Aplington council reviews housing, OKs police job offer

APLINGTON – The Aplington City Council looked over conceptual layouts for potential residential subdivisions and approved a job offer for a new police officer as part of regular business at City Hall on Oct. 14.

Lucas Elsbernd, senior project engineer for Fehr Graham, presented the residential subdivision layouts and offered an opinion of probable costs to the council. While discussion of advancement of the project was had at the meeting, no formal action was taken following the presentation.

Earlier in the meeting, the council approved a proposed hire for the open police officer position following an interview from Chief Matt Lind and Mayor Jason Mehmen. The council agreed to offer a $44,000 starting salary with a $4,000 increase after police academy completion and six months employment.

In other first responder business, Aplington Ambulance Chief Frances Krull informed the council that the department has two students in the EMT program and are set to complete training this next spring. She will also be attending a county meeting regarding state mandates for departments with less than 100 calls per year.

The council added two matters of note to next month’s agenda. A public meeting is planned for Nov. 9 on a proposal to enter into a GO bond for a swimming pool loan agreement not to exceed $300,000. Holli Harken from the pool committee informed the council on continued fundraising efforts for this project that it is proposed may include the city’s investment.

After discussion amongst the council, it was also agreed to present an amendment to Ordinance 69.10 regarding snow removal. This amendment will have parking prohibited on all streets and alleys during snow removal operations with a fine of $25 per occurrence and an increase to $50 if not paid within 30 days. The amendment is scheduled to be voted on at the next meeting.

Alexis Karsjens updated the council on library business, including nearly 1,000 attendees for the recently-completed summer reading program, the start of a LEGO Club and a 5-year plan currently being developed between library employees and the board.

In other business, the council:

- Approved a fence permit for Randy Folkerts;

- Heard the annual TIF report from Maggie Burger, Speer Financial;

- Approved a Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan renewal as presented by Dennis Jungling, Butler County Farm Bureau;

- Approved reimbursing the ARC for gas utility bills accrued during the summer pool months in an amount of $6,791.57 as well as $3,000 for the last two years of liability and building insurance;

- Discussed the lot by the old water tower and asked City Clerk Deb Prier to contact Clapsaddle-Garber Associates to have it surveyed;

- Heard an update from Chief Lind about getting police radios replaced - Lind will apply for grants and put the cost of replacing the radios on next year’s budget.