WELLMAN

Wellman’s water mains have outlived their life expectancy, a point brought home by a break downtown days before the city council met on Nov. 20. The topic once again occupied the council as it seeks to determine exactly how and where to begin replacement.

Although they took no official action, the council agreed to divide how they will tackle replacing water mains. Three sections of water mains would be replaced as part of the project that includes securing a second water source, Wapello Rural Water. The council agreed that they are willing to invest $5.6 million in this project, up from $5.1 million, so that “we can actually say [water main] sections in town are getting done rather than piecemealing,” city administrator Kelly Litwiller said. The increase would have minimal effect on water rates.

Two sections of water mains would then be replaced as part of the downtown streetscape project the city also has in the works, which includes new signage and sidewalks on 8th Avenue. This project would be funded from “basically a different pot of money,” mayor Ryan Miller said.

Grass alleyways

A Wellman resident asked the council to consider graveling a grass alleyway so that they have access to a backyard garage during wet and snowy weather, which would help reduce the vehicle vandalism they have experienced. The council took up the question of whether it would be willing to gravel grass alleys in town.

After some discussion, the council determined that the ongoing maintenance for graveled alleys was a deterrent, especially when it comes to snowplows tearing those alleys up. They also considered whether the city would allow residents to gravel alleys with their own personal funds, but again found the issue of maintenance responsibility complicating the matter.

Ultimately, the council passed a motion declining to provide or allow gravel on grass alleys.

YMCA update

Amy Schulte, CEO of the YMCA of Washington County, provided the council with a year-end update on the Wellman YMCA. She reported that for the most part, participation has been “holding pretty steady” and “programs overall have been going great.”

Average membership reached 760 this year, up from 698 in 2022. About 13% of the Wellman YMCA’s members receive assistance from the Y’s scholarship program, Shulte said.

Fewer students are attending the YMCA’s early-out program, as bussing changes are keeping Kalona elementary students in Kalona rather than bringing them to Wellman.

Hillcrest Academy expressed an interest in using the gym for games, but scheduling conflicts with Mid-Prairie and the YMCA’s own programming has prevented this from happening. Shulte said this is something that may require careful evaluation in the future.

Visitors and members have indicated desire for an accessible entry to the Parkside YMCA building. The city council has taken this under advisement and is considering making this improvement.

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.