Debi Durham, director of Iowa Economic Development Authority, to tour Lansing and meet with some local leaders this Wednesday

by Julie Berg-Raymond

Debi Durham, who heads the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA), will be visiting Lansing this Wednesday, October 11, to tour the city and engage in conversation with local leaders about recent developments and efforts to improve the city through infrastructure and business development. Main Street Lansing (MSL) Executive Director Andrew Boddicker informed the Lansing City Council about Durham’s visit during the council’s regular meeting held Monday, October 2.

Deanna Triplett, senior policy and partnership manager with IDEA will be accompanying Durham on her visit to Lansing. In addition to Durham, Triplett and Boddicker, the following people will attend Wednesday’s event: Melissa Hammel, mayor of Lansing; Christopher Troendle, Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission department head and MSL board president; Valerie Reinke, executive director of Allamakee County Economic Development and Tourism; Dr. Sarah Murray, Eastern Allamakee Community School District Superintendent and Kee High School/Middle School Principal; Maryann Baldwin, Lansing Office Works owner and MSL board member; and Senator Mike Klimesh, Iowa State Senator for District 32.

Following a brief presentation by Boddicker at Lansing Office Works, the group will tour the city - including stops at Main Street Plaza, Mt. Hosmer Veterans Memorial Park, the Old Stone School, the old Allamakee County Courthouse, and a Mississippi riverfront tour and pontoon ride hosted by Blake Schoh and S&S Houseboat Rentals. Finally, a tour of Main Street in downtown Lansing will focus on a conversation about streetscape renovation plans and local economic development.

“(Durham’s) leadership and insight is paramount to moving projects and ideas forward as regards potential state funding through various programs that exist within the structure of IEDA and IFA,” Boddicker said. “Her visit has been a long time coming and we are excited to show her all of the incredible improvements that have been made, the transition we currently face with the new bridge and closing of the coal plant, and our plans for the future as regards historic preservation, infrastructure projects, and more.”

In other MSL business, Boddicker reported on the town hall meeting held earlier that evening at the Meehan Memorial Lansing Public Library. He said about 30 community members attended the meeting, and that five people signed up to serve on an advisory group for the Old Stone School.

Boddicker also told the council that MSL is organizing a candidate forum for the upcoming election. He said three people are running for two open seats on the council, and one candidate is running for mayor.

STREETS
The council approved the Driftless Half Marathon Committee’s request for the same road closures as have been enacted in previous years: Front Street from Valley Street to the fire station (divert traffic on Valley to Fourth) and on the south side of the fire station from Front Street to 2nd Street. The Driftless Half Marathon, now in its sixth year, will be held this Saturday, October 14, from 6 to 11 a.m.

The council also approved the purchasing of solar streetlights, for a maximum dollar amount of $4,500. Francis Garrett is donating $4,000 toward the purchase.

OTHER BUSINESS
In other business, the council approved the Marina Board’s request for a three-percent increase on levee lots, winter storage and slips at the city marina. The council also agreed to write a letter for Greg Wilwert stating there are no current zoning restrictions that would preclude him from selling firearms in the city. Wilwert will be taking over ownership of River N Ridge Outdoors, located at 90 South Front Street in Lansing.

The next regular meeting of the Lansing City Council is scheduled for Monday, October 17, at 7 p.m., in the Lansing City Hall.