Trees Please!

As most of you know, the Ida Grove City Park is full of ash trees, which are subject to the Emerald Ash Borer.  Knowing this, the City applied for the Trees Please! grant through MidAmerican Energy and was recently informed of grant award!  The typical award amount for this grant is $1,000; however, the City of Ida Grove was awarded $2,000 in funding towards the project!  Thank you to MidAmerican Energy and the Trees Please! grant for this wonderful opportunity to plant some new tree species in the City Park!  We look forward to beginning this project!

Paint Iowa Beautiful

The City of Ida Grove recently applied for a paint grant in order to spruce up the City’s pump house located on Iowa Street.  We are proud to announce that the Paint Iowa Beautiful Foundation has notified the City of award of 6 gallons of paint for the beautification project!  We look forward to getting the project underway as the weather warms up!

Meals On Wheels

Please see attached pdf regarding meal information for seniors:  Meal Flyer

Message to the Citizens of Ida Grove

The City of Ida Grove has received several complaints about suspicious and/or illegal activity going on in Ida Grove.  These complaints have been shared to City Hall, Council Members, and the Mayor by concerned citizens.   The City met with the Sheriff’s Office this week.  We assure you we are working on this issue.  The one thing we all can do is report any illegal or suspicious activity directly to the Sheriff’s Office at 712-364-3146.  We need to get every call documented in real time, not the next day or a week after.  The City and the Sheriff’s Department are working together to resolve this.

Upgrading Ida Grove

We thought we would spread some cheer today and share with you all the new and exciting things happening in town.  This week, Godbersen-Smith Construction began work on the tennis courts located in City Park.  The finished project will feature 1 tennis court and 2 pickle ball courts.  The upgrade is from a very generous donation from the Godbersen Foundation!

Also happening this week is the beginning of construction work to install the last set of lights at the ball complex by the High School.  A big Thank You to the Ida Grove Kiwanis for their hard work and dedication to get this upgrade completed!

Beat Nebraska!

As of the most current response rates, Iowa (51.8%) is leading over Nebraska (51.7%) in census responses; but not by much!  Responding to the 2020 census is the perfect way for all the Iowa, Iowa State and UNI fans to come together and BEAT NEBRASKA! visit 2020census.gov to respond today!

As an additional fun fact, the national response rate is 46.2% with Iowa at 51.8% and Ida Grove at 58%  Thank you to all of our citizens who have responded already and are doing their part to help shape Ida Grove’s future!

Happy Census Day!

Did you know today is Census Day?  Do your part by responding to the Census TODAY.  Keep in mind, April 1 is the designated date used to answer the many expected questions for various living situations.  For example, children born or before April 1, 2020 should be counted during this census.  If you move during 2020, where you slept on the evening of April 1, 2020 is the address you should use when completing the census.

Census workers have delayed door-to-door approaches at this time due to COVID-19, however, in the future, if you don’t want a knock at your door, you can respond to the Census Bureau soon by one of the following options:  visiting: my2020census.gov.   Or by phone: 844-330-2020.  Or by returning your mailer that was sent out to all addresses.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of our community!

 

Electronic Meeting Instructions

As part of the City’s effort to keep all citizens safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, all meetings of the City Council, Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning Commission and any other sub committees or City Government boards/commission’s will be held electronically until further notice.  As usual, the agenda’s will continue to be posted on the website under Government –> City Council Minutes –> Agendas and also on the City’s Facebook page.  Attached are instructions you may use to call in or attend the meeting via cell phone, computer or tablet.  All person’s wanting to participate in the meeting by speaking must address the Mayor (or presiding officer) by stating their name and what they would like to speak on.  Once the Mayor has given permission to continue, all discussions are asked to be limited to 2 minutes per person.  Thank you!  Electronic Meeting Instructions

Public Announcement

Mayor Whiteing made an announcement via Facebook Live at 6:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2020.  For a transcript of the announcement, click HERE.

Have you submitted your 2020 Census Questionnaire?

If you have not submitted your 2020 Census Questionnaire, now is the perfect time to do it!  It only requires about 10 minutes or less of your time.  The Census Bureau has made it easier than ever to respond; by phone, online or mail.  Visit 2020census.gov to submit online – all you need is your Census ID which was provided to everyone by mail!  Your community is counting on YOU to respond as the information aides in funding numerous programs for your community such as grant opportunities, money for street repairs, money for schools/hospitals, etc.  As of today, the national census response rate is 16.7% with Iowa having a response rate of 21.6% – let’s keep those responses coming! 

Ida Grove Food Pride***

Message From Pat Phillips:  Ida Grove Food Pride will be doing a major restocking of products tomorrow morning, March 20, 2020.  The store will be closed from 7am-10am to allow staff to practice social distancing from one another while restocking shelves.  On behalf of Pat and the staff at Food Pride:  Thank you community members for your patience and understanding!

Flush This —–> Not That!

During this time of uncertainty, we would like to provide a little humor, all while being totally honest!  The struggle is real for some residents and families who have found they are running low and are in need of one very important (and very hard to find these days) product….TOILET PAPER!  With that said, we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to protect City infrastructure as well as protecting your own home and investments.  Even if items say they are “flushable” please DO NOT put them down your toilet as they do not dissolve and disintegrate the way toilet paper does.  These other “flushable” products will eventually clog your pipes and could cause raw sewage to back up in your home!

Important City Updates

The City Council held an emergency meeting this morning at 8:00 am to discuss proactive measures regarding COVID-19.  As a result of the meeting, the following decisions were made:

City Hall is closed to the public, effective immediately, until further notice.  If you need assistance, please call City Hall at 712-364-2428.  All payments/correspondence can be dropped off in the drop box located directly outside of City Hall.

The Rec Center is closed to the public as of close of business tonight

The Library is closed to the public as of close of business tonight

 

These were not easy decisions for the Council to make – but they did so with our community’s best interest at heart.  All events/meetings that were scheduled at the above places have also been cancelled or postponed.  Please follow the City’s website and Facebook page for further updates.  You may subscribe to receive updates at www.idagroveia.com

We thank you all for your understanding during this uncertain time!

 

Important Notice – Utility Bill

City Hall has been made aware of some residents not receiving their monthly utility bill.  Bills are due on the 15th of the month and balance due can be obtained by contacting City Hall at 364-2428 if you have not received your bill.  We apologize for the inconvenience! 

Learn How the Census Helps Your Community!

Mark your calendars for April 1, 2020 and record your information for the 2020 Census!  Information about the 2020 Census will be mailed to most addresses beginning in mid-March 2020. People can respond online, by mail or by phone. If no response is received, a census taker will come to your home to follow up in person.  The 2020 Census is vital for communities across the world.  The results of the census help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding is distributed to states and communities every year.  For more information, please visit https://2020census.gov and find out how YOU can help your community!

Final day for pet licensing at discounted rate!

Stop into City Hall today and get your pet license at a discounted rate!

Any owner of a dog or cat within the city limits is required to license the animal the first of each year or when the animal has reached the age of six months. The owner must license the animal within 60 days of moving to town or within 60 days of obtaining a new pet at the January to February rates. The owner will need to provide the breed, sex, color, markings and name of each animal as well as the address and phone number of the owner. It is the responsibility of the owner to present proof the animal being licensed is incapable of breeding, if applicable. The owner must also provide proof of a current rabies vaccination in order to license the animal. The fees for licensing dogs and cats are as follows:

JANUARY 1 – FEBRUARY 28    $10.00 If Altered  $15.00 if Unaltered
MARCH 1-DECEMBER 31    $20.00 if Altered    $25.00 if Unaltered

St. Patty’s Day Celebration!

Come out and have some fun on Saturday, March 14, 2020!  Proceeds will support the annual Heritage Days event held the last weekend in June.  The Committee has a great evening planned for all ages. Grab some friends, make plans to attend and get your tickets today!!!

Firemen Bell

Photo Credit:  Amy Forbes

The Firemen Bell was officially hung in Godbersen Park this morning!  Thank you to all who have contributed to this project along the way!  Thanks to Ladwig Construction (Ross Ladwig) and John Tietsort for assisting Public Works hang the bell.  This project was one that could not have been completed without many hands from the community and we appreciate all of you!

Resolution 2020-9 Approving the Maximum Property Tax Dollars Requested for FY21

 

 Shown above is Resolution 2020-9 A Resolution Approving the Maximum Property Tax Dollars Requested for Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021

Maximum Levy Hearing Notice

Per SF 634 – a public hearing will be held in the City Council Chambers on 2-18-2020 at 5:30 PM on the proposed maximum property tax dollars from certain levies.  Residents and taxpayers of the City may 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 (2-5-2020) and on the City of Ida Grove Facebook page in addition to the website.

Max Levy Hearing Notice Attachment

 

Updated Utility Bills

The City of Ida Grove’s utility bills got a fresh, new look! Bills are heading to the Post Office today, so be on the lookout for the new RED color!

City Hall Closing

City Hall will be closing at 2:00 pm today due to the inclement weather.  Stay safe, Ida Grove.

Happy New Year – 2020

City Hall will be closing at 11:30 am on Tuesday, December 31st and will be closed Wednesday, January 1st for New Years.  We wish you all a healthy and Happy New Year.  We look forward to seeing you next year when we re-open on Thursday, January 2, 2020!

Merry Christmas

City Hall will be closing at 11:30 am today and will be closed all day December 25, 2019 for Christmas.  The Mayor, Elected Officials and City Staff would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

 

Happy Thanksgiving, Ida Grove!

City Hall will be closed Thursday, November 28th and Friday, November 29th.  We hope you all enjoy time with friends and family and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Water and Sewer Rates

The final reading of Ordinance 576 – Water and Sewer Rate Increase was passed and approved at the regular city council meeting held Monday, November 18, 2019.  This is a courtesy notice that the new rates will go into effect for bills dated on or after January 1, 2020.  For the full ordinance change, please see attached link.  Ordinance 576

Holiday Spirit!

City Crew Members, Bob Lorenzen and Kris Taylor, taking advantage of this beautiful Fall day by getting Ida Grove ready for the holidays.

Billing Due Date Extension

City Council has met and voted to offer an extension on the due date for utility bills normally due November 15, 2019.  All City utility bills for this month will now be due by November 21, 2019.  A late fee will be applied to any and all bills that remain unpaid after the 21st.  Shut off notice dates will remain unchanged for any and all bills unpaid after November 30, 2019.

City Election Results

Congratulations to the following 5 individuals on being elected to serve as Ida Grove City Councilmen!

Jason Schable – Councilman At-Large, 2 year term

Jared Bogue – Councilman At-Large, 4 year term

Gregor Ernst – Councilman Ward I, 4 year term

Ryan Jordan – Councilman Ward II, 2 year term

Reynold McLead – Councilman Ward III, 4 year term

We appreciate your commitment to serve our community.  Living Forward. Giving Back. 

Delayed Delivery of Utility Bills

City Hall staff have been working with the United States Post Office in order to track down everyone’s utility bills.  Utility bills were mailed out on October 31st, but we confirmed yesterday that the bills were still in Des Moines.  USPS said today that citizens should receive their bill by the end of the week.  We apologize for any inconvenience.

Join Us For A Community Meeting!

When:  Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5-6 pm

Where:  Ida Grove City Council Chambers

The elected officials of the City of Ida Grove would like to invite citizens to attend an informational meeting on Monday, October 21, 2019 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.  The meeting will provide insight and education on the proposed water and sewer projects and a review of the cost associated with the projects.

We Want You!

The Planning and Zoning Commission, an advisory body to the City Council, is in need of a volunteer to fill the vacant seat on their board.  This is a fantastic opportunity for citizens to become involved and give back to the community!  The commission meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.  We encourage citizens to consider this opportunity and contact City Hall for more information at 712-364-2428.

City Council Election Deadline


The City of Ida Grove has 5 openings to fill within the City Council. The Ward I, II and III positions are up for election this November, as well as two City Council At Large Positions. At this time, there is no one running for the Ward II seat; we encourage citizens within Ward II to become involved. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in getting involved with local government and making a difference in their community. All interested parties are encouraged to contact Ida Grove City Hall at 712-364-2428 for more information or stop in to City Hall. Nomination paperwork can be picked up Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm from Ida Grove City Hall. The deadline for returning nomination paperwork to City Hall is 5 pm on Thursday September 19, 2019. Don’t delay, make a positive impact in your community today!

Caution: Chemical Spraying

Public Works crew members will be spraying for weeds over the next several weeks at City parks as well as other City property. These flags will be placed in all areas being sprayed, please refrain from walking through areas where this flag is present.

 

Join the City of Ida Grove’s Team at the Farmer’s Market

Join the City of Ida Grove staff and officials as they serve a delicious meal at the September 5th Farmer’s Market in downtown Ida Grove! Menu will include chili, cinnamon rolls and hot dogs. Please join us from 4:30-6:30 for this fundraiser!

Ida Grove Welcomes New Council Member

Mayor Devlun Whiteing welcomed the newest addition to the City Council Team on Wednesday August 21, 2019. Reynold McLead was appointed by the Ida Grove City Council to fill the Ward III Council vacancy created by former Council Member Scott Tomlinson moving out of the ward’s boundaries. McLead is not new to local government and comes to the Council after serving as the Chair of the City’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Because McLead’s appointment is to fill a vacancy, his seat will be up for election this coming November. McLead reports that he intends to run for the open office at that time and is excited to serve the City in this capacity.

Council Members Needed – Make A Difference in Your Community

The City of Ida Grove has 5 openings to fill within the City Council. The Ward I, II and III positions are up for election this November, as well as two City Council At Large Positions. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in getting involved with local government and making a difference in their community. All interested parties are encouraged to contact Ida Grove City Hall at 712-364-2428 for more information or stop in to City Hall. Nomination paperwork can be picked up Monday through Friday 8 am-5 pm from Ida Grove City Hall. The deadline for returning nomination paperwork to City Hall is 5 pm on Thursday September 19, 2019. Don’t delay, make a positive impact in your community today!

Last Chance – Household Hazardous Waste Unit Coming to Ida Grove

The household hazardous waste mobile unit will be coming to Ida Grove on Wednesday August 21, 2019 from 4-5:30pm. This is an excellent opportunity to get rid of all those hazardous items you may have hanging around your house but only a few spots remain so call City Hall at 712-364-2428 immediately to reserve your spot! Disposal cost is $2.50 per pound and the City pays for the first $25.00 – you just pay the remainder (if any)!

Are You Eligible for Help With Home Improvements?

Ida County still has openings for residents to participate in the Western Iowa Community Improvement Regional Housing Trust Fund. For more information, please contact SIMPCO at 712-279-6286. 

Heritage Days Committee Meeting – July 23, 2019 @ 5:30 p.m.

Heritage Days 2019 is done and in the books, and planning for the 2020 event will soon be underway! The Heritage Days Committee is meeting on Tuesday July 23rd, 2019 to hear feedback, gain community input and gather suggestions for the coming year’s celebration. The community is invited to attend to share their thoughts and feelings on the event so that planning for the 2020 season can start. New members are welcomed and encouraged as it takes many hands to make an event like this possible. Please consider joining us and sharing your feedback and time!!

 

Ida County Sets Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Meeting for July 24 – Public Invited

City Council Openings

2019 will be an election year for the Ida Grove City Council Ward I, II and III positions, as well as a City Council At Large Position. All interested parties are encouraged to contact Ida Grove City Hall for more information. Nomination papers are currently available at Ida Grove City Hall and can be returned starting August 26th, 2019. All nomination paperwork must be turned in to City Hall before 5 pm on Thursday September 19, 2019. For questions or more information, please contact City Hall at 364-2428.

 

Water Quality – 2018 Consumer Confidence Report Now Available

Check out the 2018 Consumer Confidence Report available now from the City of Ida Grove:

 

 

2018 WATER QUALITY REPORT

FOR

IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY

 

This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The source of our water is groundwater.   Our water quality testing shows the following results:

 

CONTAMINANT MCL – (MCLG) Compliance Date Violation Source
Type Value & (Range) Yes/No
Total Trihalomethanes (ppb) [TTHM] 80   (N/A) LRAA 5.00 08/20/2018 No By-products of drinking water chlorination
Copper (ppm) AL=1.3   (1.3) 90th 0.58 (ND – 0.67) 2016 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; Erosion of natural deposits; Leaching from wood preservatives
Lead (ppb) AL=15   (0) 90th 0.00 (ND – 210)

1 sample exceeded AL

2016 No Corrosion of household plumbing systems; erosion of natural deposits
950 – DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Chlorine (ppm) MRDL=4.0   (MRDLG=4.0) RAA 0.9 (0.6 – 1.1) 12/31/2018 No Water additive used to control microbes
04 – WELLS #7 & 8, AT LOW RENT HOUSING
Sodium (ppm) N/A   (N/A) SGL 9.5 06/27/2018 No Erosion of natural deposits; Added to water during treatment process
Fluoride (ppm) 4   (4) SGL 0.78 (0.7 – 0.78) 05/21/2018 No Water additive which promotes strong teeth;  Erosion of natural deposits;  Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate [as N] (ppm) 10   (10) SGL 7.60 (5.9 – 7.60) 12/18/2018 No Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Atrazine (ppb) 3   (3) SGL 0.20 08/05/2015 No Runoff from herbicide used on row crops

 

 

Note: Contaminants with dates indicate results from the most recent testing done in accordance with regulations.

 

DEFINITIONS

 

  • Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) – The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.
  • Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) — The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
  • ppb — parts per billion.
  • ppm — parts per million.
  • N/A – Not applicable
  • ND — Not detected
  • RAA – Running Annual Average
  • Action Level (AL) – The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) – The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
  • Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) – The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
  • SGL – Single Sample Result
  • RTCR – Revised Total Coliform Rule

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants.  The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water posed a health risk.  More information about contaminants or potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.  Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.  EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children.  Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing.  IDA GROVE WATER UTILITY is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components.  When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.  If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested.  Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

 

ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

 

Infants and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population.  It is possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.  If you are concerned about elevated lead levels in your home’s water, you may wish to have your water tested and flush your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using tap water.  Additional information is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

 

Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age.  High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome.  Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity.  If you are caring for an infant, you should ask advice from your health care provider.

 

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

 

This water supply obtains its water from the sand and gravel of the Alluvial aquifer.  The Alluvial aquifer was determined to be highly susceptible to contamination because the characteristics of the aquifer and overlying materials provide little protection from contamination at the land surface.  The Alluvial wells will be highly susceptible to surface contaminants such as leaking underground storage tanks, contaminant spills, and excess fertilizer application.  A detailed evaluation of your source water was completed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and is available from the Water Operator at 712-364-2989   .

 

CONTACT INFORMATION

 

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 Mondays of each month at 6:00pm at 403 Third Street and are open to the public.

 

Please note this report will not be mailed to individual customers, to obtain a copy please stop at City Hall, 403 Third Street, Ida Grove, Ia., or you may view a copy on the city website at www.idagrove.com

 

Check out the Ida Grove City Code online!!

The City of Ida Grove’s ordinances can be found online at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ . All Ida Grove City Codes are easily searchable and available in this one place. It is now easier than ever to get answers to your local law questions. This is a great resource for residents so check it out, today!

City Council Opening – Ward 3

The City of Ida Grove has an opening on the City Council for the Ward 3 position, due to a council member moving out of the ward. City Council positions are vital to the operations of local government. Anyone interested in the position is encourage to contact City Hall at 364-2428 or stop into the office in person, for more information. Thank you!

Help Needed for Heritage Days!

The Heritage Days Committee is still in need of volunteers to help at food stands this weekend! Volunteers needed Friday evening @ Cobb Park from 4 until 6 or 7 pm. Volunteers needed Saturday @ City Park for the following shifts: 10:30-12:30, 12:30-2:30 and 2:30-4:30. Please call City Hall at 712-364-2428 if you can help out. Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping make this event possible!!!

2019 Ida Grove Heritage Days

Make plans to attend Ida Grove’s annual town festival and help us celebrate 40 wonderful years of family fun!!! The festivities kick-off on Thursday June 27th and will continue through Sunday the 30th!! See you in Castletown!!

Volunteers Needed!

Heritage Days is in need of volunteers to help fill spots at the food stand at City Park on Saturday June 28th!! Please contact City Hall to sign up for either the 10:30-12:30 shift or the 12:30-2:30 shift. This is one of Heritage Day’s biggest fundraisers and all help is much appreciated!!

PUBLIC NOTICE: BUDGET AMENDMENT