Council Moves On General Obligation Bonds And Drinking Fountains

Oskaloosa, Iowa – At Monday’s Oskaloosa City Council meeting, there was the passage of a resolution authorizing the issuance of $4,150,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, and levying a tax for the payment thereof.

The measure for the usage of the bonds was passed by voters in November, for the building and remodeling of the Oskaloosa Fire Station and the purchase of a new pumper truck for the Fire Department.

During the opening comments on the consent agenda, Councilmember Doug Yates asked Oskaloosa City Manager Michael Schrock about feedback over the increase to the sanitary sewer rates. Schrock said that the feedback he has received about the increase has been good. He said that, although no one really likes the increase, they understand it’s an important part of the city infrastructure. Schlock added that, “One of the larger users was very much in support of this.”

Also passed was the amended Fiscal Year 2015 Budget and the Fiscal Year 2016 budget.

The Oskaloosa City Council adopted a policy Monday requiring the installation of drinking fountains in public parks and municipal buildings during new construction or reconstruction.

Adopting a policy on public drinking fountains will assist the community in its efforts to become a certified Blue Zones Community and assist in efforts to improve the overall well-being of the community.

All council members with the exception of Van Zetten voted for the policy.

In closing comments, Van Zetten stated why he voted against the policy. “The reason I went against that, [policy], is I don’t believe we need to legislate common sense.”