KDSN RADIO News
Denison City Council Facing First Ward Change Later This Spring
The Denison City Council held the first regular called meeting of April on Tuesday night.
Pastor David Loeschen made a formal statement during the public forum regarding his retirement from the First Ward position on the council after more than five years. Pastor Loeschen's resignation is effective May 1st and he will relocate to be closer to family in Lincoln, Nebraska soon after.
Van Wahl Equipment submitted a formal request to change the name of Adams Dr. to John Deere Dr. The council gave the consensus to publish the ordinance and if the motion passes at the next meeting later this month it could take affect as early as Friday, April 23rd.
The council approved some funding and a written application for Operation Paint Brush presented by Code Enforcement Official Colby Ellis. They also voted in favor of waiving special assessments for a lot on the 300 block of North 14th Street and setting the next city council meeting as the public hearing about the sale of half an alley at 1615 3rd Avenue South.
Chief Dan Schaffer says his police department is now fully trained on a new radio system that allows dispatchers to connect Denison officers directly to state communications when needed. He also introduced pending officer hire Brandon Gosch to the council and touched on a few recent community events that involved the department.
Public Works Director Eric Martens reported that his department is mixing gravel with limestone for use on roads. He says they patched some of the largest holes and will continue to work on upgrading city streets. He also mentioned the cleaning of streets and clearing of storm drains is going well.
Parks and Recreation Director Brian Kempfert told the council this month's water safety instructor classes are full for the first time in a while. He says at least five of the people taking this round of courses are expected to become Parks & Rec staff members. He also reported that a large group of young citizens approached his commission this week about the possibility of installing a skate park in Denison.
Chief Cory Snowgren reported that the annual storm warning siren maintenance is complete and the Denison Fire Department's self-controlled breathing apparatus filling station passed an inspection by the National Fire Protection Association. He also says there will be several controlled burns taking place throughout the spring.
Mayor Pam Soseman called Monday's “Thank You, Denision” celebration with the Iowa Pork Producers Association wonderful. She gave special thanks to Pastor Mike Fillmore along with Pastor Jen Olsen and Eric Olsen for their roles in the evening pork giveaway at the United Presbyterian Church.
City Manager Terry Crawford says a structural engineer report is forthcoming after visits to the Norelius Community Library and Boulder's Conference Center but no critical problems were found. He says quotes or proposals for a few different local projects will be ready soon.
You can find a link to the full agenda and minutes here.
