City Hall Holiday Office Hours

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

Lost Dog

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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

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Click Here for Proclamation

From the Mayor

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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

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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!

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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!

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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!

 

Position Opening: Water Superintendent

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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

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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

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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

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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

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**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!

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Happy 4th of July!

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City Hall will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence Day.  We wish you all a Happy and Safe Fourth!

Recreation Center Director Job Opening

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The City of Ida Grove (population 2,142) has an immediate opening for Recreation Director. Responsibilities would include management of a 20,000 square foot recreation center with the following amenities: weight room, aerobic room, gymnasium/walking track, two racquetball courts, indoor pool, spa, wading pool, sauna, golf room/golf simulator, card room, and community room with full kitchen. Membership totals are over 350 and draws from surrounding communities. Additional duties would include oversight of scheduling of events and programs at the ball fields, management of an aquatic center which is located next door to the recreation center and recreational programming such as youth tackle football, volleyball, basketball, and middle school softball and baseball as well as exercise classes and special events. For more information on the Ida Grove Community Recreation Center go to www.idagroverec.com. Job applications and complete job description may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, by visiting www.idagroveia.com or by emailing [email protected].

 

Click Here For Application

Job Description

 

A degree in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Services, or related field is desired, but not required. Previous professional experience in recreation centers or swimming pools is preferred. Residency requirement within six months. Depending upon qualifications, starting salary range is $35,000-$45,000.

 

Send cover letter, resume, and references to:

City of Ida Grove

Attn. Recreation Director

PO Box 236

Ida Grove, IA 51445

 

EOE

Position open until filled.

 

Community Survey

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Ida Grove is currently undergoing a planning process sponsored by Ida County Economic Development and facilitated by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.  The purpose of the process is to prioritize actions that will improve the quality, access, and affordability of housing.  We are seeking community input to develop a vision for improving housing, as well as to learn some of the opportunities and challenges with housing in the community.  Please click the link below to complete the survey.  Your response is appreciated!

https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7a0K2tdkTO6Jbdr

City Hall Stage 1 Reopening Effective June 16, 2020

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We are so excited to see you all again; however, we highly encourage all citizens to continue using the drop box for payments.  If you would like to come into City Hall for a receipt of payment, permit applications, begin new services, etc. please just give us a call and we would be happy to schedule you a time to stop in.  Notice our new doorbell just to the East of the main entrance – you may ring that for assistance!  Below is our stage 1 reopening plan.  

Stage 1 Re-opening

Stage 1 reopening represents modified operations.  City Hall will open to the public by appointment only on a modified schedule to allow for enhanced cleaning and social distancing accommodations and signage will be in place. Appointments must be made by calling City Hall at 364-2428.  Please ring the doorbell when you arrive at your appointment time and a staff member will assist you.  City Hall will limit the number of persons in the building to one at a time (not including staff members) in order to maintain social distancing in the vestibule area.  No visitors will be allowed behind the counter in the office area.  All business transactions must be completed through the front counter under the plexiglass pass-through window.  If a receipt is not requested, all payments should be placed in the appropriate container under the pass-through window.  Staff will wear gloves when making any exchange of paper or monies.  Children are not recommended in City Hall at this time but will only be allowed if accompanied by an adult.  Use of the Community Hall will remain closed to the general public.

City Hall staff will maintain a Monday-Friday 8AM – 4 PM modified schedule for the duration of stage 1 reopening in order to allow for extensive cleaning and sanitizing of all high use areas and workstations.  Staff will maintain social distancing, including keeping ample space during the course of normal work. Staff will perform enhanced hygiene measures such as wiping high touch areas, keyboards and workstations regularly throughout the day.  City Hall staff and visitors entering the facility are encouraged to follow CDC and public health guidelines on social distancing, washing hands/using hand sanitizer often and wearing masks will be required by staff and recommended by visitors when social distancing cannot be adhered to.

Outdoor Pool Rules/Guidelines as Approved by Council Friday, June 12, 2020

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Plan for operation of Ida Gove Outdoor Pool

Target opening date: Monday, June 22, 2020

Target close date: TBD

This will allow time to get staff hired and paperwork completed for them, plus pre-season meetings completed with extra training needed for new rules and regulations.

Cleaning and disinfection will be enhanced.  In addition to the regular lifeguard positions, there will be a guard on each shift with the role of being “deck monitor.”  They will be responsible for keeping people socially distanced.  They will also clean handrails and high touch points often.  Managers will be there as much as possible to help with those duties and to field questions/concerns.

Boxes around guard stations will be extended so that they do not have to wear a mask.

Hand sanitizer will be available at the front counter.

Social distancing is required IN AND OUT OF THE WATER.

When patrons enter the facility, they will state their name and a contact number.  The lifeguard working in the bath house will write it down in case contact tracing has to be done.

Spots 6 feet apart will be marked on the sidewalk for forming a line.

Once a patron leaves the facility, they will not be allowed back in during that time slot.

Deck chairs will not be available.  Patrons will have to bring their own, if they choose.  Spots will be marked on the deck to space everyone out at least 6 ft.  This will also be where patrons should go if the pool has to be cleared for a rescue or during a break.

There will be increased signage stating the risks of covid-19 and how to prevent it.

If a staff person becomes ill, they must report it immediately to managers and recreation director.

Patrons shall not gather in the changing rooms.

The following amenities will be closed: baby pool, slides

This is due to the inability to keep them sanitized effectively.  The baby pool is a fill and drain type of pool and it is difficult to keep between 2-4 ppm of chlorine throughout the day.  The slide has touch points all the way up and all the way down.  Plus, the slides were not inspected this year.  Not running the slides eliminates two guard positions.  Additionally, whoever is at the bottom catching is not able to socially distance and gets a face full of water and possibly spit on.

Diving board use will be limited.

There will be a limited number of 40 swimmers allowed for each session; first come, first served. We added an extra session to help spread out the crowds.  If we find that restrictions are required, we reserve the right to adjust accordingly, which may include limiting patrons to County or School District residence.

Due to a very limited season and there being a limit of swimmers in each session, passes will not be sold.  Daily admission will be per person and session and will be determined prior to opening for the season.

Monday-Friday

Lap Swim/Water Walking 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM (12:00 PM-12:30 PM clean)

Limited swimming 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM (2:30 PM -3:00 PM clean)

Limited swimming 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (5:00 PM-5:30 PM clean)

Limited swimming 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM (final cleaning after 7:30 PM)

 

Saturday & Sunday

Limited swimming 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (3:00 PM -3:30 PM clean)

Limited swimming 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (final cleaning after 5:30 PM)

Masks must be worn by staff when they are in the bath house.  Patrons shall wear a mask when social distancing cannot be accomplished.

Patrons shall not enter the facility if they have any of the covid-19 symptoms.

Nobody under the age of 12 will be admitted without an adult.  Those who are considered “babysitters” must be at least 16 years old.   Waivers may be required and will be determined prior to the opening date.

Lifeguards in the stand shall NEVER be responsible for policing social distancing and other covid-19 rules.

There will be no concessions or drinking fountain.  Water bottles with a closable lid will be allowed.  No glass water bottles will be allowed.

There will be no private parties.

There shall be no goggle sharing.

There will be no group swimming lessons.  Private lessons will be allowed if guards provide a plan to managers about how they will follow covid-19 guidelines.

Patrons will be removed if they are found spitting water or are found in violation of any pool guidelines, including but not limited to the updated guidelines for the 2020 season.

If we are notified that a staff person or patron has tested positive for covid-19, we reserve the right to close for no less than three days.

These rules, regulations and hours of operation may be modified at any time.

Fireworks Ordinance Reminder***

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The 4th of July will be here before we know it!  Please see the below information regarding the City of Ida Grove’s ordinance on fireworks.

 

Fireworks are allowed only during the following times:

(1) From the Saturday before July 4th until the Sunday after July 4th.

(2) Between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. with the exception of July 4th or any Saturday within the permitted days, the hours are expanded to be between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.

(3) Noon on December 31st until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st.

(4) The mayor, in consultation with the fire chief or any other persons, has the authority to suspend the use of fireworks during the above hours, when the mayor determines it is in the public interest to suspend the use of fireworks. A person shall not be convicted of a violation, for use during such suspension, unless it is proven that such person had actual knowledge of the suspension. Actual knowledge may be proven by testimony that the person was given a verbal warning. [Ord. 558 § 1, 2018; Code 1975 § 3-1.0403, 1975.]

A violation of this section is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00. The city also may enforce a violation of this section by any other lawful means including injunctive relief. [Ord. 558 § 1, 2018; Code 1975 § 3-1.0405, 1975.

For the full ordinance, please see the online city code here Online City Code or contact City Hall.

We’re Hiring!

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The City of Ida Grove is currently accepting applications to join our team as a part-time custodian.   Ideal candidates would have experience in performing custodial work.  This position will be responsible for cleaning and sanitizing offices, meeting areas, bathrooms, community hall, council chambers and other areas as needed.  Applications and complete job description for this position may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, Ida Grove, IA 51445.  Position open until filled.  Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Description

Employment Application

Thank you, Siouxland Community Foundation

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The City of Ida Grove applied and has been awarded a grant from the Siouxland Community Foundation (Ida County Community Betterment Foundation) in the amount of $9,000.  The grant award will go towards the purchase of two “Welcome Signs” on the East and West entrance of Ida Grove!  The City is extremely grateful for this award and we cannot wait to get started on the project!  The Ida Grove Public Library and the Ida Grove Rec Center also applied and were awarded funding for their projects.  Follow their social media pages for additional information!

Pictured left to right:  Lisa Witten – Ida County Community Betterment Foundation Board Member, Heather Sweeden – City Clerk, Devlun Whiteing – Mayor

Important Re-Opening Plans

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During the city council meeting held Monday, June 1, 2020 the following decisions were made:

  1. City playgrounds to open June 3, 2020
  2. City park restrooms opening June 3, 2020
  3. City Park and Cobb Park are open for recreational camping effective June 2, 2020
  4. Council will revisit the outdoor pool opening at the June 15, 2020 meeting (waiting for Governor Reynolds recommendation)
  5. Rec Center pool will open for water walking on June 8th – call the Rec Center for more details (712-364-3716)
  6. City ball fields opening June 2, 2020 with rules and guidelines put in place
  7. Yoga in the park has been approved
  8. Community rooms at City Hall and the Rec Center will remain closed at this time
  9. City Council will make effort to begin meeting in-person, with the public continuing to attend meetings via electronic means until further notice

Thank you for your continued support!

Campgrounds open to workers

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At the special city council meeting on Wednesday, May 13, 2020 the City Council discussed opening campgrounds to accommodate out of town workers.  The following motion was made:

Motion by McLead to open campgrounds subject to rules set forth by the Governor and that recreational camping will not begin until June 1, second by Jordan.  On a unanimous vote, motion carried.

 

 

COVID-19 Update – May 12, 2020

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The City of Ida Grove is aware of the first positive COVID-19 test in Ida County.  While the City has been operating under the presumption that cases already existed within the County and City limits, this announcement further emphasizes our need to practice social distancing and proper hygiene, while limiting our exposure to members outside of our immediate household as often as possible.  It is our intention, as a City, to help minimize the spread and advocate to our residence to help protect each other during these difficult times.  Not showing symptoms, should not give anyone the green-light to ignore the guidelines that have been set.  We are in this together, as one community, helping each other and especially protecting those most vulnerable from contracting this virus.  Wearing a mask, keeping your distance from others and not congregating in groups are simple measures that we can all take, that may just save someone’s life.  Please continue supporting these efforts and making sound decisions when in public.

 

Mayor

Devlun Whiteing

City Owned Parks Opening

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Council voted during their regular city council meeting on Monday, May 4, 2020 to open some portions of City owned parks and allow for recreational use as follows:

The City of Ida Grove Parks and Trails will be open to the public for recreation, but due to COVID-19 concerns playground equipment, restrooms, and picnic shelters will remained closed until further notice.  All drinking fountains will be turned off.  Tennis courts are closed due to the overhaul.  Basketball courts will be open to shoot baskets for members of the same household.  Team sports, pick up games and contact play are prohibited.

The city has installed caution tape around playground equipment; please stay off of it.    We are asking residents to do their part to keep family, friends, neighbors, and the community safe.  Signage will be posted at each park regarding the closures.  The City’s priority is protecting the health and safety of our residents and continue to serve the public.

When visiting a public space, use your best judgement and act responsibly. Bring your own sanitation supplies with you and adhere to recommended guidelines of keeping social gatherings to less than 10 people, with members of the same household, and observing social distancing standards of staying at least 6’ from others.  If you do not feel well or have been sick stay home.

From the Desk of the Mayor

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Important information from the desk of Ida Grove Mayor, Devlun Whiteing:

Lot’s of things happening this week. The city council met on Wednesday to discuss the opening of three city facilities. Rec Center, City Hall, and the Library. The council decided May 1st was too soon and we are setting a goal to have a partial reopen plan by May 15th. We want our employees and the community safe and have the right PPE and policies in place for our employees before we partially reopen. Stay tuned for more information. Reminder the Governor still has pools closed so our pools are closed until further notice.

With the Confirmed Covid-19 positive test at one of our manufacturing facilities, I have been talking to state senators, and our Ida County Emergency Management sent out an official request for a strike team to come to town to be proactive in our town and county on tests. No answers yet but as Mayor I am really pushing to get some more testing done around here. Hopefully we can get some proactive vs reactive testing done.

With the Governor’s plans to start Opening Iowa I really trust our local churches and businesses will have plans in place to follow exposure risks when they reopen. Social Distancing, Cleaning and extra cleaning, keeping the capacity to 50% and keeping people 6’ apart. Limiting the number of people to 10 or less in a group. We really need to do our part to keep ourselves and our community safe. The city is happy to work with these organizations to help them if needed. We appreciate our businesses in town and our churches. We want to reopen but want to do it safely.

I plan to work with the city council to open some green spaces in parks to encourage people to get out for some fresh air and help their mental health. I am personally trying to write a policy to open green spaces. Hopefully sooner than later.

I say this every week due to the importance of thanking all of our citizens for being strong and doing the things they need to do to keep our community safe. So many people have volunteered to help clean at facilities to help them reopen. We have a great town and great citizens.

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 Operated Facilities Update

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The Ida Grove City Council met last evening to discuss the reopening of City Operated Facilities. It was decided that the facilities shall remain closed to the public at this time. Council will re-evaluate mid-May to see where we stand case-wise to determine if it will be appropriate to open at that time. During the next couple weeks, the City will be working to finalize safety plans and securing PPE for staff prior to opening. On behalf of all City employees, elected officials and the Mayor: we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while we work out the best plan possible while keeping the best interest of everyone in mind.

Don’t Forget the Permit!

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With the weather getting nice, we know a lot of you want to get started on home improvement projects and just want to remind everyone that permitting is required as follows:

(1) Building Permits Required. No new construction or alterations to the exterior of buildings, including decks, patios, garages, carports, driveways, and paved (whether concrete or asphalt) parking spots may be made without first obtaining an approved building permit. Applications for building permits may be obtained from the city clerk’s office. A signed application for a building permit shall be returned to the city clerk’s office along with a required fee of $25.00 for each building permit requested. Building permits include all paving projects. The $25.00 permit fee is waived for all paving projects under 100 square feet in size. The building permit must be signed by the contractor or the property owner. The building permit shall not be considered approved until it has been signed by the city clerk, or the city clerk’s designee and either another clerk in the city office, the public works foreman or the public works foreman’s designee. The city clerk may, at his/her discretion, require approval from the planning and zoning chairman or the planning and zoning chairman’s designee.

Please visit the City’s online code at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ for the full code.  All person’s not adhering to the requirements are subject to municipal infractions.

Permit Application 

Iowa Foundation for Parks and Recreation

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The City of Ida Grove was recently notified of receipt of the 2020 Mini Grant through the Iowa Parks and Recreation Foundation.  The City was awarded $500 to go towards sprucing up the shelter house located at City Park.  The chimney has already been removed and the roof has been patched.  Next steps in the project are to replace rotting boards and re-paint the shelter house.  We look forward to seeing the finished project by late Summer and are grateful for the generosity of the Foundation for the funding assistance.