Council Meetings are held the first and third Monday of each month (except Holidays) beginning at 6 p.m. Meetings take place in the Council Chambers at Ida Grove City Hall. The public is invited and encouraged to attend City Council Meetings, and participate in their local Government. Any citizen can address the Council in reference to any item on the agenda, or during the “Appearances” portion of the meeting. Community input, insight and ideas help the City Council make the vital decisions of our community. Together, we can make Ida Grove the best it can be for the future of your family and ours. For additional information or questions, you may contact us via Facebook, by email at [email protected], U.S. Postal Service at P.O. Box 236 or call the City Clerk’s Office at 712-364-2428.
The City is looking for new members to join the Heritage Days Team! We have scheduled an informal public meeting to be held on Tuesday January 15th at 6 pm in the Council Chambers. This will be a time to ask questions, form committees, brainstorm, make suggestions and more. We need many volunteers to work together to make 2019’s Heritage Days Celebration the best yet!!
AGENDA SPECIAL USE PERMIT – Denim 2 Diamonds 2019
Public Notice – Conard-Whiteing
The Ida Grove Board of Adjustment will hold a Public Hearing on a special use permit for the purpose of a home based business at 1120 Valley View Drive in Ida Grove. The meeting will take place on Wednesday January 16th at 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers. All persons desiring to be heard on the matter, either for or against, are encouraged to attend. If you have an opinion and are unable to attend, please feel free to call City Hall at 712-364-2428.
Now is the time to license you cats and/or dogs for the 2019 year. It is City Law that all animals within city limits must be registered. This is quick and inexpensive, and in the event your animal is ever lost, it helps us get them back to you as quickly as possible. All animals registered before March 1 will get a discounted rate of $10.00 (altered) to $15.00 (unaltered). There are so many good reasons to register your pet – please do so today!
The public is invited and encouraged to attend.
The Ida Grove City Council will meet for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday December 17th at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 403 3rd Street in Ida Grove. As always, the public is invited and encouraged to attend. With many community members having voiced interest on the recent topics of water fluoridation and Heritage Days, we would specifically like to invite anyone with an opinion on either issue to please attend. Our City Council and Mayor welcome citizen input and want the community to know their voice can be heard. The City of Ida Grove wants all citizens to be aware of the legislation and initiatives that affect their lives. Your City Officials are working diligently to promote equity in access to local government information and services, and are committed to transparency and inclusion. With your insight, the Council can discover ways to improve this City we all call home. Please keep your feedback coming to help ensure your needs are being met and your voice is being heard.
City Hall will be closed Thursday November 22 & Friday November 23 in observance of Thanksgiving. Normal business hours will resume Monday November 26, 2018.
3rd graders from OABCIG recently visited Ida Grove City Hall. Students had a great time touring the facility, meeting the City Clerk and Mayor, learning about local Government and more! If you or your organization are interested in touring City Hall, please contact us for more details.
The City’s burn pile is OPEN again and just in time for the weekend! Reminder to please follow size restrictions on branches/limbs. Maximum size limits are up to 6″ in diameter and no more than 8′ in length. Thanks and have a great weekend!
NOTICE: The city will begin flushing fire hydrants from now until the weather becomes too cold. You may experience low water pressure and/or some discolored water during the process but don’t be alarmed. Thank you!
Monday October 1st
‼️Attention‼️The temporary Badger Creek Park drop off location for tree debris is closed and the regular size restrictions for the City burn pile are back in place. Thank you!
Yesterday we were hit pretty hard with bad weather but we are a CITY UNITED and we will get through this! Mayor Whiteing has formulated a plan to get things in order and help our citizens as quickly as possible. Normally the City is not responsible for trees, limbs or tree debris located on private property but with the extent of the storm damage, we are trying to assist residents as much as possible. More severe situations will take top priority so we ask everyone be patient. The city burn pile was opened first thing this morning. Size restrictions on limbs are currently lifted so all sizes may be disposed of at this time. A second, emergency drop off location for limbs has been designated in Zobel’s Addition at the Badger Creek Park cement parking area. If you have any questions or concerns please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428. Our City Crew is working diligently to get things cleaned up as quickly as possible but if you are able, lend a hand to your neighbor. A helping hand goes a long way. #cityunited #idagrove #livingforwardgivingback #smalltownlove#helpyourneighbor
Here at the City of Ida Grove we strive to provide our community with quality service and amenities. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on our outdoor pool by taking part in a brief, anonymous survey found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCM62XJ . We want to provide the best experience possible to all of our pool-goers so your input is much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Due to the potential rainy weather for Saturday, the Heritage Days Committee has decided to move the inflatables indoors to the Elementary School gym for both Friday and Saturday.
Test.
Heritage Days 2018 kicks of Thursday!!
This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater. For questions regarding this information or how you can get involved in decisions regarding the water system, please contact IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY at 712-364-2989. Decisions regarding the water system are made at the city council meetings held on the first and third Monday of each month at 6:00pm at 403 Third Street and are open to the public. 2017 WATER QUALITY REPORT FOR IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY
At just five years old, little Mia Mason is already accomplishing big things. Mia, the daughter of Tony and Renee Mason, recently held her very own lemonade stand during the Ida Grove City Wide Garage Sale weekend in an effort to raise money for the Ida Grove King Theater Project. Mia operated her stand Friday afternoon and evening, and again Saturday. Her stand, featuring both lemonade and cookies, brought in approximately $300 which the preschooler happily handed over for the renovation project efforts. (pictured here: Mayor Devlun Whiteing, Mia Mason and Theater Board member Doug Clough)
Beginning Monday, May 21st, contractors will begin installing conduit and fiber optic cable to service the Verizon Cell tower.
The city maintenance crew will be performing testing on the civil sirens throughout the day on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. The sirens could sound for a few minutes each time, so please do not be alarmed. This is only a test.
Excitement abounds!! City crew rescues a large snapping turtle within city limits today. Take a look at this monster sized snapper!
The City of Ida Grove would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Ida County Community Betterment Foundation for the $4,000 grant we received! This money will go towards helping the city to purchase new LED Christmas lights to hang on the utility poles in the downtown area and along Moorehead Avenue.
The Princess Theatre was Built in 1914 for silent films. In 1917, the theater was bought by Frank King and brought into the sound era in 1921. In 1940, Milton Mansfield bought the theater, adding a marquee. In 1954, Bob Fridley bought the theater, adding an indoor wall waterfall, floating stair case, and changed the seating arrangement. In 1982, Fred Saunders bought the theater, issuing in the VCR tape rental era. In 2010, the building fell into disrepair and the analog equipment was no longer relevant. The City of Ida Grove acquired it in 2015, selling it to the Ida Grove Foundation for a period of reconstruction. The Ida Grove Foundation Board is currently reconstructing the inside with private donations, community fundraising, and grants. The Foundation has raised $400,000 and seeks to raise an additional $150,000; they have begun reconstruction and hope to be showing movies by the end of summer 2018.
The theater will primarily show movies; however, there will be a motorized screen which will allow them to utilize a large enough stage for public speakers and one-act plays.
Want to donate?
To contribute to our count’s King Theatre renovation, please contact Ida Grove City Hall at 712.364.2428. You may also contact Ida Grove Foundation’s President Douglas Clough at [email protected].
See our progress at our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/longlivetheking51445/
Ida Grove Foundation Board [formerly King Theatre Renovation Board]:
President, Douglas Clough
Vice President, Ryan Goodman
Treasurer, Cheryl Gosch
Secretary, Beth Wolterman
Members:
Owen Bolte
John Brinkman
Paul Cates
Kim Claussen
Dan Gosch
Sandy Ullrich
Traci VanHouten
YOU ARE INVITED!
The City of Ida Grove is pleased to announce that we are in the process of developing a collaborative Source Water Protection effort between our city officials, community members, and members of our rural community. We would like to welcome you to a meeting regarding Source Water, our current protection efforts and how we can move forward together in developing a long term plan for keeping our drinking water clean!
PLEASE JOIN US!
April 24, 2018
6:00pm
Ida Grove Community Rec Center
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS GREATLY VALUED!
For more information, contact Bridget Durst:
712-262-4177
Summer is fast approaching, and with Summer, comes green grass! Please read the following excerpt from the City of Ida Grove’s ordinance book regarding mowing regulations:
The City of Ida Grove reminds residents of the requirements for mowing of their properties within the city limits under ordinance 3-6.0101, 3-6.0103, 3-6.0104. It is unlawful for owners of each lot and parcel of ground within the city limits to fail, refuse, or neglect to cut or destroy all weeds, vines, brush or other growth and debris. Property owners are reminded that any vegetation which reaches a height of more than 12 inches is required to be mowed. Any property not mowed after the vegetation reaches 12 inches in height, may be mowed by the City or their agents, and a charge of $75.00 per hour plus a surcharge of $100.00 will be charged to the property owner. Publication of this notice will serve as notice to property owners.
Thank you for your cooperation to keep Ida Grove a place to be proud of!
With April 1st right around the corner, the City reminds residents of their responsibility to follow the burning regulations set in place for the safety and also convenience of our citizens.
Hours and dates of burning: No person will be allowed to burn nearer than 10 feet of any building, or on any street or sidewalk at any time. Burning is only permitted between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. from April 1st to November 30th of each year. Yard waste is the only material that is allowed to be burnt. It shall be illegal for any person to burn or allow open burning on the premises except during the times and during the dates stated in this paragraph.
The City of Ida Grove is updating their comprehensive plan and would love to hear from YOU! Join your fellow citizens on April 23, 2018 at the Ida Grove Rec Center at 5:00 p.m. for a presentation to review the draft plan regarding future plans for housing, economic development, transportation, parks, and community facilities and services.
Click the links below to see the flyer and review the draft plan.
The City of Ida Grove announces a Ward II Council vacancy effective immediately. City Council plans to hold a special council meeting Thursday, March 22 at noon. If anyone within Ward II is interested in filling this position, please contact City Hall at 364-2428 before Thursday. Ward II description is as follows:
Commencing at the intersection of the centerlines of Main Street and Fourth Street; thence South along the centerline of Main Street to the center of Seventh Street; thence West along the centerline of Seventh Street to the middle of the intersection of Seventh Street and Taylor Street; thence South along the centerline of Taylor Street extended to the centerline of Badger Creek; thence randomly South and East along the centerline of Badger Creek to the centerline of South Main Street; thence South along the centerline of South Main Street to the middle intersection of Center Lane and South Main Street; thence East along the centerline of Center Lane to the middle of the intersection of Center Lane and Park Lane; thence South along the centerline of Park Lane to the middle of the intersection of Park Lane and Zobel Lane; thence East along the centerline of Zobel Lane to the corporate limits.
Who is Eligible?
Iowa residents, if your total household income is less than $22,855 and one of the following applies:
For assistance contact:
Ida County Treasurer’s Office
712-364-2625
Ask for Traci Riessen the Ida County Treasurer
Reminder: Get your cats and dogs licensed at City Hall during the ‘early-bird registration period’. Any owner of a dog or cat within city limits is required by city ordinance to license the animal yearly. In order to license your pet you MUST provide proof of a current rabies vaccination. The licensing fees are as follows:
January 1-February 28 $10 per pet if spayed or neutered, $15 per pet if not spayed or neutered
March 1-December 31 $20 per pet if spayed or neutered, $25 per pet if not spayed or neutered
READY, SET, GO!!! The City of Ida Grove is pleased to announce we are ready to begin automatic withdrawal of monthly utility bills. Stop into City Hall today and ask for a “withdrawal authorization” form to have your utility bill automatically withdrawn from your checking or savings account. Once you have completed your authorization form, the City of Ida Grove will withdrawal your utility bill on the 10th of every month. Please note, if the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday, your bill will be deducted on the last business day previous to the 10th.
Sanitary sewer line blockages are typically caused by roots, grease, and improper disposal of items. Tree roots can enter the sanitary sewer system at joints and cracks in the sewer service lines and mains. Grease can solidify in the sewer lines and restrict other waste from flowing through. The lines can be blocked by items like disposable diapers, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, washing machine lint, rags or other items improperly flushed down the drain or toilet. Please refrain from flushing these items and keeping the sanitary sewer lines clear to provide you with good service without backups into your basement.
YOU ARE INVITED!
The City of Ida Grove is pleased to announce that we are in the beginning stages of a collaborative Source Water Protection effort between our city officials, community members, and members of our rural community. We would like to welcome you to an open planning meeting regarding Source Water, our current protection efforts and how we can move forward together in developing a long term plan for keeping our drinking water clean.
PLEASE JOIN US!
March 13, 2018
6:00pm
Ida Grove Community Rec Center
YOUR PARTICIPATION IS GREATLY VALUED!
For more information, contact Bridget Durst:
712-262-4177
City of Ida Grove: 712-364-2428
Basement flooding can result in serious property damage. Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning up your flooded basement. Floodwater may carry waterborne diseases, corrosive agents, irritants, and sharp objects. Electrical accidents are possible because of contact between appliances and water. Dress appropriately; wear overalls, gloves, protective eyewear, protective boots and a mask. Open windows and stay away from electrical equipment and outlets or shut off the electrical power.
A backwater valve is a device that prevents sewage from backing up into your basement. A valve will automatically prevent water from the sanitary sewer from coming back into your home’s plumbing system. A properly installed backwater valve must be placed so that sewage backup will be stopped and not come out through plumbing fixtures or the floor drain in your basement. A licensed plumber can look at your system and recommend the appropriate installation. If you are going to install a backwater valve, a licensed plumbing contractor must install it properly. These valves also require periodic inspection and maintenance to remove debris and reduce the risk of failure. Ask a licensed plumbing contractor how to properly inspect and maintain the backwater valve that is installed for your home.
It is important to note that a backwater valve is designed to be closed during sewer surcharge conditions to keep water from the sanitary sewer system from flowing into your home. When the backwater valve closes, water from inside of your home will not drain out. When there is a risk of sewer surcharge, such as during a heavy rain storm, you should avoid using the toilet, sink, shower, washer, dishwasher or any other appliance that releases water to the sanitary sewer system. The water will not be able to get past your backflow prevention device(s) and will have nowhere to go except back into your home.
If you are redoing the sewer line to your house, the City of Ida Grove suggests you include an extendable backwater valve. This valve will help prevent sewer line backups into your basement. If you have any questions, please contact City Hall at 364-2428 or the WWTP Operator Shannon Hazelton at 364-3252.
The Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund is working in partnership with SIMPCO to make available an Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. The mission of the program is to further the preservation and development of affordable housing and grow affordable housing opportunities for low-to-moderate income households in Ida County.
Eligible repairs include: repair or replacement of heating, electrical, and plumbing systems; roofs; windows; ADA accessibility and other repair work necessary to address substandard health or safety conditions.
Some program requirements are:
Funding is limited and will be distributed throughout the service area to the extent possible and approved on a “First Ready, First Served” basis. Forms and additional program information is available by contacting Amanda Harper at SIMPCO (712)-279-6286 or by visiting simpco.org.
Ida Grove aspires to be a community defined by the creativity, diversity and innovation of its citizens and businesses. So if you or anyone you know enjoy economic development, have an undiscovered creative streak, love working with and interacting with equally committed people……… being on the Ida Grove Economic Development Corporation is definitely for YOU!
The Economic Development Corporation is created to advise the City of Ida Grove regarding local business retention and recruitment. The corporation is responsible for developing and recommending policies, procedures, organizations, and ordinances to the City Council for adoption that best suit the community for a healthy and diversified economy. The corporation provides businesses with an atmosphere to locate, innovate, grow, and prosper within our community.
The Economic Development Corporation’s areas of interest include developing plans and programs for the following:
The Ida Grove City Council meets on the first and third Mondays of the month, except when the meetings are shifted to the following Tuesdays to avoid conflicts with holidays. Meetings are held in the Council Chambers at City Hall, at 403 Third Street.
In an effort to provide you with ease and flexibility for your utility bill payments, the City of Ida Grove has implemented a new online payment service through Forte. You can find the new service payment link at the bottom of the city’s main web page, or you may click on the Government dropdown box tab at the top right of the main page, click on the utilities option and click on the payment link located on this page.
The City of Ida Grove and the Ida Grove Fire Department would like to thank Mike Collins for his many years of service to the community. Mike served as Fire Chief for 10 years within his total of 32 years of service in the Fire Department. Mike is presented with his service award by Mayor and Assistant Fire Chief Devlun Whiteing. Thank you Mike for your service, it is very much appreciated by everyone in the community.
The Ida Grove City Hall and City Council would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our local Law Enforcement, EMT’s, and Firefighters for the services they provide to our community. Thank you all for protecting and serving our community, keeping it safe, and THANK YOU for volunteering your time and caring hearts to our community. On behalf of the city, we appreciate each and every one of you.
The Ida Grove Comprehensive Plan Presentation will be held Monday April 23, 2018 at 5pm in the Ida Grove Rec Center. The meeting will begin at 5pm with a presentation from SIMPCO representative, Nicole Peterson. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend! Please come review the draft comprehensive plan!
The 2017-2018 Comprehensive Plan of the City of Ida Grove is intended to serve as an advisory document that outlines the city’s vision. The purpose of this comprehensive plan is to provide a current inventory of community resources and a thoughtful statement of the community’s vision and goals for the future. This comprehensive plan includes analysis of the following topics: Housing, Economic Development, Transportation, Community Facilities and Services, Land Use, and Natural Resources. The comprehensive plan document provides legal justification for community decisions and ensures that local policies are in step with those of state, regional, and federal planning best practices. The plan can inform grant applications and leverage funding for community projects. The plan process incorporated public participation and facilitates intergovernmental collaboration through review and consideration of neighboring jurisdictions policy and plans.
For more information contact: Marc Dennison at [email protected] or Nicole Peterson at [email protected]
Mayor Whiteing recently met with Governor Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg in Ida Grove to discuss current and future employer needs as well as economic development. This event was coordinated by Ida County Economic Development. The meeting included representatives from GOMACO, Midwest Industries, United Bank of Iowa, First State Bank, Horn Memorial Hospital, OABCIG Schools, and other professional organizations. “It was great to have the Governor Reynold’s attention locally,” said Whiteing. “Both the governor and lieutenant governor gave us examples of similar sized towns that are working with their schools and industry to keep their youth workforce local. It is also nice to see that some of her suggestions, like applying for DNR grants and tourism awards, are things we are already doing to keep our community a great place to live.” “It was a great experience for all involved. It is not everyday that we have our governor in our own backyard.”
Connections Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce the expansion of our frozen meal program in Ida Grove. To be eligible for meals, the client must be 60 or older and homebound. Those under the age of 60 may qualify if they are on a Medicaid waiver program or purchase meals at full price.
Please contact Connections Area Agency on Aging for more information 1-800-432-9209 extension 8226 or 8225.
Eggs from Lori will be at the Ida Area Farmer’s Market
AFTER PROM will be grilling hamburgers, pork burgers or hot dogs this Thursday, July 13th. Included is a bag of chips and a drink. Don’t have a garden? Head to the Ida Area Farmers’ Market and let our four produce vendors give you fresh produce (not shipped from miles away). Look for blueberries, carrots, green beans, melons, onions, peas, peppers, cucumbers, potatoes, sweet corn, squash, and tomatoes. Some will be ready!! And don’t forget home decor, jewelry, and more from Genevieve, fresh flowers from Faith, wine from the Sinnotts, and eggs from Lori. So enjoy an evening at the park with great food, friends, and products from the market. 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday in downtown Ida Grove.
Enjoy a walk through the Harskamps’ Oasis…
Come walk the gardens and enjoy artwork by local artist Ken Harskamp – treats provided by Darts Harskamp! The weather is looking PERFECT for our second annual garden party and art walk hosted by the Harskamps. Enjoy a leisurely garden tour – self-guided or with our hosts – and then take a walk through Ken’s art gallery.
$15 per person or $25 for two – all proceeds go to our King Theatre Renovation. See you tomorrow, Saturday, July 8th, from 10 am to 2 pm, at the Harskamp residence, 609 Moorehead Street in Ida Grove.
Handicap accessibility at the alley behind the residence.
Thanks to a team assembled by Ida Grove’s Dan Gosch, the King Theatre’s south side has been stabilized, allowing the theatre board to move forward with this important project. West Central Construction, owned and operated by Jim and Pat Redenius, was on hand at the building today to hoist a 10″ H-beam in place under the roof’s joists and supported by cribbing on both sides.
In addition to West Central Construction, the King Theatre Board thanks Kevin Nulle for the use of his forklift, Dan Roeder for the use of his forklift and payloader; the City of Ida Grove for the use of the city’s payloader; and Godbersen-Smith for the use of the 10″ H-beam. If it was not for this team of talented people, the project would not advance as it now most certainly, and passionately, will. Long live the King.
After nearly 31 years as a city staffer, Mark Nielsen has retired. From left to right is daughter, Heather Nielsen; future son-in-law Jake Apple; wife Lanette Nielsen; Mark Nielsen; and Mayor Devlun Whiteing.
In our modern world, we thank our lucky stars that there are people like Mark Nielsen. He has worked for the City of Ida Grove for nearly 31 years before retiring today. Nielsen has his license to manage a municipal sewer system. Nielsen has been through re-licensure 15 times. Nielsen came on board November 17th, 1986. Ivan O’Tool was mayor and the council included Earl Pfleeger, Herman Jensen, Lowell Bloenker, Earl Muckey, and Ronnie Powell.
Currently, there are four people on the city maintenance crew: 30-year water works manager, Lon Schluter; 24-year roads manager Gerrod Sholty; 5-year parks manager, Bob Lorenzen, parks manager; and 15-year Kris Taylor, who assists in areas as needed. The city is currently viewing applicants to fill the big hole left by veteran Nielsen.
“Jerry Frahm was the foreman at the time who hired me,” said Nielsen. “I started off with helping with water chores getting my water license in 1987 and then my sewer license in August of 1988.”
Nielsen has been no stranger to trials in his field. “In the sewage processor, the plastic sheets to separate the different forms of sewage will sometimes come off,” noted Nielsen. “Those sheets are used for rotating biological contact. When those sheets come off, they are full of slime. You have to handle them with vice-grips to control them.”
Nielsen has had the duty a time or two of turning off the water of a customer who ignored a nonpayment disconnect notice. “I knocked on the door to inform the resident that she could pay her bill to continue service,” stated Nielsen. “She didn’t answer the door, so I shut off the water. I was about a block away when I heard someone yelling for me. She was on her doorsteps, suds running from her hair to her face, waving her payment at me and hoping I’d turn the water back on.”
Overall, Nielsen – who has worked with four city clerks and five different mayors – agree that it’s been a memorable 30-plus years. “We have a good crew,” said Nielsen of the self-managed team. “Sure, we get complaints now and again, but one compliment wipes out a dozen complaints.”
