Lansing City Council sets March 20 as public hearing date for Clear Creek bridge replacement

by B.J. Tomlinson

After meeting in a closed session at 7 p.m. to discuss strategy in matters currently in litigation, the Lansing City Council began its regular session at 7:20 p.m. Monday, March 6.

City Clerk Katie Becker presented information related to an investment policy,  proposed Resolution No. 890. In compliance with Iowa statutes, the Resolution establishes processes and procedures related to investments. The Council approved the Resolution.

Resident Deb Volker questioned the Council concerning radium in the City's water. She said that doctors have recommended that she and others in her household not drink City water because of the radium.  Mayor Mike Brennan said the well in question has been turned off and that the water has not been deemed dangerous by anyone. "The City is following DNR guidelines," Brennan said, and referred Volker to the Illinois Department of Public Health website, www.idph.state.il.us, for more detailed information in regard to radium in water.

The Council reviewed and approved a building permit at 240 South Fifth Street for an addition and deck. A letter was sent to all neighbors within 300 feet of the residence, and no objections were received.

Contract bids for City trash collection were reviewed.  The Council accepted a bid from Town and Country Sanitation at a monthly rate of $10.78 for single/senior homes and $11.78 for families.

The Council also reviewed and approved a lot lease agreement with S&S Rentals. The agreement increased the yearly fee by three percent, to $1791.00.  Greg Stirn, owner of S&S Rentals, addressed the Council and suggested that S&S purchase the lot rather than leasing it. The Council agreed to consider the suggestion.

A Public Hearing related to the bridge replacement over Clear Creek will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, March 20. Any interested person may attend. See the public notice printed below on this same page for additional information.

Parks Board representative Dave Pleasants addressed the Council, asking that it consider a site for a volleyball court in the park near the Lions Club pavilion. The Council agreed a volleyball court would be a good idea, but postponed a decision pending further exploration of possible sites for the project.

The Council also appointed Stephanie Runkle and Pat Wagner as Parks Board representatives from the Council.  Pleasants further reported that finding personnel for summer recreation programs is problematic and that hiring efforts have so far not been successful.