Mt. Pleasant City Council honors firefighters

MT. PLEASANT — Mt. Pleasant City Council continues to run council meetings like a well-oiled machine with the public’s interest in mind.

City council met with all members present Wednesday, June 22 from 5-5:20 p.m.

Mayor Steve Brimhall took time to address the new $1 charge on utility bills.

This new charge is being used to keep the previous landfill in compliance with the Department of Nature Resources requirements.

The Council quickly approved a resolution allowing the mayor to sign off on 28E agreement for the project with the Mount Pleasant Community School District on the Lincoln Street off-street parking lot.

While this parking lot is being built by the school district the city will fix two intersections and add permanent colored ADA crosswalks to Lincoln Street.

This agreement outlines financial responsibilities for the school and for the city on this project.

Projects for facades on Main Street are set to begin after a hiatus to focus on sustaining businesses through the pandemic.

“We want to keep them [the businesses] looking better than they do currently,” Brimhall said. “The increased property taxes has paid for this program on their own.”

$15,00 in funds from the Main Street Mount Pleasant Exterior Improvements Grants will be available for downtown building exterior improvements.

A committee dedicated to this grant fund recommended awarding seven grants ranging from $1,100 to $5,000 and the council approved.

A motion by the council allowed Brimhall to sign the resolution for the $2,000,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Note, Series 2022 which came in with a considerably low interest rate of 2.69%

This agreement is entered into so Bankers Trust from Des Moines can act as the city’s paying agent for these bonds.

“We feel pretty good that we did it when we did,” Brimhall said. “2.69 is a pretty good rate considering 30 year fix mortgages are going for around 6%. Awfully good rate.”

Another approved resolution relating to the General Obligation Capital Loan Notes included the Approval of the Tax Exemption Certificate which allows Bankers Trust to take on the bonds with tax-exemption status, which saves the city money overall.

“You get this certificate to get a lower rate,” Brimhall said. “It’s pretty complicated, but it works.”

The Mt. Pleasant Public Library Board undergoes changes at this time.

It was approved by the council to appointment Tim Taylor to fill the open member seat and Ed Kropa to be reappointed to the library board.

The Construction of Appeals Board and Airport Advisory board have been approved to remain as they are.

The Council approved a resolution setting the date of August 10 to approve paying sewer bonds early in order to continue avoiding raising rates for the community.

The short city council meeting ended on a sweet note.

“OK here is the fun part, and you guys have to stick around and get your picture taken,” Brimhall said.

“The Mayor and City Council wish to recognize those who have honorably and loyally devoted a significant portion of their lives to public service,” Brimhall read.

“The Mayor and City Council do hereby congratulate and honor and thank each one of these individuals for their service to the City of Mt. Pleasant and the Mt. Pleasant Fire Department,” Brimhall said as those in attendance took the opportunity to give a round of applause in appreciation for the men’s service.

Those honored included:

Mayor Steven K Brimhall and Loren Woodruff who have served 10 years.

Fire Chief Drew Schumacher, Charlie Swailes, and Will Bensmiller who have served 15 years.

Anthony Blint serving 20 years.

Kent Lee serving 25 years

Jeff Beavers service of 45 years, who is not pictured.

The individual volunteers and city council members of Mt. Pleasant have served and continue to serve the city in the roles they fill.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com