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City council to help fund park projects
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| DGC to hold forum Wednesday By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor With only 43 days left until the November general election, a candidates’ forum sponsored by the Daily Gate City will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Keokuk Public Library. Five Keokuk residents running for two seats on the Lee County Board of Supervisors from Districts 4 and 5 have been invited to attend the forum. They are District 4 candidates Ryan Walrath, a Republican, and Gary Folluo, a Democrat, as well as District 5 candidates Mike O’Connor, a Republican, Janet Fife-LaFrenz, a Democrat, and Matt Pflug, who was nominated by petition. A Keokuk High School graduate, Walrath has served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2001 with a degree in veterinary medicine. Since then, he has been a veterinary practitioner in Troy, Mo., and Hamilton, Ill. Walrath is active in the Evangelical Free Church of Keokuk and the Tri-State Gun Club. He’s also a member of the Farm Bureau. He and his wife, Amanda, have two children, Lexi and C.J. Folluo has prior political experience as mayor of Keokuk. He is general manager of Withers Broadcasting of Iowa, KOKX Radio in Keokuk. He formerly was a labor representative with Local 148 International Union Of Operating Engineers. He and his wife, Nancy, also owned and operated a small business in Keokuk for 11 years. In 2007 he received the Employer of the Year Award from BPW Business and Professional Women in Keokuk. He and his wife have three children, Morgan and Dominick, at home and Tracey in Burlington. The District 4 seat is held by Bob Woodruff of Keokuk, who decided not to seek re-election. O’Connor is a Keokuk City Council member from the First Ward and a retired field supervisor in the Parole Division in California. He had a 34-year career in law enforcement before retiring and moving to Keokuk with his wife, Julie, a Keokuk native. He is chairman of the city council’s Police and Code Revision subcommittees and a member of the Streets Subcommittee. He received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo in 1969. He also attended Golden Gate University Law School in San Francisco. He and his wife have a daughter, son and six grandchildren. Fife-LaFrenz taught for 39 years in the Keokuk School District before her retirement. She received the Teacher of the Year Award in 2000. The former member of the Business and Professional Women received the Women of Achievement Award in 1997. She is a member of Southeastern Community College board of directors and has a master’s degree in education and administration. She and her husband, Charlie, have one daughter and two grandchildren. A former Lee County supervisor, Pflug was defeated in the Democratic primary in June for the District 5 seat. However, he obtained enough signatures afterward to be nominated by petition. He is a member of the management team at the Flying J Travel Plaza in Wayland, Mo. After graduating from Cardinal Stritch High School in Keokuk, he received an associate of arts degree from Southeastern Community College and a bachelor of science degree wiith a major in recreation and park administration from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. The District 5 seat is held by George Morgan of Keokuk, who decided not to seek re-election. |
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
The Keokuk City Council will match $18,000 of grants for a new rocket slide at Kilbourne Park and landscaping around the new steps that will be installed at the Birge Fountain in Rand Park.
The city council decided to match the grants after listening during the workshop to a presentation from garden club member Charles Hunter concerning the landscaping project.
A $15,000 grant is available for a new rocket slide. The Keokuk Garden Club received a $3,000 grant for landscaping around Birge Fountain, which Hunter called “a community icon.”
The new rocket slide, replacing a slide that is about 50 years old, will cost $26,466 if it's ordered by Oct. 1. Money from the sale of Tolmie Park property and set aside for park improvements will be used to match the grants.
Hunter said the concept for the Birge Fountain landscaping is based on illusion and reality that uses plants to replicate water shooting up in a fountain. Evergreen and weeping red bud trees will be used in the project. Flag stone will be laid in the area between the new trees, Hunter explained. Three globe locust trees will be put in back of Birge Fountain to screen a Rand Park maintenance shed.
The old shrubs around Birge Fountain will be removed. The landscaping project includes a 12-month maintenance contract.
In other business, the council approved an application by Hartt Apparel of Keokuk for a five-year, $22,000 loan at 4.25 percent from the Revolving Loan Fund. Stacey Protsman, who has worked at Hartt Apparel for 10 years, is buying the business from current owner Linda James.
Protsman will use Revolving Loan Fund monies to buy inventory, computers and equipment and make Web site changes for the business at 612 Main St. The business specializes in the sale of Carhartt brand clothing.
Hartt Apparel will create three new jobs within the next year and retain three positions, according to the application, which was approved by the Keokuk Revolving Loan Fund Review Committee Sept. 2.
The council also went on record as supporting an application for a grant from the Safe Routes to School Grant Program for new sidewalks to Hawthorne Elementary School. If the city obtains the grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation, about 1.25 miles of new sidewalk will be built along Plank Road from Armory Road to Messenger Road, along Messenger Road from Plank Road to Decatur Street and along Decatur Street from Messenger Road to Hawthorne Elementary School.
During the workshop, Public Works Director Gerald Moughler discussed several items with the council. Moughler said the city is considering having a backup server in the Keokuk Municipal Water Works, which have one in City Hall. The backup would be done over high speed Internet between 2 and 4 a.m.
The city also is considering establishing an ftp site, which would allow massive amounts of data to be exchanged between consultants and the city on such items as sewer projects and the new aquatic center.
Moughler also said a computer in his department needs updating and beginning Oct. 15, all city and water works employees will start wearing OSHA-reflective vests while working in the right-of-way of public roads. Many panels on Portland concrete streets in the city are shattering and need repairing, he told the council.
He also said tests at the monitoring wells at the city's old landfills have detected high metal contents. The Department of Natural Resources has told the city it hasn't received the tests it needs.
Moughler would like to replace five vehicles used by the public works and planning and community development departments. The public works vehicles include a 1992 Chevrolet van with 114,851 miles, a 1996 Buick Regal with 115,095 miles and a 1995 Ford Taurus with 120,601 miles. The planning and community development vehicles are a 1992 Chevrolet with 78,159 miles and a 1998 Olds 88 with 109,791 miles.
In other business, the council:
Renewed a Class A liquor license with Sunday sales for the American Legion.
Renewed a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for The Cellar.
Renewed Class C beer permits with Sunday sales for Casey's at 3530 Main St. and Aldi, Inc.
Council members Mike Baum, Susan Dunek and Mike O'Connor were absent from the workshop and council meeting.
The city council decided to match the grants after listening during the workshop to a presentation from garden club member Charles Hunter concerning the landscaping project.
A $15,000 grant is available for a new rocket slide. The Keokuk Garden Club received a $3,000 grant for landscaping around Birge Fountain, which Hunter called “a community icon.”
The new rocket slide, replacing a slide that is about 50 years old, will cost $26,466 if it's ordered by Oct. 1. Money from the sale of Tolmie Park property and set aside for park improvements will be used to match the grants.
Hunter said the concept for the Birge Fountain landscaping is based on illusion and reality that uses plants to replicate water shooting up in a fountain. Evergreen and weeping red bud trees will be used in the project. Flag stone will be laid in the area between the new trees, Hunter explained. Three globe locust trees will be put in back of Birge Fountain to screen a Rand Park maintenance shed.
The old shrubs around Birge Fountain will be removed. The landscaping project includes a 12-month maintenance contract.
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Protsman will use Revolving Loan Fund monies to buy inventory, computers and equipment and make Web site changes for the business at 612 Main St. The business specializes in the sale of Carhartt brand clothing.
Hartt Apparel will create three new jobs within the next year and retain three positions, according to the application, which was approved by the Keokuk Revolving Loan Fund Review Committee Sept. 2.
The council also went on record as supporting an application for a grant from the Safe Routes to School Grant Program for new sidewalks to Hawthorne Elementary School. If the city obtains the grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation, about 1.25 miles of new sidewalk will be built along Plank Road from Armory Road to Messenger Road, along Messenger Road from Plank Road to Decatur Street and along Decatur Street from Messenger Road to Hawthorne Elementary School.
During the workshop, Public Works Director Gerald Moughler discussed several items with the council. Moughler said the city is considering having a backup server in the Keokuk Municipal Water Works, which have one in City Hall. The backup would be done over high speed Internet between 2 and 4 a.m.
The city also is considering establishing an ftp site, which would allow massive amounts of data to be exchanged between consultants and the city on such items as sewer projects and the new aquatic center.
Moughler also said a computer in his department needs updating and beginning Oct. 15, all city and water works employees will start wearing OSHA-reflective vests while working in the right-of-way of public roads. Many panels on Portland concrete streets in the city are shattering and need repairing, he told the council.
He also said tests at the monitoring wells at the city's old landfills have detected high metal contents. The Department of Natural Resources has told the city it hasn't received the tests it needs.
Moughler would like to replace five vehicles used by the public works and planning and community development departments. The public works vehicles include a 1992 Chevrolet van with 114,851 miles, a 1996 Buick Regal with 115,095 miles and a 1995 Ford Taurus with 120,601 miles. The planning and community development vehicles are a 1992 Chevrolet with 78,159 miles and a 1998 Olds 88 with 109,791 miles.
In other business, the council:
Renewed a Class A liquor license with Sunday sales for the American Legion.
Renewed a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for The Cellar.
Renewed Class C beer permits with Sunday sales for Casey's at 3530 Main St. and Aldi, Inc.
Council members Mike Baum, Susan Dunek and Mike O'Connor were absent from the workshop and council meeting.
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Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
Think about it wrote on Sep 29, 2008 9:43 PM:
" @ Wake up
I agree with you.
Keokuk has not been in as good of financial shape that it is now,in several years.
I think the council,Mayor Gudgle and Mark Wessel are doing a fantastic job.They are visionaries.A few years ago Mayor Gudgle and the council tightened their belts and made some very unpopular decisions that people complained about, that are now starting to pay off. Keokuk is lucky to have people like this working for them. "
I agree with you.
Keokuk has not been in as good of financial shape that it is now,in several years.
I think the council,Mayor Gudgle and Mark Wessel are doing a fantastic job.They are visionaries.A few years ago Mayor Gudgle and the council tightened their belts and made some very unpopular decisions that people complained about, that are now starting to pay off. Keokuk is lucky to have people like this working for them. "
Karnie wrote on Sep 28, 2008 5:48 PM:
" Ok first off i do agree that we do need to fix the sidewalks and streets in this town but for some reason we have to redo concert and high every year. What is so bad about both of those that we have to redo them every year? Ok second of all this new pool we are building. No we do not need to spen millions of dollars on a new pool but we do need a new one. The old ppol was so tore up that if you went to the bottom of the pool then you took a chance of cutting yourself on the broken concret. The rocket slide i feel was something that did need to be replaced. It is a part of anybody who ever lived on the southside of towns history and it has alot of memories. The funniest part about all of this is that some of you have nothing better to do but to come on here and complain about the rocket slide even though its not going to cost near as much as some of the stupid things our town is doing and wasting money. "
ashamed wrote on Sep 27, 2008 1:00 PM:
" I am not against a new pool, we do need one. Do we need to spend $2.3 Million on one....no.
The streets do need repaired and that is what tax $ is for. If things are fixed right the first time it won't need to be redone. When the trees were planted on Main St. someone should have figured out which trees would be sufficient. Instead the roots grew and broke up the cement which cost $ to dig up the trees fix the sidewalks and replant new trees. I've seen how the pot holes are filled, they are not cleaned out and they smash it down w/their truck tires instead of using a tamper, then it rains & it is washed out. Homework needs to be done. The mini-malls that were built are only half filled. I'm glad that the third one backed out, but it left the park destroyed. There are many empty retail space on Main St. that can be fixed up as long as they don't have to go through what the owner of L-Treyns had to.
That to me is wasted tax $. "
The streets do need repaired and that is what tax $ is for. If things are fixed right the first time it won't need to be redone. When the trees were planted on Main St. someone should have figured out which trees would be sufficient. Instead the roots grew and broke up the cement which cost $ to dig up the trees fix the sidewalks and replant new trees. I've seen how the pot holes are filled, they are not cleaned out and they smash it down w/their truck tires instead of using a tamper, then it rains & it is washed out. Homework needs to be done. The mini-malls that were built are only half filled. I'm glad that the third one backed out, but it left the park destroyed. There are many empty retail space on Main St. that can be fixed up as long as they don't have to go through what the owner of L-Treyns had to.
That to me is wasted tax $. "
Wake Up wrote on Sep 26, 2008 1:56 PM:
" It seems that it's always a lose/lose situation with the decisions that our City Council members make. I guess you'll never be able to satify the masses. Boy what a thankless job. You don't want your tax dollars to sit and rot!?!? What do you think was occuring with our old aquatic facility!?!?! Your tax dollars weren't rotting they were leaking away. Thousands of gallons a day. I would love to know how many tax dollars were saved by not opening it this year. Build a new modern day facility that this town can be proud of without raising my taxes to do so? Count me in. The streets are horrible agreed. So what does the Council do? Starts a comprehensive street program that doesn't break the bank. Are you willing to make the sacrifice with your tax dollars to expeditiously fix every street in this town that needs it? Our parks are one of our City's greatest assests. So what does the Council decide? Sit money aside from a land acquisition for future improvements.
To all that have time to sit in front of your computer screens to complain I would ask that maybe you would instead consider directing that time towards actually helping this City progress. Not happy with your Council member then run for City Council. Not happy with the Rocket Slide and Flower Garden decisions. Then join the Park Board. Ever consider attending City Council workshops or meetings? Join a local organization. Volunteer. Volunteer. Volunteer.
It's understandable that we'll disagree on some issues but we all want the same thing at the end of the day and that's a better Keokuk. Make a difference. Get active. It's pretty easy to hide behind a message board. "
To all that have time to sit in front of your computer screens to complain I would ask that maybe you would instead consider directing that time towards actually helping this City progress. Not happy with your Council member then run for City Council. Not happy with the Rocket Slide and Flower Garden decisions. Then join the Park Board. Ever consider attending City Council workshops or meetings? Join a local organization. Volunteer. Volunteer. Volunteer.
It's understandable that we'll disagree on some issues but we all want the same thing at the end of the day and that's a better Keokuk. Make a difference. Get active. It's pretty easy to hide behind a message board. "
ashamed wrote on Sep 25, 2008 10:22 AM:
" I have a few comments to post here.
I remember walking to the pool with no sidewalk to walk on, it was horrible. I do agree kids don't (won't) walk now a days. I don't think a $2.3 Million aquatic center is necessary. It was voted no and look where it got us. Are people in this town really going to be able to spend the money to send their kid(s) there. I am assuming it will cost roughly $5 a person.Famillies are struggling to put gas in their vehicle or food on the table. The aquatic center in Burlington had to lower their prices because of lack of buisness and it's still not that busy. I just don't want our tax $ to sit and rott like most things that get started and not finished.
Back to the sidewalks. People walk/jog in the road because there is 1)more room if two or more people are together. 2) most sidewalks are in great need of repair. I will continue to walk/jog in the road even though I tripped and fell while jogging in a pot hole and broke my arm in 3 places and received 2 metal plates. Yes, this is true it happened last month. There was an article not too long ago about sidewalk repair grants, hopefully people will use them. I also know of someone who had fell while walking on Grand Ave. sidewalks.
Where is this new parks manager that we hired? Is he still "training"?
The rocket slide is not that important. I also used it as a youngster. And I agree with "person w/a clue" it will have graffiti in no time. What a shame, this town. "
I remember walking to the pool with no sidewalk to walk on, it was horrible. I do agree kids don't (won't) walk now a days. I don't think a $2.3 Million aquatic center is necessary. It was voted no and look where it got us. Are people in this town really going to be able to spend the money to send their kid(s) there. I am assuming it will cost roughly $5 a person.Famillies are struggling to put gas in their vehicle or food on the table. The aquatic center in Burlington had to lower their prices because of lack of buisness and it's still not that busy. I just don't want our tax $ to sit and rott like most things that get started and not finished.
Back to the sidewalks. People walk/jog in the road because there is 1)more room if two or more people are together. 2) most sidewalks are in great need of repair. I will continue to walk/jog in the road even though I tripped and fell while jogging in a pot hole and broke my arm in 3 places and received 2 metal plates. Yes, this is true it happened last month. There was an article not too long ago about sidewalk repair grants, hopefully people will use them. I also know of someone who had fell while walking on Grand Ave. sidewalks.
Where is this new parks manager that we hired? Is he still "training"?
The rocket slide is not that important. I also used it as a youngster. And I agree with "person w/a clue" it will have graffiti in no time. What a shame, this town. "
bluff park neighbor wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:21 PM:
" I had posted one time that Bluff Park would be sold in the dark of night well I heard today that Roquette has bought it does any one know if this is a fact????? haven't heard anything about Bluff Park for awhile "
person with clue wrote on Sep 23, 2008 5:01 PM:
" Who in their right mind thinks that our town of dwindling jobs and population should waste money on a ROCKET SLIDE?! It will be covered in graffiti in a month. "
Rocket Slide wrote on Sep 22, 2008 6:21 PM:
" What would benefit our children? Sidewalks that they can walk safely to and from on, or a big rocket slide. I think the answer is easy. The economy is not good; this city can not afford to buy a luxury item like a rocket slide. It would be senseless spending on their part. I would be outraged. "
Ken Clean Air System wrote on Sep 22, 2008 4:32 PM:
" To HELLO - I think your comment was a response to my post.
Your comment (from the article) talks about sidewalks that run NORTH from Armory Road. My comment asks about sidewalks SOUTH of Armory Road. "
Your comment (from the article) talks about sidewalks that run NORTH from Armory Road. My comment asks about sidewalks SOUTH of Armory Road. "
Sal paradise wrote on Sep 22, 2008 2:02 PM:
" There's never a shortage of things to complain about is there.
I think they should spend the money for the Rocket slide. I have so many memories from playing in that thing when I was a kid that it would be a shame not to have it around anymore. I just hope the new one isn't some junky plastic thing that is only half the size of the original. "
I think they should spend the money for the Rocket slide. I have so many memories from playing in that thing when I was a kid that it would be a shame not to have it around anymore. I just hope the new one isn't some junky plastic thing that is only half the size of the original. "
Hello wrote on Sep 22, 2008 8:25 AM:
" The council also went on record as supporting an application for a grant from the Safe Routes to School Grant Program for new sidewalks to Hawthorne Elementary School. If the city obtains the grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation, about 1.25 miles of new sidewalk will be built along Plank Road from Armory Road to Messenger Road, along Messenger Road from Plank Road to Decatur Street and along Decatur Street from Messenger Road to Hawthorne Elementary School. "
Sidewalks wrote on Sep 21, 2008 10:19 AM:
" I agree that it would be great there could be sidewalks along those places. "
cod wrote on Sep 20, 2008 11:15 AM:
" Here we gp again. l wonder if people in this town think we need a rocket slide for the price..other places that had them have eliminated them because of the cost. I imagine the first week or two it is in the park people will go and have their picture taken beside it...then it will go back to 2 kids a month sliding down it. It is a rather stupid looking thing to start with but to pay those thousands of dollars for it is ridiculous. We definitely need to clean house at city hall. We have had such a waste of taxpayers money in the past few months. Where is all the money coming from? No one will be walking on the sidewalks. Look in the parts of town that have sidewalks...where do people walk.....In the street.
If the garden club thinks we need such an elaborate planting around the fountain let them have fund raisings and do it themselves. I am so common that I can enjoy plantings that are a lot cheaper..or no plantings at all. I think the city council should start asking us what we want to do with the money.
I think if people want to buy a business they should go to the bank for the money and the city should get out of the banking business. "
If the garden club thinks we need such an elaborate planting around the fountain let them have fund raisings and do it themselves. I am so common that I can enjoy plantings that are a lot cheaper..or no plantings at all. I think the city council should start asking us what we want to do with the money.
I think if people want to buy a business they should go to the bank for the money and the city should get out of the banking business. "
bluff park neighbor wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:16 PM:
" so there is $ for park upgrades and repair so lets get with it people and fix up Bluff Park the thing at Rand park can wait it is not a danger to our children
speaking of danger and I may be putting my foot in my mouth but we did as kids without sidewalks why do kids now a days need them "
speaking of danger and I may be putting my foot in my mouth but we did as kids without sidewalks why do kids now a days need them "
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NOT AGAIN wrote on Oct 3, 2008 9:50 PM: