Traer City pool to open for lap swim, lessons and aerobics

As soon as next week, Traer residents can dive back into the city pool but there are restrictions in place. At this time the pool will only be open for lap swim, swim lessons and water aerobics. At the regular city council meeting on June 1st, Traer City Council Member Trish Kennedy got the conversation going saying, “I feel we do need to get the pool open whether it’s lap swim or swimming lessons and then move forward.”

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds allowed for the opening of pools for lap swim and swim lessons in a press conference on May 27.

Some concerns that were raised during council discussion included if other communities chose not to open their pools if that would draw crowds to the Traer pool. Currently Dysart and LaPorte City are both still up in the air about opening. Tama and Toledo have decided not to open their pool for the season.

Also mentioned were students who wanted to become lifeguard certified but were unable due to COVID-19. It was mentioned that an instructor in Dysart might be available to assist in certifying new staff if that need were to arise.

“A lot of things concern me if we don’t open the pool,” said Kennedy. She feels opening the pool will be a safer option than having people going to Wolf Creek.

There was some discussion about allowing only Traer residents at the pool since communities such as Tama/Toledo will not be opening their pool. The max capacity is 252. The council also talked about having certain hours for different age groups. Also they will consider taking out of town residents for swim lessons if they have openings but lessons will be available to Traer citizens first.

“It would be nice to keep the kids in town,” said Kennedy. It’s something our community needs right now.”

Sewer Service Charge Adjustments

“For as much as it was, I thought it was pretty fair,” said Mayor Pete Holden. The city is in need of a wastewater upgrade and to line a long stretch of sewer pipe. According to Traer Municipal Utilities (TMU) General Manager Pat Stief, Iowa DNR requirements have made it so the city will need to rehabilitate the wastewater treatment process within their lagoons and for the system to be able to further reduce levels of ammonia.

Currently, if there is a rainfall of 2-3 inches or more, Wolf Creek will come out of it’s banks and that is when problems occur. According to Stief, they haven’t had some of those wetter seasons for the past couple of years. However when they do occur, it can make for a dangerous situation.

“You can’t just drive a pickup out there (when it floods),” said Stief. Employees have to take an end loader to get to the lift station and must monitor it in person. This creates significant overtime for city employees as sometimes they have had to stay out there for two days straight.

Relining the sewer pipe will allow TMU to better control stormwater, keeping infiltration out of the sewer system as well as reduce wear and tear on the wastewater equipment.

To finance these improvements, the council voted unanimously to approve a flat fee of $13.75 to be added to resident’s monthly utility bills. The $13.75 fee will be in addition to customer’s monthly water and sewer rates based on individual usage. (fill in what the current rates are…also when the new fee will start appearing on bills…) The new charge will come on the same bill citizens are accustomed to along with electric, water, sewer, garbage pick up and internet if you are a customer.

Memorial Building Opening

The Memorial Building will reopen for three scheduled rental events in June. The city required renters to sign a waiver. Some other precautions they are taking include not allowing use of any items such as silverware in the building. Renters will have to bring in their own supplies. Renters are also required to disinfect tables and chairs before they are put away. The city will use the same precautions in regard to the park shelter. The restroom will remain closed at the park shelter.

Department reports

The Library is back open at 50% capacity. Not many people are coming in yet, while several are still taking advantage of the curbside services.

Council Member Carri Holst recognized the ambulance crew in honor of National EMS Week. She also shared that she received an email from Michelle Powell at the Chamber Board mostly pertaining to the 150th town celebration in 2023 and getting a head start. They discussed downtown trees, the clock, the fountain, vacant buildings, and light poles, among other details.

Holst also brought up discussion about first floor residences in the downtown area. The city code has grandfathered in any that are currently being used in that capacity but do not allow for new first floor residences.

In other council business the council

•approved a budget amendment to cover renovations at the Memorial Building which were not budgeted for originally.

•voted unanimously to pay off some outstanding sewer revenue capital loan for previous projects. (this is a bit confusing, is it a loan for a prior sewer system upgrade?). TMU board feels it is a good option since they have the money available.

•Mayor Holden will be reviewing the city code book after a request was made by a citizen.