Housing department to install bullet-proof windows

By Thomas Nelson, tnelson@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Council discussed obtaining bullet-proof glass for the Charles City housing department and Charley Western Bridge replacement funding opportunities at its planning session Monday evening.

The bulletproof glass would be mainly for the housing department office’s reception area.

“During an active shooter incident we are told to run, hide or fight and with the hallway that went from the front of the office to the back, the layout of the office did not provide us any options,” according to an agenda item summary.

Charles City Housing Department Director Heidi Nielsen told the council that the front office located at 501 Cedar St. would be in danger if there was an active shooter incident.

“I don’t want to be one of those people that say, ‘I don’t think it could happen here,'” Nielsen said. “It could happen anywhere.”

The estimated cost for the glass could be up to $14,000. Nielsen presented three companies to supply the glass: Mason City Glass, Allied Glass Production and Elite Glass and Metal.

The housing office has already been remodeled, including new walls with bullet-proof material in them.

Charley Western Bridge

The Charles City Council discussed working with North Iowa Area Council of Governments, or NIACOG, to apply for several grants from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Federal Recreation Trail Program for up to $900,000 to be used toward replacing the Charley Western Bridge.

The cost for NIACOG to apply for the grants could be up to $1,500, and the cost to administer the grants if they are all awarded could be up to $8,500.

The city has already received $249,000 worth of grants from the Iowa Department of Transportation TAP funds. That amount is expected to be increased later.

The Floyd County Snowmobile Association has been awarded $35,000 to donate toward the project.

“These will all be key pieces for that bridge replacement,” said Charles City Administrator Steven Diers.

The next Charles City Council voting session will be held on May 7.