The Perry City Council met in regular session Tuesday.
At the meeting, City Administrator Sven Peterson talked about this past weekend’s storms and residents reporting water in their basements. He says they continue to jet and camera the sewer lines to see where the issues stem from and a smoke test may be done to also help test sanitary sewer lines. Deputy Public Works Director Josh Wuebker says when they are doing the smoke test they will also have someone fly over town with a drone to monitor the results.
Councilman John Andorf then spoke about the Metro Alliance Council meeting he and Mayor Jay Pattee attended Tuesday morning. He says they are looking at bringing a speaker to talk with local leaders about airport improvements and the importance of regional airports.
A public hearing was held in regards to the intersection signal improvements at Highway 144 or 1st Street and Willis Street. As we’ve reported, the City received a $380,000 Iowa Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Improvement Program grant for the project. Engineer Matt Ferrier with Bolton and Menk recommended the Council not take action on the item as he wants to talk with the bidders about the underground costs with the project. He also wants to talk with the DOT to see if they are able to get additional funds to cover design costs and other overages. The low bid for the project was submitted by Voltmer Electric in the amount of $372,594. This is under the engineer’s estimate of $400,000 for the project, but if the costs exceed that amount, the City will be responsible for paying for the excess through Local Option Sales Tax funds. The Council is expected to readdress the issue and take action at the next meeting on September 21st.
The first change order for the apron rehabilitation project at the Perry Municipal Airport was then approved in the amount of $27,947 to Jensen Builders. This is to cover the cost of additional electrical work for the project. Jensen’s original bid for the project was for $598,700. This project is being paid for through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and the City is only responsible for 10 percent of the cost.
The third pay request for the project was also approved in the amount of $212,195 to Jensen Builders for work completed through August 28th.
Next the Council approved an Iowa Department of Transportation grant agreement for the fiscal year 2016 Airport Improvement Program Project. The City has been awarded a grant that will pay for 70 percent of the project, or a maximum amount of $105,000. Peterson says this is for pavement repair and crack sealing on the runway.
An Airport Improvement Program Project Grant from the DOT for hangar roof repair at the airport was also accepted. This too is for 70 percent of the project costs, not to exceed $105,000 in state share.
The Council then approved an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement with the Central Iowa Regional Transportation Planning Alliance, that allows the City of Huxley to join the alliance.
A public hearing was then set for the September 21st meeting in regards to vacating a public alley right of way. This is for 100 feet of right of way on Third Street, as requested by Candelario and Marie Murillo.
A request to have livestock within city limits was then approved. Father Cuong Hung Nguyen has requested to have chickens on his property at 1312 3rd Street.
Finally, the Council approved trick or treat night for Friday, October 30th from 6-8pm.
For more on the meeting and things happening in the City of Perry tune into today’s Let’s Talk Dallas County when we speak with City Administrator Sven Peterson during the 9am, noon and 5pm hours on AM 1310 KDLS and 99.7 FM.