RIVERSIDE

One night before City Council elections were held in Riverside, the council’s meeting Monday night had a watery feel to it.

The City Council began the night with a walk-through work session held at the city’s wastewater plant to examine a reconstruction project that is nearly completed by the same company, Spectra Build of Wapello, that is working on a wastewater project at Highland High School.

The City Council followed the work session with its formal session back at City Hall, where more than $460,000 was paid out for work at both the wastewater and water treatment plants.

A payment of $77,596.82 was approved to Spectra Build for work done at the wastewater plant.

Remaining work at the wastewater plant includes electrical work and painting.

Additionally, payments of $212,612.50 and $176,750 were approved to Bowker Mechnical Contractors of Cedar Rapids for work completed at the water treatment plant in September and October.

Downtown Revitalization

The City Council set 6 p.m. Nov. 13 as the date for a public hearing as the city discusses an application for downtown revitalization funds from the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The public hearing will be part of a special meeting on Monday at City Hall.

The city would use the funds to help with building improvements on West First Street downtown.

Boat Ramp Plans

The city is moving ahead on plans for improvements to the Riverside Boat Ramp at the English River.

The City Council approved a resolution that clears the way for Axiom Consultants of Iowa City to begin with design plans for the first phase of the boat ramp project.

A multi-phase proposal includes installing more signage, clearing some small trees and brush, installing a gravel or seal-coat driveway, and installing picnic tables and shelters with green space.

Dog Update

A pit-bull terrier that was removed from a Riverside resident, per city executive order, was moved to Marion. But it was only temporary. A Marion city ordinance prohibits a vicious animal from residing in the city.

Riverside City Manager Cole Smith said the dog can’t be returned to Riverside, and if it can’t be re-homed by its owner, Dennis Schultz, it may have to be put down and destroyed.

Six months after reports of the dog attacking a passer-by and killing a cat, another recent attack caused Riverside City Council members in October to initiate the city’s ordinance on vicious animals and remove the dog from a Schnoebelen Street residence.

Council Actions

The Council approved a proposal of $5,300 from Neumiller Electric of Tiffin for repairs to the traffic light on Highway 22 in front of the Riverside Casino.

The Council approved the FY23 Street Finance Report.

The Council approved a transfer of funds for the FY24 budget.

The Council approved the rates for Wellmark BCBS for city employees in 2024.

The Council approved a proposal of more than $34,000 from Iowa Solutions for new computer servers for city staff.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is 6 p.m. Nov. 20. A special meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 13.