Reminder from the City of Sibley: The City will be picking up branches/brush that are placed in the City right of way between the sidewalk and curb over the next couple of weeks.

Do not place branches in the street. If you wish to dispose of your own branches, they should be brought to the dump on the southwest side of the town. You cannot burn branches/brush in city limits. The Electric Department is continuing to maintain power lines that are low or damaged. Repairs to yard damage due to electric trucks and/or branch removal in the City right of way will be conducted as time allows in the coming months.

Thank you for your patience!

Ashton, Iowa — It should have been opening night on Wednesday for the Off, Off Broadway dinner theater. But mother nature and the power lines had different ideas.

We talked with Director BJ Schuller, and he tells us about the show.

He says you may recognize some of the actors.

The play was supposed to run Wednesday through Sunday, but now will run Friday through Sunday, plus Monday for those who were not able to come on their original night. Directors are not sure if the fifth performance will be made up or not at this point.

For more information on “Lie, Cheat and Genuflect”, call the Cedar Cabin at 724-6341.

Directly from Osceola Rural Electric:

General Manager Jeff TenNapel appreciates the member’s cooperation and understanding with the ongoing outages due to the ice storm. Currently we have five rural electric cooperatives (20 men and trucks) helping with the restoration. Restoration is slow due to damage system wide. OEC’s hope by Friday evening is that we will have 70% of our system on. Sunday we hope to have everyone on – or temporarily on, provided the weather cooperates.

Northwest Iowa — Northwest Iowa communities are planning to take care of trees and limbs that have fallen in the recent ice and snow storm. If you are a city official, email newstips@kiwaradio.com if you’d like your community’s plan added to the list.

• In Ashton:

Ashton residents should put tree limbs and branches on the side of the road in the ditch and they will be picked up. The Ashton Tree dump has been closed. A secondary dump is located east of the tracks by the cement silo.

• In Ocheyedan:

The City of Ocheyedan has begun the cleanup efforts for Ocheyedan. Crews are starting with Main Street and will continue to work over the next few days to pick up trees limbs and branches. Residents are asked to put any fallen tree limbs and branches on the road as close to the curb of your property as possible. Please be aware of any tree trimming or tree removal companies that come to your door. Any tree trimming or removal companies are asked to stop at the City Office or contact the City Clerk. Remember, DO NOT prepay for any services! If there are any questions, please do not hesitate to call the City Office (712-758-3602) or by calling the City Clerk (712-720-9039). You may also contact the Mayor, City Council, or any City Personnel. The City of Ocheyedan appreciates everyone working together during this cleanup effort.

• In Sibley:

The City of Sibley will begin city-wide tree branch cleanup as soon as possible for all property owners that place these items in the area known as the “parking” or “terrace”. This is the area between the sidewalk and the street, usually planted to grass. Please continue to use extreme caution in cleaning up affected areas.

CITY OF SIBLEY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

REGULAR SESSION APRIL 8, 2013

The City Council of the City of Sibley met in regular session at 5:00 o’clock PM on April 8, 2013. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Johnson. Council Members present were Buchholtz, Groote, Henningsen and Pedley. Absent Nobles. Also present at the meeting City Administrator Dan Janssen, City Clerk Kris Vipond

Motion by Buchholtz seconded by Groote to approve the agenda. All voted Aye. Nay none.

Motion by Groote seconded by Buchholtz to approve the consent agenda as follows: approve minutes from previous meeting, approve bills and bills paid in vacation and appoint Linda Fick to the Board of Adjustment due to the resignation of Denny David’s to finish the term through July 1, 2015. All voted Aye. Nay none.

BILLS SUBMITTED
Alliant Gas/Electric 2,466.09
Alpha-Omega Spray Insulation Insulation 953.75
American Library Supplies 53.50
ASRI License 268.36
Baker & Taylor Books 264.08
Barco Cones 302.54
Book Systems Subscription 1,445.00
Border States Supplies 444.00
Bosma Water Repair/Filter 171.47
Brooks National Golf Clb Repair/Reels 2,937.71
BSN Pitch Machine 1,934.16
Carroll Dist Gas Detector 135.30
Chapman Metering Testing 2,679.87
Chemco Clip/Liners 137.90
City of Dysart Registration 50.00
Coop Energy Tires/Fuel 2,961.75
Dakota Supply Fan/Ballast 23,739.85
Data Tech Training 2,237.37
Davis Typewriter Program Register 12.50
DeKoter Thole General File 429.00
Demco Covers/Tape 183.54
DGR Engineering Load Plan 1,492.38
E-W Holman Twnshp Funding 7,000.00
Fairchild Comm Replace Beacon 200.00
Farner Bocken Food 843.11
Feld Fire Gloves 45.00
Ferguson Ent Vent 192.71
1st National Bank Card Card Stock 84.93
Fisher, Henry Janitor 200.00
GCC Alliance Cement 471.25
Grainger Blower 103.75
Hach Lab Test 242.48
Hallett Mat Pea Gravel 520.17
Harms & Henrichs Shovel 203.50
Hickory Tech Phone Serv 48.53
HW Wilson Book 378.00
IAMU Energizers 243.96
ICAP Insurance 86,491.35
IAWEA Registration 180.00
Jake’s Meat Market Meat 112.34
JCL Solutions Towels 145.30
Jeddeloh Inc Repair 339.59
John’s Equip Opener/Pitcher 170.40
Lewis & Clark Lobby Charge 1,529.00
Loutsch, Rachel Gas/Meals 70.37
M & J LLC Towels 50.35
Mango Languages Subscription 3,000.00
Matheson Tri Gas Tank Lease 341.91
Midwest Coca-Cola Pop 589.68
NAPA Supplies 256.62
NW IA Planning Ordinance 2,000.00
NW IA Landfill Gate Fees 2,188.02
O’Leary Aviation Phone/Water 35.00
Obbink, Gary Mtg Exp 232.78
Office Elements Supplies 283.08
Osceola Comm Hospital Pulmonary Function 588.50
Osceola Co Gazette Ads 511.56
Osceola Co Treasurer Police Prot 18,088.23
Pepsi Beverages Pop 545.60
Petty Cash Certif/Mtg Exp 44.28
Quill Sharpie/Toner 211.45
Raveling Inc Steel 141.45
Schnepf Lumber Casing/Entry 1,174.55
Schumacher Elevator Scheduled Maint 186.80
S.E.H. Zoning 3,574.18
Shaughnessy’s Buns 25.47
Sheehan Mack Contract 1,870.00
Sibley Chamber Funding 833.34
Sibley Hardware Supplies 1,201.58
Sibley Pride & Invlmt Buck a Month 490.00
Sibley Sheet Metal Elbow 10.05
Sibley Super Foods Food 94.27
Sibley Vet Euthanazia 125.00
Siouxland Dist Health License 114.50
Storey Kenworthy Clips/Folders 40.10
UPS Ship Sample 21.42
Upstart T-Shirts 420.00
Van Kley, Steve Bldg Inspector 150.00
Wallace Caswell Supplies 3,072.74
WEF Membership 67.00
WIT Registration 440.00
Wright Express Gas/Diesel 3,506.78
VACATION BILLS
Johnson Brothers Beer 207.75
Jerolyn Huisenga Health Ins Reimb 2,678.91
Jerrad Brouwer Health Ins Reimb 295.16
Lora Bendt Health Ins Reimb 2,175.55
IPERS IPERS 10,195.86
State Treasurer State W/H 2,799.00
Doll Distributing Beer 578.70
Jensen Liquor Liquor 468.92
Petty Cash Petty Cash 700.00
Altisource Solutions Ref Dep 429.75
Stacy Manitz Ref Dep 17.70
Steve Waldstein Ref Dep 100.14
Kaye Strobehhn Ref Dep 106.17
City of Sibley Ref Dep 1,856.24
Petty Cash Postage 61.40
State Treasurer Sales Tax 1,231.00
IWD Unemployment 1,851.31
Star Leasing Copier Lease 198.00
Rollie Monkemeier Health Ins Reimb 285.59
Gary Obbink Health Ins Reimb 619.41

FUND TOTALS – Capital Project $9,401.69, Street Improvement $1,614.18, General $75,831.88, Electric $70,264.62, Water $13,793.44, Sewer $7,073.41, Garbage $7,517.11, Road Use Tax $7,958.87, Golf $14,860.59, Trust & Agency $2,510.00, Employee Benefit $834.26, Transit $1,228.82, Health Insurance $6,054.62.

Councilperson Henningsen arrived at the meeting at 5:03 P.M.

Steve Hallgren reviewed the 2013 Airport Land Use and Height Overlay Zoning Ordinance. This is a joint City/County Ordinance with day to day administration under the jurisdiction of the County.

The Mayor announced that this was the time and place for the Public Hearing and meeting on the matter of adopting the 2013 Airport Land Use and Height Overlay Zoning Ordinance. The Mayor then asked for any comments. There being no comments, the Mayor declared the time for receiving comments to be closed.

Councilperson Henningsen introduced the following Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE 2013 AIRPORT LAND USE AND HEIGHT OVERLAY ZONING” and moved that it be passed to a second reading. Councilperson Pedley seconded the motion to pass the Ordinance to a second reading has passed. The roll was called and the vote was:

AYES: Groote, Henningsen, Buchholtz and Pedley NAYS: None

The Mayor declared that the motion to pass to a second reading has passed.

ICAP Insurance representative Kirk Huisenga was present at the meeting to present to the Council the City’s insurance renewal information for the 2013-2014 property coverages.

Discussion was held regarding an Ordinance allowing All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Off Road Vehicles (ORVs) to be used in City limits. Several residents voiced their opinion regarding noise, safety, hours, rules, enforcement and requirements. The City Clerk gave an overview of the Ordinance as it has been written.

Councilperson Groote introduced the following Ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 6, MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC BY ADDING CHAPTER 11 ATVs and ORVs and moved that it be passed to a second reading.
Councilperson Buchholtz seconded the motion to move to a second reading. The roll was called and the vote was:

AYES: Groote, Buchholtz, Henningsen and Pedley NAYS: None

The Mayor declared that the motion to pass to a second reading has passed.

City Administrator Janssen provided City Council with quotes for a replacement vehicle for the 1998 Ford Taurus that has over 100,000 miles. A discussion was held regarding vehicle storage as the current location at the City Shop would not be ideal for a new vehicle.
Council concerns and administrators report was given.

Motion by Henningsen seconded by Pedly to adjourn at 6:21 P.M. All voted Aye. Nay none.

Jerry Johnson
Mayor
ATTEST:
Kristen L. Vipond
City Clerk

Des Moines, Iowa — Ten counties in our area have been declared disaster areas by the governor due to the ice storm. A point of clarification — we also have a story right now about parts of Northwest Iowa being designated disaster areas by the USDA, due to a late freeze and drought during this time LAST year. These are two different situations and two different disaster declarations.

Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has issued a proclamation of disaster emergency in response to severe weather that impacted ten counties in northwest Iowa.

Counties included in the proclamation are Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Kossuth, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth and Sioux.

Beginning April 9, damaging winds, heavy rains, thunderstorms and freezing rains caused damage to public and private property, power outages from downed power lines and poles, and a large amount of debris. Much of this cleanup continues, and some communities and residents are still without power.

The Governor’s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of these storms, including for removal of debris and wreckage on publicly or privately owned land that may threaten public health and safety, or public and private property.

A copy of the proclamation of disaster emergency can be found at www.homelandsecurity.iowa.gov.

Des Moines, Iowa — Parts of northwest Iowa have been designated natural disaster areas.

Iowa State Executive Director for USDA Farm Service Agency, John R Whitaker says that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 22 Iowa counties as part of a Secretarial Natural Disaster Designation. Farm operators who have suffered major production and/or physical losses caused by combined effects of freezing temperatures and continuing drought conditions may be eligible for low-interest emergency loans.

The closest this comes to our area is that three Minnesota counties have been designated as the primary disaster area due to freezing temperatures April 9, 2012 through April 11, 2012. Five Iowa counties are contiguous to this designated disaster area, making these producers also potentially eligible for the program based on this designation. The contiguous counties are: Dickinson, Emmet, Howard, Osceola, and Winneshiek. The final date for making application under this designation is August 5, 2013.

Thirty-one Missouri counties have been designated as the primary disaster area due to drought conditions beginning November 1, 2012 and continuing. Five Iowa counties are contiguous to this designated disaster area, making these producers also potentially eligible for program based on this designation. The contiguous counties are: Decatur, Fremont, Page, Ringgold, and Taylor. The final date for making application under this designation is September 9, 2013.

Kossuth County, Iowa has been designated as a primary disaster area for drought conditions beginning March 15, 2013 and continuing. Seven Iowa counties are contiguous to this designated disaster area, making these producers also potentially eligible for program based on this designation. The contiguous counties are: Emmet, Hancock, Humboldt, Palo Alto, Pocahontas, Winnebago, and Wright. The final date for making application under this designation is November 20, 2013.

Eighty-nine Nebraska counties have been designated as the primary disaster area due to drought conditions beginning April 2, 2013 and continuing. Six Iowa counties are contiguous to this designated disaster area, making these producers also potentially eligible for program based on this designation. The contiguous counties are: Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie, and Woodbury. The final date for making application under this designation is December 10, 2013.

The Farm Service Agency may make Emergency Loans to eligible family farmers which will enable them to return to their normal operations if they sustained qualifying losses resulting from natural disaster. Physical loss loans may be made to eligible farmers to enable them to repair or replace damaged or destroyed physical property, including livestock losses, essential to the success of the farming operation. Examples of property commonly affected include; essential farm buildings, fixtures to real estate, equipment, livestock, perennial crops, fruit and nut bearing trees, and harvested or stored crops. For production loss loans, the disaster yield must be at least
30 percent below the normal production yield of the crop, on a crop or crops that make up a basic part of the total farming operation.

Applicant must be unable to obtain credit from other usual sources to qualify for the Farm Service Agency Farm Loan Program assistance. Interest rates are based on the date the loan is approved. The current interest rate for emergency loans is 2.375%. Each applicant applying for credit will be given equal consideration without regard to race, creed, color, marital status, or national origin.

The repayment for most disaster loans are based on the useful life of the security, the applicant’s repayment ability, and the type of loss. If the loan is secured only on crops, it must be repaid when the next crop year’s income is received. Loans to replace fixtures to real estate may be scheduled for repayment for up to 40 years.

Interested farmers may contact their local County FSA office for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Information can also be found on-line at www.fsa.usda.gov

Northwest Iowa — Northwest Iowa has been hit hard by the latest winter storm to move into Iowa. Alliant Energy spokesman, Ryan Stensland, says ice and wind took their toll on power lines Wednesday.

(as he says)”These lines are designed to withstand about three-quarters to an inch of ice and they’re designed to withstand 70 to 90 mile-an-hour sustained winds. But when you put those two together, the lines start to get moving, the ice on those lines creates a lot of weight and it starts to pull on those lines downward and eventually those poles will snap,” Stensland says.

He said late Wednesday crews were out trying to make repairs to snapped poles and lines, but conditions were dangerous with the high winds.

(as he says) “They may have just got done clearing away some tree branches off a power line and a gust of wind will come up and it knocks down another part of the tree into the power line because there’s so much weight on the trees and on the lines right now,” Stensland explains, “So, a pretty dangerous situation.”

He says crews are trying to make some headway, but he says they have to be careful.

(as he says) “Really the first priority is the safety of our crews. They are going to do the best that they can to try and get to where the outages are and get the power restored,” Stensland says. “But we also want their safety to be the first priority. So, they’re being constantly reminded to not try and push the envelope.”

Stensland says unless there is a major change in conditions today (Thursday), not all the power will be back on right away.

(as he says) “Customers will be without power for a day or two, so they should plan accordingly,” Stensland says.

The majority of the problems are in our part of northwest Iowa.

(as he says) “You’re talking about Osceola County, Emmet, those are a couple of the hardest hit areas. We did have some outages down in Dickinson County and then it extends northward up into southern Minnesota,” according to Stensland. Primarily the towns in Iowa that have been hardest hit are George, Little Rock, the Sibley has been pretty hard hit, and the Matlock area.” He says a lot of rural electric coops and municipal utilities) are having some issues with outages.

Stensland says some 42-hundred Alliant Customers were without power late Wednesday.

Radio Iowa assisted with this story.

Ashton, Iowa — A Doon man and a George woman were arrested on drug and other charges and an Ashton man with them was charged with underage possession of alcohol after a traffic stop Friday morning.

The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office reports that the arrests stemmed from a traffic stop in Ashton for an equipment violation on Friday morning. They report that 21-year-old Kent Douglas Vink of Doon failed to stop for a deputy and then after finally stopping at a residence on Fifth Street in Ashton, Vink fled on foot. Vink was located after a short search.

Deputies arrested Vink and charged him with allegedly Operating While Intoxicated and Providing Alcohol to a Minor, both Serious Misdemeanors; Failure to Have a Valid Driver’s License, no proof of insurance, Interference With Official Acts and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, all Simple Misdemeanors.

Deputies also arrested 19-year-old Jennifer Ann Miller of George and charged her with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug, both Serious Misdemeanors; as well as Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Open Container, both Simple Misdemeanors.

In addition, 20-year-old Devin Paul Groeneweg of Ashton was cited for alleged Possession of Alcohol Under Legal Age.

Vink and Miller were transported to the Osceola County Jail. Vink was released after posting a $3,200 bond. Miller was released after posting a $2,600 bond.

CITY OF SIBLEY COUNCIL AGENDA
SIBLEY, IOWA

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Sibley will meet in regular session on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 5:00 o’clock PM in the Council Chambers,
City Hall.
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