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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMarch 08 OFFICIAL MINUTES Mayor Grindle opened the public hearing for the 2008-2009 Budget for the City of Riverdale at 6:34 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Present: Littrel, Halsey, Channon, Franklin Absent: Hupp Also Present: Ryan Neubauer, Marie Randol, Julie Meyers, Jim Beran, Harry Pelton, Steve Wilson, Angela Reier (attorney), Pat Mohr, Bonita Grindle, Jim Mahler (arrived at 7:05) Franklin gave an overview of the proposed 2009 Budget. Mayor Grindle asked for comments or questions from the public. Steve Wilson stated he was concerned that the amount taken in from taxes does not cover the expenditures of the city. Wilson asked if the city will need to start raising taxes in the next 3 to 4 years. Franklin stated he believes taxes will need to increase due to the reduction of the machinery and equipment tax the city received. Wilson stated the city should look at taking some projects out of the budget such as the Water Tower Park, so the money in reserve could be used for unknown future expenditures like a fire truck. Mayor Grindle commented on some of the road projects that need to be done in Riverdale and stated the city won’t have big projects like Belmont Road. Jim Beran stated the average cost for city taxes would be $24 dollars more than last year for the 162 homes in Riverdale. Pat Mohr stated the three entrance signs to Riverdale and the Water Tower Park are things that could be eliminated from the budget. Mr. Mohr continued that times are tough and the city needs to tighten its belt. Mayor Grindle stated the signs may be paid for out of this years budget and some projects may not happen. Pat Mohr asked the Mayor and Council if it is possible to take out some of the projects from the budget. Franklin stated the council wants to keep the options open. Steve Wilson asked if the other financing sources of $200,000 would come from cashing out a certificate of deposit. The city clerk stated it would. Mr. Wilson suggested the city could hold on to the cd to see if the rate changes, and asked if it would be possible to get a list of cd’s held by the city. Franklin stated a list could be made available and the information is also on the monthly financial report. Mr. Wilson stated he thinks it is great that the city has extra money in the general fund. There was some discussion on whether the state could rebate taxes. Mr. Mohr stated the city should not put the money in the budget and then it can’t be spent. Mr. Mohr continued by saying the city is spending a lot of money. Mayor Grindle stated some cost have increased like legal services, printing and publishing and the extra clerk that was hired. Mayor Grindle stated the lawsuits are also costing the city. Mr. Wilson stated if the city is not breaking the law then why are we paying. Mayor Grindle stated a statement will be read during the council meeting to explain it. There was some discussion regarding the new document system. Julie Meyers stated if the projects are on the budget the city is saying they can afford it, by taking off the Water Tower Park and the signs that is less money that will come out of the city’s safety net. Ms. Meyers stated while things are tight, take off those funds so they can’t be manipulated to cover other things. Angela Reier (attorney) explained that there is a formal process to amend the budget. There was some discussion about the new recreational trail and its location. Mayor Grindle stated that the city is going to try and receive some grant money to help with the cost of the trail and explained how access to the trail bridge will help safety vehicles get to the Haven’s Acre’s area in case a train is blocking the road. There was some discussion about the cost of the Water Tower Park project. Mr. Mohr and Ms. Meyers stated the park project should be put on hold and the money left in reserves. Mr. Mohr raised concerns about the new Scott Community College entrance. Franklin stated that the city has no control over what the college does on their property. Franklin also stated he has voiced his opinion to the engineers several times that there is no need to move the berm. There was some discussion about past drainage problems where the retention pond is now located. A motion was made by Franklin and seconded by Halsey to close the public hearing. Roll call vote: Franklin-yes, Channon-yes, Halsey-yes, Littrel-yes. All ayes, motion carried. The public hearing closed at 7:27 p.m. Mayor Grindle opened the regular meeting of the Riverdale City Council at 7:37 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. Roll Call: Present: Franklin, Halsey, Littrel, Channon, Absent: Hupp Also present: Ryan Neubauer, Marie Randol, Jim Mahler, Julie Meyers, Jim Beran, Harry Pelton, Ann Shoultz, Bonita Grindle, Pat Mohr, Steve Wilson, Angela Reier (attorney) and Teri Stickler Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Franklin and seconded Channon. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Minutes: Motion was made by Channon and seconded by Franklin to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 5, 2008 with one correction (change the cost of flag pole light repair from $25866.50 to $2586.50). Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Motion was made by Franklin and seconded by Channon to accept the minutes of the budget meeting of February 14, 2008. Roll call vote: Franklin-yes, Channon-yes, Halsey-abstain (not present at meeting), Littrel-abstain (not present at meeting), Grindle-yes, motion carried. Motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Littrel to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of February 19, 2008. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Warrants: A motion was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. March 4, 2008 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-51 BRENT J. GOERS, CMFC Firefighters awards, administrator $1,150.00 10-53 SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY,L.L.C. 900 series super LED red & blue $2,214.09 10-53 CLIA LABORATORY PROGRAM certificate fee $150.00 10-53 K&K HARDWARE battery, screws, sealant, utility box $78.06 10-53 RACOM edacs access $79.50 10-54 MEDTRONIC supplies $749.49 10-55 K&K HARDWARE sheeting, wax paper $20.05 10-56 US BANK Odi Our Designs, decal, back ordered $2.75 10-57 SCOTT COUNTY HEALTH DEPT. membership fee $25.00 20-50 MAHLER CONCRETE & EXCAVAT. snow removal 2-19 thru 3-3-08 $6,170.00 60-20 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS semi monthly $380.54 60-20 THERESA RALFS semi monthly $796.36 60-51 QWEST monthly service $149.32 60-61 QUAD CITY TIMES publishing $252.33 60-62 THERESA RALFS microcassette recorder $34.23 60-62 DECCO replace photoeye in parking lot $146.86 60-62 COMPUTER TEAM, INC. extended service agreement $93.00 60-62 US BANK WalMart, pop, water, bird seed $42.96 60-62 US BANK Staples, mailing labels $28.66 Total Gen. Fund Warrants $12,563.20 RECEIPTS Alcoa-sewer $4,059.30 room rent $10.00 PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Jim Beran commented about complaints received regarding the chain to the entrance of Bicentennial Park not being put up. Jim Mahler stated with the temperatures being so low he didn’t think to many people would be using the park. Franklin thanked Mr. Beran and Mr. Mahler for volunteering their time taking care of the chain. Pat Mohr asked the Mayor and Council to consider having a meeting with AMENT regarding the Scott Community College roadway improvement project so the residents affected by the project could ask some questions. Franklin stated a meeting with the engineers may be the wrong people and suggested meeting with a representative from the college. After some discussion about the SCC road project and erosion problems from moving the berm, Mayor Grindle stated he would contact Scott Community College and ask for a representative to attend a council meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A motion was made by Franklin and seconded by Halsey to accept the third reading of the Amendment to Ordinance 47.05. Amendment to Ordinance 47.05 states: Amendment to Ordinance 47.05 47.05. Parks Closed. No person, except those camping in designated areas, shall enter or remain within any park between sunset and five o’clock a.m. Roll call vote: Franklin-yes, Channon-yes, Halsey-yes, Littrel-yes. All ayes, motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Grindle read Resolution 2008-04. A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE CERTIFICATION OF THE 2008-2009 ANNUAL CITY BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2009 Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Riverdale, Iowa: The 2008-2009 City Budget be approved and the City Clerk is directed to file all pertinent forms and information to the County Auditor and the Department of Management in the State of Iowa. A motion was made by Franklin and seconded by Channon to accept Resolution 2008-04. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Mayor Grindle informed the council that the city is in the process of filling out grants to off set the cost of the recreational trail. Mayor Grindle stated he would like to discuss mediation with Allen Diercks, Tammie Picton and Marie Randol to see if they would be willing to have an outside arbitrator help with communication between them and the city. Mayor Grindle stated he would like to find out what the issues are and work through them. Halsey asked if the meeting would be private. Angela Reier (attorney) stated the mediator would set how it would work best. Halsey and Littrel stated they thought it was a good idea. Mayor Grindle stated he would check into the details and it would be put on the next agenda. Mayor Grindle informed the council that Bonita Grindle and Ann Shoultz would organize the egg hunt. Pat Mohr stated he would like to donate $100 towards the egg hunt. The Mayor and Council thanked Mr. Mohr for his donation. Bonita Grindle stated the egg hunt would take place at City Hall on Saturday, March 15th at 1:00 PM the rain date will be Saturday, March 22nd at 1:00 PM. The city clerk will send out a flier about the egg hunt. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Halsey informed the council about the ice jam that came through on Duck Creek. Littrel thanked Jim Mahler for snow removal this winter and asked if we had received any more salt. Mahler stated we did not get any more salt. Steve Wilson asked if Jim Mahler could do something about the blocked storm sewer on Fieldcrest. Jim Mahler stated he would look at the storm sewer. Halsey stated two sections of the bike path railing were gone from the ice jam. Mayor Grindle stated he would contact Bettendorf about the broken railings. Littrel asked for clarification on the street parking ordinance. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL AND OTHER OFFICIALS: The City Clerk read the following press release regarding the settlement of Allen L. Diercks vs. the City of Riverdale. The City of Riverdale and its insurer have entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Allen Diercks which has resulted in Mr. Diercks dismissing with prejudice the lawsuit he brought against the City, the Water Tower Park Committee, and eleven citizens of the City of Riverdale who volunteered their time to serve on the Committee. The lawsuit was brought alleging violations of the Iowa Open Meetings Act. In light of certain comments attributed to Mr. Diercks by the news media, we believe the public is owed an explanation as to what actually transpired. After Mr. Diercks filed his lawsuit, our insurer hired an attorney to represent the interests of the defendants named by Mr. Diercks. An answer to Mr. Diercks’ petition was filed, denying all of the allegations made by Mr. Diercks. Our attorney then formerly requested Mr. Diercks to provide proof in support of his claim. In the opinion of our attorney, Mr. Diercks provided no evidence in support of his allegations that the City or any of the volunteer members of the Committee did anything wrong. In response to discovery requests made by Mr. Diercks’ counsel, the City and the volunteer citizen members of the Committee produced literally hundreds of documents in support of their denial of the claim. Our attorney then advised us that Mr. Diercks’ counsel had requested the opportunity to take the deposition of each and every one of the volunteer citizen members of the Committee, and in conjunction therewith a deposition of Mr. Diercks would be scheduled. Before any of that could be accomplished, however, Mr. Diercks’ counsel requested a settlement of the case. The amount of the settlement was predicted upon what Mr. Diercks’ counsel represented to be his actual attorney’s fees and costs incurred up until the time of the offer. The terms of the proposed settlement would require the City to pay approximately $76.92 for each named defendant to settle the lawsuit, and the City’s insurer to pay approximately $615.38 for each defendant named in order to settle the lawsuit. No other demands of any kind whatsoever were made as part of the settlement agreement. There was no demand made that the City “redo” any action taken by the Water Tower Park Committee, there was no type of admission of any liability required, and there was no demand made upon the City that as a result of any action taken by Mr. Diercks the City would now “abide by the law”, as was reported. The City of Riverdale agrees with the opinion of our counsel that Mr. Diercks’ lawsuit had no merit. Nonetheless, the City and its insurer felt that in light of the minimal amount the plaintiff was demanding for settlement of the case as to each individual named defendant, a duty was owed to those defendants to resolve the case on their behalf. The volunteer citizens of the City of Riverdale are very important to the well-being of the City, and it was appropriate to relieve them of the burden of having a deposition taken and enduring what was promised to be a long, arduous, and very expensive litigation process. The cost and expense of winning the lawsuit was estimated to be five times the amount of the total settlement. The amount to be paid in settlement was considered to be a nuisance value compromise of a disputed claim. Since only the payment of money was demanded, it was agreed that prudence dictated settling the case even in light of the ongoing denial of liability on the part of the City of Riverdale and its citizen volunteers. The final decision to settle the case was made by our insurer, and the City of Riverdale agrees that doing so was ultimately in the best interest of all the defendants. Mayor Grindle stated a phone message and letter where received at City Hall regarding the chain not being put across the entrance at Bicentennial Park and read the following statement regarding the dispute over the chain. At this time I would like to address the concerns of two residents over the post and chain at Bicentennial Park. I understand that there is a concern that someone is not following through with their commitments. In recent years we have had a growing amount of inappropriate activity in the park after hours. We have had problems with noise, young adults parking their cars, and possible criminal activities. It is only fair to the community that these issues be addressed. The council and I have placed a post, chain, and fencing at the opening of the parking lot. As a volunteer, Jim Mahler put up the post and fence. Also as a volunteer contribution, Jim Mahler and Jim Beran have agreed to hang the chain at night, and remove it in the morning. The recent winter weather has a t times made this very dangerous to do. I would not expect that either Mr. Mahler or Mr. Beran hang this chain during inclement weather. During this time, not only has the chain frozen to the post, but there has been a need for the lot to be open for snow removal purposes. Riverdale, as well as other neighboring communities have been working very hard to keep residents safe. Safety is always the top priority. In saying that, the safety of all volunteers and residents must always come first. A serious fall can create lifetime problems for a person, and I would never ask a volunteer to jeopardize their safety and well being. I would like to remind these residents that this is only a trial period for warmer weather, and there tends to be very few problems during the winter months. In closing, I would like to extend my thanks and gratitude to Jim Mahler and Jim Beran for their time and dedication to the safety of the residents of Riverdale. I would like to let everyone know, that I have my two best people on the job. Franklin referenced a letter received from Montie Gauss encouraging the city to continue with the special deer hunt next season. A motion to adjourn was made by Halsey and seconded by Franklin. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:47 pm ____________________ ____________________ Jeff Grindle, Mayor Theresa Ralfs, City Clerk OFFICIAL MINUTES Mayor Grindle opened the regular meeting of the Riverdale City Council at 7:03 p.m. on Tuesday, March 18, 2008. Roll Call: Present: Franklin, Halsey, Littrel, Channon, Hupp Also present: Dr. Thomas Coley(SCC), Susan Littrel, Marie Randol, Ryan Neubauer, Harry Pelton, Jim Beran, Teri Stickler, Don Fisher, Dennis Stolk, Donna Stolk, Floyd Bruns, Rick Nelson, Tom Mack, Linda Veit, Bonita Grindle, Pat Mohr, John Ulrich, Jean Meer, Angela Reier (attorney) and Con Blevins. Agenda: A motion to approve the agenda was made by Halsey and seconded Channon. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. Minutes: Motion was made by Franklin and seconded by Halsey to accept the minutes of the regular meeting of March 18, 2008. Roll call vote: Halsey-yes, Franklin-yes, Channon-yes, Littrel-yes, Hupp-abstain (not present at meeting), motion carried. Warrants: A motion was made by Littrel and seconded by Franklin to approve the following warrants for payment. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. March 18, 2008 General Fund ACCT # COMPANY DESCRIPTION AMOUNT 10-52 MHC CONVENIENCE LLC fuel $200.76 10-53 COBRA FD logos & magnets $206.12 10-55 FIRE SERVICE TRAINING BUREAU 5th Essentials of fire fighting study guide and skills handbook $595.40 20-30 MID AMERICAN ENERGY street lighting $912.82 20-50 MAHLER CONCRETE & EXCAVAT snow removal clean catch basin & salt ice restricting flow $150.00 20-90 ALLIED WASTE SERVICES garbage & recycling services $2,300.00 60-10 JEFF GRINDLE quarterly $1,377.70 60-10 CHERYL CHANNON quarterly $554.10 60-10 JACK FRANKLIN quarterly $567.90 60-10 DEAN HALSEY quarterly $554.10 60-10 LINDA HUPP quarterly $554.10 60-10 DOUG LITTREL quarterly $554.10 60-10 US BANK withholding $706.80 60-10 IPERS withholding $238.80 60-20 MARY FRANCES BLEVINS semi monthly $405.31 60-20 THERESA RALFS semi monthly $796.36 60-20 MARY HANSON monthly $73.45 60-20 US BANK withholding $733.64 60-20 IPERS withholding $311.27 60-20 TREASURER STATE OF IOWA quarterly withholding $236.00 60-40 STANLEY, LANDE & HUNTER legal services $464.07 60-51 AT&T long distance $61.60 60-51 QWEST utilities $158.57 60-51 MID-AMERICAN ENERGY utilities $1,510.87 60-51 MEDIACOM on-line service $45.95 60-51 IOWA AMERICAN WATER utilities $147.54 60-52 DECCO repair parking lot lighting by flag, soffit light & interior hallway light $284.66 60-52 ACME SIGN CO. furnished & installed uplights on flag pole at City Hall $2,586.50 60-52 MYRA HALSEY February cleaning $200.00 60-61 QUAD CITY TIMES publishing $101.91 60-62 PITNEY BOWES postal meter rental $156.00 60-63 BONNIE GRINDLE egg hunt supplies, gold coins $101.06 60-63 ACME SIGN CO. repair flag pole lights at park on State street on 12-12-07 $78.81 80 PER MAR SECURITY SYSTEM security system $20,939.29 TOTAL WARRANTS $38,865.56 RECEIPTS Room Rent $35.00 Copies $1.50 Mohr - donation egg hunt $100.00 Dr. Thomas Coley-President of Scott Community College: Dr. Coley was present to answer questions and give a broad view of the SCC Roadway Improvement Project and the new entrance to Scott Community College. Pat Mohr questioned why the berm could not be left where it is. Dr. Coley stated the berm can’t remain where it is because that is where the road will be. Dr. Coley stated the College will maintain the new berm and it will help reduce the noise. Mr. Mohr stated you can still hear the noise. Dr. Coley replied you can’t completely eliminate the sound. Dr. Coley informed the public and Council he has spoken with the engineers and the alignment is needed for the contour of the road. John Ulrich asked if the semis will be eliminated, because it was mentioned a few years ago that there was another facility for them. Dr Coley stated they can’t eliminate the semis, but they can be minimized. Jim Beran asked if the new road would be the same elevation as the parking lot. Dr. Coley stated engineers at the public hearing being held on Wednesday, March 26th at SCC would be able to answer questions on elevation. Jim Beran stated moving the berm would cause water problems. Dr. Coley stated the college is following the plans and recommendations from the engineering company. Dr. Coley also stated the college and engineers will look at the water issues. Linda Viet asked what were the engineer’s recommendations. Dr. Coley stated some of the recommendations were the alignment of the road, parking needs, building needs and to minimize the noise. Jim Beran asked if there would be a traffic light at Valley Drive and the new road, and will the college pay for the cost. Dr. Coley stated the IDOT will decide if a light is needed and the cost of the traffic light will be paid for by whoever is determined responsible. Rick Nelson asked if the new road will be widened. Dr. Coley stated the road will remain 2 lanes but wider than the current lanes. Teri Stickler asked about zone lighting. Dr. Coley stated there will be zone lighting through out the campus and the new road, with lights reflecting away from the residences. Dennis Stolk asked about the water running off the road. Harry Pelton questioned if the water run off was based on a 100 year flood. Dr. Coley stated Ament has the master plan and this question needs to be addressed at the public hearing next week. Linda Hupp stated Ament is aware of the water run off issue that have residents concerned, and encourage the public to attend the public hearing and ask questions to the engineers. Mayor Grindle thanked Dr. Coley for listening to the residents, and addressing some of their concerns. Mayor Grindle encouraged the residents to attend the public meeting March 26, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Belmont Building Student Life Center, Room 2300 of the SCC campus. The city has also mailed out a letter telling effected residents about the meeting. PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS: Jim Beran asked when the yard waste pickup begins. Mayor Grindle stated it begins the first week in April. Linda Veit asked who to contact about a large portion of a tree that is down on Alcoa’s property. Mayor Grindle will contact Alcoa. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Mayor Grindle informed the council about a $13,986.00 proposal for three Welcome signs that could be located at Pleasant Valley High School, near Duck Creek highway and Fenno Road. This issue will be discussed at a future meeting. Angela Reier, (attorney) presented the information on the mediation between the City of Riverdale and Allen Diercks, Tammie Picton and Marie Randol. Ms. Reier stated Jim Slavens has been contacted, and he charges $160 per hour, and suggested a neutral location. Ms. Reier continued that because the City of Riverdale has initiated the mediation the City will cover the costs. Ms. Reier stated a letter will be sent to the three concerned citizens. Ms. Reier will update the Mayor and Council on the progress of the mediation at the next council meeting. Mayor Grindle stated the city needs to address the issues and get to the root of the problem, so it can be settled. Linda Hupp presented fact finding information on a basketball court and a shelter for Bicentennial Park. She suggested the basketball court go behind the playground area, with an estimated cost to be $10,725.00. The shelter was estimated at $17,000.00 to $21,000.00 depending on size. Mr. Geisler suggested the shelter be near the playground. Mr. Fisher raised concern about the location of the shelter. Halsey stated a shelter was needed. Linda Veit is concerned about trash in the area. Hupp stated the basketball court and shelter projects are budgeted for the next fiscal year. Hupp asked if there were questions, ideas, concerns, or comments to please call her. NEW BUSINESS: Mayor Grindle presented a proposal from Premier Pest Control for mole control at Bicentennial Park and City Hall. Premier Pest Control also gave a bid for pest management of the interior of City Hall but currently McCloud does the pest control and the city is satisfied with their work. Mayor Grindle will check with McCloud to see if they also do mole work. Franklin asked if there was an estimate of how many hours it would take to bait the tunnels. Mayor Grindle stated an estimation of hours was not given. A motion was made by Franklin to accept the proposal from Premier Pest Control for the amount of $58.00 for mole control bait and $60.00 an hour to have the bait applied in Bicentennial Park, seconded by Halsey. Channon asked for the motion to be amended to include City Hall. Franklin included City Hall in the motion, seconded by Halsey. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The request for a park wedding was cancelled because other arrangements were made. Halsey informed the council that he would like to purchase 6 bags of cement for the bike rack, paint for the shelter (primer and rustolium), and a wire brush for Haven’s Acres Park. After some discussion on different types of mulch, Halsey stated he would check on mulch prices for the park. A motion was made by Franklin to allow $200 for supplies for Haven’s Acres Park, seconded by Hupp. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: The February 2008 Financial report was discussed. A motion was made by Littrel and seconded by Channon to approve the February 2008 Financial report. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. COMMUNICATIONS FROM COUNCIL AND OTHER OFFICIALS: Mayor Grindle encouraged everyone to attend the Public Information Meeting for SCC Roadway Improvement Project Wednesday, March 26 from 5:00-700 PM at Belmont Building Student Life Center, room 2300 of the SCC campus. Mayor Grindle stated he thought it was good for the residents to meet Dr. Coley, ask questions and see that SCC is trying to work with the residents. Mayor Grindle reported the street sweeper will clean streets and drains in Haven Acres and throughout the city soon. Tri City Blacktop will check all the roads and make repairs this spring. A motion to adjourn was made by Halsey and seconded by Channon. Roll call vote: all ayes, motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm ____________________ ____________________ Jeff Grindle, Mayor Mary Frances Blevins, Assistant City Clerk 3 From the City of Riverdale March 2008 Thank you to the following people for their help in making the Riverdale Egg Hunt such a fun event for the kids! Bonita Grindle, Jim & Beth Mahler (donated $15 in dollar gold coins), Kenny Mahler, Ann Shoultz, Sean Talbet, Violet Grindle (donated extra eggs & candy), and a special thank you to Pat Mohr (donation of $100) Spring Clean Up Day The Spring clean up will be held on Sat. April 12st Please have all items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. Large items such as tires, appliances, TV’s, computers and electronic equipment may be disposed of at this time. NO HAZARDOUS WASTE WILL BE ACCEPTED! S Fire Department Report for February 19 to March 18, 2008 Calls: 1-Mutual aid EMS Call 2-Mutual Aid Fires 1-Mutual aid HazMat call Training: Aerial Class #3 ICS CPR Recertification Down Firefighters Other: 8 hr auto extrication new technique j There will be a 4th of July celebration meeting on Monday, March 31st @ 7pm at Riverdale City Hall If you would like to help with this wonderful Riverdale tradition, please try and come to the meeting. EVERYONE is welcome! If you have any questions, please call Bonita Grindle at 359-7676. Your Council and their committee appointments are as follows: Jack Franklin (359-6612)-Mayor Pro Tem, Contracted Support Service & Budget Cheryl Channon (332-4730)-Contracted Support Service & Budget Linda Hupp (355-3386)- Parks Dean Halsey (355-2013)-Infrastructure & Parks Doug Littrel (359-1343)-Infrastructure & NPDES Management Mayor Jeff Grindle can be reached at 359-7676 Lou Wren is the Zoning Inspector. You may contact Lou at 355-1300. Please contact him regarding any construction projects. YARD WASTE PICK UP Yard waste will be picked up weekly from the first week in April thru the last week in November. Yard waste includes, grass clippings, leaves, tree branches and shrubs. Yard waste must be placed in Kraft paper bags or loose in garbage cans. Brush and branches three (3) inches in diameter or less must be cut into lengths not greater than four (4) feet and bundled and tied. No single unit can weigh more than fifty (50) pounds. As stormwater flows over driveways, lawns, and sidewalks, it picks up debris, chemicals, dirt, and other pollutants. Stormwater can flow into a storm sewer system or directly to a lake, stream, river, wetland, or coastal water. Anything that enters a storm sewer system is discharged untreated into the waterbodies we use for swimming, fishing, and providing drinking water. Polluted runoff is the nation’s greatest threat to clean water. By practicing healthy household habits, homeowners can keep common pollutants like pesticides, pet waste, grass clippings, and automotive fluids off the ground and out of stormwater. Adopt these healthy household habits and help protect lakes, streams, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters. Remember to share the habits with your neighbors! Healthy Household Habits for Clean Water Vehicle and Garage • Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local waterbody. • Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material. • Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash. Lawn and Garden • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. When use is necessary, use these chemicals in the recommended amounts. Avoid application if the forecast calls for rain; otherwise, chemicals will be washed into your local stream. • Select native plants and grasses that are drought- and pest resistant. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides. • Sweep up yard debris, rather than hosing down areas. Compost or recycle yard waste when possible. • Don’t overwater your lawn. Water during the cool times of the day, and don’t let water run off into the storm drain. • Cover piles of dirt and mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent these pollutants from blowing or washing off your yard and into local waterbodies. Vegetate bare spots in your yard to prevent soil erosion. Home Repair and Improvement • Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drains and protect them from debris and other materials. • Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar. • Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible, and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills. • Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible. • Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations. • Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.