Council hears RAGBRAI updates, crisis response canine request
At its monthly meeting on June 9, the Guttenberg city council heard an update on the upcoming July RAGBRAI weekends and okayed a request to move forward on a local crisis response canine team for the Guttenberg Police Department.
RAGBRAI update
Dan Kuempel and Nancy McClellan of the local RAGBRAI committee were on hand to give the council an update on the event and to request street closings on the two weekends that riders will be in Guttenberg.
Kuempel said that local businesses will benefit from the influx of visitors, with 2,000-4,000 expected on "parking weekend" on July 18-19 and an estimated 26,000 coming through town on arrival day, July 26.
"We focused on parking weekend," said Kuempel, "with plans to drive visitors to local businesses." He noted that on the arrival day most bicyclists will probably leave soon after dipping their tires in the Mississippi River.
Approximately 1,000 week-long parking spaces have been reserved, and the fees for them will be distributed to local groups after the event. There will be large parking areas in the south end of town and also in the north end near the school athletic field. A large group will be camping indoors at Lakeside Ballroom the evening of July 18 before heading west on buses. The park will also be used by campers.
So far 563 meals have been pre-sold for July 18, including sack lunches that riders will take on their bus rides to western Iowa.
For parking weekend, the council approved closing three blocks of South River Park Drive downtown. "That will allow people to meander in the downtown area and listen to music," said McClellan.
For arrival weekend, the council approved a much more extensive list of street and alley closings and parking restrictions, the majority on River Park Drive from DeKalb Street to Washington. The south marina will be closed to river traffic starting at noon on July 24 through Saturday, July 26.
McClellan and Kuempel updated the council on traffic control plans as well as parking for the big rigs, semis, buses, etc. that carry luggage and passengers. They said traffic leaving town will be distributed in multiple directions in an effort to avoid clogged roads on Highway 52 south of town.
Other topics of discussion were plans for signage, dumpsters and portable toilets.
Crisis Response Canines
Officer Kari Hoyheim of the Guttenberg Police Department spoke to the council about implementing a crisis response canine team for the local GPD.
She asked the council for the opportunity to move forward with the program using her own young dog. The nationwide program uses trained, certified canine teams to help support those who have experienced trauma or other life crisis situations. The canine teams are available to help the public as well as emergency personnel dealing with mental health issues.
The dogs can assist with peer support and crisis debriefing, as well as at public relations events.
Two crisis canine teams accompanied Officer Hoyheim to the meeting and were introduced to the council. Mandy Bieber and Alissa Schuerer spoke on the program's history, goals, training. The goal is to have two canine teams in every Iowa county; currently there are 32 teams statewide. The council asked questions about how the programs are funded, 28E agreement, canine expenses, and scheduling. Police Chief Derek Chambers also commented on the program, as did Clayton County Officer Matt Moser.
Hoyheim said she was confident that she could obtain funding and apply for grants, and that she feels her dog is capable of being certified. Dogs must pass temperament testing to become eligible.
"I think this is another added tool in the toolbox to be able to use," said Hoyheim. "I'm asking for the opportunity to be able to use this moving forward." She said the program requires an upfront commitment of $2500, which the council agreed to fund.
Loan forgiveness
The city received word that the loan it received from the State Revolving Loan Fund for recent water works improvements is eligible for forgiveness, pending paperwork. The city manager said Guttenberg qualified for forgiveness due to the fact that the community is considered economically disadvantaged. The exact amount that will be forgiven is not known as this point, but could possibly be near $900,000.
New Chamber director
Dan Schmelzer introduced himself to the council as the new director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Other business
Police Chief Chambers asked for and received an increase in wages for reserve officers. He also answered questions about police coverage planned for RAGBRAI. He reported there was a great turn-out for the recent "Cops and Bobbers" youth fishing event.
Kathryn Klaes and Jackie Lee were appointed to the Guttenberg Economic and Development Commission, Steve Miller to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Dennis McNeal to the Riverfront Advisory Board and Terri Thompson to the library board.
An application from Joe's Pizza for outdoor seating was okayed. An application from the Dam Bar was tabled pending more information.
Health and vision insurance renewals were approved by the council. The council also renewed property/vehicle/liability/workers compensation insurance policies.
The council took no action on a request from the local FFA for a donation to the Community Safety Net program.
The council okayed a request from Moxie's to close a street for the annual Romper Room event on June 21.
Jamie Gamerdinger spoke to the council about an electric easement on his property at 6 Schiller Street. Discussion on compensation will take place at an upcoming meeting.
Discussion was held concerning a property owner in south town who needs to remove steps that are built on a city street.
Tim Schmitt addressed the council regarding a request to open council meetings with a prayer. The matter was tabled pending review by the city attorney.
Councilman Bahls said the city should pursue the installation of some no-maintenace docks at Bussey Lake.
—Present for the monthly meeting on June 9 were Mayor Fred Schaub, City Manager Jamie Blume and council members Mandy Ludovissy, Austin Greve, Jane Parker, Steve Bahls and Michelle Geuder.
