During his report at Monday night’s city council meeting, City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh acknowledged that “we were very, very fortunate” to be unscathed by the severe weather on March 31; however, “that doesn’t mean that we didn’t have a lot of people that did a lot of great things to make sure that we were prepared in the event that we weren’t so fortunate.”

Schlabaugh noted that the city took a lot of calls and directed people to take shelter in the YMCA building, which was kept open and had first responders on hand.  More than 50 people took shelter at the YMCA, which is considerably more than the norm.  

“Usually a dozen to two dozen” is typical, Schlabaugh said.  

The city received several calls about whether residents could bring their pets with them to the YMCA during the storm.  Pets are, in fact, allowed to take shelter during severe weather events, although the city asks they be in crates or on leashes.  

“We had a turtle, a couple dogs, a couple cats,” Schlabaugh said of those who sheltered at the YMCA Friday night.

The City Administrator also noted that the Mid-Prairie Community School District intended to help with clean up from the storm and was looking for ways for all grade levels to participate.  Older kids may help clean up debris fields west of Wellman where properties were damaged or destroyed, and the City agreed to allow younger kids to walk down to the City Park and clean up any trash there.

Details had not yet been fully worked out, but “they’re just trying to get some age-appropriate activities for them to show public service,” Schlabaugh said.

Also in his report, Schlabaugh mentioned the City is looking forward to spending an hour with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst on April 5. A driving tour of the student-built house property, Pleasantview, and Southtown is planned, followed by a visit to Slabach Construction.  

Council Action

During the business portion of the meeting, the City Council waived the second reading and approved the third and final reading of the Ordinance Amendment for Water and Sewer Rates.  No comments had been received regarding the rate change, which will take effect July 1.

A resolution accepting public improvements from CJ Moyna and Sons was approved by the council.  

“This was the second phase of acceptance,” Schlabaugh said.  “We’ve accepted everything through the subdivision through the final plat, that’s north of 133rd.  They had some fencing and some things to do north of 133rd.  That’s all been completed.  Everything’s been signed off on.  Everything’s been tested.  Everything’s working since it has gone online, so it’s to the point now where we can accept that public improvement along with the force main that goes from the lift station all the way to under the river and to our lagoon.”

The council set a public hearing to amend the Chapter 160 Floodplain Management Ordinance for April 17 at 7 p.m.  When the City updated its city code earlier this year, the DNR reviewed the codification and recommended new wording for three chapters of the floodplain management ordinance.

Mayor Mark Robe officially recognized April 6 as Junior Achievement Day in Kalona.

The council approved a 15-foot utility easement for the purpose of providing utility services to the Student-Built House at 313 and 315 C Avenue.  This will allow water, sewer, gas, electric, and fiber services to serve the duplex that will be built this summer.  

“We try to be up front with everything.  My wife and I own that particular property,” Schlabaugh said.  “There’s no financial [gain] on this.  Its $1, because that’s what they have to put in.  So we’re willing to give that easement so that they can service all that.”

Work sessions were set for Thursday, April 13 at 6 p.m. and Monday, April 17 at 6 p.m.  The next regular meeting of the City Council will be Monday, April 17 at 7 p.m.