City Approves Purchase Of Street Repair Equipment
Oskaloosa City Hall
by Charlie Comfort
Oskaloosa, Iowa – On Monday evening, the Oskaloosa City Council met in regular session with Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt presiding. The council faced a rather light agenda, with most items having little discussion.
The first item was the approval of the appointment of RD Keep to the Planning and Zoning Commission by unanimous vote.
The next item on the agenda was to approve the second reading of an ordinance establishing a no parking zone on both sides of North Green Street from M Ave West to 2,950 feet Northbound. The 2nd reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously.
Next was the consideration of a request to temporarily close 400 feet of Lacy Drive as part of the William Penn University Dormitory Project beginning April 3rd and ending May 31st. The request came from the contractor for “safety and efficiency during construction activity.” During discussion, Council member Aaron Ver Steeg noted that the street had already been closed without City Council Approval. Public Works Director Akhilesh Pal also noted that the contractor had a public meeting with neighbors about the street closure. The request was approved unanimously.
The next item up for consideration was that of approving the purchase of a used 2007 Sakai Vibratory Roller at a cost of $84,867. It was noted in City Council information that the equipment would replace the currently existing 1971 Hyster double steel drum roller. It was also noted that the equipment had become inefficient because it does not have a vibratory function. The function is needed for chip seal work on streets. The request for the purchase was approved unanimously.
The council next unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a letter related to the CDBG Contract for the Early Childhood Education Center. During reports from City Staff, City Clerk Amy Miller reported that staff training on the new City Website had been completed and that the site is expected to go live Friday, April 13th.
Public Works Director Akhilesh Pal next gave a presentation on upcoming road projects. Pal reported on four projects that Public Works will be working on this year. The North Green Street Paving Project, Rehabilitating pavement on Highway 432 between A Ave West and the round about near the Oskaloosa Elementary School, Chip Sealing of City Streets, and Crack Sealing of City Streets were all reported to be projects that Public Works will be working on this year.
Joe Caligiuri, Housing Trust Fund Committee member, reported that a group of University of Iowa students are conducting a housing study and that results from the study can be expected sometime in May or early June.
Aaron Ver Steeg updated the Council on the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group Board noting that OACDG is currently working on their May banquet. Ver Steeg also reported on the Join County- Mahaska Disaster Services and Emergency Planning Administration Committee, noting that they had not yet met this year.
Ver Steeg reported that at the only Joint Law Enforcement Center Board, the budget was approved. Ver Steeg also reported on the Mahaska County Agency on Aging. Ver Steeg noted that funds are tight and that any donations would be appreciated.
Scottie Moore was the last to report. Moore reported on the Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation Board. She noted that MCRF is currently working on the grand opening of the Skate Park, but has not yet finalized a date. Moore also reported that the tram tours of the Recreational Trail are currently ongoing.
The next meeting of the Oskaloosa City Council will be on April 16th at 6:30 PM in the City Council Chambers.
