TheSacNews.com: 5/1/10

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not necessarily quotes.

1. The following amendments were made.
- The revenue has been amended for the lost money that was not budgeted for.
- A loan for the sewer project that was not finished before the end of the fiscal year.
- Sidewalks and street repairs that were not budgeted for.
- Library computer. ($1,500 must be a good computer)
- Legal fees.
- transfer out for local option sales tax that equals amount of unbudgeted revenue.

2. Amendment approved via roll call.

Early City Council discusses installation of a concrete slab to support a picnic table by the municipal building, street work

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not necessarily quotes.

1. Description of concrete picnic table.

2. Description of concrete slab.

3. Can you buy a small amount of concrete?
- Yes, but it may cost double.

4. Are there any other places that need concrete so that a couple of orders could be brought in at the same time?
- There is concrete coming for the street work, if it could be timed.

5. When will the street work need the concrete.
- According to the contractor, when the wind stops blowing.
- It may cost $1,000.00 more.
- suggestion that 25% be held back.
- One council member pointed out that he poured concrete earlier that day.
- The extra $1,000.00 is for what builds up towards the street from the sidewalk and for filling in a grate.

6. How close to are we bid wise?
- about $20,000.00 over.
- A lot was added on after the original bid.
- There are no bid numbers anymore since there have been so many changes.

7. Is this money for both corners?
- No, just the bank.
- “… just keeps bumping up the price more and more…”

8. What do you want me to do?
- It should be done before we pay it.
- If it’s finished before the next council meeting, the council thinks he should be paid.
- It should be inspected before it’s paid for.

9. Back to the slab for the table
- Further description of picnic table.

10. Motion to buy the concrete for the slab asked for.
- Could use a new shop floor.
- You are going to get a minimum trip charge no matter what. 10 yards = $7 per yard… 1 yard - $70 per yard.
- Timing of job again discussed.
- Expertise needed for pouring slab discussed.

11. Motion to buy the concrete for the slab again asked for.
- approved unanimously.

VIDEO - Early Public Works Superintendent reads his report

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010

1. This is a literal reading day by day, hour by hour of what the supt. did.
- There is some minor follow up discussion.

Early City Council discovers that the radio activation device on their storm siren is in compliance with the upcoming standards

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not necessarily quotes.

1. It can now be activated by radio from the Sac County dispatcher.

2. During an earlier test, it was discovered that one of the radios were malfunctioning.
- The radios were purchased used.
- The new broadcast will be on a different frequency, so the city decided to replace both radios.

Sac County Sheriff visits with the Early City Council

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not necessarily quotes.

1. Sheriff making the rounds to contract towns.

2. New deputy has moved into Early.
- She is halfway done with her field program and the sheriff expresses that there is a hope that she will be on her own by the end of June.
- She begins at the academy, possibly n September 3rd at the Western Iowa Tech program.
- Western Iowa Tech has a grant that the SCSD was able to get that will pay for her training.

3. Sheriff points out that there is a complaint of loud music at local bar from a neighbor at least once per month.
- He suggests that in his experience, those situations can get ugly after it goes on for awhile.
- Council members speculate on identity of the complainer.

4. Are the calls during normal business hours of the bar?
- The last call was on April 2 at 10:52PM

5. It will be nice to have a deputy living in town.

6. Working with the Sac City police, they department has cleared 4 or 5 burglaries.
- None of the Early Burglaries, Crossroads is still active.
- Second time Crossroads was broken into.

7. Deputy Irskin is funded through the Odebolt contract.
- She will not have any in town responsibilities that are greater than any other deputies.
- The SCSD contract with Odebolt is for 2080 hours per year.
- The contract calls for a deputy to live in Odebolt. With that contract requirement met, they have decided to try to place one in Early, which has now happened.
- Sheriff seems to feels that the deputies are spread out in an advantageous way.

8. Has there been a change in the level of drug traffic in town?
- There are pending cases that the sheriff seems to think will lead to 3 or 4 arrests.

Vehicle Stolen from Sac City resident recovered in Fort Dodge

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 12, 2010

On October 25, 2009 approximately 10:57 A.M. the Sac City Police Department took a report of a stolen vehicle. The stolen vehicle was a Beige 1999 Saturn owned by a Sac City, Iowa resident.

This vehicle was recovered several days later in Fort Dodge, iowa. On October 25, 2009 a block from on Hobbs St in Sac City, Iowa the Sac City Police Department found a Red 1994 Ford Tauras that was stolen from Storm Lake.

A joint investigation was completed by the Storm Lake Police Department and the Sac City Police Department. The joint investigation led to the arrest of a 17 year old juvenile from Webster City.

The 17 year old juvenile was charged in Sac County and Buena Vista County for Operating Without Owners Consent. This is a Aggravated Misdemeanor.

East Sac County wins 4 conference relay titles

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 12, 2010

The East Sac County girls track team won four relay titles and finished runner-up at the Twin Lakes Conference track and field championships on Tuesday.

The Raiders, who scored 121.5 points and trailed only... Read More at carrollspaper.com

Frost May Force Some Farmers to Replant

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 12, 2010

Frost early Sunday throughout much of Iowa may force some corners to replant their corn, according to the National Agricultural Statistical service.

The temperatures on Sunday were the lowest they have been this late in the spring since May 21, 2002, according to... Read More at KCRG.com

Iowa DOT considers five-year highway plan worth $2.3 billion

SAC COUNTY, IOWA - MAY 12, 2010

The Iowa Transportation Commission today issued draft copy of a five-year highway spending plan that represents about $2.3 billion in road construction.

The draft plan will be considered for approval at... Read More at desmoinesregister.com

Sac City Council Committee reports

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 12, 2010

Nick Frohardt reports that the landfill committee is trying to come up with ways to contain “Some costs.” He gave no details.

Frohardt reports that there are no resolutions coming from the Planning and Zoning committee.

Mayor Powell reports that Wednesday May 12 is the Sac County league meeting in Wall Lake and the northwest Iowa league will meet “A week from this Thursday” in Schleswig.

VIDEO – Sac City Council passes resolution entitled, “Resolution Adopting the Amendment to the Sac City Urban Revitalization Plan Related to Industrial and Certain Commercial Developments”

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 12, 2010

The council didn’t put out enough information during the discussion for members of the public to ascertain what this is about.

They claim It is to “clean up a typo.”

They are probably telling the truth, right?

Sac City Council tables contract amendment with Steele Inc. for debris clean-up

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 12, 2010

Mr. Steele came to Adam in the week previous to the city council meeting with concerns about the amounts that he had bid, using the estimates put out by FEMA. According to Adam Ledford, Sac City Administrator, the amount of work FEMA estimated are ‘Significantly off.”
(Referenced under 2.3 in the contract.)
Based on this concern, the city started to identify trees that were not identified by FEMA.

FEMA, with limitations, gave the go ahead to amend the contract to allow the city to up the amount that Steele Inc. could collect for the work. Adam Ledford reminded the council that in order to comply with the law, they had to be mindful of what the original bids from the other contracts were so as to avoid actually violating state code by paying Steele Inc. more than the next lowest bidder. One of the actions that will send up a red flag to the auditor is if the city pays out an amount to the contractor that does not match what the award amount was. According to Mr. Ledford, there are proper steps to take that will allow them to remain in compliance and it is doable.

According to Councilperson Gary Hansen who claims to have personally inspected tree damage, there was a lot of damage that occurred after the FEMA inspectors passed through due to ice and snow still hanging in the trees.

Councilperson Bill Brenny questioned whether the contractors took a tour of the city prior to accepting. According to Mr. Ledford, prior to bidding the contract, the city provided a copy of the contract, and a copy of the FEMA estimates plus an actual tour of the community that emphasized the areas that are considered public. The biding process was open in early to mid-March when all of the snow was gone. The contract was awarded on April 12, 2010.

Dean Lanning, who has been acting as the city’s inspector during this process said, “…Everything that was in addition to what was marked on the map, FEMA would take a GPS and locate it, each tree.” According to Mr. Lanning there are, in some cases, 7 or 8 trees in one block over the estimates. He seemed to suggest that FEMA’s initial estimates were not very accurate, using 5 trees at the catholic church that were missed as an example. Said Lanning of Steele Inc., “These guys have done a pretty good job and they’ve moved pretty quick.”

The original FEMA estimates were performed in mid February.

Councilperson nick Frohardt asked the contractor, who was present, if they looked at the trees. Mr. Steele said that he had, but that he looked at the size of the trees, since that is a better determiner of how long it takes to do a tree. According to Mr. Steele, if he had to do it all over, he would spend at least a week to looking around to determine exactly what needed to be done. Mr. Steele said he had to go off the numbers that were provided.

In response, Councilperson Frohardt said that he talked to some of the other bidders and claims that they told him that they knew there would be more work than what FEMA listed, and allowed for that in their bid. Mr. Frohardt continued, “With that in mind, have you got a dollar figure your looking at?”
Mr. Steele answered, “I still don’t know how many trees there are, I guess.” Mr Frohardt said, ;I feel kind of bad, after we approved the lowest bid. Which we had to take, and then come back and go, to say, now what about these other guys that did a more thorough job and knew it was gong to be more extensive?”

Mr. Steele asked if the councilperson thought any of those contractors could give him an accurate number, to which Mr. Frohardt seemed forced to admit that he did not know, but that those contractors bid more because they knew there was going to be more.

Mr. Frohardt again emphasized that the city had to take the low bid, and complained about the spot this put the city in.

Mr. Brenny broke in and read a portion of the contract that said the following: “The estimated amount of debris to be removed under this contract is not guaranteed.” He voiced his support for Mr. Frohardt’s position saying, “all of the other contractors… they perhaps took that into consideration… we don’t know that.”

Mr. Steele emphasized that estimating it would be a week long process and that you would have to have your monitor with you, because you couldn’t just assume what they were going to ask you to do.

At this point Gary Hansen reminded everyone present that he accompanied the contractor and saw first hand that there were whole blocks that were not represented In the FEMA estimate… that the maps were not correct.

Councilman Fr4ederick joined Frohardt and Brenny saying, “I would make my bid based on my estimates, not FEMA’s”

The contractor pointed out that the FEMA inspectors were not going to just let them drive by a tree with a 2 inch hanger in it, even if it wasn’t marked.

After a little more back and forth, Mayor Powell suggested that the council table the decision until the contractor could come back with more accurate information about how much extra work there would be. The contractor agreed to that suggestion.

The conversation ended on a hopeful note for the contractor with Adam Ledford putting out information that FEMA was having an identical problem in other communities.

Photos of the Danz501 Recital - Change in TSN photo policy

In order to ensure that photos of our community are not falling into the wrong hands, (I.E. people who are not members of our community,) I have decided that all TSN photo collections will be hosted on Facebook from now on, as I can (mostly) control who sees them there, (at least until friends download them and post them on their own pages, at which point, it’s out of my hands.)

I know there are those of you out there who do NOT like FaceBook, and I’m sorry if this move upsets you, but I’ve given this a lot of thought, talked to my advisors, ETC. and everyone concerned feels that the privacy benefits outweigh the any of the negatives…

That said, the May 8, 2010 Danz501 Recital Photo Collection can be found at the following FaceBook link: http://www.facebook.com/thesacnews?ref=profile#!/album.php?aid=2034755&id=1604241474.
You have to "friend" me to see them. (Part of that security thingy I was talking about earlier.)

Enjoy :)

New, best way to keep up with Kid's World in Sac City, Iowa

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 11, 2010

This is the link to the Kid's World FaceBook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sac-City-IA/Kids-World/122606501085755?ref=ts&v=info#!/pages/Sac-City-IA/Kids-World/122606501085755

So far, they are timely with their event announcements. :)

Jean Rexroat speaks briefly with Sac City Council about her position as the new MidAmerican representative

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 11, 2010
These are not necessarily quotes

1. The old MA contract was Kevin Ricke.

2. Jean Rexroat will take over the duty as the cities contact in MidAmerican.

3. She has taken of a tree program that the city is participating.
- There is a once a year grant that she administers in which the city can participate.
- The grant is for $250.00 and can be divided under different projects.
- The Aquatic Center and the Rec Center have received this grant in the past.
- This grant can be awarded at any time during the year.
- According to Rexroat, if the city has a special project, they should contact her.

4. The MidAmerican trees give away project is handled through the Sac City Trees Forever Committee.

5. Mayor Powell vowed to follow up on the grant.
- According to Rexroat, “It’s money that’s out there and it might as well get used.”

Sac City resident asks council about downed limb pick-up

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 11, 2010
These are not quotes

1. Are limbs in the process of being picked up?
- The contractors have finished their work in the cemetery and Chautauqua park are getting ready to switch over to residential pickup.
- A lot of the limbs south of Main are cut, but they haven’t gotten around to limb pick-up yet.

Sac City Council pays bills for sanitary sewer repairs and improvements totaling $178,641.16

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 11, 2010
These are not quotes

1. Approval of Change Order #1 for Municipal Pipe Tool in the Amount of $57,687.00.
According to Mayor Powell, this was already approved and was put onto the agenda as a discussion item.

2. Approval of Draw Down #4 of CDBG Funds in the Amount of
$65,414.00.
- Without comment.

3. Approval of Draw Down #3 of SRF Loan Money in the Amount of
$113,227.16.
- Without comment.

4. Approval of Municipal Pipe Tool’s Bill in the Amount of $103,669.22.
- Without comment.

5. Approval of Van Hauen & Associates’ Bill in the Amount of $64,450.41.
- They are the firm that is doing the line replacement.

6. Approval of Snyder & Associates’ Bill in the Amount of $7,426.53.
- Without comment.

7. Approval of Region XII Council of Government’s Bill in the Amount of
$3,095.00.
- This bill is for administration.

May 10, 2010 Sac City Council Call to Order

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 11, 2010
These are not quotes

1. Call to Order.
2. Roll Call and 2010 attendance:
Gary Hansen - 3 of 3 (board appointed, mid-term)
Jim Johnston - 9 of 10
Barb Powell (Bloes) - 10 of 10
Bill Brenny - 9 of 10
Jim Frederick - 8 of 10
Nick Frohardt - 9 of 10 (2 late)

2. Welcome of guests.

3. Minutes of the April 26, 2010 City Council meeting approved without challenge

4. May 10, 2010 agenda approved without amendment.

5. Claims approved without comment.

Sac City Council pays bills for the waste water treatment plant upgrade totaling $314,523.85

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 11, 2010
These are not quotes

1. Approval of draw down #4 of CDBG Funds in the amount of
$31,733.00.
- Frederick expresses surprise that there has been 300K worth of work already completed at the WWTP.
- Ledford points out that there is up front purchase of equipment included in this amount.
- There will be a progress meeting on June 1st at the WWTP at 10.00AM.
- There will be a meeting about the sewer line at 2:00PM that same day.

2. Approval of draw down #3 of SRF loan money in the amount of
$282,790.85.
- Without comment.

3. Consideration of approving Eriksen construction’s Bill in the Amount of $279,756.24.
- Without comment.

4. Consideration of approving Region XII Council of Government’s bill in the amount of
$4,786.00.
- Without comment.

5. Consideration of Snyder & Associates’ bill in the amount of $29,981.61.
- Without comment.

May 11, 2010 Sac County Supervisors Meeting report

SAC CITY, IOWA – MAY 11, 2010

1.The Sac County Supervisors meeting was called to order at 10:00AM on May 11, 2010 with all members present.

2. The minutes of the May 4, 2010 meeting were approved without challenge.

3. The following wine permit for the Prairie Peddler was approved without comment:

4. The following tile repair was approved without comment.

5. The meeting recessed to await the arrival of the Sac County Engineer.

Sac Lytton Economic Corridor prediction

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 10, 2010

This is an opinion piece written by Curtis Bloes.

A viewer wrote in suggesting, (I think,) that an economic corridor with the name SLEC be formed to grow what is now known as highway 20 between Sac City and Lytton.

I’m going to assume for a minute that the idea of the SLEC isn’t bs, that there are actual adults contemplating spending the next couple of decades devoting their sad, sad lives to bringing business to that area instead of something more useful... like raising turtles. It will be hard, but I will make myself take this seriously.

I think the organization that you are describing will do the following:

1. Without the authority of the landowners, it will arbitrarily decide that all of the land between Sac City and Lytton that touches D20 (or whatever it ends up being called) is ripe for economic development.

2. They will pressure the landowners using half-truths about how much it will benefit them, resorting in later years to outright lies and exploitation of highly technical federal laws to bring the land-owners into compliance against their will.

3. When the landowners have given up and decided that it is just easier to go along with the idiocy instead of fighting it, the SLEC will begin to pressure Sac City and Lytton to fund them. If either city council questions the need, the people serving on those councils will be labeled anti-progress.

4. The first “great” thing that will happen is that the SLEC will qualify for a grant of f-F-FI-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS IN TOTALLY FREE MONEY THAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO TOTTALLY GIVE TO “US” (the SLEC,) FOR FREE!!!!!11! (as long as both towns commit to contributing something like $20,000 apiece to get this amazing grant.) If either town says, that they don’t have $20,000ish then the SLEC will make sure that the people serving on that council are labeled anti-progress. Through some clever bookkeeping, the money will be socked away for use in the hiring of a future director who,( not surprisingly,) is probably the brains behind the SLEC in the first place.

5. From that point on, if an existing business between Sac City and Lytton is planning to upgrade in any way, (say, adding on a new bathroom,) the SLEC will furiously comb through the red tape and see if they can “help” them get a grant for any amount. The business will be happy to get a $30.00 grant to buy new toilet paper roll hangers or whatever insignificant thing they can get. If the business qualifies for the grant the SLEC will trumpet their success in the local media and use it as a means for convincing city councils that they are legitimate and that those councils should help fund them. If they fail, they will paint themselves as the heroes who are at least trying. Anyone that dares to point out to them that in the grand scheme of things, getting a grant for a business that has already independently decided they could afford to upgrade is of no significance, will be labeled anti-progress.

6. In the meantime, the SLEC will find that they need a director. The director, (what a shock,) will be a paid position. The person that they hire will become the face of the SLEC, and whenever anyone criticizes the failing efforts of the SLEC they will make sure that it is characterized in the community as a personal attack against the director… and that those who are critical are anti-progress.

7. The SLEC will slowly worm their way into the local government, placing people in leadership roles to guarantee that their funding remains constant.

8. In the meantime, somebody, somewhere will decide that maybe they can siphon some the convenience store business from town if they build a gas station at the intersection of D20 and 71 (highway 20, 196.) The SLEC will not be on the ground floor of this business . They will probably have nothing to do with the deal, BUT, as soon as any of the SLEC members hear about the deal they will approach the owner and offer to help them find grants or loans to help them build. The business owner, not wanting to turn down free help will agree to let them look on his/her behalf. If the SLEC is successful in getting the new business a grant or loan for any insignificant amount, they will trumpet their success in the local media and use it as a means for convincing city councils that they are legitimate and that they should fund them. If they fail, they will paint themselves as the heroes who are at least trying. Anyone that dares to point out to them that in the grand scheme of things, getting a grant for a business who has already decided that they can afford to build, isn’t really accomplishing anything, will be labeled anti-progress.

9. Eventually, the director of the SLEC will lose interest and quit trying to grow the Sac Lytton Economic Corridor. The director will instead spend all of their time trying to leverage their directorship into a political leadership position so that they can just give themselves whatever money they need without having to go through the pretense of asking of it. People who are tired of the SLEC’s bs will be understandably opposed to the idea of the director leading anyone other than their own delusional board and will fight tooth and nail against anything this person says. The SLEC board will remind everyone that those that oppose their director in an election are anti-progress.

10. 20 years out the SLEC will have taken credit for whatever number of businesses are out there. They will label their efforts a success and people will be forced to admit that they don’t know how many businesses would be there if the SLEC had not existed. It will not matter if those businesses were going to move in and locate there anyway, since the members of the SLEC will have the local media in their pocket to reinforce that message of their success whether it is real or not. I feel that it’s important to point out that there will also be no numbers indicating how many businesses decided not to locate there because they found that dealing with the SLEC was too difficult.

I’m asking the serious question now, anonymous… Totally without any criticism or sarcasm intended.

Will the SLEC, as you envision it, be an operation run by and for the good and profit of the landowners along that corridor, or will it just be yet another power grab orchestrated by all of the usual pseudo-governmental suspects to further their own pseudo-governmental careers?

Sac County Traffic Court - April 29, 2010 thru May 5, 2010

SAC COUNTY, IOWA - MAY 9, 2010

The following defendants have either been found guilty or have pleaded guilty to the charge after which their name is listed.

16-20 OVER IN A 55 MPH ZONE
Earl Dean Schade, Lake View IA

11-15 OVER IN A 55 MPH ZONE
Daniel Maldonado-Lopez, Marshalltown IA
Eric Lee Robison, Arvada CO

OPERATION W/O REGISTRATION
Wayne R Grodahl, Lytton IA

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SAFETY REG.RULES
Christopher Aaron Homfeld, Higginsville MO
Gregory S. Abbott, Adams NE
Raymond F. Birk, Spencer NE (3 counts)
Robert Stewart Morgan, Hixson TN
Riley R. Gall, Yankton SD
Robert Richard Jones, LeMars IA
Gary L. Braun, Ewing NE
Joshua Jay Pierson, Ida Grove IA
Troy Allen Knutson, Jewell IA (2 counts)
Steven K. Kent, Auburn IA

FAILURE TO CARRY/EXHIBIT PERMIT
Christopher Aaron Homfeld, Higginsville MO

6-10 OVER IN A 55 MPH ZONE
Kimberly Lucille Nordstrom, Carroll IA
Jordan Michael Scholl, Rockwell City IA
Gary James Sterling, Westlake Vgl, CA
Megan J. Roberts, Apple River WI
Daniel R. Schroeder, Odebolt IA
Lisa Marie Rial, Carroll IA
Michael Gene Siemer, Dennison IA
Dennis Elroy Warner, Alta IA
William Lee Falkner, Newell IA
Lisa Varie Blessington, Urbandale IA
Tami Teresa Chisholm, Kiron IA
Kay Lorraine Campbell, Arcadia IA
Sarah Lynn Reisenberg, Audubon IA
Justin Ray Blaster, Sheldon IA

MAX. HOURS OF SERVICE VIOLATION
Raymond F. Birk, Spencer NE
Timothy Michael Laumeyer, Osakis MN

FAIL TO CARRY REGISTRATION CARD
Allen Edward Alderson, Orange City IA
Troy Allen Knutson, Jewell IA

OPERATION BY UNQUALIFIED DRIVER
Joseph C. Herschberger, Atwood IL
Darrell D. Rytych, Bellevue NE
Steven K. Kent, Auburn IA

1-5 OVER IN A 55 MPH ZONE
Daniel Joseph Moran, Granger IA

DARK WINDOW/WINDSHEILD
Zachary Taylor Stec, Des Moines IA

FAIL TO MAINTAIN SAFETY BELTS
Charles Lawrence Thomas, Yankton SD

20+ OVER IN A 55 MPH ZONE
Kayla Jo Bergin, Sioux City IA

FAILURE TO HAVE VALID LICENSE/PERMIT WHILE OP
Kayla Jo Bergin, Sioux City IA
Troy Allen Knutson, Jewell IA

FAIL TO OBEY STOP OR YIELD SIGN
Mary Regina Goodfriend, Storm Lake IA

FAIL TO GIVE NOTICE OF ADDRESS/NAME CHANGE
David C. Brueck, Storm Lake IA

OPEN CONTAINER (DRIVER)
Arnold D. Ripley, Jr., Sac City IA

FAIL TO HAVE A VALID DL
Alicia M. Sanftleben, Minacqua WI
Dustin Allen Lamfers, Lytton IA

FAIL TO PROVE SECURITY (NON ACCIDENT)
Alicia M. Sanftleben, Minacqua WI

What does Sac City look like from the Highway 20 bypass?

While moderating the comments today, I got curious about just what Sac City will look like from the Highway 20 bypass, so I went out to where the main intersection will be, (future Highway 20 bypass and N14/future Highway 71,) and took this video. I also went to the intersections of future highway 20 bypass and M54 and future Highway 20 bypass and Rolf Avenue, but there were too many trees blocking the view to see any structures.

While at the future highway 71 intersection I snapped the following pic. I have the zoom set to 10X.

View of Sac City from the highway 20 bypass

VIDEO – Early City Council moves forward cautiously on new water tower project

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not quotes

1. The engineering contract is in the packet. Any Questions?
- It is a standard form contract.
- Probably the same contract the council saw on the lagoon contract

2. During the portion of the video that is missing, the council and the engineer talk about the location of the proposed tower, (in the parking lot of the church) and we rejoin them at the point where they are discussion their role in facilitating the construction of the new tower in the corner of the church parking lot…

3. There probably needs to be a temporary easement while the construction is happening.
- The whole project is going to take a long time.
- When the tank arrives, it will probably only take a couple of weeks to get it standing.

4. Will there be a fence around the tower?
- The tower will have a door on the bottom, so there is no need for a fence.
- Church goers can actually park right up to the base without hurting a thing.

5. How deep is the tower?
- Could be up to 20 feet deep, it will depend on what the soil borings say.
- Most of the time they have a “Ring Type” foundation. There is a 24 foot diameter ring that is 12 to 18 inches wide.

6. Many of the trees in the survey photos no longer exist, and the ones that do, will be coming down.

7. The spot the engineer is recommending is the spot that is the farthest away from the church and the surrounding homes.
- That street will be cut off.
- You don’t own the piece of property, and the street will have to be vacated.
- We would probably be raising your tower elevation to get more water pressure in town.
- It will be a nice location for visibility from the highway.

10. According to information put out at the ay 5, 2010 Early City Council meeting, Shirley Phillips has suggested the old tower remain standing.
- If the city leaves it there it will turn into a rust bucket and they will have to have a maintenance contract to paint it every so often.
- It cannot be used as a water tower.
- The interested parties want it left for nostalgic reasons.
- It will cost 10 to 15K to bring the tower down, but that’s what it will cost every 5 years to maintain.
- Engineer tells story about old water tower in Ames Iowa.
- Council person suggests that perhaps the interested party can move it onto their own property.

11. Do you know yet if you are going to use rural development or SRF money?
- This decision hasn’t been made yet.
- Will not be eligible for IJOBS.
- Rural development lowers the monthly payments.
- The site has to be selected so that an environmental study can be done.
- If the site has been disturbed, will the environmental study go faster?

12. The motion to approve the contract fails to garner a second at this time.
- The amount suggested for design is around $85K.
- The tower itself will cost $550K… just shy of a million with all of the water line, etc.

13. What is the motion on the table?

14. Can we ok the contract without having a site?
- The site doesn’t have anything to do with the engineering.
- If it falls through, the engineer will only charge for what was done. If they can’t find a site at all, Early will not be held to the contract.

15. The water tower in Badger has no fence.
- Sac City’s water tower has no fence.
- Storm lake’s water tower has no fence.
- A fence may be an invitation to climb it.

16. Did you do an SRF planning and design loan?
- no.

17. Break it down a little bit more for us. What is a breakdown of the cost?
- The costs in the contract are for the engineering.

18. Are steel prices stable?
- Yes.

19. The cost of the tank has gone up a lot in the last ten years.

20. There will probably be three bidders.
- McGwire Iron out of Sioux Falls.
- Coldwell Tanks out of Kentucky.
- Phoenix Fabricators out of Pennsylvania.
- Pittsburg Des Moines who built the original tower is still in business, but they don’t do tanks this small.
- Chicago Steel and iron also build water towers, but don’t bid tanks this small.

21. The construction firms will have to insure workers.
- The contractors insurance certificate will be in hand before the work begins.

22. The motion to get a contract gets a second.
- If the contract falls through, the City of Early will lose $5,000.
- This contract has to be signed in order to move forward. If they didn’t do it, then they would have to wait until next month to sign it.
- Passes unanimously.

23. The status of the property where the proposed water tower will be is expected to be decided by the time of publication of this video. (Sunday morning, May 9, 2010)

24. City Council continues to go over the figures for administration of the project.
- There aren’t any full conversations that take place. They reference specific line items out of context for the length of this video.

Passed Away - Mina Brinker

SAC COUNTY, IOWA - MAY 9, 2010

Lake City – Mina Brinker, 97, died Friday, April 30, 2010 at Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City. Funeral services were held Monday, May 3rd at Lampe Funeral Home in Lake City with Rev. John Swoyer officiating and burial was in the Carnarvon Cemetery.

Mina Mae Little was born December 28, 1912 in Anna, Illinois to Everett and Anna Little. On December 11, 1928 she was united in marriage to Laurence Brinker at the Wheatland Presbyterian Church located near Breda. To this union three children were born: Morgan, Norma and Lenor.

Throughout their lives the couple farmed in the Wall Lake, Auburn, Lake City and Fonda areas. Upon retirement, they moved back to Lake City until 1977 when Laurence was stricken with Alzheimer’s disease, at which time they moved to Smithville, MO near the home of their son, Morgan and his family. In 1982 they moved to Boone, IA near their daughter Norma and her family. At that time Laurence entered the Ledges Manor Nursing Home, where he remained until his death in 1990. Mina remained in Boone, where she enjoyed activities at the Augustana Lutheran Church, of which she was a member. Mina remained in Boone until December 1, 2005 when she became a resident of Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City.

Mina was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Laurence; son, Morgan; granddaughter, Linda Brinker Palmer; son-in-law, David Doering; sister, Vernice Janssen; and brothers, Lloyd Johnson and Nolan Johnson. She is survived by her daughters, Norma (Herman) Ninneman of Boone and Lenor Doering of Georgetown, TX; daughter-in-law, Helen Brinker of Pharr, TX; 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Edna Huff of Lake View; and many nieces and nephews.

Cyclone star was picture-perfect in Schaller barnstorming tour

SCHALLER, IOWA - MAY 9, 2010

SCHALLER, Iowa -- Fifteen years ago this month, I sat with my 9-month-old on the stage at the Schaller school. Little Paul in one arm, camera in the other. Snapping photos for the local... Read full story

Students in Early, Iowa get up close look at Mercy Air Care Helicopter

EARLY, IOWA - MAY 9, 2010

EARLY, Iowa (KTIV) -- Students at Schaller-Crestland High School got an up-close and personal look at the Mercy Air Care helicopter Wednesday.

The helicopter landed at the school as part of... Read full story, watch video

POLL: At the May 3, 2010 Sac City Planning and Zoning meeting, it was revealed that the focus of future annexation will be to the east along current Hwy 20 towards where it intersects Hwy 196. Do you think the Sac City government is making the correct decision?

POLL: SAC CITY RESIDENTS: Would you be willing to pay higher taxes to have the city remove abandoned buildings?

Poll Closed: May 13, 2010

This is the page for discussion about the poll in which you can participate over to the right hand side of the page.

VIDEO – Early City Council hears plan for reading program at the City Library

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not quotes

Elizabeth Feilmeier presents her idea for starting a summer reading program to the Early City Council.

1. Elizabeth Feilmeier introduction.
- Member of Early Achievers 4H club.

2. As a 4H project she would like to start a library program in Early, Iowa.
- Had fun when she was younger at a library program.
- She reads a lot.
- She couldn’t get books from the school library last summer, and had to go to the town library. Claims to have made friends.

3. The program she proposes…
- Open to K-3.
- Once per week.
-Tentatively on Wednesdays
- She will read a book and then oversee a craft session related to the book that was read.

4. Does the library have any questions?
- I think it sounds wonderful.

5. How many kids do you think it will get?
- I plan to send letter home from school.
- 20-30.

6. Are fellow teachers willing to contribute to help wrangle little kids.
- It’s like herding cats.

7. Do you have a plan for where the items you need to make the crafts will come from?
- She plans to apply for grants and ask for donations from Wal-Mart, who apparently does this sort of thing.
- I think the city probably could find something to help you with, also.

8. it will be a great program for the kids.
- I hope you take 4.5 year olds, also.

9. What time of day?
- 9AM to 11AM or 10AM to Noon (tentative)

10. The library has been discussing a similar program and has some ideas that may help out.

VIDEO – May 4, 2010 Early City Council Call to Order

EARLY, IOWA – MAY 4, 2010
These are not quotes

1. Public hearing on the budget amendment for the current fiscal year opened by the mayor.
- Are there any citizens against or for the budget amendment?

2. Public hearing closed without comment.

3. Pledge of Allegiance.

4. Approval of consent agenda.
- Without comment.

smcr011620 - Possession of Stolen Property

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 9, 2010

All people accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The disposition of all cases are subject to change without notice.
These documents are freely available for inspection at the Sac County Courthouse.
Comments regarding crime will be strictly moderated.

fecr011619 - Burglary 3rd Degree

smcr011618 - Throwing and Shooting

ODEBOLT, IOWA - MAY 8, 2010

All people accused of crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The disposition of all cases are subject to change without notice.
These documents are freely available for inspection at the Sac County Courthouse.
Comments regarding crime will be strictly moderated.

VIDEO – Lake View City Council updated on status of new sewer project (City Administrator updates)

LAKE VIEW, IOWA – MAY 3, 2010
These are not quotes.

1. LVPD Personnel update.

2. Upcoming meetings.

3. Description of meeting about installing sewer in new area.
- The meeting seemed a bit rocky, but one city councilperson said that the person being discussed is just like that.
- In the end, there will be an engineer hired, and a contract hired.
- Make sure that if dewatering needs done, then make sure it’s in the contract.
- Everything he does has to be inspected by the engineer, right?
- We can hire a contractor to run the pipe underneath the road at our expense.
- The difference in lift station verses grinder pump is $7,000.

4. If a 4th person wants to come along and join on, how much will the connection fees be, and who will receive those fees?
- A precedent was set in the past by a private development group that connection fees were $5,000 if customers hooked up on day 1 or twelve years down the line.

- The connection fee never went away.
- He's looking at some concept that's pretty similar to that.
- If there are 5 entities splitting the cost, then if a 6th party decides to join, they would pay one 6th of the total installation cost and that money would either be used to pay back the city for outstanding debt on the project, or divided up between the original 5 entities.

5. In order to receive sewer service, they will have to voluntarily annex.
- We should get our (the city) hook up fee back too.

6. Will turn it over to the attorney to look over.

7. Only an engineer, (Snyder and Associates,) is hired.
- We do have a little leverage with him because he’s already invested a little of his own money.

8. Council revisits the issue of a down tree that was discussed at the beginning of the meeting.

9. Playground equipment goes up on Saturday May 8, 2010.

10. Adjournment.

East Sac County May 6, 2010 K-4 Elementary Concert Photos

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 6, 2010

The following is a link to TSN's East Sac County May 6, 2010 K-4 Elementary Concert Photo collection at flicker. (print tip: if you are making prints, download the largest size.)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saccity/sets/72157624018997328/

If you are a facebook user, you can find that set at http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2034695&id=1604241474

May 10, 2010 Sac City Council Agenda

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 8, 2010

April 26, 2010 Sac City Council Meeting Minutes

SAC CITY, IOWA - MAY 8, 2010