It was a short but action-packed 45-minute city council meeting Monday, May 4. Board members swiftly and efficiently came to resolutions and passed items without much deliberation.
    The item which had the most involvement was the Lincoln Street Culvert Project. It was decided that the project would be done in July when the creek will likely be at its lowest point; however, the willow tree in close proximity could come out at any time before then.
    Adjacent property owner, Dick Schnorenberg, pointed out his concerns over a clogged delta area which he attributed to the flood.
    “There are two truckloads […of sand/silt] in the right of way which directly affects my drainage,” said  Schnorenberg.
    The project which is receiving part of its funding from FEMA  can be considered in two parts – bank stabilization and culvert clean-out.
    “I guess it makes sense that if we are going to do it, to do it right the first time,” said Kirk Reicks.
    It was decided that Reicks would meet Schnorenberg after the meeting to assess the site.
    Street marking was the next item on the agenda. Dale King used some humor to present his findings regarding a “simple” striping machine when he stated, “Even a simpleton like me can run it.” He continued by saying, “It’s a pretty basic one, but it does the job.” The item was approved for purchase.
    Council members agreed to change city office hours  to accommodate the needs of residents who work in Cresco or Decorah and are having a hard time paying their city bills. Sue Cutsforth said the city has kept “the same hours the whole time I’ve worked here.”
    The change would mandate some work shift changes as well.  Cutsforth’s hours, which total roughly 25 hours per week, will remain unchanged in total.  The new hours – Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. through 3:30 p.m. – will be on a trial period of three months.
    The city office will be closed on Fridays with exception of the last Friday of the month. This change will make it necessary for those who do their UPS business through the city to make other arrangements for those associated Fridays.
    The Lawler Park Board report was given by Dale King.  Many park improvements and associated fund-raising activities have been done by the local Lions Club. This year is no different. King has done a park inventory of items that needed repair or replacement and brought those suggestions to the board for review.
    Already, there are some new toys. Another improvement slated for this year is the slab work in front of the concession stand; however, residents will have to wait until next year for new bleachers.
    “A little bit of labor and paint to make ‘em last one more year” will have to be sufficient,” said King.