Lansing City Council accepts bid for repair projects related to 2013 flooding
by B.J. Tomlinson
During its regular meeting Monday, May 18, the Lansing City Council reviewed and approved a bid of $72,749.84 from Skyline Construction to complete three City repair projects related to the 2013 flood. The City will be responsible for 10% of the cost, with FEMA and the State paying the rest. The three projects include installing rip rap on the slope behind the City’s maintenance building and repairing the Mt. Hosmer road and Westgate Drive. Mayor Mike Brennan said a pre-construction meeting to determine a start date and other details will be arranged in the near future.
Lansing resident Arlene Lynes addressed the Council to report an issue with her neighbor, who started building a privacy fence project between the two properties three years ago but has not completed it. Lynes said the privacy fence panels were evidently not installed correctly and tend to come loose and blow into her yard. She voiced concern that one of the panels may break free and cause injuries to her grandchildren who will be visiting this summer. Mayor Brennan said the Council is not authorized to intervene in issues between neighbors.
Allamakee County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Coordinator Chris Dahlstrom addressed the Council regarding the services offered by his office. Services include fire department and EMS training, funding applications, general planning, hazardous chemical responses, evacuations and conducting informational public meetings. Dahlstrom said the biggest potential hazard in the Lansing area is crude oil incidents along the railway line such as a recent one in Minnesota.
Marty Brennan, Main Street Lansing representative, reported that interviews are being conducted this week for a new director, and the annual “Spiffy up” sweeping day on Main Street will be held Wednesday, May 20.
People Service representative Heath Draeger distributed a draft of an informational letter to be sent to area contractors who are involved in excavation. The new guidelines will begin July 1, 2015. Applications to become an approved contractor are free and can be obtained from the City Clerk.
In other business, the Council reviewed and approved a subdivision plat for Steve Casterton and Kenny Becker for a condominium at Fourth and Center Streets. The Council also reviewed and approved a revised 28E agreement between the Lansing and New Albin Police Departments; the terms agreed upon by both Councils will be forwarded to City Attorney Rick Zahasky, who will draft a formal contract.
