by Mari Radtke
Kelsey Fiddelke presented a request to the Primghar Council on Tuesday September 10 to hold Primghar’s annual “Scare Around the Square.” She asked for the same streets to be closed around the square as last year from 5:00- 6:30. This year’s event will be held Friday October 25. The resolution was passed at the end of the meeting.
Cory Crouch is Primghar’s new Fire Chief. He expressed his gratitude to Council for their trust in him as the Chief. He went on to share with council significant updates to the department and changes he expects to make in the coming months. Currently the department has a roster of 19 volunteer firemen. The department experienced a net loss last year of 4 members. He is wanting to develop a monthly training and use that time to build camaraderie and team thinking. Monthly checks of the trucks, inventory and equipment are part of his plans to improve the department’s effectiveness and readiness.
He reported October 10 starts this year’s National Fire Week. He also outlined some changes to the departments fundraising schedule. One big change is to move the pancake breakfast from fall to spring. The department responded to 30 calls this year. A couple big purchase goals they have, not at taxpayer expense – is to improve imagery and to replace their 1983 pumper. They have selected a replacement truck. The cost is $450,000 and is 3-4 years out for delivery. The pumper fundraising will be ongoing for a period of time. They also need to replace several pieces of fireman safety equipment to maintain NFPA standards. Fundraising and grant applications are how they plan to pay for the truck projects.
Adam Batschelet attended on behalf of RP Construction. He engaged in a long conversation with council answering their questions and concerns about the sewer pipe that is broken along B40 and asked questions to help with decision-making whether to replace that same line from Highway 59 and B40 to the drive where the break is. Council members also asked about lining that section of the pipe and installation of an additional manhole. RP will consider doing a camera inspection and the value of lining that section of pipe, but there were not decisions.
To replace the broken line, Batschelet explained certain difficulties with the project. One is the number of buried utlity lines in that ditch and not knowing exactly which utilities or exactly where. They could not get a reliable response from any locators. There is one “mystery fiber” near the digging area that is concerning. RP is also very adamant that they do not injure the road at all. He expects completion of that project around Thanksgiving. They will start at the east end near the airport and work uphill. Their bid was accepted by council.
RP is also the contractor at the lagoons. There was discussion about a building at the lagoon requiring a particular door that is proving to be very difficult to get. Batschelet reported efforts to substitute the door, but that requires the engineer to sign off on the change. The building can have gas and waste build-up. Regulations require the door to be explosion proof. It is a very expensive door. He also explained wood chips and stone along the lagoon edges.
Utility Supervisior Jarret Russell reported work at Sneaker’s Run. He shared the addition of some gravel at the entrance, the addition of gates and removal of some debris. The OC Sanitation contract expires in September 2025.
Air Conditioning inside the skating rink was considered. Four wall units were recommended and there is a rebate currently being offered for the identified models. Fred’s will do all the rebate work for the project if they are selected for the job.
Electric rates were increased in October 2023 and were scheduled to increase again in July 2024. That increase was missed. The process for a utility increase has already passed council so will be put into effect as soon as possible. Announcements in the newsletter will help get the word out. Cost sharing with MRES and with Paullina for “Tinker Program” for South O’Brien 5th grade students was approved at $8 per student at the cost share rate.
Pay estimate #10 for the lagoon project was approved. It was $900,522.