indianola Council approves raise in reconnect fees

INDIANOLA - The Indianola City Council held a regular monthly meeting a week late Monday and approved a raise in fees for the reconnection of utilities.

Clerk Stephanie Blau said that the City had even more disconnects than usual this month, but that those residents have little issue in paying the fees immediately. She said in conversations with other clerks and communities, the fees for reconnects are considerably more than Indianola's and the goal is to incentivize paying utility bills on time or at least before the utilities are disconnected. The Council approved a raise in fees from $55 and $80 to $75 and $110 for the purposes of reconnecting utilities that have been disconnected by failure to pay the utility bill. Blau also said the City is going to stop courtesy calls to individuals that are facing disconnects. Notices are sent through the mail and that will be the City's source of communication.

Minutes, claims and the treasurer's report were approved as was a building permit for Harvey and Clara Dunn at 1022 D Street.

The Council approved application for a $500 LARM safety grant and the rental agreement for a Bobcat skidsteer.

The annual memorandum of understanding with Community Hospital for use of the community building during emergencies or catastrophes was approved.

An item on a vendor agreement with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program was tabled until November 15. In personnel reports, Mitchell Nelms said Figgins Construction will be to the City soon to sweep up excess gravel from armor coating. Winterizing of City facilities is complete and the Council discussed maintenance on winter and snow removal equipment. The City is still installing some LED street lights. The roll-off dumpster goes away at the end of the month. The City is still waiting on Dr. Deaver's schedule to convene the Health Board. Blau discussed the need for a bad check fee and such a fee will be placed on the agenda at next week's meeting. Blau asked whether a rental fee should be assessed to Tri Valley Health System for use of the community building when it hosts health fairs and vaccine clinics as they charge for those events. The Council agreed a fee should be assessed. Finally, Blau mentioned an opportunity to apply for Downtown Revitalization funding.

The Council entered into executive session for personnel discussions before adjourning.