Council approves community center rental fee increase

The City of Alta is hoping that a gate arm could soon be put in place at the railroad crossing on West Highway. The cost of the device runs close to $180,000.

The city has applied for funding from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The railroad has agreed that if the funding is received that they would pay 5 percent of the cost; the city would also be responsible for 5 percent, which could total between $7,500 and $9,000.

The process of determining who receives the funding is a slow one, said City Clerk Tom Huseman, but the application is in and the city will wait to hear if they will be awarded the funds.

There will be a $2 increase in garbage pick up beginning in December. Raising the fee was introduced three months ago and the council conducted the normal readings three times (each month) prior to it taking effect.

In other business of the November council meeting,

* Sue Boyd was appointed to serve on the Library Board

* The snow ban went into effect Nov. 15. Remember - no overnight parking on city streets until the ban is lifted in the spring.

* Community Center rental fees will increase immediately. For the north and the south areas as well as the kitchen and bar will cost $275, up from the $200 fee currently being charged. Renting the south room which includes the bar will cost $150, up from $100. The north area will cost $160 up form $110. The use of the kitchen will cost an additional $20.