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Charles City Council approves clearwell borrowing authority

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council took the next step toward financing the clearwell water project and reviewed the city’s water tower lighting use during its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 3.

The meeting began with recognition for City Administrator Steve Diers, who was named Manager of the Year last week during the League of Cities gathering in Waterloo (see story on this page).

“We really appreciate all you do for our city and it’s nice to see that recognized at the statewide level,” said Mayor Dean Andrews.

Andrews also brought forward a request to light the industrial park water tower to recognize Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. To help raise awareness, the city has been asked to light the tower in green, teal, and pink on October 13, which the council approved.

“It’s nice that we’re able to do this to support those types of events,” said council member Patrick Lumley.

Moving into regular business, the council held a public hearing for the loan agreement on the clearwell water project. The hearing was closed after no comments were received and the council approved a resolution granting the city authority to borrow up to $5.5 million for the project.

“Tonight we’re just approving the ability to borrow,” said Diers.

The city intends to borrow money for the project utilizing the state revolving loan fund, which will offer a 1.7% interest rate over 20 years. The money would be paid with water utility revenue.

Another public hearing date was set for Oct. 17 to discuss granting downtown easements for OmniTel’s proposed broadband fiber expansion into areas of the business district.

In other business, the council approved a waiver request from Brandy Salinas, who has asked for additional time to have the parking lot of the former Casey’s location paved. As discussed at the previous workshop meeting, the area of the lot where the former fuel pumps were located has been graveled over and it is unlikely that Salinas will be able to have the surface paved this year.

“This will allow them to open up and start business without having to get this paved,” said Diers.

The council also approved an agreement with Strand/Fox to do WRRF Diffuser testing for $13,800. The testing is a DNR requirement for the city’s water treatment plant and will need to be done before the city renews its permit in 2026.

Finally, the council reviewed the latest version of the city’s Water Tower Lighting agreement, which will allow the public to use the city’s water tower lights by request. The council has agreed to a $75 charge to have the tower lighted in specific colors from dusk until dawn and the city will also promote the event on social media if requested.

The next council meeting will be a planning session held on Wednesday, Oct. 12, at 6 p.m.

 

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