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City won't allow extra bags with stickers after Dec. 1
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| Steve Dunn / Gate City Keokuk sanitation workers Todd Bullard and Terry Altheide stand by one of the city’s two new garbage trucks. |
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
Starting Dec. 1, Keokuk residents no longer will be able to use extra trash bags with stickers.
In August, the city implemented a new collection system with 95-gallon containers on wheels that are automatically loaded into two new garbage trucks. Before the system was established, residents were allowed to use extra bags and more than two 35-gallon containers if they bought stickers costing $1 apiece for the extra bags.
Since August, some residents have been using the extra bags after filling their 95-gallon containers, Public Works Director Gerald Moughler told the Keokuk City Council Thursday. The extra bags are being left on the ground next to the new carts. Not allowing residents to use extra bags with stickers will enable the garbage truck drivers to stay in their trucks.
Moughler also asked council members for guidance on whether residents will be able to have extra garbage containers after Jan. 1, 2009. Six people recently indicated they want extra containers, Moughler said. People would be forced to recycle more if additional containers are not allowed, he agreed.
In other business, Police Chief Tom Crew said it will cost $4,900 to transfer the city's communications equipment from an old cinder block building that is falling apart to a larger climate-controlled building once used by Iowa Public Television.
“We can't afford not to do it,” Crew said.
The old cinder block building would be demolished and infrastructure funds could be used to pay for the conversion. Two electrical meters would be removed in the process, thus reducing the cost of the switch.
Crew also said he has a quote of $4,272 to paint the main part of the police department building from the floor to the ceiling. The quote includes labor and materials.
The police chief said the city could join the county and buy a nonremovable metal detector for the council chambers at City Hall.
“We need to address the issue,” Crew told council members. “It's money well spent.”
For the past several months, anyone attending a council meeting or workshop has been checked with a wand as they entered the council chambers. A metal detector at City Hall would cost from $3,000 to $5,000, according to Crew.
In other matters, Moughler said inspections of samples from the old city landfill have resumed. It will cost $17,000 to $25,000 to bring the testing up to date, he said.
He also is in the process of obtaining quotes on two new 30-inch doors for the council chamber's entrance. In addition to the new doors, a nearby closet would be removed to make ingress and egress easier in case of an emergency.
During the five-minute regular council meeting, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring all schools, school property and school district property including the Keokuk public schools to pay sewer fees. The Keokuk public schools have not paid sewer fees in the past.
The council also amended the travel and expense policy by raising the meal allowance from $25 to $40 a day.
Finally, the council approved a new one-day Class C beer and wine permit for the Southside Boat Club. The council also renewed a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for the Tee Pee and the Class A liquor license with Sunday sales for the Knights of Columbus.
In August, the city implemented a new collection system with 95-gallon containers on wheels that are automatically loaded into two new garbage trucks. Before the system was established, residents were allowed to use extra bags and more than two 35-gallon containers if they bought stickers costing $1 apiece for the extra bags.
Since August, some residents have been using the extra bags after filling their 95-gallon containers, Public Works Director Gerald Moughler told the Keokuk City Council Thursday. The extra bags are being left on the ground next to the new carts. Not allowing residents to use extra bags with stickers will enable the garbage truck drivers to stay in their trucks.
Moughler also asked council members for guidance on whether residents will be able to have extra garbage containers after Jan. 1, 2009. Six people recently indicated they want extra containers, Moughler said. People would be forced to recycle more if additional containers are not allowed, he agreed.
In other business, Police Chief Tom Crew said it will cost $4,900 to transfer the city's communications equipment from an old cinder block building that is falling apart to a larger climate-controlled building once used by Iowa Public Television.
“We can't afford not to do it,” Crew said.
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Crew also said he has a quote of $4,272 to paint the main part of the police department building from the floor to the ceiling. The quote includes labor and materials.
The police chief said the city could join the county and buy a nonremovable metal detector for the council chambers at City Hall.
“We need to address the issue,” Crew told council members. “It's money well spent.”
For the past several months, anyone attending a council meeting or workshop has been checked with a wand as they entered the council chambers. A metal detector at City Hall would cost from $3,000 to $5,000, according to Crew.
In other matters, Moughler said inspections of samples from the old city landfill have resumed. It will cost $17,000 to $25,000 to bring the testing up to date, he said.
He also is in the process of obtaining quotes on two new 30-inch doors for the council chamber's entrance. In addition to the new doors, a nearby closet would be removed to make ingress and egress easier in case of an emergency.
During the five-minute regular council meeting, the council approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring all schools, school property and school district property including the Keokuk public schools to pay sewer fees. The Keokuk public schools have not paid sewer fees in the past.
The council also amended the travel and expense policy by raising the meal allowance from $25 to $40 a day.
Finally, the council approved a new one-day Class C beer and wine permit for the Southside Boat Club. The council also renewed a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for the Tee Pee and the Class A liquor license with Sunday sales for the Knights of Columbus.
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| Family Fright Night set Oct. 25 in Keokuk |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of dailygate.com.
Our city government wrote on Oct 19, 2008 2:45 PM:
" Since when is having an OPINION called whining? A solution would be simple. Ask questions. Get involved. Which I have and will continue to do. Don't sit behind your computer and think you know me. Don't just assume I don't volunteer my time when possible. Don't assume that I don't pitch in when work permits.
A nice pool yes, an aquatic center that was voted down no. I don't understand how this aquatic center is supposed to bring jobs to this area.. It might be a nice place for families to go, but when there is a lack of jobs, pretty soon, there wont be many families left to go.
I am grateful for people who volunteer time to spruce up Keokuk. When you have these small business owners wanting to expand, they run into problems. You have buildings falling down. You have buildings that are unsafe. It should of never been allowed to get this way. There was no reason for Main st. to crumble like it has, none at all. Most of these owners on main st are trying to improve their business, but are getting hassled and on occasion harrowed left and right by some of our officials. Larry can attest to that. The railroad is as much a part of this town as anything else. But again, he was hassled over this. Our own Mayor didn't even understand why he was getting this grief.
As far as opposing the removal of stoplights. Since when has the public opposing something stopped our city government from going ahead with their plans? I could care less if they take a few of those stoplights out, it won't inconvenience me to just go to a block with a light. The problem is they are not doing ANYTHING about it NOTHING at all. If they want to remove some lights, then remove them. If ones they have removed are in better condition then the ones that are staying, switch them out if possible, if they are not going to replace any.
You want solutions. For one, put the government back into the hands of the people. Quit spending spending spending on things that have no influence on the most important thing this city is in need of JOBS. "
A nice pool yes, an aquatic center that was voted down no. I don't understand how this aquatic center is supposed to bring jobs to this area.. It might be a nice place for families to go, but when there is a lack of jobs, pretty soon, there wont be many families left to go.
I am grateful for people who volunteer time to spruce up Keokuk. When you have these small business owners wanting to expand, they run into problems. You have buildings falling down. You have buildings that are unsafe. It should of never been allowed to get this way. There was no reason for Main st. to crumble like it has, none at all. Most of these owners on main st are trying to improve their business, but are getting hassled and on occasion harrowed left and right by some of our officials. Larry can attest to that. The railroad is as much a part of this town as anything else. But again, he was hassled over this. Our own Mayor didn't even understand why he was getting this grief.
As far as opposing the removal of stoplights. Since when has the public opposing something stopped our city government from going ahead with their plans? I could care less if they take a few of those stoplights out, it won't inconvenience me to just go to a block with a light. The problem is they are not doing ANYTHING about it NOTHING at all. If they want to remove some lights, then remove them. If ones they have removed are in better condition then the ones that are staying, switch them out if possible, if they are not going to replace any.
You want solutions. For one, put the government back into the hands of the people. Quit spending spending spending on things that have no influence on the most important thing this city is in need of JOBS. "
To Our City Government wrote on Oct 18, 2008 12:30 PM:
" Whine, whine, whine.
You have mentioned problems that everyone is aware of and many people are working to alleviate. What are your solutions? What have you done to make those solutions happen?
Keokuk children and families deserve a nice pool to enjoy in the summer. It's a city amenity that we shouldn't be without. I can see just fine when driving downtown. With the new pavement, sidewalks, trash cans and more, Main Street looks much better than it did just a few years ago. A group is now working to improve the look of Main Street with appropriate trees and plantings. Several groups and individuals are working to improve the storefronts; it won't happen instantly. City leaders have said for quite some time that the stop lights are so old that replacement parts are almost impossible to obtain, yet some people are opposed to the elimination of any of the stop lights.
I am not an elected official, but I believe we have a very good group of city officials now. Now, instead of complaining about the obvious, try becoming part of the solution. "
You have mentioned problems that everyone is aware of and many people are working to alleviate. What are your solutions? What have you done to make those solutions happen?
Keokuk children and families deserve a nice pool to enjoy in the summer. It's a city amenity that we shouldn't be without. I can see just fine when driving downtown. With the new pavement, sidewalks, trash cans and more, Main Street looks much better than it did just a few years ago. A group is now working to improve the look of Main Street with appropriate trees and plantings. Several groups and individuals are working to improve the storefronts; it won't happen instantly. City leaders have said for quite some time that the stop lights are so old that replacement parts are almost impossible to obtain, yet some people are opposed to the elimination of any of the stop lights.
I am not an elected official, but I believe we have a very good group of city officials now. Now, instead of complaining about the obvious, try becoming part of the solution. "
Our city government wrote on Oct 18, 2008 10:03 AM:
" Our city government has been "out to lunch" for awhile now. I don't understand some of these decisions recently. I mean, I didn't want this new aquatic center, the majority didn't as well, but here they are building the thing. My question is how many new jobs will that bring to Keokuk? I agree that the old pool was in need of replacement, but come on now, shouldn't we focus on vastly improving other parts of this city?
I for one enjoy driving down main st and looking at this period lighting that don't light up much of anything. I also enjoy looking at the missing stop light on 7th and main, that's real safe. And all those empty and decaying store fronts are real appealing. I enjoy hearing all day about people who are having trouble finding jobs in this town to support their families. What exactly is our unemployment rate? Its heartening to know, the Mayor and the rest of the city government is so concerned about our financial well being. Man I wish I could eat on $40 a day ($200 a week).
Now who cares about the elderly who live alone, and really have no need for this huge trash can. Its on wheels its not like a 90lb elderly lady would have trouble moving it? Its on wheels, its not like a disabled person would have trouble moving it? I know, lets just forget about the elderly and disabled, that might work. Its not like they can take their disability or Social Security check and pay for private trash collection. I mean just as long as our trash men don't have to get out of their trucks, then the old and sickly can just deal with it. "
I for one enjoy driving down main st and looking at this period lighting that don't light up much of anything. I also enjoy looking at the missing stop light on 7th and main, that's real safe. And all those empty and decaying store fronts are real appealing. I enjoy hearing all day about people who are having trouble finding jobs in this town to support their families. What exactly is our unemployment rate? Its heartening to know, the Mayor and the rest of the city government is so concerned about our financial well being. Man I wish I could eat on $40 a day ($200 a week).
Now who cares about the elderly who live alone, and really have no need for this huge trash can. Its on wheels its not like a 90lb elderly lady would have trouble moving it? Its on wheels, its not like a disabled person would have trouble moving it? I know, lets just forget about the elderly and disabled, that might work. Its not like they can take their disability or Social Security check and pay for private trash collection. I mean just as long as our trash men don't have to get out of their trucks, then the old and sickly can just deal with it. "
woulda shoulda coulda wrote on Oct 14, 2008 7:57 PM:
" I agree OMG! And I think the schools should get the metal detector before the city hall.
I have an elderly neighbor (and I'm speaking for all) she walks w/ a walker and had a hard time w/ the 32gal. trash can now that we have the new 95 gal. she is unable to push it to the curb since it is taller and heavier than she. She has no trash but a couple hy-vee sacks, she called city hall and they won't allow her to use her small can. We neighbors take her trash and put it in ours. It is a shame that some people cannot have a smaller can. "
I have an elderly neighbor (and I'm speaking for all) she walks w/ a walker and had a hard time w/ the 32gal. trash can now that we have the new 95 gal. she is unable to push it to the curb since it is taller and heavier than she. She has no trash but a couple hy-vee sacks, she called city hall and they won't allow her to use her small can. We neighbors take her trash and put it in ours. It is a shame that some people cannot have a smaller can. "
OMG wrote on Oct 13, 2008 1:33 PM:
" OMG
It is pretty obvious that the City is only thinking of themselves. What's new?
From reading various posts on this site from our Keokuk residents, it is quite apparent.
The article about City clean up, and the posts from irrate citizens is just another example.
A new metal detector. $3000 - $5000, a hand held is only $60 to $70. Why should us taxpayers have to pay?
If they are doing right by the masses, why should they feel they are at risk during their meetings?
I say let them all carry concealed protection, payed for by themselves in order to protect themselves!
AND $4300 to paint the walls in the cop shop??? I want that job! Geez Louise!
New doors for the council chamber?
In Case of an Emergency?? OMG! Run for your lives!!! Give us a break.
AND $40 a day for meals, that is ridiculus! I by my own lunch just like EVERY other decent taxpayer out there.
If I worked there, I would be embarrassed for the public to know that.
AND OMG, 'the council approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring all schools, school property and school district property including the Keokuk public schools to pay sewer fees.' GEE, Guess who is going to absorb that $$$? OMG OMG!!!
I am curious if any City Council members ever read these posts?
I dare to say they haven't the intestinal fortitude to belly up
and do the respectable thing like work for the taxpayer.
Well, isn't it obvious?
We voted them in (I guess) we can vote them out. See you at the polls. "
It is pretty obvious that the City is only thinking of themselves. What's new?
From reading various posts on this site from our Keokuk residents, it is quite apparent.
The article about City clean up, and the posts from irrate citizens is just another example.
A new metal detector. $3000 - $5000, a hand held is only $60 to $70. Why should us taxpayers have to pay?
If they are doing right by the masses, why should they feel they are at risk during their meetings?
I say let them all carry concealed protection, payed for by themselves in order to protect themselves!
AND $4300 to paint the walls in the cop shop??? I want that job! Geez Louise!
New doors for the council chamber?
In Case of an Emergency?? OMG! Run for your lives!!! Give us a break.
AND $40 a day for meals, that is ridiculus! I by my own lunch just like EVERY other decent taxpayer out there.
If I worked there, I would be embarrassed for the public to know that.
AND OMG, 'the council approved the first reading of an ordinance requiring all schools, school property and school district property including the Keokuk public schools to pay sewer fees.' GEE, Guess who is going to absorb that $$$? OMG OMG!!!
I am curious if any City Council members ever read these posts?
I dare to say they haven't the intestinal fortitude to belly up
and do the respectable thing like work for the taxpayer.
Well, isn't it obvious?
We voted them in (I guess) we can vote them out. See you at the polls. "
Karnie wrote on Oct 9, 2008 10:26 AM:
" Ok there is something i am wondering about here. Say you have a large family. You are going to go through alot more trash than a family of 4 or so. So what are those families supposewd to do with all of the extra trash they have??? The way i see it they just doubled my water bill and now they are going to say how much trash we are allowed to make in a week??? Arnt we the ones paying them to pick up our trash???? "
bluff park neighbor wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:18 PM:
" so who wrecked the new garbage truck????something else we will be paying for!!!!!!!
if they can't eat on 25.00 a day then they should starve I can feed my family for 2-3 days on 25.00 "
if they can't eat on 25.00 a day then they should starve I can feed my family for 2-3 days on 25.00 "
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woulda shoulda coulda wrote on Oct 20, 2008 11:36 AM:
If the city did their homework they wouldn't have to replace the trees on Main St. Who would have thought that the roots grow. ;) Some trees roots do grow bigger than others, and I'm not a expert. Why are the sidewalks being redone between 2nd - 4th on Main anyway? Were they not done right the first time? That seems to happen a lot in this town. Wasted money.
The buildings on Main St. are another issue. Why were the mini malls built when the buildings on Main could be fixed up? I know that is a stupid question! If everyone has to go through what Larry went through then I guess that answers my question. How pitiful.
The windmill plant was hopefull too many but a huge disappointment. It isn't coming is it? We desperatly need good paying jobs to keep this town afloat. "