Edina Council Tackles Habitat and Requests

Edina Council Tackles Habitat and Requests

By Carol Kincaid
From Minutes
 
Does a Wildlife Habitat belong in a well-established residential neighborhood? Betty Hines of Edina believes she has a certificate from the National Wildlife Federation “designating her yard as a healthy and sustainable wildlife habitat”, according to the minutes from the July 13 Edina City Council meeting.
Hines, in a motorized wheelchair, and her daughter attended the meeting.  She had been notified as per the city ordinance about the height of weeds and grasses in her yard, both by letter and by Chief Roger Waibel.  She cited the above reason, as well as the fact that she could not afford to hire the mowing done.  Mayor Davey Strickler said the City will try to arrange for a volunteer organization to mow the lawn.
Also under the “Citizen’s Comments” were remarks from Edina Fire Chief Martin Edwards.  He reported that the Rural Fire Department recently paid for the materials to have concrete installed in front of the Fire House at 106 South Second Street.  The labor for this project was provided through Gamm Inc..   Chief Edwards said the Fire House was dedicated in 1991 and the members of the Fire Department are certainly pleased to finally be able to have the concrete installed.  He then asked the Board to consider funding part of the expense of the materials for the concrete.  It was the consensus of the Board that the City would pay part of the cost incurred by the Rural Fire Department, but not until all the bills are submitted.
The Board considered an application for a building permit submitted by Martin and Angela Whitehead of 303 North Main Street.  The application was for a three-car garage (36’ X 35’) with a two-bedroom apartment at 305 N. Main.  The application was unanimously approved.
Wastewater Superintendent Brad Eitel met with the Board.  He reported that he recently gave two plant tours for Gamm Inc. and said he is always glad to be able to share the workings of the plant with interested groups.  Supt. Eitel said the City was awarded the bid on the City of Kirksville’s  used sludge truck, and expect to take delivery on August 15th.
Mike Wriedt, Superintendent of Utilities, met with the Board.  He reported that he has recently checked the water pressure at the Nursing Home and School for insurance purposes.  He suggested that the City’s engineer, Mark Bross with Klingner and Associates, be contacted to run a hydraulic analysis for the City’s water distribution system to evaluate the City’s ability to meet the requirements of the Nursing Home and School.  The Board unanimously approved such action.
Other topics on Supt. Wriedt’s report included the fact that they will be doing some ditching and minor street work the remainder of the summer.   The City crews will begin work on the Morgan Street Sewer Replacement project “as soon as the necessary easements are acquired”.
Chief Roger Waibel noted that security cameras have been installed in the areas of Miller Park and the City outbuildings (city barn and sheds) to curb mischief and theft.
The Council members approved a “Proclamation Supporting the 2010 Census”.  The proclamation stated the importance of the accuracy of the census.  Not only does the data “determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives, as well as the redistricting of state legislatures, county and city boards, and voting districts.”  Also, “more than $300 Billion per year in federal and state funding is allocated to communities, and decisions are made on matters of national and local importance based on census data, including healthcare, community development, housing, education, transportation, social services, employment and much more.”
The Knox County Promotional Council (KCPC-Cornfest) requested a “picnic license” from the Council for September 11, 12, and 13.  It was approved unanimously.
The KCPC also made their annual request for financial assistance for the Cornfest.  It was approved, and will be presented when the appropriate contract is signed.
The meeting was then adjourned.