March 28, 2024

Three things to know from the February Prairie City City Council meeting

1. City council approved purchasing a 2015 John Deere 1200A Bunker and Field Rake for $8,500. At the workshop session Feb. 6, the council asked about the possibility of purchasing a warranty for the equipment since it has 819 hours already used. The park board looked into the matter and found there is not a warranty purchase option for the piece.

City administrator Joe Bartello said he spoke with public works officials who said they are familiar with working on and servicing bunker rakes and felt confident they could handle the maintenance. Public works did advise costs for parts might be expensive due to the hours on the machine and requested to view and assess the bunker rake before it is purchased by the city. Council approved the purchased contingent on an inspection by city staff.

2. Summer staff positions including three summer mowing spots and a summer recreation director were approved to be posted for hire. Bartello originally suggested a close date of March 1 for applications but councilwoman Ann McDonald requested to extend the time.

“Just because we always hire the same people, isn’t that putting a short time frame in case other people want to step forward,” McDonald said.

Applications will be due to the city by 4:30 p.m. March 6. Staff will review all applicants and submit a hiring request to the council for final approval at its March meeting.

3. A public hearing was held and an amendment was passed to approve the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Prairie City Urban Renewal Area. The amendment to the plan was prepared to facilitate the undertaking of a new urban renewal project consisting of providing tax increment financing support to Prairie Heritage Development in connection with the construction of public infrastructure improvements necessary for the development of a residential subdivision.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com