Public hearing set on city budget; tax askings increase

The Alta City Council has put together a proposed budget for the fiscal year 2011 that calls for 7 1/2 percent increase in tax askings. A public hearing has been set for March 1 at 6 p.m. for comments.

The estimated tax levy rate per $1,000 valuation is proposed to be $7.940, as compared to $7.60 last year and the estimated tax levy rate per $1,000 valuation on agriculture land is proposed to be $3, which remains the same as last year.

While the budget is set at $4.1 million, as compared to the approximate $1 million budget, people should not be alarmed, said city clerk Tom Huseman. The budget includes $3 million for the new sewer plant construction - grants have been received and other finances have been secured to help pay the cost of the new sewer plant that is being mandated by the state to be put up.

Huseman added that general costs of operating the city have increased as well.

During the open forum at the city council meeting last week, Joan Curbow and Julia Behm of the library board appeared and distributed the monthly report for the community library. It detailed circulation, patrons and attendance, and internet usage for the month of December. A proposed agreement between the school and library for software sharing was reviewed.

Paul Koth, developer of West Links Villas, appeared before the council to present a layout and explain the four 1,425 sq/ft duplexes that he plans to build in the northwest corner of West Links Golf Course. Koth said two units have already been sold. Construction is planned to start in the spring. Koth asked the city to install a life station to service the lot as the current sewer line in the area has a flow-line 4'8" below the manhole, which is too shallow for connection from the basements on the lots. He presented a cost estimate of approximately $5,000 for the lift and pump. Following discussion, the council agreed to purchase the lift station and required pumps to be installed in the right-of-way on the north side of Lot 9. Koth will be required to install the lift and the piping from the lots to the lift. The city will make the connection to the sewer main from the lift station.

Koth also explained that there is a large brush pile on the ground where the development will be located. He asked if it should be hauled to the brush pile for city employees to dispose of. Council member Pam Henderson asked to give a one-day exception to the burning ban on which Koth can burn the brush during an east wind.

Police Chief McDonald suggested to the council the possibility of transferring the police radios to the fire department when the county goes digital. He said the radios his department uses can be reprogrammed to narrow band, but not digital. The narrow band will continue to work for the fire department.

Mayor Morris requested that Chief McDonald provide monthly reports of vehicle service and mileage to the council.

Code Enforcement Officer Michehl told the council that 61 sidewalk notices were sent during January. Nine failed to comply and were cleaned by the city with the costs to be assessed. Michehl also reported that 301 Buena Vista, which has been a troublesome area for vandals and has created some safety issues since it has been vacant for some time, has been purchased and will be remodeled into a five-unit apartment.

The street sweeper is in need of some repair. An estimated cost of $6,000 was received from the Eddy-Walker company and discussed. The shifter, bearings, and filters need to be replaced. Brad Pedersen said that the street department normally does this type of maintenance in the winter, but doesn't think there will be time to complete the job. Pedersen was asked to check with Tim Radke to see if he could transport the sweeper to Eddy-Walker in Des Moines if he is picking up some equipment in the area. The council would like the sweeper repaired now so that it will be ready for use in the spring.

The new street department pickup has arrived. Running boards will be purchased at a cost of $425 and it will cost $145 for installation. The council suggested having the bed liner sprayed for $450.

Shawn Arneson, representing the NW Iowa Regional Corridor, thanked the Council for their efforts to bring business and industry to the area. He said the Regional Corridor is doing 50 interviews in the four county area regarding expansion and business retention. Locations and sites available for businesses to locate are available on the website. A regional job fair will be held in June this year.

In other business, the council:

* appointed Dr. Chris Hansen to the unexpired term on the library board

* approved the renewal beer permit for the Buena Vista Raceway

* approved a rent reduction request for a Sheriff's Reserve fund-raiser at the Alta Community Center on Feb. 20 and approved a second rent reduction request for the FFA pancake breakfast on Feb. 14.