HomeMy Public PortalAbout2023 12-DecemberRiverdale Trivia Tidbit:
December 27th, 1950
Riverdale’s
Original Incorporation Day
On this day, Judge M.L. Sutton ruled in
favor to incorporate; Riverdale was born!
The legal battle continued on and would
not be final until February 10, 1953!
2– Winter Celebration 2p
4– RFD Training, 6:30p
5– Planning & Zoning Meeting, 6p
7– Hanukkah starts
11– RFD Training, 6:30p
12– Holiday Social Hour, 6p
Council Meeting, 7p
13– Board of Adjustment Meeting, 6p
15– Hanukkah Ends
17– Mayor’s Town Hall , 2p
18– RFD Training, 6:30p
22– City Hall Open
25– Christmas, City Hall Closed
26– Kwanzaa Starts, City Hall Closed
27– Riverdale’s Incorporation Day
31– New Years Eve
*All events at City Hall unless otherwise stated Operation Station:
A Message from Riverdale’s Public Works Department
This month’s Operation Station is actually a “job well done” to PW
Operations Manager Brian Ballard and City Engineer Chris Cooper!
Riverdale completed the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System (NPDES) permit in its entirety. This is the first time since at least
2018 that the DNR did not require any follow-up items for completion.
The votes are in: Congrats to Mayor Heddlesten and
Council-Member Beth Halsey on your re-election;
and a big welcome to new Council-Members Stephanie
Harvey and Steve Townsend!
Also, Congratulations to the residents of Riverdale!
We had an astonishing 52.76% voter turnout for 2023 elections!
L-R: Heddlesten, Halsey L-R: Heddlesten, Harvey, Townsend
We look forward to your time with the City of Riverdale!
Great Job, Brian & Chris!
From your City
Hall Staff!
From the City of RIVERDALE, Iowa
www.riverdaleia.org | 110 Manor Drive | (563) 355-2511 | deputyclerk@riverdaleia.org | December 2023
Doug Littrel
While this may be an introduction for some, many long-time Riverdale
residents already recognize the name Littrel: members of the family signed
the original charter to incorporate, they built some of the earlier homes in
Riverdale, and there is even a Littrel subdivision in the Fenno neighborhood!
But most of us will recognize this month's “get to know your neighbor”
Doug Littrel from his time on Council. Doug is currently Riverdale’s longest
running Councilman, having been on Council since November of 2007.
December will mark the end of that service. Doug will be retiring from Council (and from work) effective
January 1, 2024 at noon. I asked Doug some questions about himself, as well as his time serving on Council.
Doug sent his answers back in the form of a story; I’d like to share that story with you!
“I have lived in Riverdale for 58 years. I grew up in my parent’s home, which is right next to my current home.
My grandfather, Herman, built our house after he drove his tractor through the kitchen of the original house!
My grandmother, Dorothy, didn’t want a new house but grandpa did so…..my folks’ (Don and Shirley Littrel)
house was built on the foundation that once was the barn.
I graduated from PVHS, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps. I have lived in North
Carolina, Davenport, Bettendorf, Princeton, and Riverdale. I married my wife,
Susan, in 1987. We have five grown kids and 9 grandchildren!
When I was growing up, this place was an urban farm. My grandpa had cows and
sheep, and I had a horse. Grandpa also had a huge garden that we all helped in.
My wife and I did the same until her health made it impossible
to keep up with.
My family has been very involved with the Riverdale community.
My brothers, Neal and Paul, were both Eagle Scouts from the
Riverdale Troop, my mother was a Grand Marshall in one of the
July 4th parades, and I have served on City Council for 16 years. My goal on Council has
always been to look out for the residents of Riverdale. I have tried to keep taxes down but
continue to help Riverdale with the future.
Right now I am counting the days to retirement! I hope to work
part time somewhere, and maybe travel with Susan. I hope I
have made a small difference in my time on Council. It has been
an honor working for the people of Riverdale. I have also
enjoyed working with all of the City staff over the years.“
Thank you for your service to the City of Riverdale, Doug!
You are an asset to our community, and we have appreciated
working with you!