It’s a week of anticipation for many around the Belle Plaine community as many of us are making our final holiday preparations as we keep a close eye on a weather forecast that sounds like it will be ideal for sleigh transport, those who know how to ice skate or cross country ski.
There are a few regular events on the calendar this week. Tonight, the Belle Plaine City Council meets in its committee-of-the-whole session at 5 p.m. and in regular session at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
During the committee session, council members are scheduled to discuss the storm sewer/sanitary sewer plan with engineer Terry Chew. The rental property ordinance will also be discussed, as well as the disposition of the alley west of Longfellow Elementary School and a request from the Belle Plaine Historical Society for a financial contribution.
During its formal session, the council will hold a public hearing on the proposed community development block grant application for downtown revitalization and then consider a resolution authorizing submission of the grant application. The council will also consider a resolution in support of a Community Attraction and Tourism grant application for the downtown project, review the five-year FAA capital improvement plan for the airport and honor outgoing councilman James Kurovski.
On Tuesday, a representative from Congressman Leonard Boswell’s office will be at City Hall from 11 a.m. to noon to answer any questions from constituents. Also on Tuesday, the Library Board meets at 5 p.m.
On Wednesday, the community center board will meet at 5 p.m. and the Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification will meet at 6 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the community center.
Before the schools close for the holiday break, the basketball teams are slated to travel to Tri-County tonight.
Tuesday, school will dismiss an hour early for the break and will resume on Jan. 4.
The school break may be coming just in time as the area could experience some very bad weather through Christmas day. Although this area had not been put under any formal watch or warning as of mid-day Monday, with the potential for snow, sleet and freezing rain from late Tuesday through Friday, residents should keep tuned to local alerts this week.
With the possibility of freezing rain, it would be a good idea to know where your flashlights and candles are in the event we have power outages. Fire officials always warn residents to use candles with care to prevent home fires.
City Hall and the Belle Plaine Community Development offices be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Belle Plaine Public Library will also be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Saturday, Dec. 26.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas!