employees Lance Kruse and Tanner Nielsen, $18.

The council authorized annual donations of $400 to Upper Des Moines Opportunity and $300 to Royal Community Action.

Nielsen reported the lift station generator was to be delivered on Dec. 12. Power Solutions will complete the necessary electrical wiring for the project. He also suggested that the sander should be updated, as it is over 20 years old. He will prepare cost estimates for consideration when the council discusses the 2025-26 budget.