The Jefferson Streets/Sewer/Sanitation/Water Committees met in special session on Wednesday

The meeting started with a presentation by the Iowa Department of Transportation about converting Iowa Highway 4 through city limits from four lanes to three lanes. There would be one northbound and one southbound lane, with a center turn lane throughout. The project would include milling two inches of the asphalt surface on the north end of Highway 4 and then restriping it, and then just water blasting the south end to restripe it. Since it was only information, the committee did not take action on this item.

The Water Committee was informed about a new directional boring unit that is going to cost $82,000, but it is in the budget for this fiscal year. This equipment would allow for more efficient water line changes, while crews are currently using a moleing or trenching technique. The committee also decided to go forward with a five percent water rate increase and if approved by the City Council would go into effect at the beginning of next year. 

The Water Committee is also asking for residents to take an online survey about what kind of water line is going into a home. It is part of the data gathering for the Environmental Protection Agency and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to find out if homes have lead pipes. The survey is on the city’s website. 

The Street Committee is recommending to the city council to approve a sidewalk repair and replacement policy with cost share for single family, commercial and churches. They are also recommending approval to amend an ordinance about the downtown sidewalk maintenance, where the property owner is responsible for the first four feet from their storefront toward the street and the outer four feet is the city’s responsibility.