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The
Official Newspaper of Anamosa, located in Jones County, Iowa
Anamosa News
Since 1855
 Thursday,
September 28, 2006 |
Olin Steering Committee Gives School Board Recommendations
by Elsa Hirl |
The Olin School Board held its regular meeting in the Community Meeting Room at the school on Monday, September 18. Randy Cress was re-instated as a member of the Olin School Board following the recent elections. Board Secretary, Carrie Fortin, administered the oath of office.
Cress was voted Vice President and Mike Hansen was voted Board as President.
The Olin Steering Committee presented their recommendations to the Board regarding the future of Olin Consolidated Schools. President Mike Hansen expressed appreciation to the Committee for donating over 50 hours of their own time to help determine the future of the school.
Patty Manuel, Steering Committee representative, recommended the possibility of improving and expanding the education standards at the elementary level now to try to attract more families to the community. Roger Kistler, Committee representative, also recommended to the School Board that the Steering Committee be dissolved since they feel their job is now complete. He mentioned the possibility of the Board creating an advisory committee or another entity separate from the original Steering Committee. Manuel reiterated that the Committee would like to see the Board write 28E Agreements only with surrounding districts that are willing to utilize Olin’s facilities.
Superintendent Charles Liston received a letter from the Department of Education regarding the annual State visit that as of September 7, the Olin Community School District meets accreditation requirements 12 teacher administration license.
Liston said, “In other words, no problems. Everybody’s teaching, everyone’s certified, everybody’s where they’re supposed to be. That made them happy.”
If there is a restructure, the school could remain a PreK-8 school and the high school would then be able to attend any one of the three different districts that touch the Olin District. Mr. Liston commented, “I think it’s a sweet deal. Because now when you talk to a parent in the District, if we have to go to a down size situation … you can go to a 1A school, a 2A school or a 3A school.” He stated that not many school systems allow for that kind of a decision when they have to make a change like the one that is being discussed for Olin. “I think it is a win-win situation, in the aftermath, if we can’t keep a PreK-12 school here.”
There will be a public hearing regarding selling the two lots between the Little Lion Learning Center and the school. The two lots will be sold as one parcel being 136 feet x 102.79 feet for $20,000 to the LLLC to allow for the older kids to play in a fenced in area as required by the State. The hearing time will be set for 6:00 p.m. on October 16, 2006. The money from the sale of the lot will go into the PPEL Fund.
The next regular Olin School Board meeting is set for Monday, October 16, 2006 at the Community Meeting Room. The community is encouraged to attend.
Letter of Recommendations from the Olin Steering Committee Over one year ago, the Olin School Administration requested the formation of a citizen’s school steering committee. The purpose of the steering committee was to develop recommendations to the board of education in the event the Olin School would not be able to develop a balanced budget at some time in the future. The committee has met at least monthly for the past twelve months, has held three community open forum meetings and has conducted numerous personal interviews with Olin area citizens.
As a result of our efforts, the Olin School Steering Committee submits the following recommendations that we believe will enhance the quality of education at Olin School to encourage increased enrollment while also addressing the immediate need for funding to maintain an Olin School District.
The Olin School Steering Committee recommends that the Olin School Board of Education promptly begin discussions with Kirkwood Community College regarding a regional vocational academy to determine what opportunities Olin School could provide to its own patrons as well as those of surrounding districts. We further recommend the Olin School Board of Education encourage neighboring school districts to pursue the Kirkwood Community College regional academy concept of centralizing vocational classes, which would give dual credit for high school and college.
The Olin School Steering Committee recommends the Olin School Board of Education study the
feasibility of implementing exploratory classes in Spanish, computer labs, engineering and other challenging courses in the current PreK-8 classes to encourage growth and stability of a Prek-8 structure for many years.
The Olin School Steering Committee recommends the Olin School Board of Education continue to share teachers with neighboring school districts when possible and practical at all grade levels.
The Olin Community has overwhelmingly expressed the desire that Olin remain a PreK-12 system.
The Olin School Steering Committee realizes the possibility is very real that Olin Consolidated Independent School may not be able to develop a balanced budget in the near future. The Olin School Steering Committee, therefore, recommends the Olin School Board of Education seek financial advice from a minimum of two outside sources before making a decision to change the structure of the current Olin School District. Such outside sources may include, but are not limited to, the Iowa School Board Association, Grant Wood Area Education Association or the School Administrators of Iowa.
If the Olin School Board of Education should decide to modify the current PreK-12 structure, the Olin School Steering Committee highly recommends the district maintain grades PreK-8 at Olin.
If the Olin School Board of Education should decide to modify the current PreK-12 structure, the Olin School Steering Committee highly recommends negotiating 28E Agreements with the Anamosa, Midland and North Cedar School Districts for the 9-12 grade students. Preference should be given to those districts that agree to utilize the Olin School facilities.
A 28E Agreement could allow Olin students to graduate from Olin, with an Olin diploma, even if they attended school in another district.
If the Olin School Board of Education negotiates 28E Agreements with other school districts, the Olin School Steering Committee recommends an allowance be made for the last minute (July 1 of initial year) cancellation of the Agreement if State legislation should change the State funding formula in a manner that would be advantageous to the Olin School District for more than one year.
If the Olin School Board of Education negotiates 28E Agreements with one or more neighboring districts, the Olin School Steering Committee recommends the length of the initial Agreement be for three years.
This letter of recommendations ends our role as the Olin School Steering Committee and we now consider our work complete. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the planning process. |
Council Adopts Special Event Resolution
by Susan Yario |
A Special Event Resolution has been proposed by the Anamosa City Council to keep continuity and promote a family friendly atmosphere within the city during a special event. The entity that organizes a special event has the authority to approve all requests from groups, businesses or individuals to conduct for profit businesses in conjunction with the special event prior to submitting requests for permits or licenses to the Anamosa City Council or other competent authority.
Council approved the adoption of the resolution after a small amount of discussion.
The measure is designed to eliminate a private business or individual from requesting a street closure or permit to prevent them from bypassing the event organizers. Discussion was centered around Pumpkinfest and Grant Wood Art Festival, two annual events that are held on Anamosa’s Main Street.
Anamosa resident Dave Moss voiced his opinion to city council regarding no parking on the East Side of North Williams Street. He can no longer park in front of his home as the city has revised parking on several streets throughout town. He has two frequent handicapped visitors that have to park on the West Side of the Street. Council members suggested several options, one being that he request to be on a future agenda to apply for handicap parking on Williams Street.
International Order of Eagles, Grand Conductor, Michael Duehr spoke to council on starting the Eagles organization in Anamosa. No action was taken as this was an informational visit only.
Andrew Marsh met with the city council regarding the wastewater treatment plant and needed improvements to the sludge removal phase of the WWTP process. The public works department will begin removal and disposal of 241,800 gallons of sludge within the next 30 days from the plant.
The project will completely clean out the system for necessary repair assessment. Cost of the clean out will be approximately $17,000.00. Additional partial sludge removal will continue every three months. Sludge is taken five miles out of town for disposal in farm fields per state regulations.
A public hearing was held on proposed plans and specifications, proposed form of contract and estimate of costs for the highway 64 East Main and Sanitary Sewer Extension Project received no written or oral comments. Six bids were received for the project. The lowest bidder was Dolan Excavating for $186,616.25. The project and the lowest bid were both approved at Monday night’s meeting.
Additional items approved are as follows:
• One time temporary sign placement for AmVets Post 110, a non-profit organization (October 15th-30th)
• Approved Easements for the Highway 64 East water Main and sanitary Sewer Extension Lines verbal agreements are in, authorization received to receive signed easements. These are necessary for the construction contract mentioned above to be signed.
• Resolution accepting a gift of real estate near Remley Woods from John and Jill Parham.
• Engineering contract costs with Howard R. Green for the wastewater treatment plant improvements Phase II, not to exceed $135,000.
• Memorandum of Understanding for the Riverside Cemetery Ghost Walk event. Per the memo the city is to provide the portable bathroom.
• Resolution setting date of October 9 at 7 p.m. for Public Hearing regarding the application to rezone Lots 2,3, and 14 from M-1 Light Industrial to C-2 Arterial Commercial in the Anamosa Commercial Park. These changes would allow for a larger building to be built on the property but would limit the use of the building.
• Resolution setting date of October 9 at 7 p.m. for Pubic Hearing for the application to rezone the property located at 107 N. Garnavillo (Collins Building) from R-2 Residential to C-2 Arterial Commercial. Prior to the 1993 Zoning District Map the property was listed as C-2. The property is for sale and the owner is asking for an expedited change in rezoning as there is an interested buyer.
• Second reading of ordinance amending section 69.11 of the Code of Ordinances of The City of Anamosa by designating a No Parking zone on the East side of North High Street from Park Court to North Terminus.
• Second reading of ordinance amending section 35.02 of the City Code of Anamosa increasing the number of Fire Fighters from 30 to 32. Third reading waived.
• Beer and/or liquor license for The Bistro At Daly Creek Winery-Outdoor Service area, application for October 7, 2006.
• Resolution approving the official IDOT financial report for city streets and parking.
• Payment of bills for the month of September 2006.
During the Community Betterment portion of the meeting, Anamosa City Council discussed the possibility of sharing a piece of 25,000 square feet of property on Old Dubuque Road with the Anamosa School District. City Administrator identified the advantages and disadvantages of moving the Public Works Dept./city shop and possibly City Hall as the property of discussion is zoned M-1. Superintendent Monroe was present and voiced his opinion that the property of discussion provides better opportunities for employees as well as shop equipment. The timeline for all parties is driven by the seller, Parham Rentals. If the City or School District is not interested, the property will go back on the tax roll for public sale. Council opted to schedule a work session within the next week to confer about the opportunities such a venture could offer.
Dennis Walters from Anamosa Commercial Park requested to amend the subdivision ordinance in order to permit a waiver on a plat of survey to maintain agricultural status. Councilman Feldman expressed his discomfort with reorganizing a city ordinance to accommodate one business owner.
Walters reiterated that the request is a matter of paperwork and to allow for a waiver in the ordinance would create a business friendly environment. Several Council members expressed curiosity as to how this might create change for future subdivisions. City Administrator Callahan remarked that it is still up to the council how details within the subdivision are approved using Grant Ridge Estates and Little Creek Estates as examples. Callahan suggested that an amended ordinance be drafted for council’s review at the next regular session on October 9, 2006. Motion was made and approved.
Public safety items of interest include the authorization of Administrator Callahan to send a letter of code violation (Section 135.09) to a Contractor regarding the excavation on Walworth Avenue.
The contractor will be assessed a fine of $100.00. Additional letters to area contractors will also be sent out as a reminder that permits are required in the City of Anamosa. Police Chief Matt Menard made an education request to the council for a managerial finance and accounting course. Tuition costs will be $2,100.00 for six transferable credit hours at Hamilton College. There is no dollar limit in the Anamosa Personnel Policy (Section 33.0) for tuition reimbursement but the request is limited to one per year. Council approved Chief Menard’s request for reimbursement upon completion of the coursework.
Construction of the Wastewater Disinfection Treatment System is ninety-five percent complete even though the contractor is more than two weeks behind schedule. Council approved the contractor’s partial payment request #4 for Taylor Construction, Inc. for $64,267.50.
The City applied for funds for tree plantings with Aquila and Alliant thus pledging the City of Anamosa match of $2,000 from the Local Option Sales Tax. Council approved the item without contest. Appointments to the Tree Board will be made available for the next agenda meeting on October 9, 2006. |
Seeley Wins Wall Street Journal Award
by Michelle Phillips |
Former Anamosa resident Cody Seeley has received the Wall Street Journal’s Best of Class 2006 Student Achievement Award.
Seeley, a second year Business Administration student at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids was nominated for the honor by marketing professors at the school.
“It’s a way for us to recognize exceptional students,” said Bob Walker, Assistant Professor/coordinator of Marketing, Banking and Finance, who said the school uses the Wall Street Journal in classrooms. “As a business department we looked at leadership, the commitment to the college and others and academic achievement.”
Seeley received a paperweight and a one-year subscription to the Wall Street Journal, which has presented awards to the top 100 students in the nation for 60 years. He was informed of the award at a Kirkwood board of directors meeting in the spring. |
Cody Seeley was honored with an award from the Wall Street Journal. The Kirkwood student is a former Anamosa resident. |
“I was thrilled because I was excited about being in the Wall Street Journal, plus my accomplishments and what I was doing on campus wasn’t going unnoticed,’ said Seeley.
The 20 year-old aspires to own his own business someday and is the president of SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) at Kirkwood, a group that works with community organizations to help others learn ethical business practices, free enterprise principles and entrepreneurialship. SIFE groups are worldwide, with membership in 40 countries. They sponsor a career fair, teach about credit and work with Young Parents Network to teach money management.
The last project the group embarked upon was a Grand Opening for Coffee Talk Café, located near Kirkwood. They have also created public service announcements for competition and are currently working on an announcement on plagiarism.
In addition to SIFE, Seeley is also the Student Senate Activities Director, and plans all activities on campus, including Spring Bazaar and the school’s annual awards banquet.
“I enjoy doing stuff on campus, interacting and meeting new people,” Seeley added.
Seeley said he also enjoys jet skiing and spending time with his family, parents Greg and Bobbi and sister, Mandy.
He is employed by Boyd Crosby Construction, as an assistant to the owner, Boyd Crosby, who came to see the presentation of Seeley’s award.
Seeley said the award shows that he can think outside the box, and thinks it will look good on his resume in the future.
“It shows hard work and integrity. It’s a great motivator to excel in the future,” Seeley concluded. |
Second Annual Youth Fun Day Delivers
by Susan Yario |
The Second Annual Youth Fun Day at the Izaak Walton League in Anamosa attracted boys and girls ages eight to fifteen. Kids came out to try 10 outdoor activities first hand; archery, fly tying, duck and goose calling, trapping, trap shooting, Iowa mammals, bass casting, turkey calling, rifle and muzzle loader shooting.
Instructors and Game Wardens from the Iowa DNR and Jones County Conservation shared their time and knowledge with seventy plus kids on Saturday from 9 a.m. until well after 2 p.m.
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Joel Zimmerman works on a goose call |
The participants were divided into ten groups and each group toured ten stations before eating a barbeque lunch of hotdogs and hamburgers. Donated prizes were raffled after lunch.
Top prize winners were: Noah Sander-20 gauge shotgun, Alexis Heeren-22 caliber rifle, Brett Koppes-Muzzleloader. Matt Tjaden won a seven week old female chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy. The puppy was donated by Shawn Sterk and family in memory of Danny Gravel.
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Paul Rohrbacher coaches Gavin Eilers on how to tie a fishing fly |
Event organizer, Dennis Hora, was basic about the purpose of Saturday’s event, “to get kids acquainted with the outdoors and to have fun”. This year’s event had a smaller attendance than last year, however tight organization and planning kept the activities running smooth and safe.
The day was sponsored by the Anamosa Izaak Walton League, Twin Rivers Pheasants Forever, Jones County Ducks Unlimited, Two Rivers Tom National Wild Turkey Federation, Wapsi Bottoms Whitetails Unlimited, Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and Spring Creek Chapter of Trout’s Unlimited.
Jones County Naturalist Michelle Olsen talks about coyotes to a group of kids |
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Abby Oldham getting a lesson on shooting a muzzleloader. (Journal-Eureka Photos by Susan Yario)
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Warden Mike Macke educates Logan Payne on how to use a bow. |
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