In a Zoom meeting on Monday, Nov. 16, the Kalona City Council approved the yearly allocation of funds transfer and certified TIF funds of $259,435.02 and hired a new city general laborer.

All council members spoke in favor of having another drive through food distribution project, with or without the cooperation of the cities of Riverside and Wellman.

City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said he had checked with HACAP and other sources about the availability of food for such a project, which would be operated similar to past food distribution projects. He suggested that such a project could be held Thanksgiving Eve and then possibly again before Christmas.

The council approved the hiring of Kimberly Miller as a general laborer at base salary of $34,320 plus standard city employee benefits. She is to start immediately. Schlabaugh said her background in working in state parks and her education and work experience will be beneficial.

The certified TIF funds included  $29,434.02 for Valleyview Subdivision, $12,674.73 for low to modern income housing assistance, $230,000 for future mitigation land acquisition and $1 for North Ridge Subdivision (to a establish and set the “base” for future incremental growth for that subdivision).

In his report to the Council, Schlabaugh said all communities are working together with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department to evaluate contract law services within the county.  The goal is to come up with a five-year contract law plan that would help secure additional deputy staffing over the five years. 

He also related he has met with Pleasantview Home on their planned remodeling and expansion. He said they may be breaking ground on their new addition late this year or early next year.

Schlabaugh said the city has completed its audit with the city and auditors being in 100% agreement with fund balances. He told the council to expect a formal report soon.

Schlabaugh told the council that the annual finance report shows that our cash position in the city’s “general government” increased by $ 275,947 over FY 2018-19.

He also added that work to finish off the new Optimist Concession stand in City Park is underway in preparation for the spring and summer ball games. This includes wiring and plumbing in the new stand being prepared with cooperation of Bulltown baseball and Nitro softball groups, the city and the Optimists.

Schlabaugh also announced the front entrance to the lobby of City Hall is locked indefinitely until the pandemic eases. Entry will be by appointment, but the office employees are working 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The plans for Christmas in Kalona event have been canceled by the Kalona Chamber of Commerce.