City Hall Relocation Update

City Hall is now officially set up in the community room at the rec center and phone lines are running accordingly. We are working to get a drop box placed outside next to the rec center mailbox; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, placement will be early next week. Please continue to use the drop box located at the “old” city hall in the meantime. It will be checked regularly throughout the day. If you need to come into City Hall, please use the main entrance at the rec center. We appreciate everyone’s patience with our transition, especially our Public Works Crew for all their help.

PLANNING AND ZONING MEMBERS NEEDED

Are you looking to join a group to help in your community? Our Planning and Zoning Commission is looking for 3 new members! This commission is an advisory commission that recommends information to City Council. Meetings are typically held once a month and this can be an effective force in shaping the future of your community! If you have any questions, or would like to join, please contact City Hall at 364-2428.

City Hall is Temporarily Moving!

As City Hall begins to undergo renovations, our office will temporarily be relocated to the community room at the Rec Center beginning Wednesday, March 3, 2021. We appreciate the patience of our citizens, as we may experience intermittent phone service delays as our phone lines and internet are being transferred starting on Tuesday, March 2, 2021. Our telephone number, 364-2428 and our mailing address, PO Box 236 will remain the same. Due to COVID-19 we strongly encourage citizens to utilize the drop box that we will have located outside of the Rec Center. If you need to enter our offices, please use the main entrance at the Rec Center; masks will be required upon entrance of the Rec Center and community room.

CLOSED MONDAY FEBRUARY 15, 2021

In observance of Presidents’ Day, City Hall will be closed Monday February 15, 2021.

Resolution 2021-7 Approving the Maximum Property Tax Dollars Requested for FY22

Resolution 2021-7 Approving the Maximum Property Tax Dollars Requested for Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. Please see attachment for resolution.

Click here for Resolution 2021-7

HELP OUT YOUR LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT AND KEEP FIRE HYDRANTS CLEAR

Every second counts in an emergency. As the snow depth continues to increase, so do the seconds it takes for a firefighter to clear away the snow and ice from a fire hydrant. The City and our local Fire Department ask everyone who has a fire hydrant located on their property, to clear it from any snow and ice. Our volunteer firemen will appreciate it when an emergency comes to light. Lets all do our part to keep everyone safe!

International Fire Code 

Maximum Levy Hearing Notice

Per SF 634 – a public hearing will be held via electronic meeting on 2-1-2021 at 6:00 PM on the proposed maximum property tax dollars from certain levies. Residents and taxpayers of the City may join via the following options: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofIdaGrove on your tablet, computer or smartphone or dial in at (872) 240-3212 using the access code: 240-180-549 and present to the City Council any objections or arguments in favor of the tax dollars before the budget is adopted and certified to the County Auditor. The attached notice has been published in the Ida County Courier (1-20-2021) and on the City of Ida Grove Facebook page in addition to the website.

 

Maximum Levy Hearing Notice Attachment 

Community Watch Program

The Community Watch training program will be held on Wednesday, March 17th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Training will be held in the community room located at the Ida Grove Rec Center. To register, please contact City Hall at 364-2428 and provide your name and contact information. The sponsor will then contact you to add you to the list and provide you with further information. Please bring a pen and/or pencil and something to write on to this training program. Masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced.

City Hall – Closed Today

Due to the blizzard, City Hall will be closed today Friday, January 15, 2021.  Be safe and stay home if you can!

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission is looking for 2 new members! This commission is an advisory commission that recommends information to City Council. This can be an effective force in shaping the future of your community! If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 364-2428.

City Council Ward II Vacancy

The City of Ida Grove, Iowa was notified of the resignation of Ward II City Council Member, Ryan Jordan, on December 16, 2020; resignation to be effective upon appointment of replacement council member.

Pursuant to Section 372.13(2) of the Code of Iowa, notice is hereby given that the City Council of Ida Grove, Iowa intends to fill this vacancy by appointment during the electronic City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021. You may join and participate in the electronic meeting via the following options: https://www.gotomeet.me/CityofIdaGrove on your tablet, computer, smartphone or dial in at (872) 240-3212 using the access code: 240-180-549. However, the electors of the City of Ida Grove have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by a special election. If electors wish to require a special election, a valid petition must be filed with the City Clerk within fourteen days after publication of this notice or within fourteen days after the appointment is made. If no such petition is filed, the appointment shall be for the period until the next pending election as defined in Section 69.12 of the Code of Iowa.

Eligible electors of the City of Ida Grove, Iowa wanting to be considered for the Ward II Council Appointment should submit a request in writing to the City Clerk’s office by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2021.

Happy Retirement Lon!

We would like to wish Lon Schluter the best on his retirement from the City of Ida Grove after 34 wonderful years!

Cat and Dog Licenses

It’s that time of the year again! Don’t forget that all dogs and cats that are within the city limits are required to be licensed! Contact City Hall at 364-2428 to set up an appointment. Please have your pets updated rabies vaccination record with you at time of appointment.

(Due to COVID-19 City Hall is still closed to the public, open by appointment only)

Click here for additional details

Snow Removal on Sidewalks

Reminder that sidewalks need to be cleared of any snow or ice accumulations within 24 hours of a winter weather event.

Click here for City Code

Ward II Council Vacancy

The City of Ida Grove is looking to appoint and fill the Ward II vacancy seat. This will be a 1 year term which will end on 12-31-2021. This is an excellent opportunity to try out, as these seats are normally four year terms. It would also be a great chance to give back to your community. If anyone is interested, please contact City Hall 364-2428.

Click here for more information

 

City Hall Holiday Office Hours

 

 

 

 

 

 

Office hours for City Hall this week, December 21st – December 25th, are as follows:

12/21/2020 MONDAY  8 AM – 4 PM

12/22/2020 TUESDAY 8 AM – 5 PM

12/23/2020 WEDNESDAY  8 AM – 4 PM

12/24/2020 THURSDAY 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM  (Closing early in observance of the holiday)

12/25/2020 FRIDAY CLOSED (In observance of Christmas)

 

Office hours for City Hall next week, December 28th – January 1st, are as follows:

12/28/2020 MONDAY 8 AM – 4 PM

12/29/2020 TUESDAY 8 AM – 5 PM

12/30/2020 WEDNESDAY 8 AM – 4 PM

12/31/2020 THURSDAY 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Closing early in observance of the holiday)

1/1/2021 FRIDAY CLOSED (In observance of the New Year)

 

Changes in Holiday Garbage Pick Up

Due to the holiday this week, there will be a slight change in garbage pick up. Thursday pick up will be early that morning, so please have your garbage out the night before or early Thursday morning. Friday pick up will be switched to Monday morning instead. This change will also be in effect for the New Years holiday as well.

Lost Dog

The City has picked up a lost dog. If you have any information please contact City Hall at 364-2428 as soon as possible. We would like to see this dog back home with its owner before the weekend!

Congratulations OABCIG Dance Team

We would like to congratulate our OABCIG Girls Dance Team on their State Championship in Class 1 Contemporary and their 4th place finish in Class IV Hip Hop! Congratulations also to the 5 soloist performers that earned the Division 1 rating in Class IV solos! Way to Go! OABCIG Proud!

Office Space Wanted

The City of Ida Grove is currently looking to lease office space in Ida Grove for 12 months while City Hall is being renovated. We would like the space big enough to staff three employees and would also like it to be ADA compliant. We would like to be moved in sometime in February and lease for at least one year. We plan to make a decision by the first week of January on an office space. Please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 if you have any office space for rent.

Telephone Service Interruption

CORRECTION:

Our Maintenance Shop will be experiencing telephone service interruption on Tuesday, 12/8/2020 and City Hall will be experiencing the same issues on Thursday, 12/10/2020 due to phone line maintenance. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

 

Assistance Application

Iowa households experiencing a loss of income related to COVID-19 can apply for financial assistance if they are at risk due to any unpaid electric, natural gas, or water bills between March 17 and October 31, 2020.

The application deadline has been extended through December 4, 2020.

For more information, call 877-463-3269 or 515-348-8976 or click the link below to apply for assistance.

Click Here For Utility Assistance Application

Holiday Hours

We want to wish everyone a safe, healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Lost Dog

The City has this fella in custody.  If he belongs to you or you have any information on his owner, please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428.

PROCLAMATION HONORING THE OABCIG FALCON FOOTBALL TEAM

Click Here for Proclamation

From the Mayor

Hello Ida Grove. First off this week I wanted to talk about COVID. I have gotten several messages about worries in our county. We are taking some additional steps in the city to keep our employees safe. We are encouraging rotating in city hall and working from home. Trying to keep our social distancing. We have moved all city council meetings and other city meetings back to electronic meetings. We did discuss at our council meeting last night that we would close city hall to the public, except by appointment only. The numbers have been getting high in our county. As of today Ida County has had 2055 tested, 353 positive, 170 recovered and 5 deaths. One death is too many. My thoughts and prayers go out to these families. Let us do our part to be a part of the solution and not add to the problem. We are our own first line of defense. Hospitals are at capacity, healthcare workers are depleted. I really encourage people to stay home if they are sick or if someone in their household tests positive. Social Distance when you can if you cannot wear a mask. Wash hands frequently and sanitize. Lets work together to beat this virus. Please be safe out there. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by COVID. Also praying for our country with this election going on. Praying for our leadership. No matter who is announced President; we are America and I feel we will all pull together and be stronger. Just wanted to give a shout out to the OABCIG Football Team. Congratulations on your trip to the dome in Cedar Falls. Bring home the Championship! The community is very proud of you guys!

Feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or questions.

[email protected]

Very Humble and Proud to Serve Ida Grove

Mayor Devlun Whiteing

City Hall Office

Due to the rise in the number of cases with COVID-19, as of tomorrow 11/18/2020, our City Hall Office will be closed to the public until further notice except by appointment only. Our office staff will continue regular operations with a modified work schedule.  Payments may be made via the drop box, by credit card payment online, or by automatic withdrawal.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Please call 364-2428 with any questions.

CONGRATULATIONS OABCIG FALCONS!

We would like to congratulate the OABCIG Falcon Football Boys on their advancement to play in the championship game against Van Meter this Friday 11/20/2020.

GO FALCONS!!!

Preliminary Flood Maps

City officials participated in a Consultation Coordination Officer’s Meeting this week with members from Atkins, FEMA and IDNR regarding the Preliminary Revised Floodplain Maps.  Anyone interested is urged to review the preliminary maps at

www.IowaFloodMaps.org

On the left side of the screen under draft flood hazard maps, click the Green “view the maps” box.  Then on the right hand side, click the Red “view maps” box.  In the drop-down box, select Ida-Preliminary.  From there you can pan around the map or utilize the search box to find your property.

Due to COVID-19, there will not be a community meeting regarding the maps, however, anyone with questions will be provided an option to meet electronically, 1-on-1 with an IDNR representative to discuss their property.  Please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 if you would like to be contacted/scheduled a meeting with a IDNR representative.

It is imperative that residents review the maps as soon as possible as we will soon be entering a 90-day appeals period.  The official appeals period will be advertised in the Ida County Courier by FEMA and this will identify when the appeals period begins.  It should be noted that appeals related to the flood studies and flood hazard information on the floodplain maps must be supported by technical data and can only be submitted to FEMA by the City during the appeals period.  Comments such as clerical corrections not related to the flood hazard mapping can also be submitted before or during the appeals period.  If you have a question or concern, please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 so we can assist you with determining if it would be a possible comment or appeal.  Comments and appeals submitted should be sent to the City so they can be coordinated with IDNR and FEMA.

 

Calling All Contractors!

Invitation to Bid Announcement

The City of Ida Grove invites the submission of sealed bids from qualified contractors for flood damage repair. Bid specifications can be obtained at City Hall, 403 Third Street, Ida Grove IA by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected]. Please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428 with any questions.

Sealed bids must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2020. 

Click here for bid specifications

 

 

 

Mayor’s Proclamation For Snow Parking

Please follow the link (Snow Ordinance) to see the Mayor’s Proclamation for the City of Ida Grove for the 2020-2021 Winter Parking  Season!

Snow Ordinance

Neighborhood Watch Program

Due to COVID-19, the neighborhood watch program that was to be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020 is now postponed. With the holidays right around the corner, we will wait until afterwards to meet. We will keep everyone informed when a date and time is rescheduled. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall, 364-2428.

Thank You Ida Grove Fire Department!

The City of Ida Grove would like to thank the Ida Grove Fire Department for their help in removing the beaver dam underneath the Rohwer Street bridge. We appreciate all that you do for our community! Keep up the great work!

 

Members Needed -Make A Difference In Your Community

The City of Ida Grove has an open seat with the Planning and Zoning Committee. This is a great opportunity to be involved with your community. Planning and Zoning is an advisory committee for City Council. Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of every month.  Anyone interested is encouraged to contact City Hall at 364-2428.

Position Opening: Water Superintendent

The City of Ida Grove (population 2,142) has an immediate opening for a full-time Water Operator/Superintendent.  This person will be part of a team-oriented City Crew with primary responsibility over the water department.  Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED, an Iowa DNR Grade 2 water treatment/Grade 2 water distribution license (or be able to acquire both, following IDNR guidelines).  The position is responsible for maintaining all aspects of the water distribution system including, but not limited to: water mains, wells, pumps, hydrants, testing, meter reading.  Candidate must be able to fill out associated paperwork and maintain logs/reports to stay in compliance with IDNR and federal regulations.  Candidate must have a class B CDL or be able to obtain one within six months of hire.  Weekend work on a rotating basis is required.  Other job responsibilities may include additional public works duties such as street maintenance, outdoor pool maintenance, general maintenance and snow removal.  Organizational skills are a must.  Position requires interaction with the public.  Position open until filled.  Job applications may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected]

The City of Ida Grove is an E.O.E.

Send application, resume and cover letter to:  City of Ida Grove, Water Operator, PO Box 236, Ida Grove, IA 51445.  You may also email application, resume and cover letter to:  [email protected]

Job Application

Paint Iowa Beautiful Grant Completion

The City of Ida Grove was awarded six gallons of paint through the Paint Iowa Beautiful Grant. Our project was our pumphouse near the Iowa Street Apartments. City Crew Members, Kris Taylor and Bob Lorenzen, power washed and painted the building. We appreciate their work, it looks great!

Parks and Recreation Mini Grant Completion

The City of Ida Grove received a $500 Grant from the Parks and Recreation Foundation earlier this year for repairs of  the shelter house at City Park. Our projects included, removal of the chimney, patching the roof, and a fresh coat of paint. We would like to extend our gratitude for all who were involved in the completion of this. Ross Ladwig, (Ladwig Construction) for the donation of time and materials to patch and repair the roof. Aaron and Jennifer Hoffman for power washing and painting the shelter house. And last, but not least, our Public Works Crew, Kris, Bob, and Gerrod for the removal of the chimney. 

Trick or Treating

To all the Ghosts and Ghouls,

Unfortunately, the Annual Pumpkin Parade has been cancelled this year due to COVID.

However, Mask it up as Trick or Treating is still on and will be held on Saturday, October 31st from 6-8p.m.

For the safety of yourself and others, please stay within your group and maintain social distancing from other groups as much as possible.

 

Hydrant Flushing

**ATTENTION**

The City of Ida Grove will begin it’s Fall water main flushing in October. We will start with the North area of town and work South. You may experience low water pressure and discolored water during this period. To clean up discolored water, let a cold water faucet run until the water clears. Thank You!

Trees Please!

Yesterday, Parks Superintendent Bob Lorenzen, picked up 11 autumn blaze maple trees that will be planted in the City Park.  The trees were purchased as part the Trees Please! grant the City received from MidAmerican Energy earlier this year.

City Receives Two Donations

The City of Ida Grove would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the following:

Woodley Aerial Spray:  Donation of $1,000 to the Pleasant Valley Trail

MidAmerican Energy:  Donation of $500 towards the Welcome Sign Project

 

We greatly appreciate your generosity!

 

Are you thinking of becoming a first time home owner?

If you’re considering purchasing your first home, you may qualify for down-payment assistance through SIMPCO.  See the attachment for additional information and contact Amanda Harper with questions at 712-279-6286.  Brochure

Moorehead Avenue Bridge Presentation

For anyone who would like to view the power point presentation that was provided on Monday, August 17, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. during a special council meeting, you may click the attachment. Moorehead Ave Bridge PPP

City Hall Project – Public Meeting Notice

Residents are invited to view a power point presentation regarding the Ida Grove City Hall project.  You may attend either Monday, August 24th at 6:00 p.m. or Tuesday, September 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Hall at 301 Main Street, Ida Grove.  The presentation will be the same both nights.  We value your feedback and opinion.  Chairs will be positioned to meet social distancing guidelines and masks are highly recommended.

Notice of Altered Hours of Operation

City Hall will be closed on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 8 am – 10 am in order to facilitate required training of all employees.  We thank you for your understanding!

We Have New Hours!

City Hall staff are here to assist the following days/hours:

Monday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Tuesday:  8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Thursday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

 

As always, please feel free to leave a voicemail for Kelly or Heather when trying to reach us after hours.  Phone: 712-364-2428

City Hall – Stage 3 Reopening

City Hall will begin stage 3 reopening today, July 14, 2020.  Doors will be unlocked and visitors may enter freely, but must still adhere to 6 foot social distancing.  City Hall staff still highly encourage use of the drop box for payments.

Stage 3 Reopening Plan

Stage 3 reopening represents the “new normal” level of service. The doors are reopened to the public and business is more or less as normal.
The building is open to the public. Maintaining social distancing will be important, but also extremely difficult with the small vestibule area available. We ask people to stay six feet apart from others and not to enter if you are sick or experiencing symptoms. Staying six feet apart means only one visitor at the front counter and any other visitors to remain in the front lobby or outside of City Hall until someone else exits.
Janitorial staff will continue enhanced cleaning & disinfecting, but City Hall staff supplement this cleaning with a twice daily sanitation routine (morning and afternoon), sanitizing all frequently touched surfaces. This includes keyboards, screens, mice, and counters.
The Community Hall is open for public use. Events scheduled in the Hall require six-foot separation for social distancing. Staff aren’t expected to police visitor social distancing.

Fireworks Reminder

Citizens of Ida Grove,

The last legal day to shoot off any fireworks within City limits was Sunday, July 5, 2020.  There have been numerous reports of fireworks continuing even through last night.  Anyone who continues to violate the City Code may be subject to a simple misdemeanor and charged a fine of $250 per occurrence.  Please respect the ordinance and your neighbors and refrain from shooting off anymore fireworks.  For a full copy of the ordinance you may visit https://idagrove.municipal.codes/IGCC/8.40

Thank you!

Administrative Assistant Position

The City of Ida Grove (population 2,142) has an immediate opening for a full-time Administrative Assistant. Responsibilities include interpretation and enforcement of adopted codes and related rules/regulations, processing of permits, nuisance abatement and code compliance.  Assist in daily operations such as receiving and depositing payments, answering phones and greeting customers.  Works with Planning and Zoning and Board of Adjustment.  Job applications may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected].

High school diploma is required as well as a combination of education, training and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.  1-year actively working with the general public is desired.

Send cover letter, resume, and references to:

 

City of Ida Grove

Attn. Administrative Assistant

PO Box 236

Ida Grove, IA 51445

Click here for job application

Click here for job description

EOE

Position open until filled.