The Independent Eye

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2007-12-01T13:45:00.000-06:00

The Voices of Stuart

2007-07-07T11:37:00.001-05:00

Get connected to the new site.

Once there, be sure to add it to your favorites.

Over the next couple of days I will be exploring wordpress. There is a learning curve since it provides many more options than blogger.

You may continue to post here for a few more days. All new posts will be on The Voices of Stuart.

The Results

2007-07-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

The winner is Voices of Stuart.

Voting results:

Voices of Stuart 20

Stuart Transparency 18

Stuart Voice 2

It was a close race with Stuart Transparency taking a early lead in the voting. Overnight Voices of Stuart tied the race with 18 votes each. The last 2 voters around 8:10 am broke the tie and Voices of Stuart pulled ahead to win.

A final check at 9 am showed no new votes were submitted.

Just as soon as the new site is ready I will post the address here.

The Vote

2007-07-06T08:52:00.000-05:00

After a last minute check here are the top choices.

Pick the one you like best and submit it before 9 am Saturday.

There is no order significance to the list.

Your choices are:

Stuart Voice

Stuart Transparency

Voices of Stuart

The Plan

2007-07-05T21:05:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Continue to pick your three choices and submit them under the "Name That Blog" topic.

By 9 am Friday I will post the top three that were picked by your selections.

By 9 am Saturday I will tally the votes and announce the winner.

That should give everyone 24 hours to get his or her votes in.

Once the name is chosen I will setup the new blog within 24 hours and post the new location here as soon as it is ready.

All new posts will be on the new blog.

I do not plan to continue moderating the "ieyenews" after the new site is up. It is too cumbersome with the current problems.

If I can figure a way to continue any ongoing topics I will. If not, I’ll figure something else out if it comes to that.

After the new name is posted be sure to add it to your favorites.

Notice to Bloggers

2007-07-04T22:13:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Over the next couple of days I am going to be going back through the old blogs to see if I can extract and save selected blog topics.

Because of the problems I have with blogger the only way to do this is to go into the edit post function and copy out the content and save it to my computer.

I am not making any changes to the topic or actually editing anything but it will generate a email notification for the topic to those who signed up for that service. If the emails get bothersome I suggest you unsubscribe for the next couple of days.

I will be starting at the oldest and working forward. I am anly going to pull up what I think are significant for historical reference.

It is not my intent to restart/rehash these old topics and I will not entertain new comments on those old subjects. Again, the effort is for historical reference only.

This effort will begin on Thursday and continue off and on as I have time to wade through the old posts.

At this point all other efforts are to migrate the blog to another host domain with a responsive customer support activity as soon as a new name is chosen.

Please put your best blog name suggestions under the "name that blog" topic. As soon as a new name is chosen I can establish the new blog.

Joint Meeting

2007-07-04T13:25:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Midwest Partnership

Midwest partnerships made a short presentation and request for further teamwork in developing a better more proactive way to market and present the Stuart Industrial Area to prospective companies.

There is currently about 3500 acres of undeveloped land in the industrial area. Of all the areas they cover they receive the most calls on the area here. The projects just never seem to make real forward progress because of the lack of basic infrastructure. With that realization they want to get more proactive in packaging and presenting the area.

While they did not go into any details the primary purpose of their presentation was to put together a consortium of Midwest Partnership, City Economic Development and Utility personnel. This group will look at the problems associated with the undeveloped industrial area to see if they could put together a plan with cost estimates to enhance the area to become more market competitive.

The mayor is to get back to them with names of individuals to participate in the consortium.

Discussion of ADA Recommendations

Mr. Crawford presented an overview of the topics discussed at the first committee meeting held Sunday, July 1, 2007.

Current committee members are Mr.’s Crawford, Foy, Tiernan, Askren, Cook, Gulbranson and Vitzthum and Mrs.’s Avey, and Tiernan.

Additions can be made to the committee so if you wish to participate please contact Mayor Marks.

The first meeting established a Purpose Statement for the actions the committee needs to accomplish. Proposed actions are to study options to remedy immediate city facility ADA compliant issues and provide recommendations to the city council and utility board. Additionally, they wish to look at finding funding options and make recommendations regarding the Aquatic Center and Community Cultural Center.

Areas addressed during the meeting were the need for developing a list of City general facility needs, determine available funding resources, and considerations needed to review options and make recommendations.

The committee also did a walk through of the Masonic Temple.

Conclusions from the first committee meeting are:

Top Priority is to address City Hall and the Library.

Along with ADA Compliance issues current facilities appear to have spatial inadequacies as well as structural integrity and longevity issues.

Options for consideration are renovation and expansion of existing facilities, building new facilities and identifying relocation space for city services while construction/renovation take place.

Real Estate Discussion

The Real Estate discussion was held in closed session citing:

Iowa Code 12.5.j.... "To discuss the purchase of real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property. The minutes and the tape recording of a session closed under this paragraph shall be available for public examination when the transaction discussed is completed." The reason to close has to be announced and vote taken and recorded in open session, and the final action taken only in open session.

Upon reopening the meeting the joint council adjourned.

Name That Blog

2007-07-04T08:35:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Here is your chance to recommend a name for a new blog.

Submit your best suggestions and I'll post them for rewiew.

In a couple of days I'll narrow it down to a 2 or 3 and post them for your comments.

Have a Happy 4th of July.

Special Joint Meeting

2007-07-02T19:57:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

SPECIAL JOINT MEETING

STUART CITY COUNCIL
AND
STUART MUNICIPAL UTILITY BOARD

TENTATIVE AGENDA

TUESDAY, JULY 3, 2007

6:00 P.M.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1.) CALL TO ORDER

2.) MIDWEST PARTNERSHIP / IDED

3.) DISCUSSION OF ADA RECOMMENDATIONS

4.) DISCUSS PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE / POSSIBLE
CLOSED SESSION

5.) ADJOURNMENT

Technical Difficulties

2007-06-30T12:52:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

The blog is experiencing technical difficulties.

The posts are viewable but I are unable to post comments at this time.

The problem has been reported but this is a holiday weekend so I have no idea when it will be resolved.

So kick back, and go do something fun for the weekend.

I am.

--------UPDATE--------Sunday--------

I have not heard back from blogger yet.

I do not know when the problem will be resolved.

-------UPDATE-------Monday--------

I have not heard from blogger yet.

I have resorted to copy and pasting comments from email directly into the comments under each blog.

It is a pain and if I missed any just repost your comment.

A 4th of July Salute Through History

2007-06-29T08:15:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

I don't know that I have a favorite holiday but if I was forced to choose it would probably be this one. Of course as a kid it was always Christmas, we got presents, we were happy. As I got older and out into the world I began to realize that Holidays were commemorations that we as a people and nation hold dear.

They earmark the days of history that hold especial significance to the nation as a whole. Those basic foundations of events that helped shape the country as we know it today and all the freedoms we enjoy.

After searching all week to find a fitting post to commerate this weekend I kept coming back to one site that is a history lovers dream without driving the non-history lovers crazy. It is as close to one-stop-shopping as any site I have ever visited about the 4th of July.

Don't get sidetracked by all the links at the top of the site until you scroll down and find "How the 4th of July was Designated as a Official Holiday" and read from there. The chronological list of 4th of July Celebrations begining in 1776 is a sweet reminder of the progress and accomplishments of our country.

All credit goes to the site author James R. Heintze, of the American University, Washington D.C. who began the database in 1995.

Enjoy and Happy 4th of July.

To the Editor

2007-06-27T07:51:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Let’s just cut to the chase here Mr. Crawford.

You should never assume that I would play by the narrow little rules being imposed on this subject to make the walking/bike trail more palatable to the public. I will not. I have been present at every monthly council meeting and most of the special ones since September 2006. My response was based on all the information I have heard discussed on this topic. Not just the pretty little package being pressed in hopes that the public will forget the bigger picture.

You should never assume that disagreement is negative, discouraging and hindering. That is a fault in logic I see all too often in our younger politicians. They lock onto an idea, think they have all the answers and press forward at all costs, labeling all opposition as such. It smacks of immaturity, arrogance, bullying and is insulting to the people they say they wish to serve. The attempts to over simplify this issue to negate the need for community involvement continues down the same faulty logic path. I have witnessed the council show absolutely no interest in having a discussion with anyone on this subject or any other subject for that matter. A good and true servant of the public would never be so presumptuous. Nor would they raise their personal agendas above the true needs of their constituents. I shudder to think what other priorities will be presented to work on in the coming months.

You should never assume that just because Iowa Trails 2000 encourages and facilitates the implementation of trails that its true purpose should be ignored simply because of the size of the trail. Its true intended use is to ensure that the proper considerations are made through every phase of development and implementation. It is a "lessons learned" document to help avoid the pitfalls encountered by others and ensure the successful proliferation of all sized trails in the state. While the size of this project may not require all of the considerations recommended it is perfectly acceptable to tailor the guidelines to fit the project not ignore them all together.

You should never assume that I am against a trail. I am not. What I am against is the way the council is going about the business of prioritizing, planning and funding this project. As I have already talked about planning let us move on to prioritizing and funding. The current funding strategy being employed is the use of TIF monies. In order to use TIF monies the Stuart Urban Renewal Area must be amended as is proposed to happen after the public hearing during the next city council meeting. The sports complex does not qualify for inclusion in such a plan. There is no way to convince any logical individual that our sports complex is a slum or blighted area as defined by Iowa Code, Chapter 403 Urban Renewal Law, paragraph 2. The next proposed step will be to amend the city’s TIF Plan to include trails. Again after looking at what qualifies for TIF funding a trail does not meet the requirements. The use of "X" number of year’s worth of TIF monies to fund the trail will be at the expense of sewer expansion and repair, curb and sidewalk work, storm drainage projects, street construction & expansion, water supply projects, and park improvements. All of which actually qualify for TIF monies. Will the council recognize any of these qualified areas as worthy for placement on a priority list above a trail?

You should never assume that people would not question motives and insinuate trickery when they recognize the lengths to which some are willing to go to push their private agendas. Being questioned is a responsibility that comes with the job of council member. Questions should be handled in an open and serious fashion. Failure to do so further promotes the perception of questionable motive and trickery.

So on the outside chance that I might get an answer to my questions I have refined and enlarged them and will ask again.

1. Just what is your motive in supporting this trail project above all other city needs?

2. Do you actually think the citizens of this town are so gullible that they do not recognize your tactics?

3. Where and who is this committee that proposed this plan? Who have they talked to in regards to determining the actual need for a trail?

4. What personal research did you actually do in deciding this would be good for the city and deserves championing above all else?

5. Where is the action and when can we expect to see results on a safe streets and pedestrian sidewalk plan that is a prerequisite in determining if a trail is necessary?

6. Do you intend to push forward with the proposed funding plan even though the project does not qualify for that type of funds?

7. When can we expect to see the council roll up their sleeves, lay the problems the city faces out on the table, establish a prioritized plan and begin executing that plan?

I hope that this has given a clear enough picture on how the council could do better. Previous attempts to encourage and facilitate reasonable conversation have always met with meager results at best. Letting someone have his or her say then doing what you want anyway, does not meet the requirement of your own demand. Remember: Fear not those who argue but those who dodge.

P.s. I hope you enjoyed your walk Sunday.

Got Jokes?

2007-06-24T13:21:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

I like a good joke as well as the next person.

Other than the two jokes put up yesterday I haven't heard a new good one in ages.

So here is your chance. Put up your favorite jokes and I will check every half hour or so and post them.

Please remember that you never know who is reading so use discression in picking your jokes.

On The Lighter Side

2007-06-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

I received this in a email today and thought it would be a nice change of pace.

Enjoy.

FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE PHILOSOPHY OF AMBIGUITY.

1. DON'T SWEAT THE PETTY THINGS AND DON'T PET THE SWEATY THINGS.
2. ONE TEQUILA, TWO TEQUILA, THREE TEQUILA, FLOOR.....
3. ATHEISM IS A NON-PROPHET ORGANIZATION.
4. IF MAN EVOLVED FROM MONKEYS AND APES, WHY DO WE STILL HAVE MONKEYS AND APES?
5. THE MAIN REASON SANTA IS SO JOLLY IS BECAUSE HE KNOWS WHERE ALL THE BAD GIRLS LIVE.
6. I WENT TO A BOOKSTORE AND ASKED THE SALESWOMAN, "WHERE'S THE SELF-HELP SECTION?" SHE SAID IF SHE TOLD ME, IT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE.
7. WHAT IF THERE WERE NO HYPOTHETICAL QUESTIONS?
8. IF A DEAF PERSON SWEARS, DOES HIS MOTHER WASH HIS HANDS WITH SOAP?
9. IF SOMEONE WITH MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES THREATENS TO KILL HIMSELF, IS IT CONSIDERED A HOSTAGE SITUATION?
10. IS THERE ANOTHER WORD FOR SYNONYM?
11. WHERE DO FOREST RANGERS GO TO "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL?"
12. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU SEE AN ENDANGERED ANIMAL EATING AN ENDANGERED PLANT?
13. IF A PARSLEY FARMER IS SUED, CAN THEY GARNISH HIS WAGES?
14. WOULD A FLY WITHOUT WINGS BE CALLED A WALK?
15 WHY DO THEY LOCK GAS STATION BATHROOMS? ARE THEY AFRAID SOMEONE WILL CLEAN THEM?
16. IF A TURTLE DOESN'T HAVE A SHELL, IS HE HOMELESS OR NAKED?
17. CAN VEGETARIANS EAT ANIMAL CRACKERS?
18. IF THE POLICE ARREST A MIME, DO THEY TELL HIM HE HAS THE RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT?
19. WHY DO THEY PUT BRAILLE ON THE DRIVE-THROUGH BANK MACHINES?
20. HOW DO THEY GET DEER TO CROSS THE ROAD ONLY AT THOSE YELLOW ROAD SIGNS?
21. WHAT WAS THE BEST THING BEFORE SLICED BREAD?
22. ONE NICE THING ABOUT EGOTISTS: THEY DON'T TALK ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE.
23. DOES THE LITTLE MERMAID WEAR AN ALGEBRA?
24. DO INFANTS ENJOY INFANCY AS MUCH AS ADULTS ENJOY ADULTERY?
25. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE A CIVIL WAR?
26. IF ONE SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMER DROWNS, DO THE REST DROWN TOO?
27. IF YOU ATE BOTH PASTA AND ANTIPASTO, WOULD YOU STILL BE HUNGRY?
28. IF YOU TRY TO FAIL, AND SUCCEED, WHICH HAVE YOU DONE?
29. WHOSE CRUEL IDEA WAS IT FOR THE WORD "LISP" TO HAVE "S" IN IT?
30. WHY ARE HEMORRHOIDS CALLED "HEMORRHOIDS" INSTEAD OF "ASSTEROIDS"?
31. WHY IS IT CALLED TOURIST SEASON IF WE CAN'T SHOOT AT THEM?
32. WHY IS THERE AN EXPIRATION DATE ON SOUR CREAM?
33. IF YOU SPIN AN ORIENTAL MAN IN A CIRCLE THREE TIMES DOES HE BECOME DISORIENTED?
34. CAN AN ATHEIST GET INSURANCE AGAINST ACTS OF GOD?

Democracy Countdown

2007-06-21T10:24:00.000-05:00

Is This The Path We Really Want To Continue Down?

By Peggy Schlichter

This is for those who enjoy history, philosophy and thinking about the bigger political picture of our country.

Maybe by looking at the bigger picture we can get a better perspective on our little community and where we are heading both as a town and a country.

I guess over the years I have turned into a slightly cynical optimist. I always seem to look on the bright side but temper it with a lot of what ifs, why the hells and what were they thinking as I watch the world around me. And sometimes I am absolutely sure that no forethought whatsoever was applied to some of the actions our political leaders have embarked upon. That by starting an action was an end in and of itself and that the means had no boundaries, rules or common good to temper it with.

After reading Messieurs Taylor and Horn in the Stuart Herald over the last two weeks they started me thinking about a recent email I received about the Democracy Countdown. After reading the email it brought to mind a paraphrase of the philosopher George Santayana; "those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat its mistakes."

I have no idea who put this together. No one is claiming authorship. In fact Loren Collins did a rather extensive trace to see if authorship could be verified.

The trace soundly concludes that the attribute stated in the first paragraph of the Countdown is most certainly fictitious and added to lend credence to the words. I have left it in so you can see what is actually being passed around.

With that being said the trace also concludes, "These facts lead me to suspect that these quotes were probably coined by separate individuals in the first half of the twentieth century. The authors were most likely not famous persons or respected scholars, but rather just private political thinkers who got their words in print, and whose words then happened to strike a chord in others."

What ever the truth of authorship is, the postulations put forth, strike a resonance requiring contemplation and comparison to the other federal republics in the history of the world. To me that is a scary comparison because I see to much of where we are heading in where they have already been in the life cycle of their histories.

So, here is the Democracy Countdown as I received it. There are other versions that add some census and voter comparisons at the end. It is not my intent to have a political discussion but rather to allow us to take a different look at how we respond to the world and its happenings around us.

Democracy Countdown

How Long Do We Have?

About the time our original thirteen states adopted their new constitution in 1787, Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years earlier:

"A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government."

"A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury."

"From that moment on, the majority always vote for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship."

"The average age of the world's greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years"

"During those 200 years, those nations always progressed through the following sequence:
1. From bondage to spiritual faith;
2. From spiritual faith to great courage;
3. From courage to liberty;
4. From liberty to abundance;
5. From abundance to complacency;
6. From complacency to apathy;
7. From apathy to dependence;
8. From dependence back into bondage"

Personally I think we are somewhere in the late stages of number 6 or the early stages of number 7 depending on the issue. Others I have read consider us closer to the end of number 7. Yet others think we are already in number 8 considering the more recent federal trends and decisions on Homeland Security, Immigration and voter apathy.

To read other opinions Google Democracy Countdown and check them out.

Regardless of your political affiliations it is a notion worthy of contemplation and discussion.

Officer Brehmer Admits Guilt

2007-06-19T11:01:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

According to the Special Prosecutors office a plea agreement was reached late last week. Officer Brehmer submitted a written guilty plea (Alford Plea) for one count of Misuse of Public Records. As part of the plea agreement the second charge of Theft 5th Degree was dismissed. At sentencing Officer Brehmer will be liable for court costs and a fine up to $300.00.

There is some misconception about Alford Pleas that needs clearing up. In Iowa, an Alford Plea is an admission of guilt submitted in writing to the court. It holds the same weight as standing in court, pleading guilty and stating for the record what you did. The only difference between the two is that the Alford Plea does not require a court appearance for submitting the plea.

On another note, the Special Prosecutors office will be conferring with the Stuart PD in the near future on the remaining charges against Mr. Tyler Coe. No trial date has been requested on his charges.

It Is Official, Officer Brehmer Pled Guilty

2007-06-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

According to the Iowa Courts Online Database, suspended Officer Michael Brehmer has pled quilty to one count of Violation of Public Records. This confirms the rumors going around last weekend.

Below is the excerpt from the Iowa Courts Online Database.

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS BREHMER, MICHAEL BRADELY
Case: 05391 SMAC011396 (GUTHRIE)
Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated
WRITTEN PLEA OF GUILTY BREHMER MICHAEL BRADLEY 06/18/2007 06/18/2007 06/18/2007
Comments: PETITION TO PLEAD GUILTY(ALFORD PLEA)

There is no record of the disposition on the other charge of Theft 5th Degree.

Good Egg Days

2007-06-18T00:53:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

I don't know why I thought I wouldn't get asked about Good Egg Days. It just never crossed my mind.

I have always enjoyed going to different types of celebrations. It is a chance to meet new people and just plain have a good time.

While watching the parade with the folks I was kind of surprised that there were not very many old cars or tractors this year. The pops said the same thing afterwards. Of course, as everyone knows, my pops does like the tractors. Especially the green ones.

From there we stopped by the Hometown for a little wine tasting. I am not much of a wine drinker but a taste now and then never hurts.

After dinner the papa and I cruised the park checking out the booths and visiting with folks. Later that evening I walked around the midway for a while. All in all I enjoyed the day.

I spent most of Sunday taking it easy since the hip decided to remind me I over did it the day before.

Overall I thought it was a pretty good affair. I don't know that I disliked anything but I haven't been around here enough years to have much to compare it to.

What do you think?

ADA Guide For Small Towns

2007-06-15T15:41:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

I decided to post this because it was mentioned in a comment and they were amazed at all the areas that must be considered in applying the ADA Guidelines.

Here is the DOJ, ADA Guide for Small Towns. I like this one because it shows pictures and gives examples on how modifications can be designed and employed.

Here is the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 in full.

The following is excerpted from the Act. If you wish to see the excerpted material in its original form just use the Act link above and scroll down until you find Section 12183.

Sec. 12183. New construction and alterations in public accommodations and commercial facilities

(a) Application of term

Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, as applied to public accommodations and commercial facilities, discrimination for purposes of section 12182(a) of this title includes

(1) a failure to design and construct facilities for first occupancy later than 30 months after July 26, 1990, that are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, except where an entity can demonstrate that it is structurally impracticable to meet the requirements of such subsection in accordance with standards set forth or incorporated by reference in regulations issued under this subchapter; and

(2) with respect to a facility or part thereof that is altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of an establishment in a manner that affects or could affect the usability of the facility or part thereof, a failure to make alterations in such a manner that, to the maximum extent feasible, the altered portions of the facility are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, including individuals who use wheelchairs. Where the entity is undertaking an alteration that affects or could affect usability of or access to an area of the facility containing a primary function, the entity shall also make the alterations in such a manner that, to the maximum extent feasible, the path of travel to the altered area and the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area, are readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities where such alterations to the path of travel or the bathrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered area are not disproportionate to the overall alterations in terms of cost and scope (as determined under criteria established by the Attorney General).

(b) Elevator

Subsection (a) of this section shall not be construed to require the installation of an elevator for facilities that are less than three stories or have less than 3,000 square feet per story unless the building is a shopping center, a shopping mall, or the professional office of a health care provider or unless the Attorney General determines that a particular category of such facilities requires the installation of elevators based on the usage of such facilities.

End Excerpt.

The Continuing Saga of the Proposed Trail

2007-06-13T00:47:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

I believe that everyone knows where I stand on this subject so I will not rehash it again.

The council has seen fit to set a public hearing during the July council meeting to amend the Stuart Urban Renewal Area and refer the trail plan to Planning and Zoning for review and comment.

By City and State Code, Planning and Zoning get 30 days to review and prepare comments on any proposal prior to council action.

The following is excerpted from City Code, Chapter 23, Planning and Zoning Commission:

23.05 POWERS AND DUTIES. The Commission shall have and exercise the following powers and duties:

4. Recommendations of Improvements. No statuary, memorial or work of art in a public place, and no public building, bridge, viaduct, street fixtures, public structure or appurtenances, shall be located or erected, or site therefor obtained, nor shall any permit be issued by any department of the City for the erection or location thereof until and unless the design and proposed location of any such improvement shall have been submitted to the Commission and its recommendations thereon obtained, except such requirements and recommendations shall not act as a stay upon action for any such improvement when the Commission after thirty (30) days' written notice requesting such recommendations, shall have failed to file same.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 392.1)

5. Review and Comment on Plats. All plans, plats or re-plats of subdivision or re-subdivision of land embraced in the City or adjacent thereto, laid out in lots or plats with the streets, alleys, or other portions of the same intended to be dedicated to the public in the City, shall first be submitted to the Commission and its recommendations obtained before approval by the Council.
(Code of Iowa, Sec. 392.1)

6. Review and Comment of Street and Park Improvements. No plan for any street, park, parkway, boulevard, traffic-way, riverfront, or other public improvement affecting the City plan shall be finally approved by the City or the character or location thereof determined, unless such proposal shall first have been submitted to the Commission and the Commission shall have had thirty (30) days within which to file its recommendations thereon.

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 392.1)

End Excerpt.

The following excerpt is just one paragraph of Iowa Code, Chapter 403, Urban Renewal Law.

403.2 Declaration of policy.
1. It is hereby found and declared that there exist in municipalities of the state slum and blighted areas, as herein defined, which constitute a serious and growing menace, injurious to the public health, safety, morals and welfare of the residents of the state; that the existence of such areas contributes substantially and increasingly to the spread of disease and crime, constitutes an economic and social liability imposing onerous municipal burdens which decrease the tax base and reduce tax revenues, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of municipalities, retards the provision of housing accommodations, aggravates traffic problems and substantially impairs or arrests the elimination of traffic hazards and the improvement of traffic facilities; and that the prevention and elimination of slums and blighted areas is a matter of state policy and state concern in order that the state and its municipalities shall not continue to be endangered by areas which are focal centers of disease, promote juvenile delinquency and consume an excessive proportion of state revenues because of the extra services required for police, fire, accident, hospitalization and other forms of public protection, services and facilities.

End Excerpt.

After reading the chapter a couple of times this paragraph pretty much says it all. But feel free to check it out for yourself.

Can someone tell me how the sports complex can possibly qualify as a candidate for inclusion in the urban renewal area? Let alone the rest of the projected path.

Can anyone tell me how the council’s continued actions on this issue can be considered anywhere close to legal?

ADA Compliance

2007-06-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Apparently the city has received a letter from the DOJ concerning ADA requirements, which requires a response from the city. There was a short discussion about the fact that the city got the letter but no specifics were stated on the contents of the letter. I have not seen the letter nor had a chance today to see if it is available to the public. It may not be a public document if it is part of an investigation but it may be if it was placed on the council table. All I can do is ask and see what the city decides.

The council decided to put a committee together to meet with the DOJ and talk. Dick Cook, Brian and Mick were appointed.

I would like to correct the impression you may have gotten from the other report on this topic. The instance Mick was referring to "was not" about the DOJ refusing to give him the name of who called. The DOJ refused to talk to him simply because he was a council member therefore in their (lawyer) eyes he was the opposition in this. DOJ, as an enforcement agency, was acting on a complaint. At that point they would have opened/reopened an investigation. It is my understanding that the DOJ had visited Stuart in the not too distant past investigating this same issue. Since he said he got a letter, "my guess" is that it was cautionary in nature about interfering with the investigation. No matter what his intention was they would not have talked to him at that point.

As for the comment about the use of other available measures (email, drop boxes, outside delivery etc,) for cities where it was not financially feasible to fully implement ADA standards by the effective date of compliance. They were placed there as an interim provisions to allow cities to plan and implement the necessary changes. Not as an excuse to disregard the law completely.

I have seen the city disregard requests for changing the location of meetings or assistance until forced to provide it even though it states the assistance is readily available at the bottom of each agenda. I have yet to see them actually change the location but they have offered assistance up and down the stairs after a few reminders from the ombudsman office.

It all comes down to priorities and choices. I just think we need get better at picking the right ones sooner rather than later.

This is all I know on this subject at this time.

Life Happens

2007-06-12T12:29:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

As it goes in everyones life at one time or another it is my turn to have things happen that destroy the actual accomplishment of what you set out to do.

Between the heater hose rusting apart at the manifold and throwing all the antifreeze out of the truck last night, getting it to the shop this morning, working on the mama's computer, a bi-monthly visit from the brother-in-law on his way through back to Nebraska and getting a plan together with the papa to get all the brush and limbs out of my back yard that I cut yesterday I am just getting back to change and load limbs.

There are a couple of things I want to comment about on the council meeting last night but it will probably not be ready until this evening sometime. If you are dying to know the nuts and bolts on the meeting check out the other blog.

I have never claimed to be a journalist and I am not going to try to rehash the same stuff. It will be straight commentary on a couple of subjects that I think warrant discussion.

If there were any comments I put up with questions in them I will get to them as soon as things settle down around here.

Library Board Meeting

2007-06-12T07:10:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

The monthly meeting of the library board kicked off with the resignations of Eileen Wilson and Amy Doud. No reasons were given.

Katie presented the directors report generated by the new library software. It includes more information in a different format so there was some discussion on that.

There were 123 new books both purchased and donated to the library last month bringing the total of books available to the public to 15,180. This number does not include magazines or newspapers. There were 27 new borrowers last month. This brings the total to 1273 library cardholders. There were 470 visits to the library last month, which was down a little but expected with the onset of school vacation.

Katie’s research into getting a consultant in to assess the needs of the library found that there was grant money available to pay for a one time consultancy. Alpha volunteered to write the grant request to get the process started.

Our library now qualifies for more funding however the state will not approve the increase until we are ADA compliant.

The Friends of the Library Book Sale was a success generating a little over $350 with donations continuing to come in.

Centennial discussions continued but nothing firm has been set yet.

Katie brought up some concerns about a growing backlog of administrative duties brought on by the cut in hours, the resignation of one librarian and the need to provide basic computer skills to the librarians in addition to training them on the new software. The need for time to have staff meetings and training outside of library hours to avoid interrupts in patron service was also discussed. The board agreed and authorized one hour per week for training and staff meeting activities but refused authorizing any additional work hours for Katie stating they felt it was a time management problem.

She also requested that the board members spend at least a day at the library to see the daily requirements she faces before her next evaluation in July. They agreed they would.

The Community Care Center lodged a complaint that books were not getting delivered in a timely manner since the resignation of the last librarian. Alpha volunteered to help deliver and pickup books to the Community Care Center and The Willows if needed.

TRAIN PICTURES

2007-06-10T01:16:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Have a look at the old train that went through town today.

DEAR MR. CRAWFORD,

2007-06-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

After reading your recent Letter to the Editor in the Stuart Herald I find myself wondering about what your real motives are in supporting the proposed walking/bike trail.

Do you actually think that the citizens of this town are so gullible? That they would not recognize your tactics as trying to renew support for the trail plan by writing this letter and holding off on having the engineering plan presented to the council at this months meeting.

The boilerplate comments used in just about every instance to justify the implementation of your proposed trail do nothing to validate the lack of thought and planning that has gone into the development of this trail. Where or who is this committee that proposed this plan? I was there at the city council meetings where Mr. Tiernan requested permission under SEED to look into a walking/bike trail. Is this the committee you were referring to?

In every instance I have heard this proposal talked about there has been no mention of any planning committee or actions being undertaken by the city as outlined in the Iowa Trails 2000 documents for developing a sound trail plan. So now I must ask what personal research did you actually do in deciding this would be good for the city?

If you had done some personal research then there would have been action by you and the city council to move on the implementation of a safe streets and pedestrian sidewalk system. One that is well designed, maintained and is a prerequisite in developing a sound trail plan. Where is this action and when can we expect to see some results?

Now you will probably say that the engineering plan the city council has requested covers all the planning necessary to develop this proposed trail. I say you would be wrong to assume that. That plan will only tell you how to construct the trail. It does not take into account any of the basic planning steps necessary to determine if the trail is feasible, well located or even supports the needs of the community.

As in any endeavor the city wishes to undertake it must have a clear understanding of the needs of the community first. It does not take a rocket scientist to look around our town and recognize what those needs are. The very same needs that have been brought to the city councils attention repeatedly over the years with no results.

What it does take is a councilperson and council that puts aside their personal wishes, rolls up their sleeves, lays the problems the city faces out on the table, establishes a prioritized plan and begins working on it.

Until that time, I cannot in good conscience, support such a frivolous, unthought out expense to the city.

This is my personal thoughts on the matter. You must decide for yourselves where you stand. I have made up my mind based on research I actually did. If anyone is interested they should read the Iowa Trails 2000 Handbook. It is very informative.

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2007-06-09T10:36:00.000-05:00

CITY CODE, CHAPTER 22
By Peggy Schlichter

Here it is. It is pretty straight forward and lays out duties, responsibilities, qualifications etc.

Library Board Of Director's Meeting Agenda

2007-06-08T17:34:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Two meetings, same night. Library Board meets at 5 pm in the Library. City Council meets at 6:30 pm in City Hall.

What I like about the Library Board is that they allow for a open forum at the end of the meeting. Subjects of interests may be discussed, questions asked and answered and recommendations may be made for the board to consider.

While most people don't pay much attention to this board. This is the only board the city has that cannot be changed by the city council. While the city council must approve who sits on this board a referendum must be passed to modify the structure of the board. That will be a topic at the council meeting later that night.

Stuart City Council Agenda

2007-06-08T15:31:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Here is the City Council Aganda for Monday night.

WCV Website Survey

2007-06-06T13:14:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

A notification about this survey was submitted by a blogger under the school topic.

I decided to put it up separately so it does not get missed.

WCV is looking for ways to improve their website and invite you to complete this survey to help them do so.

Have fun.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=9%2f1taru4RWFW%2bxLexDSrMQ%3d%3d

Stop Unwanted Junk Mail

2007-06-06T12:56:00.000-05:00

By Peggy Schlichter

Do you ever talk to your neighbor at the mailbox as you sorted out the junk mail to throw away? Does it never cease to amaze you how much junk mail shows up in your mailbox? Did you ever wish you knew how to make it disappear, never to return?

I have.

At one point I put a garbage can by the back door so junk mail never made it into the house. But then I had another garbage can to empty. That just was not the answer so I started to look for solutions.

Over the years I have used information from several of these sites to make the majority of my junk mail disappear.

I will probably never succeed in getting it all stopped but the amount I receive is very small.

Here are some of the sites I have used with good results over the years. Be sure to read what each will accomplish first before deciding if that is the one for you. Most are free but some have small fees from $1 to $5 dollars payable by credit card.

http://www.obviously.com/junkmail/
Do-it-yourself: Stop junk mail, email and phone calls. This is a free guide to reducing unwanted and intrusive advertising. This site gives good general information about different ways to stop different things with plenty of links. Unfortunately there is no one site that does it all.

http://www.cpsr.org/prevsite/cpsr/privacy/junkmail.html
How To Get Less Junk Mail. This site is hosted by Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility and provides tips on how to track the spread of your name onto new mailing lists.

http://www.fraud.org/
The National Fraud Information Center and Internet Fraud Watch Program. This site also lists the top 10 Telemarketing and Internet scams of 2006.

http://www.sec.gov/complaint.shtml
SEC Center for Complaints and Enforcement. Use to report fraudulent stock scams.

https://www.dmaconsumers.org/cgi/offmailing
DMA Consumer Assistance. This is the Direct Marketing Association assistance page. DMA is the association that all the big direct mail companies belong to and they use this registry to filter the mailing lists they purchase. The registration form is online and easy to follow. If I remember correctly there is a small fee for this service.

https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx
National Do Not Call Registry. This one you probably already know about. What most people forget is that your registry must be renewed every 5 years.

http://creditapply.org/blog/how-to-stop-credit-card-junk-mail-offers/
How to Stop Credit Card Offers. I especially like this one. It got rid of all those Capitol One credit card offers. They were the worst of all the credit card companies in my book. There is a toll free number to call or an "opt out" site online. They also provide the address to the three credit reporting companies if you wish to use snail mail. If you use the phone number or go online the service takes effect within 5 business days. Within 2 to 3 weeks there will be a noticeable difference in the amount of credit card offers you receive.

SIDEWALK REGULATIONS

2007-06-01T22:45:00.000-05:00

CITY CODE, CHAPTER 136
by Peggy Schlichter

Here is a copy of the Sidewalk Regulations taken from the City Hall copy of the Stuart City Code. The new snow removal ordinance has not been added. Nor did I include the outdated snow removal ordinance. Their omission does not affect the basic rules for sidewalks nor the purpose of this post.

Of importance is the requirement for a permit to remove, reconstruct or install a sidewalk.

Pages 2, 3, and 4 set the standards for construction.

Location, grade and elevation as talked about on page 3 all reference the curb top as the established grade.

The Zoning Administrator may establish a different distance for special circumstances to locate the sidewalk path.

The following is excerpted from Chapter 165, Zoning Regulations as additional information for new construction properties.

165.17 SIDEWALKS. Any development requiring a zoning/building permit shall require the construction of sidewalks upon any tract or platted lot within eighteen (18) months of issuance of the zone/building permit unless said tract or platted lot has sidewalks as required in the subdivision regulations of the city. In addition, if said tract or platted lot has sidewalks in compliance with the subdivision regulations and the existing sidewalks are in a state of disrepair which poses an inconvenience or a danger to pedestrians, no zoning/building permit for a principle building shall be issued until as agreement is entered into to reconstruct sidewalks in compliance with this Code of Ordinances within eighteen (18) months.

End excerpt

Determining the proper location of sidewalks is based on the established rights-of way which differ for each class of street. The following is excerpted from Chapter 166, Subdivision Regulations to assist in determining what rights-of-way apply to your residence. If anyone is unsure of their class of street be sure to contact the city for clarification.

2. Minimum rights-of-way shall be provided:

A. Thoroughfare streets - 100 feet
B. Collector streets - 70 feet
C. Residential streets - 60 feet
D. Cul-de-sacs - 110 feet
E. Alleys - 20 feet

End excerpt

To determine where the right-of-way ends (2 above) in order to make the 1 foot set-in (Sidewalk Regulation 138.08 (6))where your sidewalk will be located you just divide the distance in half and measure from the center of the street. For example, on a residential street with 60 feet of right-of-way take 1/2 of that distance (30 feet) and measure from the middle of the street. That is the line where your property ends and the right-of-way begins, You set the inner edge of the sidewalk beginning 1 foot inside the right-of-way towards the street.

In a nutshell, based on the City Code, sidewalk regulations can only be enforced on curbed streets. There are no "grandfathering" clauses for sidewalks. New construction sidewalk requirements are measured from the date of the permit not the completion date of the construction and are enforceable even if the street is not curbed. If a sidewalk exists, even on an uncurbed street, it must be maintained by the property owner and repairs can be enforced. If you plan to install, repair or replace a sidwalk a permit is required. And, the Zoning Administrator may allow a variation for obstructions in the location of the sidewalk.

Just click on the pictures to bring up the regulation page. If the size is to large to fit the screen just look in the bottom right hand corner where it shows the magnifier and reduce the size to 50%.

THIS IS A TEST

2007-06-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

It appears that somewhere in the yahoo spam filter your comments may have been hijacked and deleted.

I have temporarily turned off the spam filter in an attempt to dump the bad settings.

Would someone please send me a test comment to see if that cleared up the problem?

The Results From "What Do You Think?"

2007-05-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Here is the results of the What Do You Think? topic. Please remember this is not my response to the "What do you think the city should do?" question.

Based on a compilation of the replies the number one item the city should focus on is the Street and Sewer System including the Storm Drains and Sidewalks.

Ranked second is a tie between a new Library/City Hall and fix the Police Department.

As for a full time mayor there were several qualified yes answers, a qualified maybe and a resounding no. Looking at the qualifications with the yes and maybe answers it is apparent that the people responding want administrative changes made but not necessarily a full time mayor.

Other items mentioned were:

Recreation Center.
School.
Cultural Center.
Town Hall.
Water Lines.
Personnel.
Enforce building codes and inspections.

What are your thoughts on the results?

Memorial Day Salute

2007-05-25T21:54:00.000-05:00

To All Who Answered The Call

And Paid The Ultimate Price

We Salute You

Happy, Not Happy With The Police Department, Sound Off Here

2007-05-25T11:19:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

It appears that folks have comments about the Police Department.

I have moved the PD comments to this topic so........... let's hear what you have to say.

You Want To Talk School, Then Let's Talk School

2007-05-25T10:29:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Based on a post submitted under the previous topic it appears that there is a need to talk schools. So let's talk schools.

I will readily admit that I have not paid much attention to the whole school issue. And yes I have a great nephew who attends the Menlo Elementary School.

I guess the reason I have chosen not to spend much time thinking about this issue is because I have such a hard time weeding through all the emotion involved to get a clear picture in my mind of what the real problems are.

Is it the age of the buildings?

Is it the size (capacity) that is the problem?

Is it a equal distribution (locations of schools) of assets problem?

Is it questionable planning on the needs of the communities involved?

Is it all of the above?

I don't know because everyone I have spoken to about it gets so wrapped up in the emotion that I can get no real sense of the problems the school faces.

The last time I was in the high school building was 1971, the year I graduated. The last time I was in the Menlo school was in 1991 to talk to my niece's 4th grade class. I can honestly say that I do not even remember what the inside of the buildings look like.

So, if someone can tell me what the real problems are than let's talk school.

What Do You Think?

2007-05-24T00:10:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

I was asked "What do you suggest the city do, Peggy?" in the comments of the previous blog. It appears to be a serious question so i am going to think about it and give you my answer in a couple of days.

What I would like to do while I am thinking about my answer is get some feedback from you. You do not have to go into any long justifications of your answers. You may even just make a list with no qualifications at all. Just answer the questions you want to. There are no wrong answers.

The only requirement I ask is that you give serious thought before answering.

My Questions are:

1. What do you think is the single most important issue the city must address first?

2. List by highest priority first: What are the next 3 important issues the city must address? You may list more if you wish.

3. Do you think the cities problems are of a large enough scope to warrant a full time, paid, mayoral position to get them under control?

That's it. I will give you my answers and why when i put my reply together.

THE PROPOSED TRAIL PATH

2007-05-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Here is a quick synopsis of the proposed trail information. All concerns and objections you have about this project should be addressed to the mayor and city council. Voting "Yes" at the last council meeting to approve the Engineering Plan for this project were Councilmen Beldon, Crawford and Waddell. I am sure they will be glad to talk with you about the project when you call them.

The Guidelines......

The following guidelines were taken from the Iowa Trails 2000 Guide and information Veenstra and Kimm provided at the city council meeting.

This does not include every guideline.

This is for information purposes to assist homeowners in evaluating their individual situations in regard to the proposed trail route.

Width of Path proposed by the city = 8’ 4"
Path may NOT be a part of the sidewalk system.
There must be a 2-foot graded clear zone on each side of the path.
Minimum 1-foot buffer zones between the edge of the graded clear zone and any fixed objects such as signs or trees. Basically means 3-foot from edge of path.
There must be 8 ' vertical clearance.

FIGURE 4-7: TRAIL DIMENSIONS FOR BICYCLE TRAILS

Proposed Trail Path

Just click on the picture for a larger view.

RED = PHASE ONE
DARK BLUE = PHASE TWO
BROWN = PHASE THREE
GRAPE = PHASE FOUR
GREEN = PHASE FIVE
PURPLE = PHASE SIX
** PINK = PHASE SIX (ALT)
LIGHT BLUE = PHASE SEVEN

A PEARL OF GRADUATION WISDOM

2007-05-20T14:25:00.000-05:00

FOREVER YOUNG

2007-05-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

May the good Lord be with you
Down every road you roam.
And may sunshine and happiness
Surround you when you're far from home.

And may you grow to be proud
Dignified and true.
And do unto others
As you'd have done to you.

Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you'll always stay
Forever young, forever young;
Forever young, forever young;

May good fortune be with you
May your guiding light be strong.
Build a stairway to heaven
With a prince or a vagabond.

And may you never love in vain.
And in my heart you will remain
Forever young, forever young;
Forever young, forever young;
Forever young Forever young;

And when you finally fly away
Ill be hoping that I served you well.
For all the wisdom of a lifetime
No one can ever tell.

But whatever road you choose,
I'm right behind you, win or lose.
Forever young, forever young;
Forever young,forever young;
Forever young, forever young;
For, forever young, forever young.

CONGRATULATIONS 2007 WCV GRADUATES!

2007-05-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

2007-05-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

REFLECTIONS

2007-05-16T20:08:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Well, here's my version of what is noteworthy about Monday night's 3-hour, 30-minute city council meeting.

The topics here are in no particular order or priority.

Here goes:

The new microphones were missing from the council table, so it was still hard to hear everything that was said in the “public meeting...especially since three councilmen still sit with their backs to the audience. I guess that it is just easier to “have your way with the public” when you do not have to look them in the eye while you are doing it.

The Hotel/Motel tax general fund donation of 6K for the mural on the side of the police station is an expense already incorporated as a part of the CAT Grant. But they donated the money for it anyway. In my opinion, a better idea would have been to donate money directly to the Community Cultural Center and let them apply it as they see fit since the whole project qualifies for this type of donation.

In my book, the Community Cultural Center is the single most important economic development project this town has going for it. Mr. Foy did an excellent job trying to stress that fact to the city council.

The council has been dragging its feet on deciding if they are going to support the project. Without the council’s support of the purchase/lease back agreement we can probably kiss the CAT grant money goodbye. This is a very time-sensitive action that can kill the project before it even gets a chance. I would hate to see that happen just because the city council won’t act.

A request by Mr. Foy to add two trustees -- one from Adair County and one from Guthrie County -- to the library board was made. The change requires a vote of the people during the next election. In the discussion that followed, it was pointed out that there was still a quorum of legal board members and that the county representatives should not have a vote in any matters from now to the results of the elections. I pointed out that the board could be fixed by simply appointing two additional city residents to the board now and reviewing/re-voting past resolutions. By not doing so left the city open to greater liability. The mayor said she would check it out with Mr. Bump before any further action is taken. It might “just” be a library board, Mr. Sherman, but it still deserves appropriate city attention. The council did not make a resolution to add this to the November election.

A little research turned up the following excerpt from page 70 of the Library Trustees Handbook on board liability. (Interestingly enough, individual board members can be held personally liable in some instances. Maybe folks might want to start paying attention to what they are doing on some of these councils and boards. I’ll say this again, “What is so hard about just following the rules of law governing the council and boards you sit on?”)

Board Liability

Are library trustees subject to personal liability? According to the Code of Iowa, Chapter 670.2, “A person who performs services for a municipality or an agency or subdivision of a municipality and who does not receive compensation is not personally liable for a claim based upon an act or omission of the person performed in the discharge of the person's duties, except for acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law, or for a transaction from which the person derives an improper personal benefit. For purposes of this section, "compensation" does not include payments to reimburse a person for expenses.”

The legal power of the library board comes when the board acts as a body. When the board acts as a body, it could be subject to liability in these instances:

Acts in excess of authority, i.e. inappropriate expenditures or exceeding budget spending levels.

Failure to act when action should have been taken, i.e., failure to meet contractual obligations.

Negligence, i.e., unsafe buildings and grounds, failure to supervise funds.

Intentional misconduct, i.e., libel, improper discharging of an employee, theft.

Acts in violation of the law, i.e., authorizing payment of improper expenses, failing to follow proper rules for hiring.

If you are interested in finding out more about the trustees' role in library matters, the trustee handbook is here.

Mr. Tom Mehl, President of Ruan Securities Corporation, visited with the council. This is the firm that handles the selling of our city bonds. The key information was that the city currently has approximately $3 million in available bond capacity. This is the limit that the city has available to fund much-needed projects.

The engineering plan for N. Division Street was approved, and the $100,000 from Hawkeye Renewables will be deducted off the top of the 35% homeowner assessment. Approximately $157,000 was the original homeowner assessment. This will significantly lower individual assessments. Sidewalks are not a part of the plan. There will be full assessment on sewer replacement if they are not PVC or ductal iron and will be replaced during construction. Anyone wishing to replace his or her sewer line prior to construction will be provided with a “must be completed by" date in the letter of assessment. Determination of lines requiring replacement, not PVC or iron, will be done by a review of the inspection videotape by Veenstra and Kimm and the city.

Officer Mike Brehmer’s trial has been rescheduled to June 20th by the defense motion for the judge to recuse himself due to conflict of interest. Apparently, the judge used to work at the same law firm as the defense attorney. Then there was some discussion about putting Brehmer to work for the city mowing, but when they realized that the city would have to outfit him in appropriate work clothes. Also discussed was having Brehmer work infractions, but it was agreed that the council did not want him representing the city authority in this.

There was one applicant for the vacant police positions and he withdrew his application prior to the scheduled interview. A second officer expressed interest in the position, but it was determined that was previously fired from the city and the city had to sue him for the money he owed for his certification.

It has been confirmed that Officer Brehmer has moved to Panora and is no longer a resident of Stuart. Draw from that what you will.

And in the city’s time honored tradition of “punishing the many for the sins of the few”, the city locked the gate to the east pond because some jerks dumped some unauthorized trash. It has finally been determined that the city will spend a little time and clean it up, put up a better sign stating what may be dumped there, keep a better eye on the area, and encourage reporting illegal dumping to the police for investigation. Hopefully, the pond will be open again shortly.

As for the whole walking/bike trail issue, that will just have to wait for another time.

BIKE IT...IT'S CHEAPER

2007-05-14T12:51:00.000-05:00

TONIGHT'S TENTATIVE AGENDA AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

2007-05-14T12:22:00.000-05:00

Council meeting tonight, 6:30 p.m., Council Chambers.

Let's hope the air conditioning is working...

1.) CALL TO ORDER

2.) AGENDA APPROVAL

3.) CONSENT AGENDA:
A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF APRIL 9, 12, 13, AND APRIL 17, 2007.
B. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT AS OF APRIL 30.
C. APPROVAL OF BILLS AS PRESENTED.
D. APPROVAL OF PERMIT FOR RUBY’S PUB OUTDOOR SERVICE LICENSE

4.) ODYSSEY OF THE MIND / JOHN GULBRANSON
NOTE (1). REQUEST FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ODYSSEY OF THE MIND GROUP.
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

5.) HOTEL & MOTEL TAX COMMITTEE
NOTE (1). COUNCIL APPROVAL TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF HOTEL & MOTEL TAXCOMMITTEE
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

6.) LIBRARY / TOM FOY
NOTE (1). TOM WILL UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

7.) GOOD EGG DAYS / CARNIVAL / LORETTA SLOSS
NOTE (1). LORETTA WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO MAKE A PRESENTATION.
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

8.) CITY PARK RESTROOM CONSTRUCTION / PROPOSALS
NOTE (1). COUNCIL APPROVAL
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

9.) $40,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL LOAN NOTES, SERIES 2007
(RESCUE UNIT).
A – APPROVAL OF TAX EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE
B – RESOLUTION NO. 07-12C APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING A FORM OF
LOAN AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR ISSUANCE
OF CAPITAL LOAN NOTES AND LEVYING A TAX TO PAY THE NOTES.
NOTE (1). COUNCIL APPROVAL
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

10.) N. DIVISION STREET / RECREATIONAL TRAIL/ VEENSTRA & KIMM, INC.
NOTE (1). FORREST WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO MAKE A PRESENTATION.
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

11.) BATH HOUSE / SVPA ARCHITECTS, INC. / PROPOSAL
NOTE (1). COUNCIL APPROVAL
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

12.) EMPLOYEE WAGES 2007-2008 (STREET, POLICE, SEWER)
NOTE (1). COUNCIL APPROVAL
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

13.) POLICE DEPARTMENT
NOTE (1). POLICE CHIEF WILL MAKE A PRESENTATION.
NOTE (2). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION NOT ENCLOSED IN THE COUNCIL PACKETS.

14.) NEW BUSINESS
15.) OLD BUSINESS
16.) ADJOURNMENT

“Please be advised that if you require the assistance of auxiliary aids or services to participate in the above described City Council meeting because of a disability, please contact City Hall Office at 515-523-1455 so that appropriateaccommodations can be made including but not limited to relocating the meeting to Town Hall.”

THE POWER OF OBSERVATION

2007-05-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Here is a quick, fun little test to see just how observant you are about things you see everyday or have known about all your life.

It gives the correct answer after each question so you know right away if you got it correct or not. it also lets you take the quiz again if the first go round isn't so good.

Anyway, have fun and enjoy realizing that we really do not pay attention to a lot of the everyday things around us.

It definitely makes you stop and think.

http://www.oldjoeblack.0nyx.com/thinktst.htm

p.s.... I got 23 of 25. And no i am not going to tell you which ones i missed....Oh, okay the one about radio and the one about TV. You will understand after you take the test

SCAM ALERT!

2007-05-08T10:29:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Beware! The latest scam may be in your mailbox.

It seems that a new round of mail scams is hitting the area.

The two I have seen and checked out recently hit mailboxes in town within the last couple of days.

The first is a letter from the Shadow Shopper Agency out of Beaverton, Ontario,Canada,with a nice, fat, check inside.

The company represents itself as a mystery-shopping agency and says you have been identified as part of a small pre-selected group to represent their company as a mystery shopper.

To make everything seem legitimate you must call into one of their assignment coordinators for instructions on the services and shopping that you are to evaluate.

The letter goes on to break out how you are to spend the money from the check with a handsome payday for yourself for a couple hours work.

The way the scam works is that you must make a purchase from Wal-Mart, The Gap and send two money transfers. The money transfers are how they make the money on the scam.

A phone call to the Fort Hood National Bank (FNHB) today confirmed that this is a scam to defraud a legitimate account at their bank.

The FBI is already investigating and it is not necessary to report any new letters to the local office.

If you have mistakenly cashed one of these checks you should return the money to the bank immediately and report the scam to them.

The second is a letter from Dr. Marissa Von Trapp, World Renowned Parapsychologist and Physic of the Royal and Wealthy. This scam uses a play on numbers from your street address and a little numerology from you name to personalize the letter and get your attention.

It goes on with outlining 14 “dramatic” secrets to help you secure instant wealth, love and good fortune.

These secrets are:
Your lucky numbers for the week of June 2.
Two letters you will receive and which one to answer.
Who to beware of on a particular day.
When your 90 days of good fortune will begin.
What day you will find a valuable treasure
A special crystal to focus your own physic powers.
The dates of when your 5 prosperity miracles will happen.
The casting of several invocations to protect you and your family.
The day you will receive a miracle of good fortune in the mail.
The date and time you will meet that special someone.
The granting of your dearest wish on a specific day.
A couple more readings to make sure your angel is looking over you.
Two tarot cards that you need to hold for several minutes and send back with the fee so she can zero in on you specifically.

And last, but not least, all this will happen for a small fee of $25.00, which is a great savings since she has waived the other $625.00 she normally charges for this service. Once you have paid the application fee of $25.00 you are then encouraged to “sign up” for the service every month. Of course there is the monthly fee, and that is how they make the bulk of the money from this scam.

This scam has been around for more than 20 years. I even remember getting one in the mid-70s at an address in Germany. I think we were going to the rifle range the next day, so I used the tarot cards for target practice.

If you are ever unsure about letters or emails of this nature, a simple way to check them out is http://www.scam.com.

And remember, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is.

PICK A LITTLE, TALK A LITTLE

2007-05-02T10:24:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

After reading the rather picky comments regarding the current -- and, apparently, progressive -- Stuart library director, I couldn't help but think about my favorite movie of all time, "The Music Man", and one of my favorite songs from the movie, "Pick A Little, Talk A Little".

Many of you are probably familiar with the plot...

However, for those who have never seen "The Music Man"-- movie or stage version -- it is well -summarized on Wikipedia:

"The story is about a traveling salesman/con artist named Harold Hill, whose attempt to fast talk his way into the hearts and pocket books of the townspeople of River City, Iowa, backfires when he falls in love with the town's librarian. She is also a favorite topic for the town gossips and the song Pick a Little, Talk a Little is a musical rendition of one of these gossip sessions. As they chatter away, the school board quartet joins in singing the song Good Night Ladies."

I mean, considering the speculative commentary about the "image" Ms. Phippen allegedly projects (while they ignore or negate her accomplishments at the library) "Pick A Little, Talk A Little" seems to be an almost perfect expression of the rather busybody attitude among some of the "ladies" in town.

"In the movie, as the ladies chatter away, heads bobbing and tongues wagging, a group of nearby chickens seem to mimic their actions bumping into each other as they scurry around pecking for scraps of food. " (Wikipedia)

Is THAT the image the library board and Friends of the Library want?

If not, then, if I may suggest, quit picking on Katie.

"Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
(Goodnight ladies)
Cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
(Goodnight ladies)
Cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
(Goodnight ladies)
Cheep cheep cheep, talk a lot, pick a little more
Pick a little, talk a little, pick a little, talk a little
(We're going to leave you now)
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep
Cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep cheep
Pick a little, talk a little,
Cheep!"

SHERMAN SAYS SHE DOESN'T WANT LIBRARY DIRECTOR JOB

2007-05-01T10:10:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

In an interview with Lisa Sherman Monday morning, I asked her about the blog allegations that the Library Board of Trustees was trying to get rid of the Library Director, Katie Phippen, so they could give the job to her.

Her response was that she does not want the Library Director job, that she is committed to the trustee position and feels she can do more for the betterment of the library in that position. She stated further that she had worked in the children’s section in another library and enjoyed the work, but reiterated that she is committed to the trustee position.

As for the seating of board members who are not city residents, Sherman's reply was that the two were from the townships north and south of town who use the library and that the city has always tried to incorporate their concerns about library issues. She did not see why there was a problem with that.

At this time, one of those positions has been resigned and one remains seated.

For further clarification the city code under chapter 22.03 reads:

QUALIFICATIONS OF TRUSTEES. All members of the Board shall be bona fide citizens and residents of the City. Members shall be over the age of eighteen (18) years.

When asked about any problems the board of trustees may have with Katie Phippen, Sherman responded with "no comment".

While no specifics about Phippen were given, it is evident that the board is pursuing a agenda that it is unwilling to communicate.

As for all the improvements we “library goers” have seen in the last couple of years, Sherman stated that the new technology was a great thing but gave no credit to Phippen for the accomplishment.

'SAFETY CONCERN' CAUSES LOCKDOWN AT WCVHS

2007-04-27T16:55:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

Today's lockdown at West Central Valley High School was the result of a "safety concern," according to a media statement issued just now by WCVHS Principal Deb Wilson.

"We had a safety concern at West Central Valley High School," the statement reads. "We followed our emergency procedures with the assistance of the local law enforcement."

According to some unconfirmed reports, the lockdown was initiated around 10:30 a.m. after a threatening note was discovered in the school. The Eye has also been told that Stuart PD, Guthrie County and Adair County Sheriff Departments were called to the school. Classes were not dismissed, and Stuart PD officers remained inside the school.It has also been reported that student lockers and cars were thoroughly searched.

Stay tuned.

AWESOME!

2007-04-27T07:04:00.000-05:00

Click here to visit and learn more about the wonderful world of reading and learning that awaits at the Stuart Public Library!

What a great website! The Stuart Library at your fingertips!

Thanks, Katie Phippen, for your hard work and progressive vision as library director!

"The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
(1807 - 1882)

(from the Stuart Library website)

HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT THE LIBRARY LATELY?

2007-04-26T20:24:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

Being a creature of habit (rut runner, for short), it never ceases to amaze me when I notice something has changed. Right in front of my eyes, and I don’t even notice it until something jumps out at me.

Today was one of those “jump out at me” days.

For those of you who, like me, enjoy reading, going to the library is a habit we have enjoyed for as long as we can remember. In my case, it is almost a weekly thing. You will never find me without at least one book going and, even more likely, two or three at a time. Just ask the ladies at the library. They say I probably check out more books than anyone else in town.

Anyway, what got me started on this was my trip to the city library today. It was just what I needed to get me out of the cloudy-weather funk.

Of course, no visit to the library is complete without a short visit with Katie, the librarians and other patrons. You know, catch up on upcoming events being sponsored there, what new books are in, whether you liked the books or authors you just finished. What they have just read that they think you might like to read next. Or even just realizing that all the hard work they have been doing is making a difference.

And hard work is exactly what has made a difference there.

Under Katie Phippen’s guidance, there have been many improvements made over the last two years. It is a different library now compared to a couple of years ago. The shelves and books have all been cleaned and are better organized. The automation is complete. In fact, I got my books scanned for checkout today. What a time saver that will be for the librarians. Not only the speed of checkout, but the ease of pulling monthly usage reports, tracking book usage, tracking rotation books, individual book requests and many other options necessary to have a well-run library.

Thinking back on the programs that the library has developed and sponsored since Katie took over shows a real flare for recognizing community needs and moving forward with innovative ideas to meet those needs. On top of the cleanup and automation, they still managed to organize the following:

Three book signings for local author Shirley Daamsgaard.

Two annual summer reading programs that provided learning and entertainment for 30 to 40 kids a day (and they are expecting even more kids to participate this summer) .

Two Halloween parties.

A Day Care Reading Program in conjunction with West Central Valley High School. Now that was a smart idea. It provides the high school special education kids the opportunity to practice their reading to not-yet-school-age day care kids. Everyone wins under this program.

To top it all off, the residents of the Becam Apartments, the Community Care Center and The Willows get regular visits by Katie, who delivers new reading material to those who are not able to visit the library. Way to go Katie!

There are more books, magazines and cassettes available at the library today then ever. A quick look at the monthly library statistics shows that the average monthly circulation has reached 1,434 books, which is a 9.3% increase from a year ago. Following that, the number of people visiting the library has increased from 517 a year ago to 559 last month. That is a corresponding 9.2% increase in library visits.

With a basically static population base, it appears that the increased usage of the city library is a direct result of all the improvements Katie and the ladies have accomplished over the last two years.

So, Katie and ladies, you have done a great job turning the library around and making it into an asset the city can be proud of. Your hard work is appreciated and I look forward to my next visit.

For all of you who haven’t been to the library recently, I invite you to go and check it out. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. If you have young children, be sure to get the information about this summer’s reading programs. The kids will have a great time and so will you!

WHISTLE WHILE YOU BLOG

2007-04-26T08:16:00.000-05:00

Another overcast day...

Got water in your basement? Ah...misty, waterlogged memories of the Flood of '93...

Well, here's a little something to take your mind off the sump pump and Grandpa's precious heirloom bird book with the now-wet-and- wrinkled pages...

You say you don't feel like whistlin' Dixie? Try "Tomorrow" from "Annie".

C'mon. Pucker up...

"The sun will come out tomorrow..."

Thank goodness it's Thursday.

WHAT'S MY NAME AGAIN?

2007-04-25T08:46:00.000-05:00

A mid-week chuckle -- and helpful insight -- for the boomer girls in the Stuart blogosphere...

RAINY DAYS & TUESDAYS

2007-04-24T10:18:00.000-05:00

2007-04-24T08:21:00.001-05:00

WORTH A TRY?

2007-04-24T07:56:00.000-05:00

Perhaps society as a whole should
consider following this...
especially on Mondays...

2007-04-23T08:06:00.001-05:00

'CAT' OUT OF THE BAG

2007-04-22T13:52:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter

This post is for all of you who have been told by City Administrator Ash Ashour that the approval of the pending CAT Grant for Stuart will solve the city’s ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) facilities upgrade needs.

I was also told this during the public hearing on next year's budget at the March City Council meeting.

So I did a little checking and found some interesting answers that do not support what I was told by City Administrator Ashour.

Here is what I found during my research:

(The following information is excerpted from http://www.visioniowa.org/.)

The Vision Iowa Program and the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Program provide financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa.

Pending CAT Applications: There are 12 application requests still undergoing staff and/or Board review requesting a total of approximately $22,209,951.

(Those projects include the Stuart grant app., listed as follows:)

Project
Stuart Entertainment &
Economic Development Project

Amt. Requested
$575,000

Total Project Cost
$2,340,000

Status
Negotiations

Stuart Entertainment & Economic Development Project
Applicant
City of Stuart
Date Application Received
7/1/2006
Total Project Cost
$2,340,000
Amount Requested
$575,000
Region
Western
Project Description
The bulk of the project is based on adaptive reuse of existing facilities that are in need of vertical infrastructure improvements. These facilities for the purpose of this CAT application include
- the fire-damaged and partially-restored Historic All Saints building, formerly a church in the Byzantine style, now a meeting space, which would be restored into a community cultural center able to hold up to 500 people for concerts, theater, meetings, weddings and to house the Institute of Religion and Peace which seeks to promote awareness and understanding of the world’s religions in order to avoid the violent tragedy that befell the building;
- a Bonnie and Clyde mural on the west side of the police station, which ironically was once a bank robbed by Bonnie and Clyde. A display with local period photos, news stories, witness accounts and historical interpretation will be available; an adjacent city lot will be developed into a park in for travelers to rest.

(End Excerpt)

After confirming that the ADA facilities upgrades were not covered, nor even qualify, for a CAT Grant, I checked out the history of this grant request to see where the misinformation came from.

This is what I found:

In February 2006, the original CAT grant request was submitted. This request was for a new city hall, library, town hall, community cultural center, a mural on the west side exterior wall of the police station depicting a Bonnie and Clyde scene, and an adjacent city lot to be developed into a park for travelers to rest.

In September of 2006, the grant committee visited the city to view the buildings listed in the grant request as a part of the evaluation and qualification process.

As a result of this visit the city was notified that only the community cultural center and mural qualified for the CAT grant.

The grant was then rewritten for only the cultural center and mural, then resubmitted in December 2006.

To date, the grant is still under negotiation. Approval is dependant upon the city purchasing the site for one (1) dollar and leasing it back to Project Restore for 99 years. Without the city purchase and lease back of the property, the chances of grant approval are very slim and will leave Project Restore with the formidable task of raising $2.35 million on their own.

A WELCOMED, NEEDED BOO$T FOR $TUART POOL PROJECT

2007-04-22T13:38:00.000-05:00

WOO-HOO!

From the Guthrie Center Times this week:

"A fund raising effort for a new/remodeled aquatic center in Stuart got a boost this week with the announcement the community would receive a $300,000 rural development grant.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, announced funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for seven communities in Iowa.

Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) was awarded a grant of $300,000 to aid the City of Stuart in financing a new Aquatic Center.

Also, Farmers Electric Cooperative, Inc. of Greenfield was awarded a grant of $300,000 to assist the Adair Country Memorial Hospital in financing an addition. The project will create three new full-time jobs and retain 117."

IT AIN'T EASY LIVIN' GREEN...BUT WE SHOULD TRY

2007-04-22T13:30:00.000-05:00

Click here for tips on how to live a more Earth-friendly life.

A DAY OF MOURNING

2007-04-20T10:20:00.000-05:00

Doesn't it make you think...

FLAGS ORDERED TO HALF-STAFF

2007-04-18T12:28:00.000-05:00

(from the Iowa League of Cities website)

"To honor the victims of the tragic shooting at Virginia Tech, the President of the United States of America has issued a proclamation requiring that the flag of the United States of America be lowered to half-staff effective immediately and to remain so until sunset on Sunday, April 22, 2007...

In addition, Governor Chet Culver has signed a proclamation ordering Iowa State flags also be flown at half-staff for the same duration."

COUNCIL ACCEPTS HAWKEYE'S $100K CONTRIBUTION

2007-04-17T19:20:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter
and Ann Kult

Tonight's special Stuart City Council meeting ended on a positive note, to the tune of the council voting 3-2 in favor of accepting a $100,000 contribution to the N. Division Street Project from Hawkeye Renewables.

It was Councilman Neal Crawford who made the motion to accept Hawkeye's offer, and it was seconded by Sherman, with (no suprises here) council members Mick Askren and Cory Waddell voting against the motion.

Now that the city has accepted Hawkeye's financial offer, it is expected that Guthrie County will allow Stuart to use a portion of its $2 million bonding capacity to help fund the project, as well.

Whew.

As bloggers may recall, the Hawkeye folks weren't too keen on the council's recent 3-2 vote to embargo the Stuart streets Hawkeye trucks travel if the company didn't cough up the sum of roughly $157,000 -- that's the citizens portion of a special assessment, if levied, that would help pay for the N. Division Street replacement.

Hawkeye subsequently complained to Guthrie County, then the county threatened to put the ol' kabosh on its offer to let Stuart use a portion of its bonding capacity to help fund the N. Division Street Project. Then the council convened for an emergency meeting last Friday, during which the city, without the support of council members Askren and Waddell, squashed the embargo idea.

Hawkeye originially offered to contribute $50,000 to the street replacement project.

BATH HOUSE BIDDING PROCESS REVISTED
Also tonight, Eric Tiernan spoke to the council regarding the bath house project.

Tiernan has been busy gathering construction cost estimates, and he noted that his figures totaled roughly $370,000, which does not include doors, lockers and other items (which could add another $50,000 to the total project cost, according to Tiernan).

Ergo, based on Tiernan's recommendation, the council voted unanimously to allow SVPA architects to proceed with the bathhouse project bidding process.

Meanwhile, swimsuit season fast approaches (eek!)...

backtothedrawingboard.com

2007-04-17T00:04:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

It's probably just one of those little misunderstandings.

Or possibly, they just forgot.

Nevertheless -- call me Curious George-- but I'm still wondering...how exactly did it come to pass that City Administrator Ash Ashour advised the Stuart City Council last week that wind turbine money could be used to pay for the city's new website services? And why didn't City Attorney Bill Bump catch Ashour's misinformation?

As I understand it -- and correct me if I am wrong -- any wind turbine money received was to be used to reduce the cost of utilities or repay the loan for the wind turbine.

So, like, um, weren't Ashour and Bump at the meetings or otherwise kept up to speed on the ins and outs/arounds and abouts of the wind turbine project?

Oh, I'm sure Ashour meant well...and maybe Bump was just momentarily distracted...

And no doubt Councilman Neal Crawford (who presented the website info) and the council will find the $2,480 somewhere else. (Not in the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund, however, 'cuz the mayor made it clear there are already requests too numerous to mention for those monies.)

Aw, heck schmeck. There's probably already a solution/resolution just waiting for the council's official stamp of approval at the next monthly meeting.

But the website funding option snafu still begs the question: If the council can't trust the city administrator and city attorney to advise them properly in these important financial/legal matters, who can they trust?

IT'S ALWAYS SOMETHING

2007-04-16T23:24:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

Geez.

The Blogger Chick takes a few days off and all hell breaks loose...

Let's see...where to begin...

First off, thanks to Nadine Avey for putting me on the city council meeting agenda email list...should be an interesting Special Meeting Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

Of course, every Stuart City Council meeting is special, but it sounds like this one could be eggstra-special as those representing the City of Good Eggs continue their negotiations with Hawkeye Renewables regarding how much moolah the company may or may not be willing to contribute at this point to the N. Division Street Replacement Project.

Wow. From the sounds of things, a few noses are out of joint.

Apparently the Hawkeye folks weren't too keen on the council's recent 3-2 vote to embargo the Stuart streets Hawkeye trucks travel if the company didn't cough up the sum of roughly $157,000 -- that's the citizens portion of a special assessment, if levied, that would help pay for the street replacement.

Hawkeye subsequently complained to Guthrie County, then the county threatened to put the ol' kabosh on its offer to let Stuart use a portion of its bonding capacity to help fund the N. Division Street Project, and then the council convened for an emergency meeting (on Friday the 13th, as bad luck would have it). The embargo idea was scrapped, and now there is a special meeting tomorrow night regarding Hawkeye Renewables/N. Division Street.

Yikes-a-roni! It's always something...

Like that wascally website issue...

DOUBLE WHAMMY?

2007-04-13T07:23:00.000-05:00

Not only is today Friday the 13th, it is also National Blame Someone Else Day.

It is a special occasion, I understand, observed annually on the first Friday the 13th of the year.

Just think...Today, you are free to redirect the blame for anything to anyone besides yourself.

Wow!

Of course, some might say that every day is Blame Someone Else Day in the Stuart blogosphere...

Anyway, I did a little research and what I learned is this:

Blame Someone Else Day was invented by Anne Moeller of Clio, Mich., in 1982. Apparently, her alarm clock did not go off when it was supposed to on Friday the 13th, and she overslept.

Hence, poor Anne was late for all of her appointments that day, so she had to come up with an excuse. After a few hours, they say, Moeller realized that telling people that her alarm clock didn't go off just wasn't cuttin' it.

So Moeller came up with other excuses to give to people that day -- blaming traffic lights, flat tires, etc. She then realized she'd come up with a new idea for a holiday, and voila! The idea caught on.

Blame Someone Else Day is a favorite, it seems, among political candidates, especially during presidential elections. And for some married/divorced/dating couples any time of year.

Enjoy!

2007-04-13T07:09:00.001-05:00

HAS HAWKEYE SEEN THE LIGHT?

2007-04-13T05:29:00.000-05:00

by Peggy Schlichter and Ann Kult

A representative from Hawkeye Renewables left Thursday night's special Stuart City Council meeting with a better understanding of the financial burden placed on the city and its homeowners as the city faces a major N. Division Street (from 2nd to 5th streets) replacement project.

It is hoped the Hawkeye rep will come back today -- via a telephone call to City Administrator Ash Ashour -- with a $157,900 finanical commitment to the estimated $450,000 project.

If the proposed contribution is a no-go, then it looks like Hawkeye Renewables will not be going up and down N. Division Street during the remainder of this leg of their construction project.

Can you say EMBARGO?

So here's the meeting in a nutshell:

Engineer Forrest Aldrich revised his project estimate to $450,000 (up from $400,000) to accomplish the repair of N. Division from 2nd Street to 5th Street. This includes storm drain, any sewer work needed, curbs and gutters, widening, and concrete to make it comparable to the new portion north of 5th.

Aldrich also brought forth an estimate of approximately $172,000 to just put the road back the way it was with a 6-inch rock base and asphalt top.

Hawkeye initially offered $50,000.00 and PCI Trucking Company offered $20,000 “in kind” to haul off the debris.

Councilman Jeff Sherman brought up the phone calls he's been receiving from angry homeowners conncerned about how much a special assessment to pay for the project would cost them. Cost of the special assessement would be split 65% city and 35 percent homeowner.

Sherman explained that with the revised project estimate, a special assessment for adjoining property owners would total about $4,000 per lot. He noted that the Congregational Church would be looking at paying about $25,000.

Ouch.

Sherman also noted that these angry homeowners want to know why they have to pay to replace a street when they played no part in its destruction.

Sheman then proposed that Hawkeye pick up the homeowners' portion of the project, valued at approximately $157,900, plus the surface removal by the trucking company.

After hearing all this, the Hawkeye rep said that he could not make a decision that night, but he would go back with a better understanding of the burden placed on the city and homeowners, and get an answer to Ashour on Friday. He also stated that some of the trucks would be rerouted through Montieth to get this part of their construction project over with as soon as possible. He estimates it will take approximately 2 more weeks.

Now here's some good news: The Hawkeye rep also added that in May, about 200 construction people would begin showing up needing to be housed and fed. They estimate that during the construction phase, between $1 million and $1.5 million will be spent in the community. Further out, the payroll will be about $2 million a year, providing about 44 jobs starting at $18 an hour.

Hawkeye will provide all the training and start hiring in the middle of 2008.

Exciting employment possibilities, however, did not deter Councilman Mick Askren from making a motion to embargo city streets (Adair, Harlan, Divison, and between 10th and Front streets) if Hawkeye Renewables does not contribute 35 percent of the estimated construction costs.

The council voted 3-2 in favor of the embargo, with Sherman and Crawford casting the two "no" votes.

Also during Thursday night's special meeting, it was noted that:

Guthrie County approved the use of a portion of their bonding capacity for the project.

Bob Airhart is working on coordinating the scooping of the damaged area to get an idea of what repairs will be necessary. This activity will take place either at night or on a Sunday so the activity will not disrupt normal traffic and provide a safer work area for the workers.

Anyone needing new sewer hookups should schedule them during the construction phase so they don’t have to have the extra cost of digging through the new street later.

INFRASTRUCTURE, ADA COMPLIANCE FIRST, PERHAPS?

2007-04-11T23:06:00.000-05:00

TURNOVER...CHERRY OR CROW?

2007-04-10T21:03:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

As Police Chief Robert Smith begins the interview process in an attempt to fill the vacancy left by Sgt. David Stout, the words from a post by a recent anonymous Eye commenter (particularly the words I've bold faced) keep echoing in my head...

"Found this on the web on another blog that has nothing to do with Stuart.

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Stuart Police Chief: J'accuse!

It's reported today by the Register that Carol Rayburn, deposed chief of the Stuart Police Department, made her case in front of the city council that abruptly fired her on December 8 of last year. Rayburn, it is reported, is concerned that the abrupt dismissal jeopardizes any future she may have had in law enforcement. Carol was police chief of Stuart for seven years.

As an interesting note, a person interviewed observed that 39 officers had been through the department in three years before Rayburn arrived on the scene and brought order out of chaos.

Apparently, the city council prefers chaos.

As a homily for young officers and those changing departments it bears repeating....figure out how many people have been through that revolving door and how fast it's spinning before you stick your head into it.

Stay tuned.....this could get interesting.

posted by Robert Luedeman, attorney at law @ 8:55 AM"

Funny isn't it...here we are barely a month with a new police chief at the helm, and a seasoned, certified police officer with 17-plus years law enforcement experience has resigned.

And, lo and behold, the mayor and council are once again scratching their heads as they face the officer interviewing process and the daunting reality of running a small-town police department: a good, academy-certified officer is hard to find, let alone keep on staff.

Councilman Jeff Sherman, during Monday night's city council meeting, noted that the city in the past has had "nothing but trouble" with hiring non-certified officers going through the academy at the city's expense only to leave the Stuart PD for other, more lucrative law enforcement jobs shortly after graduating from the academy.

That, of course, -- as I pointed out in last night's post -- has caused the city to become entangled in more than a couple legal snares and renegotiated academy repayment plans with former officers. A real financial mess for the city, basically.

Chief Smith, as I reported, explained to the council that it is common for non-certified officers to use smaller departments to attain academy certification and then leave soon after for bigger and better paying jobs -- hence, the on-going "revolving door" problem.

Question for Mayor Cheryl Marks, City Administrator Ash Ashour and councilmen Sherman, Belden and Crawford: Did Smith's aforementioned "insight" into the on-going "revolving door" problem sound vaguely familiar?

Well, it should have.

It's the same explanation -- practically verbatim -- that former chief Carol Rayburn tried to get across to you guys time after time when you'd grill her about the officer turnover problem.

Unfortunately, you were more concerned with trying to pin the officer turnover problem on Rayburn than with actually listening to what she was saying.

Oh, well. Look at the upside...chaos can build character. I'm not so sure, however, that it's good for rebuilding an unneccessarily dismantled professionally-run police department.

Meanwhile, best of luck to Chief Smith and the City of Stuart as the officer interviewing process begins once more.

Like that Luedeman guy said...Stay tuned. This could get interesting.

I mean, you just never know who might be sticking their head in that here-we-go-again revolving Stuart PD door.

LIKE DOGS WITH A BONE

2007-04-10T08:38:00.000-05:00

Bless their hearts.

Like two dogs with a bone, Councilmen Neal Crawford's and Bryan Belden's 's persistance in supporting whatever it takes to secure funding for what appears to be a pet project of theirs-- the $100,000 Phase I of the proposed walking trail -- never teeters.

City Administrator Ash Ashour's's trail update during Monday night's Stuart City Council meeting included the latest Phase I funding option to be presented for exploration...i.e., why not TIF it?

Ashour explained that the city's Urban Renewal Plan would have to be amended or expanded to include recreation areas, and City Attorney Bill Bump pointed out that such a process is a rather lengthy one involving public hearings.

Councilman Crawford and Belden seemed to be hoping for a little speedier process.

Nevertheless, the council voted to study the TIF option further.

WHAT ABOUT BOB: THE CONCLUSION

2007-04-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

After a brief discussion during Monday night's Stuart City Council meeting, the council voted to amend the City Employee Handbook to include an extra little paragraph regarding employees' private use of city equipment.

As Eye readers may recall, complaints have continued to surface over the years -- and most recently, during the Blizzard of 2007 -- that Bob Airhart, who heads the city's street department, uses city equipment to remove snow from his private driveway. And he has done this -- been allowed to do this -- despite the city's and utility board's decision (and the state code's mandate) a few years back that indeed, city employees shall not use city equipment for private use.

To make a long story short, after all the flap and hoo-rah, here's the paragraph that will be added to the employee handbook, courtesy of City Attorney Bill Bump:

"The use of City property is permitted under the following circumstances:

In the event the Mayor or City Administrator, or in their absence Mayor Pro Tem, determines that an emergency situation exists, they may authorize any City employee to utilize any equipoment or other property owned by the City of Stuart as they deem necessary under the circumstances. Such use of city property is hereby found to be of public benefit and not a detriment."

MORE TO COME...

2007-04-10T03:12:00.000-05:00

ROCKY ROAD AIN'T JUST AN ICE CREAM

2007-04-10T01:37:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

Hawkeye Renewables will be asked to put its money where its mouth is, you might say -- and quickly -- as the City of Stuart carefully but hastily studies its options for funding the $400,000 N. Division Street Pavement Improvements Project.

The project involves the removal and replacement of North Division Street between 2nd and 5th streets. As proposed, the project will entail replacing the existing 25-foot-wide street with an 8-inch-thick, 31-foot-wide PCC pavement, and also includes storm sewer improvements, subdrain installation, surface restoration and miscellaneous associated work.

Representatives from Hawkeye Renewables, whose trucks are reportedly contributing to Division Street's daily demise, have indicated to City Administrator Ash Ashour that the company is interested in contributing financially to the road's reconstruction project. As of Monday, however, no exact amount of money had been promised.

Councilman Cory Waddell, during Monday night's city council meeting, voiced his concern that in a couple of weeks when Hawkeye Renewables' trucks are no longer traversing Division Street, the city will be left with an even further damaged street and no check.

But Ashour assured Waddell and other council members that he will talk to Hawkeye Renewables today (Tuesday) and advise the company it needs to make a financial commitment immediately -- like in time for a special meeting Wednesday night to seal the deal.

"Why are we letting them come in a tear up our streets?" asked Councilan Mick Askren, who strongly suggested that the city cut Hawkeye Renewables off from traveling Division Street ASAP and send them another way if they don't follow through on their intention to participate in fixing the road's problems.

Seems Ashour has also met recently with the Guthrie County engineer and the board of supervisors officials regarding their possible participation in the project, but as Ashour put it, county participation does not look so promising...

Ashour had hoped the city might be able to utilize the county's $20 million bonding capacity to help fund the Division Street project, but alas, the county said "no." The county's project plate is full and the county needs every dollar of bonding capacity available, Ashour was told.

(The city's $3 million bonding capacity isn't enough considering the costs of all the city's currently proposed projects, Ashour explained.)

A little county engineering help, perhaps, Ashour inquired. No, again.

Engineer Forrest Aldrich of Veenstra & Kim Inc., in Des Moines, was on hand Monday night to talk costs and funding options with the Stuart City Council. He advised the council they could consider putting a truck embargo on North Division Street, enforcing a weight limit until the reconstruction project is finished.

As for other possible funding options, Aldrich mentioned special assessments, TIF funds, and GO bonds.

One could almost feel the council members shudder as they discussed the less-than-positive ramifications of past special assessments.

"If the county and Hawkeye don't participate, what are we gonna do?"Askren inquired, noting his disdain for special assessments. "It's not the citizens' fault."

Street Superintendent Bob Airhart weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that time is truly of the essence when it comes to getting the N. Division Street project going.

"This project's gonna have to happen," Airhart stated, adding that there is no time to lose.

Ashour further advised the council that they can continue to weigh funding options, but suggested they get the N. division Street project process in gear. So, before the close of the discussion, the council gave Airhart the green light to hire someone to begin televising the sewer system.

Please stay tuned for further developments.

3 1/2 MEN

2007-04-10T00:07:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

Looks like Adair County Sheriff Randy Marchant's hopes of seeing the Stuart PD replenished to a staff of four full-time officers may be dashed...

Police Chief Robert Smith, during Monday night's city council meeting, unveiled his plan to eventually have three full-time officers and a pool of two to three part-time officers (who won't require benefits or receive overtime pay) to work in lieu of hiring a fourth officer.

Smith pitched his plan as a cost-saving measure for the city.

Meanwhile, Smith will be busy interviewing applicants to fill the vacancy left by Sgt. David Stout's abrupt resignation, effective Sunday.

Smith, during Monday night's meeting, asked for and received the council's permission to begin the officer interview process. The good news is, Smith said there were, in his opinion, four or five good officer applicants who replied to last year's ad. The bad news is, only one applicant was academy certified, and his availability seemed a bit iffy.

As Eye readers may recall -- and as Councilman Jeff Sherman so readily pointed out Monday night -- the city in the past has had "nothing but trouble" with hiring non-certified officers going through the academy at the city's expense only to leave the Stuart PD for other, more lucrative law enforcement jobs shortly after graduating from the academy. That, of course, has caused the city to become entangled in more than a couple legal snares and renegotiated academy repayment plans with former officers.

A real financial mess, basically.

Smith explained to the council that it is common for non-certified officers to use smaller departments to attain academy certification and then leave soon after for bigger and better paying jobs -- hence, the on-going "revolving door" problem.

So, sounds like the city will include "certified officers preferred" as they re-advertise for applicants to fill the vacancy left by Sgt. Stout, a certified officer with more than 17 years of law enforcement experience.

At any rate, look for it to take a couple of months -- and some extra hours for Sgt. Hrubetz and Chief Smith -- before that position is filled.

CONGRATULATIONS, SGT. HRUBETZ

2007-04-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

Officer Ron Hrubetz was promoted to police sergeant during tonight's Stuart City Council meeting.

Police Chief Robert Smith, (after mentioning that Sgt. David Stout had resigned) said he was in the process of promoting Hrubetz to sergeant because Hrubetz has been a "big asset" and has frequently "taken up the slack" for Smith.

Hrubetz, who formerly served as a Stuart PD part-timer, was hired as a full-time officer six months ago replacing Officer Jesse Swensen, who left to take a job with the Guthrie County Sheriff's Department. Hrubetz -- named interim police chief in December 2006 after the council's controversial firing of former police chief Carol Rayburn -- was interviewed for the chief's position, now filled by Smith. Smith officially took over as chief at the beginning of March.

The council voted unanimously to promote Hrubetz to sergeant, increasing his salary from $33,000 to $34,178 (which includes a $600 probationary increase), effective immediately.

IT'S ON TO HARLAN FOR SGT. STOUT

2007-04-09T23:16:00.000-05:00

Yes, indeedy.

Sgt. David Stout, a five-plus year veteran of the Stuart Police Department, has resigned.

His resignation was effective Sunday.

By accepting a position on the Harlan, Iowa, eight-man police force, Stout takes a step up in his 17-plus year law enforcement career.

Stout was impressed with Harlan Police Chief Frank Clark, and the officers he met during the interview process. According to Stout, they made him feel at home and answered all his questions about the duties of the job, shift schedules and equipment available to the officers.

When asked about his resignation, Stout simply said that it is time to move on, adding that it will be a pleasure to work on a professional department again. He appreciates all the community support given to him over the years and wishes everyone well.

COUNCIL AGENDA AT A GLANCE

2007-04-09T07:23:00.000-05:00

The Easter ham was delicious, the kids are all tanked up on chocolate and jelly beans...good time to get back to business...

Tonight's Stuart City Council meeting (6:30 p.m., City Hall) offers the following:

Robert Hayes will make a presentation regarding water line/street -- who Robert Hayes is and what exactly it is he will be talking about in reference to water line/street is not explained on the agenda.

Dave Wallace will be on hand to make a presentation regarding his mini storage building and, I imagine, the on-going zoning flap in connection with said building and his hopes of building more buildings...

Chuck Avey will give an update on the Adair County landfill controversy.

John Gulbranson will be on hand to present informati0n regarding the city's property insurance renewal.

Local exercise enthusiasts won't want to miss this next item: An update on the proposed recreational trail project. Doesn't say who will be giving this update. Eric Tiernan, perhaps? Guess we'll have to wait and see...

Public hearing on amendment of current city budget. Followed by the council voting on a resolution amending the current budget.

Police Department -- Chief Robert Smith will make a presentation. Could this be Smith's official pitch for putting Officer Michael Brehmer on infraction duty? Might he address the "Sgt. Stout has done gone and left us" rumor? (Funny, neither the chief or the mayor called me back on the latter...)

Ah...another resolution up next..."Funding Alternatives To Increase Revenue To Road Use Tax Fund (Time 21 Program)".

This next item should be interesting: City Attorney Bill Bump will present the new "use of city equipment policy". Copy to Bob Airhart, I presume.

New Park Bathroom Project Update. What a relief...

Good ol' Forrest Aldrich will be on hand to discuss the N. Division St. project.

A letter of support for Martin Mock's new business, Martin's Bushwhacker Tree Stands, will be presented to the council for approval.

Looks like Morrisburg Church is requesting a sign...

And last but certainly not least, Councilman Neal Crawford will make a presentation regarding a proposal for web design services -- in connection with the idea of establishing a City of Stuart website, I presume...good idea. Although it appears City Administrator Ash Ashour is getting some good mileage out of Tyler Coe's blog, nothing beats a website of the city's own.

Well, actually, the above item isn't really last, cuz as we all know, no city council meeting would be complete without New Business.

And Old Business.

HE IS RISEN! HAPPY RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

2007-04-08T08:10:00.000-05:00

GOT EGGS?

2007-04-07T15:36:00.000-05:00

'TWAS THE DAY BEFORE EASTER, AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE...

2007-04-07T14:37:00.000-05:00

Here it is, Easter Eve, though outside it feels like Christmas Eve...

I've been busy with our new puppy -- an adorable little rat terrier we've named Mimi -- and I'd prefer warmer weather for those many "potty breaks" that go with housebreaking a baby dog -- but waddya gonna do about the crazy, cold weather?

I imagine everyone is busy getting ready for the big, tasty dinners that are tradition on Resurrection Sunday...getting ready to dye the eggs for the Big Bunny, and all...

We're breaking Easter feasting tradition this year at the Kult house -- we'll be supping on shrimp alfredo instead of ham. Why? Just felt like doing something different...

Speaking of something different...

If you like to read, and you're looking for a refreshing read regarding faith issues, click here for a review of author Anne Lamott's latest "Grace (Eventually)".

Lamott is one of my favorite authors, and is a breath of fresh, down-to-earth air when it comes to matters of faith. I might also suggest Lamott's "Traveling Mercies."

If you've been good this year, maybe the Easter Bunny will hide a copy of one of Lamott's books under your coffee table...oh, wait...I think I have my holidays mixed up.

That darn weather!

WCV JUST ONE MORE NOTCH IN DORR'S BELT

2007-04-02T12:39:00.000-05:00

Sadly, it all sounds so familiar...

What is truly sad is that the WCV School District is just one more notch in Paul Dorr's anti-public education belt.

PLAY BALL!

2007-04-02T08:12:00.000-05:00

Woo-Hoo!

It's Opening Day!

Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs. 2:10 p.m. (Well, 1:10 p.m. Iowa time).

Go, Cinci! (My hometown, don'tcha know.)

Pardon me while I wax nostalgic for just a sec...ah, the good ol' days of Major League Baseball, back in the 70s -- The Big Red Machine...Johnny Bench...

Yup.

Those were the days...

Never did make it to an Opening Day game, but something still stirs inside me when baseball season starts...

Have a great Monday!

THIS JUST IN...

2007-04-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

I knew it.

First, ear piercing for babies.

And now...this!

In Des Moines and Ames, no less!

Too close for comfort.

When will the insanity stop?

IN THE NEWS II

2007-03-31T05:19:00.000-05:00

In case you didn't see it...

A quick link to this week's
Dallas County News coverage
of the bond issue defeat.

THOUGHTS TO PONDER

2007-03-30T12:45:00.000-05:00

As Women's History Month -- and a disappointing week for WCV bond issue supporters -- comes to a close, a couple of encouraging quotes to consider from Margaret Mead, anthropologist:

"Never doubt a small group of thoughtful people
could change the world. Indeed, it's
the only thing that ever has."

"Even though the ship may go down,
the journey goes on."

IN THE NEWS

2007-03-30T10:22:00.000-05:00

Here's what The Guthrie Center Times had to say about Tuesday's bond issue defeat.

2007-03-30T02:12:00.000-05:00

MORE MONEY, FEWER CLOTHES

2007-03-30T00:02:00.001-05:00

Pay Hikes OK'd
The Stuart City Council and Stuart Municipal Utility Board, during their joint meeting Thursday night, approved salary increases for their shared city hall employees.

Nadine Avey will receive a $1 per hour pay increase, and Shirley Jones and Alan Bovee will receive a 4 percent pay increase.

City Administrator Ash Ashour will also receive a 4 percent pay increase.

Buh-Bye Clothing Allowance
Also Thursday night, the council and utility board voted to do away with the $250-per-employee-per-year clothing allowance for Ashour and the city hall office staff.

Councilman Cory Waddell voiced his objection to the clothing allowance, noting that it is not necessary since the office employees aren't required to wear uniforms.

The council and utility board agreed to a one-time $250 taxable payment in the office staff's paychecks, and then it's buh-bye clothing allowance.

(Ed. Note: The clothing allowance issue was brought to the forefront recently when concerned Stuart citizen Peggy Schlichter voiced her concern about the expenditure during the city's 2007-08 budget hearing. )

In other action, the council and utility board:

Voted to amend the city's employee handbook regarding sick leave.
Approved the renewal of the city's life insurance, accidental death and long-term disability plans.

Also Thursday Night...
Following a presentation by Project Restore's Tom Smull regarding his request for a utility board contribution to the Community Cultural Center, it was noted that Smull's request will be discussed at the board's next meeting.

Outer Limits
After the utility board adjourned and left the meeting, Councilman Mick Askren inquired about Police Chief Robert Smith's recent directive that officers carry rescue unit pagers and respond to calls within a 5-mile radius of Stuart for the purpose of directing traffic.

Prior to Smith's directive, officers only responded to emergency calls outside Stuart city limits (outside their jurisdiction, in other words), via mutual aid requests from county law enforcement officials. Councilman Jeff Sherman noted that there are liability issues connected with officers operating their patrol cars outside city limits sans mutal aid requests.

Mayor Cheryl Marks said she will look into the matter.

(Ed. Note: Thanks, Peggy Schlichter, for contributing the information for this post)

THURSDAY NIGHT LINEUP

2007-03-29T07:57:00.000-05:00

FYI: The agenda for tonight's joint meeting of the Stuart City Council and the Stuart Municipal Utility Board.

Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

1.) CALL TO ORDER

2.) LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL – KUM & GO

3.) COMMUNITY CULTURAL CENTER COMMITTEE / REQUEST FOR
CONTRIBUTION FROM UTILITY BOARD.

4.) EMPLOYEE WAGES/FISCAL YEAR 2007/2008

5.) EMPLOYEES SICK LEAVE AND RENEWAL OF LIFE, AD&D AND LONG-TERM
DISABILITY PLAN.

6.) ADJOURNMENT

NOW WHAT?

2007-03-28T08:07:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

OK.

The bond issue was defeated. Again.

Now what?

A meeting of representatives from all four communities to hammer out a better plan?

Been there. Done that. Didn't work.

A location selection process involving representatives from all four communities to hammer out a better location?

Been there. Done that. Didn't work.

Public forums in every town before the vote to ensure everyone has all the information they need?

Been there. Done that. Didn't work.

Bring in a AEA mediator to bring the feuding folks from all four communites together to work out an accepted-by-all plan to present to the school board?

Been there. Done that. Didn't work.

Dueling petitions?

Been there. Done that. Didn't work.

Investigate concurrent action?

Been there. Done that. Ugly.

Let's see...what other post-mortem "solutions" have been tried over the last umpteen years to try to get a bond issue passed "the next time."? Am I forgetting anything?

Meanwhile, the students of WCV are left needing decent, up-to-date, structurally and technically-sound buildings in which to learn...not to mention that bond buster Paul Dorr is $5,000 richer and the WCV School District is once again the focus of less-than-impressive press.
So, what's the answer? (And "burn Dr. Arnold and the school board at the stake" is not a suitable answer. Nor is "run Margaret Morrison, Shirley Ganoe, Laree Feller, etc., etc., out of town.)

Any real ideas? If so, please speak up. And soon.

The WCV students, no doubt, are all ears.

ELECTION RESULTS BY PRECINCT

2007-03-27T21:29:00.000-05:00

PREC REPORT-GROUP DETAIL DALLAS COUNTY, IOWA UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
SPECIAL ELECTION
MARCH 27, 2007

0001 REDFIELD
TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . . 0
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . . 350 350 0

Public Measure A
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 33.33 116 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 66.67 232 0

Public Measure B
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 31.99 111 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 68.01 236 0

0002 DEXTER
TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . . 0
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . . 306 306 0

Public Measure A
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 39.22 120 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 60.78 186 0

Public Measure B
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 38.69 118 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 61.31 187 0

0003 STUART
TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . . 0
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . . 823 823 0

Public Measure A
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 573 69.71 573 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 30.29 249 0
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0
Under Votes . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 0

Public Measure B
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561 68.50 561 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258 31.50 258 0
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . . 0 0 0
Under Votes . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 0

0004 MENLO
TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . . 0
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . . 254 254 0

Public Measure A
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 32.27 81 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 67.73 170 0

Public Measure B
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 31.50 80 0
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 68.50 174 0

0005 ABSENTEE
TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . . 0
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . . 171 0 171

Public Measure A
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 41.42 0 70
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 58.58 0 99

Public Measure B
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 39.05 0 66 No. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 60.95 0 103

WHAT A SURPRISE! BUSTED...AGAIN

2007-03-27T21:13:00.000-05:00

SUMMARY REPT-GROUP DETAIL DALLAS COUNTY, IOWA UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
SPECIAL ELECTION
MARCH 27, 2007
RUN DATE:03/27/07 08:29 PM REPORT-EL45A PAGE 001

TOTAL VOTES % ELECTION DAY ABSENTEE

PRECINCTS COUNTED (OF 5) . . . . . 5 100.00
REGISTERED VOTERS - TOTAL . . . . . 0
BALLOTS CAST - TOTAL. . . . . . . 1,904 1,733 171

Public Measure A
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 960 50.63 890 70
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 936 49.37 837 99

Public Measure B
VOTE FOR 1
Yes . . . . . . . . . . . . 936 49.42 870 66
No. . . . . . . . . . . . . 958 50.58 855 103

TODAY IS THE DAY! THE TIME IS NOW!

2007-03-27T08:16:00.000-05:00

SHUT THE DORR, BABY...VOTE YES & YES!

2007-03-26T12:46:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

So here we are, Bond Issue Election Eve #6...

Once again, you can cut the ancient and angry town rivalry rhetoric with a knife, but this time, thanks to the Whole Community Vision Committe, Paul "Bond Buster" Dorr (Copperhead Consulting Services) is helping to twist the knife a little deeper.

Today's Des Moines Register article highlighting this bond issue campaign suggests that the election result could hinge on Dorr's influence...ironic, isn't it, that the group of folks so worried about having to pay more in taxes to pay for a much-needed new school could cough up close to 5 grand to deepen Dorr's anti-public schools pockets...

Just think...if the bond issue fails, Dorr -- who would like nothing more than to watch the district implode amid a sixth bond issue defeat -- laughs all the way to the bank, while the WCV students continue to attend classes in their rotting buildings...

Dorr couldn't care less about the district's needs or the kids' needs...

Yup. Hiring this guy was a real class act.

WCV patrons who are still undecided: Please consider the sources of your information...who are you truly willing to trust: The board of ed members the WCV public elected, or a guy from elsewhere who makes a living --a lucrative living, at that -- trying to dismantle the public education system one school district at a time?

I refuse to believe that the informed, truly-concerned-for-the kids folks of WCV are about to let Mr. Dorr have the last word on their school district's future...

Shut the Dorr, baby.

Vote Yes and Yes on Tuesday!

DECISIONS, DECISIONS

2007-03-24T00:49:00.000-05:00

by Ann Kult

I recently read an interesting newspaper article that I want to share with you.

Some pre-bond election food for thought, as it were.

Save for a few obvious differences -- like the name, location and exact details regarding another school district's proposed bond issue -- the story could well be talking about WCV's ongoing bond issue battle, and all that is riding on next Tuesday's election.

Decisions, decisions.

True, I no longer reside in the WCV School District. And no, I'm no longer a WCV taxpayer.

As a reporter/editor/blog administrator covering WCV bond issues for the better part of the past going-on six years, however, I have done my best to ferret out the facts, get the facts out to the public, and allow folks on all sides of the issue -- either through letters to the editor during my newspaper days or, most recently, blog comments -- to speak their minds, yay or nay.

Four communities, four buildings...no easy task, and this bond issue may not be perfect in everyone's view, yet, in my opinion, it seems to offer a realistic start.

But then again, it's not my decision to make. It's yours.

It's up to you, WCV patrons. The district's future is in your hands.

Indeed, the bickering and name-calling and truth twisting seems to have reached an all-time high with this bond issue -- and I suppose some of that can be attributed to the three blogs and the public's ability to post comments anonymously. However, I do see some good in that.

I mean, after reading the 500-plus comments on Nate's blog, one can't help but feel the consuming intensity of the issue and realize the overwhelming importance, the all-out necessity, of making it to the polls March 27 come hell or high water.

There is sure to be some soul searching this weekend, as bond issue fence-sitters grapple with the pros and cons prior to election day...FYI: This week's Guthrie Center Times offers a good objective overview of the bond issue, and notes poll locations and times, as well.

The Eye, of course, will have the election results posted ASAP Tuesday night after the polls close and the votes are counted, and I'm sure the other two blogs will, too.

So stay tuned.

But more importantly, remember to VOTE!

2007-03-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

REMEMBER: SHOP LOCALLY WHENEVER POSSIBLE

2007-03-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

Interesting story in this week's Guthrie Center Times concerning retail sales figures for Guthrie and Adair counties...

Good news and bad news for Stuart...

2007-03-21T00:09:00.000-05:00