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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
October 26, 2006 |
Olin School to Remain Open for 2007-2008 School Year
by Elsa Hirl |
Good news was on the agenda at the last Olin Consolidated School Board Meeting. According to Superintendent Charles Liston’s report, Olin High School will be open for business for the 2007-2008 school year. In April, Liston estimated the school would have to function with a 2006 budget of approximately $354,000. Liston reported, “Now that the books are closed, the new 2006 school budget is $512,000, which is far better than going backwards. Next year, we’re estimated at $490,000. This district could live on that unspent authorized budget. So now, we’re not talking next year will be the big change. Look at the following year, we’re projecting $321,000.”
Liston said he would like to have two independent individuals look over the figures to be sure they’re correct. He said the 2009-2010 school year, will probably have a balance of roughly $87,000.
“No way do I recommend the board to go and get your unspent balance to under $100,000 because you will cause jeopardy to your existing school that you have here after you downsize. My suggestion to you is we’re going to go through this year all right and probably 2007-2008 all right.
Referring to agreements that the school has been arranging with surrounding schools, Liston said, “Maybe the 28E Agreements that we’re talking about this month should be something we could discuss and put on a shelf after we get an agreement with no starting date. Put a clause in there that says we’ll review this before the timetable starts. There are so many variables in this thing.
Maybe the foundation can do something. Maybe there will be an increase in enrollment.”
“The other alternative thinking is going year, by year, by year. Is that good for the kids going one year at a time? Is that good for the staff to know they’re going one year at a time? Are we offering the best thing for our kids by saying, ‘We’re going to go one more year.’? Maybe in 2008-2009 the state will come out and mandate a 700 student population. Then all this is moot. There are just so many variables that Olin is facing. I feel good now after closing our books and seeing that we received more money than we expected and our expenditures are less than we expected. That is why we have a balance of $512,000.”
School Board President Mike Hansen gave the credit for the surplus to Liston’s ability to pinch pennies and watch the budget in spite of much criticism.
Liston gave an inspirational statement, saying, “Get out there and do some development to say why we’re going to have more kids. Fill these empty houses with little darlings. Kids make this school continue.”
Mr. Liston also reported that enrollment is at 254.7. Last year the school was at 262.6. The enrollment is down “but it could be worse.” Home schooling allows for a fraction of a point which is why there is a tenth of a percent with the numbers.
The schools of Iowa are going to be challenged again. All 365 schools in Iowa will now have to meet State standards. Every child will have to meet those standards or they do not go on to the next grade level. Either the schools set the standards or the State will come out and set them.
Liston commented, “It’s on the horizon. When I look at Olin and we look at our 24 graduating credits in order to graduate, I think that will probably change if we’re going to stay in existence in the long run. You have to make the kids work harder to keep them competitive. We’re not just dealing with Jones County, we’re dealing with international competition.”
The four superintendents in the area are tooling with the idea of having common calendars. They are talking about starting the school year on the same day, taking the same days off for holidays, having professional days be the same, etc. The only potential difference would be Spring Break.
Jones County seems to be a trend setter in this area. They still have 180 days in the calendar and everyone wants to go as late as possible and get out as early as possible.
Liston said, “It’s an age-old problem that doesn’t change but we’re going to try to put a different flare to it and see if we can get all four districts to be on the same calendar.”
SILO, the School Infrastructure Local Option tax, will be on the November ballot for Jones County. The school is encouraging people to vote on the issue. If the issue is voted in, the sales option tax will remain in effect until 2022.
“We get the money in there, we can probably lower our PPEL and save the property tax some money that way,” Liston explained.
The school is ahead of schedule with its LOSS account. The account is growing. Liston said that means that Jones County is prosperous. It means citizens are buying things and the school is getting the one cent sales tax.
“We are meeting our obligation to pay this building off. Besides getting the money to pay for, we also have a cushion.” If the economy were to change for the worse, the school would then have to use the cushion. The point is, we’re building a surplus right now…that’s a positive.,” he added.
According to Liston’s report, congratulations go out to Olin’s baseball coaches, players and spectators for finally getting a positive review from the officials. The coaches received a 1.55 rating which is above the average; the players received a 1.36 which is right at the average; and the spectators received a 1.55 which is four points above the average..
The new junior high girls basketball coach is going to be Brian Gravel for a contract amount of $1252.50. The high school girls basketball chaperone will be Karen Ginn for a contract amount of $501.00.
The next regular Olin School Board meeting will take place on the third Monday of November at 5:30 at the Community Meeting Room. The community is invited and encouraged to attend. |
Engelbart, Keeney Receive Awards
by Michelle Phillips |
Each year the University of Iowa is home to the Blank Summer Institute (BSI), a two week resdiential program that offers classes to 100 of Iowa’s best students. This year Jackie Engelbart of Anamosa was one of the students chosen to attend BSI.
Engelbart’s area was science, but BSI also offers programs in many of areas. Jackie was nominated in five areas: science, math, creative writing, social studies and music/art. She wrote a 250 word essay, explaining why she would be a good candidate for BSI.
In the essay Engelbart talks about wanting to pursue a career in science to help others. She also expressed her desire to be chosen for BSI.
“I plan on going into the teaching field in the area of science or medicine,” Engelbart said.
In addition to the essay, students must have high standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, be in grade 7 or 8 when they apply and have letters of recommendation from teachers.
“Jackie was an excellent candidate for the summer institute. She has demonstrated her ability as an outstanding student, has demonstrated the desire to learn and has the necessary social skills.
It was wonderful for her to interact with students of similar skills and potential,” said West Middle School Science teacher, Bernie Keeney.
Some of Engelbart’s activities include basketball, track, soccer, volleyball, swimming, archery, hunting, fishing, piano, band, choir, math Counts, News Bowl, peer counseling, mock trial and a list of other activities.
While at BSI Engelbart had the opportunity to conduct experiments including physics, chemistry and spiliting DNA.
“My favorite part was blowing up a propane bubble,” she added.
The students also toured buildings on campus, studied the periodic table and visited Cone Marsh, Coralville Lake and Sugarbottom to test oxygen levels in the water.
In addition to the $950 tuition for BSI, Engelbarl received a $1,000 scholarship to U of I and a medal for Recognition of Outstanding Achievement on October 14 at the Belin-Blank Recognition Ceremony.
“It is a real honor for the students to be selected to this institute. there are very few students chosen from Iowa, and other states, to attend the summer institute,” Keeney praised.
While attending BSI, Engelbart was given the opportunity to nominate a teacher for a Belin-Blank Recognition for Excellence in Teaching award. She chose Keeney.
“I nominated Mr. Keeney because he has influenced me to continue in the science field and learn as much as I can. he helped me to stay interested in science,” Engelbart stated. He teaches things that will be useful in our future, is flexible and comes down to the level of the students so they can understand and learn science.”
Keeney, who has been teaching for 33 years, received a plaque. he said he was happy to be chosen for the award.
“I was honored to receive the award and pleased to be there sharing the experience with Jackie. It was very enlightening to see this group of talented students and try to imagine the impact they will make in the future,” Keeney said.
Blank Summer Institute was started in 1993 by Myron and Jacqueline Blank of Des Moines as a way to recognize and further educate talented students from Iowa. Other programs are available to students in other states thorough the Belin-Blank International Center for Gifted Education and Talented Development.
The Blanks were advocates for children and also provided money for the Blank Children’s Hospital and Blank Park Zoo, both in Des Moines.
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Council Discusses City Shop Relocation
by Susan Yario |
Several possibilities for relocating Anamosa’s Public Works Maintenance Shop were conferred over at the October 23 Anamosa City Council meeting. As this item was of discussion only, no action was taken. But several members of the community were present and one sect presented to council, that being the Library Board.
Library board member, Charlene George presented to council on behalf of herself and other board members present against the possibility of option C as a possible site for the City shop. The main complaint being that a maintenance shop next the library and in the middle of a residential neighborhood “just doesn’t fit”.
The following options were outlined and discussed:
A. Existing site; cost to construct a new 40’ x 64’ metal building would be $63,000.00
B. Dean Wood Metal Building on Old Dubuque Road; Purchase price of $210,000.00
C. Former Iowa DOT Shop site on 1st Street (previously discussed at October 9 council meeting)
D. Tower Road site-city owned property
E. Undisclosed owner & property location-to be looked at on October 27 by City Administrator and Public Works Director Larry Driscoll.
During further discussion on this item, Administrator Callahan reminded council that the city is in “no rush” to move the current shop location.
Police Officer Dave Riches was a visitor to the council meeting and he brought along his new canine partner, Lucky. Officer Riches updated council on the teams training and bonding process as it usually takes six months for full bonding to be complete. Lucky is certified to search buildings and vehicles and was able to search his first vehicle this past weekend. The Anamosa Police Department was able to secure Lucky through Federal Grant dollars.
Items approved on Monday night are as follows:
• First reading of ordinance amending Chapter 3 boundaries of the City Code of Ordinances to include The Little Creek Estates and Grant Ridge Estates in Ward IV. Waiving of second and third readings.
• First reading of ordinance to amend Chapter 4 of the City Code of Ordinances to establish a minimum fine for violations (moving).
• Engineering contract for services with Snyder & Associates for the Central Area drainage Project on Teresa Avenue for $15,076.00 and $3,700 for soil engineering.
• Contract for inspection service with Snyder & Associates for Highway 64 East Water and Sewer Extension Project; $5,265.00 for staking and not to exceed $10,243.00 for construction, administration & observation.
• Public Hearing date set for 11/13/06 at 7 p.m. for an application for the rezoning of property located at 407 Old Dubuque Road from M-1 light Industrial to R-2 Residential. Plans are for the purchaser, Kyle Weber to remodel the property which was once a small hotel into a residence.
• Installation of ten street lights in the Anamosa Commercial Park with five of the ten to be installed right away. The lights will not be turned on until construction begins in the park.
• Authorization to take the necessary steps to move forward with annexation of two “islands” not currently included in the city limits, but are completely surrounded by the city.
• Payment of bills for the Month of October 2006.
Vic Hamre, development Secretary/Treasurer spoke with Council regarding the ADCO III Development. The new project is a one million dollar project with 37 lots available. Hamre vocalized that the same arrangement would be valid as with the last project. This is where ADCO borrows the necessary dollars for the project and as the house are built and the TIF money is collected, the City rebates all or a portion of the new TIF back to ADCO to help retire ADCO’s debt. Council member, Dennis Hansen made motion for up to $300,000 of TIF dollars to be made available for the ADCO III Development. Formal documents and proceedings are to be forthcoming in future council meetings.
Anamosa City Council gave the approval on Monday night for the application for funding from Trees Forever. The approval is needed to authorize the $2,000 match from the Local Option Tax Fund.
The Tree Committee has identified four areas within the city to place twenty trees; Riverside Cemetery, Senior Center, Strawberry Hill Walking Trail and Chamber Park. Another site for future plantings to be considered is the WapsiAna Park, up near the Band shell.
The City Administrator had several items to report including a bid received to City Hall for the sale of property at 1005 South Main Street. As the bidding for this property has been closed discussion was had on where to go with the bid. Council member, Bill Feldman made motion to accept re-bids on the property starting at $13,500.00. A Public Announcement in this publication will be forthcoming as to when the Public Hearing is to be held.
The sale of property to Wes Koob/Red’s Towing was discussed at 50 cents a square foot (non-buildable property) and negotiations would begin with Mr. Koob as soon as possible.
The City Administrator and the Public Works Director are to meet with The Anamosa State Penitentiary this week regarding the purchase of city water and a rate structure involving a lower rate for high volume users.
The last major discussion on Monday was in regards to adopting commercial building codes for the City of Anamosa and/or a Code Enforcement Officer. At this time, council will not be pursuing the item as it has not yet been a major concern and Jones County does not such an inspector that the city could work in conjunction.
Larry Driscoll spent several minutes at the end of the meeting updating council on the WWTP disinfection project. The new system is up and running but it is not operational as construction is not finished and all the bugs are not worked out. The project was slated for September 1 completion. This will cause deductions for the contractors. Driscoll also let the council know the latest news on the digester major repair status. The largest crane in the county will be required to remove the cover at a cost of $20,000. Cleaning out should begin within the nest two weeks.
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