Mt. Pleasant City Council reviews traffic safety, contracts, and budget updates

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant City Council convened the evening of Wednesday, March 12 evening to discuss a range of issues, including traffic safety updates, a contract for animal control services, and preliminary budget considerations for the upcoming fiscal year.

The council approved the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 12, Section 12-6 of the city code, replacing yield signs with stop signs at various intersections. The measure aims to improve safety at locations identified by the police department.

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“So, the police department wanted them safer, and stop signs are safer than yield signs,” Mt. Pleasant Mayor Steve Brimhall commented.

Intersections at East Cherry Place and South Cherry Street along with East Shaeffer Drive and South Wilson Street will see these changes.

Additionally, the council approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Public Professional and Maintenance Employees Local 2003 of the Police Union Proposal. The agreement includes a 3% wage increase per year for the next three years.

A contract with All God's Creatures for stray and nuisance animal control services was authorized, pending the provider's signature.

"We were worried about what to do with animals after our previous provider ceased operations," Brimhall said. "Fortunately, we have someone stepping in to help the community."

The council also approved a contract with Iowa Prison Industries for mowing services in four zones within the city at a cost of $49,500. The contract extends from April 1 through October 31 and was praised for maintaining service quality with minimal complaints.

“It has been a good, good reciprocal arrangement,” City Administrator Brent Schleisman said. “It’s been wonderful. I highly recommend you approve.”

“We’ve had the fewest complaints with these guys doing the job than we’ve ever had,” Brimhall added. “They’ve done a great job.”

During the public forum, a resident commended the city’s street maintenance division for its prompt pothole repairs and asked questions concerning backyard burning within city limits.

Police Chief Lyle Murray answered her questions stating that there are restrictions on size and materials burned.

“It has to be campfire size,” he said. “It’s going to be small brush material. It can’t be burning car tires and stuff like that. You have to have a charged water hose. You need to be standing by and watching it.”

Additionally, smoke from these types of fires needs to raise straight up. If it is blowing, it is likely too windy for fires in backyard within city limits. The council and Murray advised the resident to give the police department a call in the future if she had any concerns about someone burning against regulations.

Before the city council meeting came to an end, Brimhall gave a brief overview of the anticipated Tax Levy to be proposed prior to the city council meeting March 26.

"Our levy will remain the same," Brimhall said.

A $1 monthly increase in garbage collection fees will be offset by a corresponding $1 reduction in wastewater treatment charges.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com