WELLMAN

The Wellman City Council learned more about the operations of Sunrise Daycare in a work session regarding new lease terms during a regular city council meeting on Monday, July 1.

Sunrise director Melissa Kaufman explained that despite the low wages paid to staff, the current lease amount of one dollar per year allows the daycare to provide a much-needed service for the community.

“It has been very beneficial,” Kaufman said, “because we are now — in the state, and the nation, but specifically in Iowa — in such a childcare shortage. It's really hard to find childcare.”

Kaufman said that Sunrise has a current enrollment of 61 children, including many from Keota.

“One thing that's of interest, when we start talking about how many childcare centers have closed around the state, is that… Keokuk County doesn't have any licensed centers in it,” she noted.

Kaufman said that teachers, parents and board members all pitch in to raise funds and improve the facility. Recently, the daycare saved an estimated $16,000 by using volunteers to paint.

She emphasized that the daycare administration is always working to be wise stewards of the limited funds. She said the daycare managers have taken turns preparing food, since the cook retired a year ago. Managers also run the after-school program and fill in for teachers in the classroom.

“The nice thing about it being a small town, too, is that we all know each other,” Kaufman said. “The board holds me accountable. Families hold the board accountable. We’re always held accountable for what we’re doing and what’s going on. Everything’s very open.”

In addition to the one-dollar lease, the City also provides free water for the Parkside facility.

This is the first time that the council has considered a rate increase for the daycare as a $438,000 Community Development Block Grant for the Parkside facility came with a stipulation that a daycare would lease the space for one dollar per year for 15 years, according to Mayor Ryan Miller. The 5-year lease had already been renewed twice.

“It’s wonderful to have them there,” Miller said. “A non-profit like that is fantastic to be up there. They do a lot of good work. I think the city should help them out however we can.”

The city council plans to continue discussion of lease terms during a future future work session.

Council Action

The council passed a resolution authorizing conveyance of right of way easement to Wapello Rural Water Association, Inc.

The council approved a resolution to hire a Skating Rink employee at $15.50 an hour.

The council approved a 2-year extension of a lease agreement with Jet Physical Therapy, increasing monthly payments from $650 to $850 per month.

The Wellman City Council will next meet on Monday, July 15 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.