Monday’s Belle Plaine City Council meeting and work session were filled with items pertaining to current and future city improvements, as well as a couple of personnel matters.

During the work session that preceded the regular meeting, representatives from the Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification group asked the council to consider a financial contribution to a proposed acquisition of property to create a park that would feature native prairie plantings. The property, now owned by the Pech family, is on the south side of the city. The group is seeking matching funds as it seeks a REAP (Resource Enhancement and Protection) grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Carol Petersen told the council that the roughly eight acre parcel of property would be developed as a native prairie park. Described as a “long-term project,” the park would not necessarily be a picnic or playground destination in the traditional sense of a park, but could be used as an outdoor classroom for local students studying plants native to the state. The group said the property’s proximity to Longfellow Elementary and Belle Plaine High School would be especially helpful.

Although no matching funds are required for the grant, the group has been told that local financial participation could help convince those in charge of making the grants to favor the local request.

The price for the land has not yet been determined. Gene Severson, another member of the beautification group, told the council that although the family is giving the group time to come up with the funds, there is at least one other prospective buyer for the property.

Councilman Harold Ealy said he supports the project, but is concerned where the requested $5,000-$10,000 city contribution would come from. Councilman Marv DeRycke also said that although he could see the benefit of the project, the city already has over 30 acres of park property and he wondered how it would be maintained in the coming years.

No decision was made on any city participation, but the deadline for the grant application is Aug. 15.

During the regular meeting, the council approved entering into a loan agreement to borrow up to $450,000 for the aquatic center project. The loan is needed while private pledges for the project, some of them that extend for the next several years, are met.

The council approved a payment of $214,709.50 to Garling Construction and a payment of $2,828.63 to Mechanical, Inc. for the aquatic center project.

A payment of $29,427.83 to Denver Underground was approved for the sanitary and storm sewer improvement project.

The council also approved a contract for engineering services and also approved an application to the Federal Aviation Administration for the proposed construction of a snow removal equipment storage building at the airport.

In personnel matters, the council approved the appointment of Kyle Spading as the city’s park and recreation director after accepting the resignation of Joel Formanek. Spading is a graduate of the University of Iowa and Belle Plaine High School. Formanek is moving from the area.

Ealy asked that the mayor send a letter of appreciation to Formanek for his service to the city.

The council also learned that it will be asked to appoint a replacement to fill the third ward council seat at its next meeting on July 6. Jason Parizek recently resigned, citing increased business concerns. Anyone interested in filling the vacancy should contact City Hall before the next council meeting.

The council also approved a request from the Fourth of July Committee to close Main Street for the annual car show and street dance from Seventh to Ninth Avenue on Saturday, July 3, beginning at 3 p.m. Councilmen stated that organizers should be aware that no “burnouts” by car show participants would be tolerated.

The first reading of an ordinance governing construction of wind energy systems (wind mills) in the city was passed. The ordinance governs construction of both residential and commercial wind turbines.

In his report to the council, City Administrator Bill Daily reported that the city has made application for two I-Jobs grants through the Main Street Iowa program. One of the grants is for $1.5 million and the other is for $500,000. If approved, the grants would be used for the downtown revitalization project.

Daily also reported that attendance at the city’s new aquatics center remains high, even when the weather is not ideal. Spading told the council that concession stand sales have been very good during the first weeks of operation.

The council voted to move its next regular meeting to Tuesday, July 6, due to the Independence Day holiday.

June 14, 2:13 p.m. – Officers responded to 210 Seventh Avenue, lot 16, for a domes4tic dispute. The subjects were later located at 416 11^th Street and warned. One of the subjects, Ruth Wheeler, Belle Plaine, was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Polk County for probation violation. She was transported to the Iowa County Jail.

June 14, 5:35 p.m. – A stray dog was picked up at 607 Fourth Avenue and taken to the Countryside Veterinary Clinic.

June 15, 8:40 a.m. – Vehicle unlock at 1004 Seventh Avenue.

June 15, 9:27 a.m. – Vehicle unlock at 832 12^th Street.

June 15, 2:15 p.m. – Dixie Lynne Bierschenk, Williamsburg, was arrested at 12^th Street and Eighth Avenue for public intoxication and taken to the Iowa County Jail.

June 15, 4 p.m. – Officers were called to 1002 Seventh Avenue on a report of a reckless driver. A subject was warned.

June 15, 6:50 p.m. – Police responded to 1002 Fifth Avenue for a 911 hang-up. It was determined that kids were playing with the phone.

June 15, 7:10 p.m. – Harassment was reported at 621 Seventh Avenue. The investigation continues.

June 15, 7:22 p.m. – Officers responded to 1510 11^th Avenue for a bat in the house. The animal was removed.

June 15, 8:22 p.m. – A stray dog was reported at 416 11^th Street. The dog’s owner, Justin Patterson, was cited for allowing a dog to run loose.

June 15, 9 p.m. – Officers removed debris from the roadway in the 800 block of Seventh Avenue.

June 16, 10:59 a.m. – Ambulance assist in the 1400 block of 12^th Avenue.

June 16, 11:55 p.m. – Lewis Charles Burns, Belle Plaine, was arrested at 411 11^th Street  by Belle Plaine Police and Benton County Sheriff’s deputies on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear. He was taken to the Benton County Jail.

June 17, 1 a.m. – Police were called to 202 11^th Street for an out of control subject. No arrests were made.

June 17, 11:01 a.m. – Daniel Allen Brodie, 701 10^th Street, was arrested at the police department and charged with violation of a protective order. He was taken to the Benton County Jail.

June 17, 8:20 p.m. – Police were called to 416 11^th Street on a harassment complaint. A subject was warned.

June 18, 8:05 a.m. – A theft of a yard sign was reported at 804 First Avenue. The incident remains under investigation.

June 18, 7:45 p.m. – Officers assisted the Tama County Sheriff’s Department for a report of a suicidal female. No other information was reported.

June 19, 9:02 p.m. – A case of animal neglect was reported at 402 11^th Street. The investigation continues.

June 19, 2 a.m. – A domestic dispute was reported at 116 11^th Street. No arrests were made.

June 19, 6:45 p.m. – Patricia Ann Matheason, Belle Plaine, was arrested at the police department and charged with OWI-second offense. She was transported to the Iowa County Jail.

June 19, 6:45 p.m. – Daniel Brodie, Belle Plaine, was arrested at the Pizza Hut and charged with public intoxication. He was transported by Benton County Sheriff’s deputies to the Benton County Jail.

June 19, 9:45 p.m. – Police assisted the Benton County Sheriff’s Department for a car-deer accident in the 7800 block of Highway 21.

June 19, 10 p.m. – Officers were called to Zip Mart on a report of someone getting into a car with an open container of alcohol. They were unable to locate the vehicle.

June 19, 11:52 p.m. – A neighbor dispute was reported at 416 11^th Street. No arrests were made.

June 20, 2:50 a.m. – Police investigated an alarm at a business at 1002 Third Avenue. It was determined to be a false alarm.

June 21, 4 a.m. – An open door was discovered at the Belle Plaine Airport. A key holder was notified.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Meetings of community interest and the continuation (weather permitting) of the summer softball and baseball schedule are the major activities on this week’s calendar in and around Belle Plaine.

Tonight, the Belle Plaine City Council meets in a work session at 5 p.m. and the regular meeting at 6 p.m. at City Hall. During the work session, the council is expected to discuss removal of healthy trees on parking, adopting an ordinance regulating outdoor events, a request from Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification for financial help toward the purchase of land for a park and establishment of a tax increment financing district for the downtown area.

During a rather lengthy regular meeting agenda, the council is slated to consider several payments, contracts and agreements, a request from the Fourth of July Committee to close 12^th Street on July 3 for the annual car show, the formal resignation of park and recreation superintendent Joel Formanek and the appointment of his successor and reports from Police Chief Kris Hudson and Belle Plaine Community Development Director Jeanne Duffy.

On Tuesday, the library board meets at the Belle Plaine Public Library at 5 p.m. Wednesday’s meetings include the Community Center Board at 5 p.m. and the Belle Plaine Partners for Beautification at 6 p.m., Both meetings are at the community center.

The Belle Plaine Rotary Club will once again be selling rib dinners near the Jumbo Well fountain east of the museum beginning at 4 p.m.

On Sunday, Ed and Bev Vesley will present a program on the history of Vining at the Belle Plaine Museum at 2 p.m.

On the high school sports slate this week, the baseball and softball teams will play at Tri-County tonight (Monday). Tuesday, the softball team will play at Iowa Valley at 5 p.m. and the baseball team hosts Iowa Valley at 6 p.m. Both the baseball and softball taems will play at HLV on Wednesday and they will be at North Mahaska on Friday. On Saturday, the softball team will travel to Pella Christian for a tournament. The original site for the tourney was Pekin.

The Rotary Rib Fest is returning to downtown Belle Plaine Friday afternoon. The Belle Plaine Rotary Club will be selling barbecue rib dinners from 4-7 p.m. near the Jumbo Well fountain east of the museum. Frozen ribs will also be for sale at the event.

Proceeds from the sale will go to various Rotary projects, including the Rotary Foundation, eradication of polio, BPHS scholarships, World Affairs Week and other projects.

Des Moines, IA- Rep. Leonard Boswell will have a member of his staff in Benton and Poweshiek Counties, Tuesday, June 22nd, for open office hours.

Greg Johnson, Boswell’s District Representative covering Benton and Poweshiek Counties, will be at:

Vinton Public Library from 9-10 a.m.

Belle Plaine City Hall from 11 a.m. to noon

Brooklyn Public Library from 1-2 p.m.

Johnson will be on hand to work with individuals who are having difficulty with a government agency, have suggestions for the Congressman or would just like to share their concerns. Members of the public are invited to attend.

If you are unable to attend these office hours but have a concern to share, please contact Congressman Boswell’s district office toll free at 1-888-432-1984 or by email at rep.boswell.ia03@mail.house.gov, or visit Congressman Boswell’s website at www.house.gov/boswell.

Finally, Angel Food Ministries will begin!  This is a great opportunity for the community of Belle Plaine.  Our hope is that this will turn into a community effort and unite the Benton Community as well as surrounding counties.  If you are interested in volunteering to help with these efforts, please contact Johnette Petersen at 319-330-6257.  Orders will be taken at First Lutheran Church on Wednesdays from 6:00PM-7:00PM.  Please stop by to place your order.  We will be taking orders on the following dates:

June 23, 2010, June 30, 2010, July 7, 2010, July 14, 2010

You must pay for your food at the time you place your order.  For the month of July the food will be delivered on July 24, 2010.  The July order is listed below:

JULY SPECIAL #1

Steak Grill Box (4.5 lb.) $23.00

2.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 10 oz.)

2 lb.    Sirloin Strip Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)

JULY SPECIAL #2

Assorted Grill Box (6.5 lb.) $22.00

1.5 lb. New York Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)

2 lb.    Chopped Beef Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)

2 lb.    Boneless Pork Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)

1 lb.    Chicken Sausage

JULY SPECIAL #3

IQF Chicken Breast Box (10 lbs.) $21.00

10 lbs.  IQF Chicken Breasts

JULY SPECIAL #4
Premium Fresh Fruit and Veggie Box $21.00

3 lb. bag                                                                                Idaho Potatoes

1 head   California Cello Lettuce

1 lb.        Plums

1              (16 oz.) Salad Dressing

1              (5 oz.) Salad Croutons

4  ears   Fresh Yellow Corn

2 lb. bag                                                                                Yellow Onions

1 Large  Cantaloupe

1 Large  Honey Dew Melon

1 lb.        California Cello Carrots

4              Lemons

1              Golden Ripe Pineapple

AFM July 2010 Fruit and Veggie Recipe Sheet

JULY SPECIAL #5
Bit O’ Blessing Box $21.00

3 lb.      Split Cornish Hens

2.5 lb.   IQF Split Chicken Breasts

1 lb.      Smoked Sausage

1.5 lb.   Country Fried Steak

1 lb.      Broccoli Florets

1.3 lb.   Frozen Fruit Medley

Dessert

Contact Johnette Petersen @ 319-330-6257 if you have any questions.  Thank you!!

Fees for the upcoming school year were approved Wednesday night by the Belle Plaine Board of Education. While most of the fees remained the same, parents of four-year-olds who wish to enroll their children in the district’s preschool program received some good news. Superintendent Bill Lynch announced that the district has been approved for funding for its preschool program. The state grant of $88,245 should ensure that four-year-olds will not be charged for the program this year. Last year, tuition was $70 per month for four-year-olds.

This marked the third year in a row that the district had applied for the grant and the first year it has received funding. Lynch said that besides being awarded funds for the upcoming year, once a district is approved, it should be awarded funds in subsequent years.

Most other fees will remain the same for the upcoming year. Registration fees for elementary students will be $34.50, $47.50 for secondary students, $50 for three-year-olds in preschool, $20 for locker and towel fees for secondary students, $25 for elementary activity tickets and $35 for secondary activity tickets.

Some increases in school meal fees were approved. Student breakfast fees will increase by 10 cents to $1.15, adult breakfast fees will be up $1 to $2.20, the elementary and secondary lunch fees will each increase 10 cents to $1.90 and $2 and the adult lunch fees will increase $1 to $3.45.

The increases in adult meal prices were more than the superintendent recommendation of 10 cents per meal. The board approved the larger increases after board member Jim Pierce said that in a time where the lunch fund is not operating in the black, it should be time to charge prices closer to those that would be charged in local restaurants for the adult meals.

The board approved the monthly bills and payroll, but only after some concerns were expressed by Pierce. He reviewed the district expenses for the month and noted some of the spending practices, especially for the activity fund during the year. He also questioned the wisdom of spending more than $1,000 for repairs on an older van in the district fleet that he said would probably be worth only $500.

The board approved the appointment of Sunnie Densmore for the four-week summer school teaching position. The approval came after some discussion by board members. Members of the administration told the board that letters were sent to parents of 30-40 students in the district that were identified as perhaps being able to best benefit from the summer program. Eight students will be enrolled in the program.

Board member Marie Stratford said, “We are a factory with no quality control. We need to have more than seven or eight kids in the program when 30-40 are identified.” She suggested that summer school should be made mandatory for “challenged” kids. The board decided to table more discussion on this proposal until November, which would provide more time to make changes for next summer if changes are approved.

In another personnel matter, the board approved the resignation of Dennis Kurriger from his assistant football coaching position. In his letter to the board, he indicated that after “being involved in sports for over 50 years in some capacity,” it was “time for me to let someone else get involved.”

The board also approved insurance carriers for the upcoming year, including EMC Insurance through the Drahn Agency for property, casualty and liability coverage, Wellmark Insurance through the Iowa Educators Group Insurance Trust for health insurance and life and disability insurance by the Lincoln Financial Group through Mercer.

The board approved a bid from Max Leonard for the purchase of a utility truck from the district for $550. A bid of $75 for a Ford Aerostar van was tabled and staff was directed to see if a higher selling price could be received from a local salvage company. If not, Leonard would be awarded the bid.

Following a closed session to discuss the possible purchase of property board members toured the building projects at Longfellow Elementary School and at the high school. The offices of the superintendent and the board secretary have been temporarily relocated to the east end of the Longfellow building in new classrooms until the district offices can be remodeled. Access to those temporary offices can be gained through doors on the east side of the building.

In other building related matters, the board approved a change order of $2,561 for columns for roof support at the high school. Preliminary drawings for a larger storage room on the north end of the high school gym were also reviewed and Lynch reported on his ongoing investigation on bringing wiring and equipment for an ICN classroom to the high school.

Belle Plaine City League

Red Wheel Red Sox 8 Grieder Standard Magic 2

Brodie Bohlen had a single and a homerun for the Magic.  Cole Hamilton also had a single for the Magic.  For the Red Sox’s Tanner Meeks had a double and a single, while Jordan Reineke had 2 singles and 2 RBI’s.  Keegan White pitched 5 strikeouts for the Red Sox’s while Magic pitcher Pierce DeJoode had 4.

Midwest One Mets 7 Ehlen Plumbing and Heating Phillies 3

Will Mengler led the Mets going 3-3 with 3 singles.  Brandon Zumbach went 2-3 with a double and an RBI.  Wyatt Parizek went 3-3 with a homerun and had a great game in the field.  The Phillies leading hitters were Zac Slaymaker who went 2-2 with 2 singles and Jon Stone who had a homerun and 2 RBI’s.

Grieders Standard Magic 7 Midwest One Mets 6

For the Magic, Brant DeMeuleaneare went 2-3 with a single.  Wes Pippert also went 2-3 with a single and a RBI.  Brodie Bohlen went 2-2 with 2 RBI’s and 2 singles. For the Mets it was Brandon Mantz who had a big day at the plate going 2-2 with a triple and 3 RBI’s.

Red Wheel Red Sox 11 Midwes One Mets 6

Tyler Arens led the Mets at the plate with a homerun.  Brandon Mantz followed going 2-3 with 2 singles.  For the Red Sox it was Tristen Checak who had a big game with 2 homeruns.  Dylan Fry also went 3-3 at the plate.

Ehlen Plumbing and Heating Phillies7 Grieder Standard Magic 5

Braden Parr went 2-3 for the Phillies with a triple and a single.  Jacob Ehlen went 3-3 with 2 singles and a homerun.  For the Magic, John Reekers went 1-2 with and RBI single and Pierce DeJoode went 2-2 with 2 singles and an RBI.

Grieder Standard Magic 5 Midwest One Mets 5

Wyatt Parizek had a big game for the Mets going 2-2 with a double and a 3 run homerun.  Brandon Zumbach had a good game on the mound pitching 3 inngs striking out 6.  Cole Benton led the Magic going 2-3 with a single and homerun.  He also had 3 RBI’s.

Red Wheel Red Sox 6 Grieder Standard Magic 5

Wes Pippert led the Magic with 2 doubles and a single while Dakota Henry had 2 singles and an RBI.  Jakob Longnecker had 2 sinlges for the Red Sox, as well as Tristan Cecak.

Red Wheel Red Sox 16 Ehlen Plumbing and Heating Phillies 4

Trey Alcott had 2 triples and a single, while Dylan Fry had a homerun and a double for the Red Sox.  Zac Slaymaker had a homerun for the Phillies while Brandon Van Nevel had 2 singles.  Keegan White pitched 5 strikeouts for the Red Sox while Jon Stone had 5 for the Phillies.

Belle Plaine Traveling Team

Belle Plaine 12 HLV team one 2

Cody Northrup had a big day going 3-3 with 2 singles and a double.  Try Alcott also went 3-3 with 3 singles and 2 RBI’s.  Brandon Zumbach had a great day pitching striking out 8.  Zac Slaymaker went 2-2 with 2 singles and had 2 RBI’s.

Belle Plaine 9 HLV team two 5

Jon Stone led the Plainsmen going 2-3 with a double and 2 RBI’s.  Jordan Rieneke pitched great throwing 4 inngs while striking out 9.  Chance Baburek went 2-2 with 2 singles and Brodie Bohlen went 2-3 with 2 singles as well.

Williamsburg 15 Belle Plaine 1

Jordan Reineke was one hit shy of the cycle.  He went 3-3 with a triple, a double and a single.  Will Mengler went 2-3 with 2 singles.

Girls Softball

Belle Plaine 15 Van Horne 1

Ashton Bohlen had 3 runs, 2 RBI’s and 3 hits.  While Shaylee Dodd had 3 RBI’s on 3 hits.  Cassidy Mumby had an RBI.  Lakota Stanerson had 4 RBI’s on only 3 hits.  Mackenzie O’brien pitched great striking out 6 and only allowing 1 run.

Belle Plaine 5 Atkins 4

Mackenzie O’brien had 2 hits with one being a homerun.  Lakota Stanerson had 3 RBI’s on 2 hits.  O’brien pitched great again for Belle Plaine striking out 6.  Kenzie Mantz had the game winning hit.

Atkins 3 Belle Plaine 2

Shaylee Stanerson had a hit and a run.  Kalli Grieder had a double and an RBI.  She also pitched well striking out 8.  Emily Thill also scored a run and had a hit.

The next local American Red Cross blood drive is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at First Lutheran Church, Belle Plaine. For an appointment, contact Julye at 319-521-7715.

Residents on the southeast side of the city may experience limited water service for a time Thursday morning. As a part of the storm sewer project, crews are planning to move water lines in the area, weather permitting, according to city officials.