Council hears request to extend use of aquatic center punch cards

The Williamsburg City Council addressed the lack of an expiration date on this year’s aquatic center punch cards at its Aug. 22 meeting. Jennifer Pidima was unable to attend the meeting but the council discussed her request to utilize previous year’s aquatic center punch cards in the 2023 season.

Council discussed the purpose of the punch cards and how there is no expiration stated on them. They approved allowing previous year’s punch cards to be redeemed only in the 2023 aquatic season. The punch cards sold in 2023 will have an expiration date and after the 2023 season, no previous year’s punch cards will be valid.

Captain Corey Takes, USARMY NG IAARNG, gave a presentation on the history of the Iowa National Guard, how it operates and engages with communities in the state. The branch has been focused on training for other emergencies these past years. This has taken some of the focus off of community engagement but they are working on getting back to it. He asked for ideas on how to interact more within the community and get information out. City Clerk Nicole Osweiler was directed to provide him with other community organizations contact information.

City manager’s report

City Manager Aaron Sandersfeld presented his report. The wastewater treatment plant will have a change order coming for piping and driveway design changes. Water treatment plant will have chemical feed filters installed and the fluoride is online. Well 4 is offline but will be put back on line once communication is restored. The Highland water main project will start in late September and a meeting with the property owners will be held prior. A sponsored project meeting was held and will be moving forward.

The Disterhoft property will be listed with local Realtors. A price for a new liner at the aquatic center has been obtained along with replacing two of the umbrellas. The price for repainting the large red slide is still being obtained. The total cost to install the liner and replace the umbrellas is around $140,000. CTC will be back in town and will help pothole to find the water main on Sunny Slope to connect the flush hydrant to. High Street had flowable mortar placed under it to fill the voids.

Ripple Effect Grant, TAP Program and Destination Iowa Grant will all be sought after for the trail project. Vickie Lane condos will have backflow preventers installed on them. A price was obtained to repair the street by 303 West Penn Street with coordination of the property owner. The agreement with Benton County and the ICCD was dissolved. A strategic planning meeting will held to determine the direction of the organization. St. Mary’s Catholic Church is looking into expanding its parking lot and inquired if the city would consider vacating part of Penn Street. The council is open to the discussion.

Other business

In other business, the council:

Waived the Williamsburg Community School District building permit fee.

Tabled approval of removing easement for North Ridge Lift Station.

Approved Resolution 103-22: A Resolution Accepting the Fiscal Year Ending 2022 Iowa DOT Street Financial Report.

Approved Resolution 104-22: A Resolution Approving the Repair or Replacement of One (1) Flygt Pump by Electric Pump. The council choose to rebuild the pump with Electric Pump.