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Council changes waste hauler, tables electric amendment

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By Shelia Tomkins

Meeting in regular session on Monday, Nov. 2, the Guttenberg chose a new contractor for residential garbage collection and tabled an electric ordinance amendment regarding underground wiring.

Mayor Russ Loven led councilmembers Virginia Saeugling, Fred Schaub, Dave Schlueter, Jane Parker and Steve Friedlein through the evening's agenda. City Manager Mary Willett and City Attorney Michael Schuster were also present.

Electric code amendment

The council voted to table a proposed ordinance amendment that would address underground wiring, a topic that has been before the council at September and October meetings. 

At the Oct. 6 meeting, on a 3-2 vote, the council denied a request to bury overhead electric wires. Attorney Alan Heavens, representing Irish Hound Studios, spoke to the council in September and October in regard to the request.  The request has been a point of contention between his client and an adjoining property owner.

After the Oct. 6 meeting, an ordinance was drafted to amend current city code to accommodate requests for underground wiring. When considering the amendment at Monday night's meeting, council members discussed concerns  that included requirements for notification of affected customers and the city. The city attorney was asked to redraft the ordinance for re-consideration at the next meeting.

New waste hauler

Three bids for residential garbage collection were tabled at the October meeting for closer study. At Monday night's meeting, City Manager Willett presented the bids to the council in a form that allowed "apples to apples" comparisons. After discussion, the contract was awarded to the low bidder, Kluesner Sanitation of Farley. The bid included totes.

The new contract begins the first of the year and marks the first time in many years that Waste Management was not awarded the contract. Willet said that the new contract will result in a savings to the city. She said customer garbage rates are decided by the council.  

 Other business

Three residents addressed the council during a time set aside for open comments from the public.Barb Pape commented favorably on the demolition of a nuisance property on Highway 52 and also noted that the Twilight excursion boat brought business to downtown Guttenberg.

Lee Johnston of the Guttenberg Historic Preservation Commission, said the commission and city have a duty to establish a historic plan for the community, noting that since 1979 14% of the community's historic structures have been destroyed. She reported on the GHP's history and activities and spoke favorably about the opportunities offered by Iowa's Main Street program.

Terry Thein, a board member of Carter House Museum in Elkader, told the council a Guttenberg museum would bring people to the community.

The council approved easements between the city and property owners at a lift station located near the Staebler property off Acre Street. Now that easements are in place, the city manager will write a grant for a generator.

Discussion was held on the removal of the Lakeside dock  as required by the federal levee inspection report. A letter will be sent to Lakeside. 

The annual audit of Guttenberg Municipal Hospital was approved. 

The council reviewed and approved a plan addressing the vulnerability of city's water infrastructure during emergencies. 

The Guttenberg Fire Dept. Association recently purchased a trailer and the council approved licensing and insurance for it.

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