Monona bandstand fundraiser planned

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

An ice cream social event to begin fundraising for repairs to Monona’s bandstand is planned for Thursday, Sept. 8, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the city park.

The event will be paired with a Community Visioning presentation, said mayor Barb Collins at Monday’s city council meeting. The landscape architects who have created plans for the city will present design boards showcasing some of the improvements Monona can incorporate regarding trails, parks, plantings and more.

“It works better to do [the presentation] with a community event,” Collins said. “There will be a donation box while people look at the boards, to try and get some money.”

“This is trying to get the ball rolling” on fundraising, noted city administrator Dan Canton.

The 100-year-old bandstand is showing its age, with repairs needed to the roof and foundation. Some aesthetic fixes, like painting the ceiling, are also on the list.

Mayoral vacancy

The council will post a notice stating its intent to appoint a resident to the office of mayor, to fill the vacancy created by Collins, who will resign effective Aug. 28 to become the city’s deputy clerk. From that date, the council has 60 days to appoint someone, Canton said.

The council opted to appoint someone rather than hold a special election; a special election could not be held in conjunction with the Nov. 8 general election and would incur costs for the city, Canton added.

However, after a new mayor is appointed, residents have 14 days to petition for a special election, if they take issue with the selection.

Speed sign

The council approved the purchase of a radar speed sign from the company Elan City for $2,660. Police Chief Jo Amsden said the sign will be used in several spots throughout the community, most notably East and West Iowa Street, North and South Main Street and Franklin Street.