From the Marengo mayor

A few folks have asked that we put out a monthly update to help keep everyone informed, so I’m going to give this shot. The plan is to have this on our website and in the Hometown Current.

May Street improvements are finished up for the year, and the street is once again open. Remember, it is now a one-way block between Marengo Avenue and Court Avenue.

There will need to be additional work on this block next summer, and the city is still working to determine if we have enough funds to concrete that block or apply a seal coat surface.

The Pool Project is nearing completion. It was filled this fall and passed the leak test.

With the pool near completion, the City is taking applications for pool manager. Our goal is to have this position filled by March so the manager can have time to complete any certifications needed.

The plan is to hire someone who is or can get certified as a lifeguard instructor in order to train lifeguards.

Engineers are in the process of finalizing the specifications for our sewer plant upgrades. This project started about three years ago, as it takes a while to get through preliminary plans, permits, easements and funding.

Most of you have probably noticed the sewer debt (SD) on your utility bills. This is what it is for.

We also were awarded a Community Development Block Grant of $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development/Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Security cameras have been installed on most City Buildings, including the park and pool. Besides the obvious extra security and deterrent, this project gained momentum after some vandalism in our park and to the new fountain.

Community events: A great place to stay up to date on community events is the MarenGO website and newsletter. Their website is go-marengo.com/ and the newsletter site is go-marengo.com/newsletters.

Remember to support your local business during the holidays and all year round. These businesses sponsor many of our activities, events and recreation in town, and it only works if we support them back.

Since we had our first snow of the season it is a good reminder of our snow policy. When the City calls for a snow emergency, all vehicles must be removed from any public street.

The only exception is downtown parking, which is allowed from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. for access to our local businesses.

Preferably vehicles are moved off all streets to make it easier for the City to remove snow. It is the property owners’ responsibility to remove snow from their sidewalks.

Please help our pedestrian by getting sidewalks cleared. It also makes it safer for our children walking to school.

Happy Holidays!