Service Line Inventory Letters
EPA/Iowa DNR: Lead Service Line Inventory Letters
The City of Ida Grove sent letters out last week to inform some of our residents about the service line material at their home. This letter was not a reflection on the Ida Grove water quality but is an effort to inform the public that the water service line that runs from the public water main to their home may have at one time contained lead. Lead water lines were used in older houses but many of those lines have been replaced.
In an effort to update water service line infrastructure throughout the country, the DNR and EPA are requiring communities to conduct a review of their current records. Our service records are based on notes from previous operators over many decades and may no longer be accurate. If homeowners have updated water line material to their home, please let us know by contacting City Hall at (712)364-2428 or email Luke at [email protected]. We are required to submit and maintain a current record on the state’s portal system. We must also notify any homeowners if we are not certain that the waterline feeding their house is or ever was lead or downstream of plumbing containing lead.
The letters that were sent out last week were to update the residents of our findings. Over the next 3 years the city will be updating records by contacting residents and performing onsite confirmation of the service line material. In some cases, the service line will have to be exposed through excavation at the property. If the line is confirmed to be made of lead, then the line will be replaced.
Closed 11-11-24 For Veterans Day
City Hall will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2024, in observance of Veterans Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
Tree Removal Bid Invitation
Tree Bid Invitation Announcement
The City of Ida Grove invites the submission of sealed bids from qualified contractors for tree removal from city right-of-way. The job entails removing 29 marked trees in various locations in the city. Bid specifications can be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street Ida Grove, IA, by request through mail or email, or you may view the link below.
Click Here For Bid Specifications
City Hall at 712-364-2428.
Sealed bids must be received no later than 3:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024.
Public Input Questionnaire 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan
PAPER COPIES ARE AVAILABLE AT CITY HALL.
City Hall Closed 9-2-2024
City Hall will be closed on Monday, September 2, 2024, in observance of Labor Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, September 3, 2024.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Partial Trail Closure
A portion of the Pleasant Valley Trail will be closed for pipe replacement work that has begun on the western side of town. We anticipate this closure to last over the next 2 – 4 weeks. The pedestrian/bike bridge will still be accessible to cross. We apologize for any inconvenience and hope to get this opened back up as soon as possible. The pink highlighted portion of the map below is where the closure of the trail will approximately be located.
Congratulations On Your Retirement!
On August 18, 2024, the Ida Grove Fire Department held a celebration of retirement for 3 of their long term firefighters. Don Wunschel 50 years, Terry Lovett 47.5 years, and Rick Wonder 34 years. Thank you for all of your dedication and service! Congratulations on your retirement!
Pictured from left to right are as follows: Scott Vandusen-Fire Chief, Terry Lovett, Rick Wonder, Don Wunschel, and Lonnie Newhall from the Iowa Firefighters Association.
Have You Seen This Dog?
****UPDATE****
ROSIE HAS BEEN FOUND
Rosie, who is blind and deaf, wandered away from her property on Sunday night around 5pm. Rosie is wearing a collar with her owners information. If you know her whereabouts, please contact Jodi Miller.
FY25 Street Repair Bids
The City of Ida Grove invites you to bid on FY25 street repairs. Bid sheets may be obtained at City Hall, 403 3rd Street, on our website at www.idagroveia.com or by email request at [email protected]
Click Here For 2024 Concrete Patching Bid Form
Click Here For 2024 Asphalt & Crack Seal Bid Forms
Each bid must be in ink or typed and mailed or delivered sealed to the following address no later than July 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm:
City of Ida Grove
Attn: Street Repair Bid
403 3rd Street
PO Box 236
Ida Grove, IA 51445
Bids will be opened during the July 15, 2024 City Council meeting at 5:30 pm.
The successful bidder must provide a Certificate of Liability Insurance.
Any questions can be directed to Gerrod Sholty, City Crew Foreman/Street Superintendent, by calling the Maintenance Shop at 712-364-2989.
The City of Ida Grove has the right to refuse any, any part, or all bids.
Heather Sweeden, City Clerk
Closed 7/4/2024
City Hall will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024, in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Friday, July 5th.
Have a safe and happy 4th!
Looking For A Home
On the evening of June 20, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office picked up a dog running at large. This animal has not been claimed as of today, June 27, 2024. The city is allowed to keep animals for a maximum of seven days. The city has made numerous attempts to contact animal shelters and find a new home for this handsome boy to no avail. This is our final effort to find a wonderful home for this guy. Please share and help us save this dog!
Heritage Days Kick Off 2024
Heritage Days officially begins today, June 27, 2024! The afternoon looks to be amazing, so come on down to Godbersen Park and check out all of the local Farmer’s Market vendors, AND to take a night off from cooking! The Pork Producers will be grilling burgers and hot dogs with the City of Ida Grove serving!
***UPDATE*** OWNER FOUND** Lost Dogs 6-18-24
On 6/18/2024, the City of Ida Grove picked up 2 lost dogs found along 2nd Street, near Horn Physicians Clinic. The black and white one is a male, and the beagle mix is female. If anyone has any information on the owner(s), please contact City Hall at 364-2428.
2024 Outdoor Pool Season
THERE’S NO LIFE LIKE POOL LIFE! 
Tomorrow, May 24th, 2024, the outdoor pool will officially be open for the season!
Hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – Saturday 1PM – 5PM and 7PM – 9PM
Sunday 1PM – 6PM
Lap Swim/Water Walking Monday – Friday 12pm – 1pm & 6pm – 7pm
Shout out to the Ida Grove Public Works Department for their hard work in getting the pool ready for the season!
Click Here To View Outdoor Pool Admission Fees
City Hall Closed Memorial Day
City Hall will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
Have a safe and happy holiday!
Unauthorized Motor Vehicles Prohibited
9.30.110 & 12.60.010 – 12.60.080 The City of Ida Grove would like to remind residents that motor vehicles are not allowed anywhere along the flood control or Pleasant Valley Trail. These motor vehicles include, but are not limited to; mopeds, dirt bikes, golf carts, ATV’s, and UTV’s. It shall be unlawful for anyone to operate these unauthorized vehicles in the aforementioned areas. We ask that you contact local law enforcement if such activities are taking place. Violations could result in fines, penalties, and/or other legal action.
Emergency Alerts, Delivered Directly To You!
Did you know? You can sign up to receive important alerts delivered directly to you via call, text and/or email.
The City of Ida Grove has partnered with Ida County to utilize Alert Iowa’s messaging system. Visit Iowa’s Homeland Security & Emergency Management website, linked below, and choose from one of three ways to register for an account today! You may opt into receiving alerts that are pertinent to you for the town you reside in or all towns within Ida County. The alerts may include notifications such as boil advisories & severe weather warnings.
City Hall Ribbon Cutting & Open House
Join us on Monday, April 15, 2024 at 3:00pm for the newly constructed City Hall ribbon cutting!
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, there will be an open house until 5:00pm for the public.
We look forward to seeing you!
Lead & Copper Sampling
Last year a new well was added to the water system. The City of Ida Grove is required to increase monitoring of Lead and Copper to assess how the new water may affect the metal pipes in the distribution system. To help locate qualifying sites to monitor the water we have provided a short survey to see if your home meets the DNR’s monitoring criteria. These sample sites are needed this month because samples are due back to the DNR in June and a follow up round of samples are due by December.
Please fill out the form even if your home doesn’t qualify. The EPA has implemented new Lead service line inventory monitoring. This form will also help the city update our records for the lead service inventory in October.
The sampling process is simple for the lead and copper testing. A labeled bottle will be filled with a cold-water kitchen or bath faucet in the morning after at least 6 hours without flow. This sample would be picked up by city staff that morning.
FY25 Proposed Budget Adoption
The City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed FY25 budget at City Hall, located at 403 3rd Street, at 5:30 p.m. on April 15, 2024.
2024 Grass Clipping Notice
Grass Clipping Notice
The City of Ida Grove reminds residents not to blow grass clippings into city streets or alleys to prevent clogging of city storm drains. Leaving grass clippings in any street or alley is considered a “nuisance” and also includes debris such as leaves, brush, nails, glass, or rubbish of any kind. The placing of debris, including grass clippings, on streets and alleys could lead to violators being charged for clean-up per City Code 12.30.030. Placing Debris on Streets, Violation and Abatement.
2024 Permit Notice
Permit Notice
This serves as a reminder to all property owners and contractors that permits are required prior to beginning any construction or maintenance on projects such as: water, sanitary sewer, building construction, etc. Please visit the online city code at https://idagrove.municipal.codes/ or contact City Hall if you are unsure if a permit is required in order to avoid penalties.
Water Discoloration
Many of the changes in the water you’re seeing lately are due to introducing the new well into the City water system. As with any change, it takes some time to work out all the kinks. We are aware of and working to address the color in the water. The discoloration is produced by iron presence in the water being oxidized by the chlorine that is used to disinfect the system. The colored water is not harmful for human consumption and will settle out. The well output has been reduced from the new well to reduce the amount of iron moving in the system. This is similar to the effects of hydrant flushing.
We assure you regular tests are being performed and passed per Iowa DNR requirements.
FY25 Proposed Property Tax Public Hearing Notice
A public hearing will be held at Ida Grove City Hall on 4/01/2024 at 5:00 PM on the proposed property tax levy. The attached notice has been published in the Ida County Courier (3/20/2024), and on the City of Ida Grove, Recreation Center, Library, and the Fire Department Facebook pages in addition to the website.
Click Here To View Proposed Property Tax Levy
Lost Dog 3/6/2024
The City of Ida Grove has picked up a male dog found along 7th Street. If anyone has any information on this dog’s owner, please contact City Hall at 364-2428. If outside of normal business hours (8 am to 4 pm), contact the Ida County Sheriffs Office at 364-3146.
City Hall Moving Time!
IT’S MOVING TIME – NOTICE OF CITY HALL CLOSURE
We are excited to announce the construction completion of City Hall! We will be closed on Monday, March 11 and Tuesday, March 12 while we transition into the new building. All City Hall business will be conducted at our new location, 403 3rd Street effective March 13. Also effective March 13, the payment drop box will be relocated from the Rec Center to the east side of the new building. The drop-box will be drive-through accessible by entering the parking lot from Main Street & following through to the exit on 3rd Street. We appreciate everyone’s patience while we transition. Be on the lookout for publication of our open house date!
Cat & Dog License Discount Rate Ends Tomorrow!
Stop into City Hall and get your pet registered at the discounted rate!
Discount rate ends TOMORROW!
All dogs & cats over SIX months old must be licensed.
January 1 – February 29 $10.00 altered $15.00 not altered
March 1 – December 31 $15.00 altered $20.00 not altered
City Hall Closed Monday 2-19-24
City Hall will be closed on Monday, February 19, 2024, in observance of President’s Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
2024 Dog & Cat License Reminder
Reminder that all dogs & cats over SIX months old MUST be licensed.
Proof of vaccination is required at time of licensing.
City Code 6.10.020 – License Required
Fees: January 1 – February 29, (leap year) $10 if spayed or neutered.
$15 if not spayed or neutered.
For the remainder of the year (March 1 – December 31)
$20 if spayed or neutered, $25 if not spayed or neutered.
Dogs & Cats need to have their license tags on their collar for identification purposes; this allows the City to assist in reuniting a lost dog or cat with its owner.
By order of the City Council of Ida Grove.
Iowa Home Repair Pilot Program Application
Iowa Home Repair Pilot Program Application Now AvailableIowa Finance Authority (IFA) has announced that the application portal for the Iowa Home Repair Pilot Program (HRPP) is now OPEN. The application portal will remain open for applications through January 31, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., subject to available funding. The primary goal of the HRPP is to prevent homeowner displacement by assisting with home repairs to maintain the habitability of the home. Up to $35,000 to assist with repairs including but not limited to: drainage, septic, wells, electrical or plumbing systems, foundation repair, asbestos removal, HVAC repair or replacement, lead hazard reduction, mold remediation, radon mitigation, widening of doorways/hallways, installation of non-portable ramp(s) or lift(s), window replacement, siding, roofing, soffit, fascia, gutters and/or ventilation, if necessary. Please note that applicants must have had someone in the household experience a financial hardship after January 21, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This could be reduction in income or increase in living expenses due to job loss, fewer work hours, paying more in childcare, illness, or being unable to work because you had to care for a family member. Homeowners are encouraged to take the precheck to determine preliminary eligibility. Once determined eligible to apply, homeowners are then encouraged to submit an application online. Both precheck and application can be found at iowafinance.com/repair. Once the case review team reviews the application to ensure all documentation is complete and verifies eligibility, eligible household applications will be referred to SIMPCO’s Housing Division to oversee the repair process on a first come, first ready basis. Please contact SIMPCO Housing Manager, Jenny Anderson, if you have any questions regarding the program process at [email protected] or by calling 712-279-6286. Iowa Homeowner Assistance Fund Team Contact: *Funding assistance subject to income eligibility |
City Hall Closing Early
City Hall Holiday Hours
Friday, 12/29/2023 8a.m. to Noon
Monday, 1/1/2024 Closed
Tuesday, 1/2/24 we will resume normal business hours .
Lost Dog
The City of Ida Grove just picked up a black lab with no collar that was running near Brownies. If anyone has any information on this dog’s owner, please contact City Hall at 712-364-2428.
City Hall Holiday Hours
City Hall Holiday Hours
Friday, December 22 8 am – Noon
Monday, December 25 Closed
Friday, December 29 8 am – Noon
Monday, January 1 Closed
City Council Chambers Memorial Donation
The Robert and Kathryn Spotts family presented a generous donation in the amount of $25,000.00 to furnish the newly constructed City Council Chambers. The donation is in honor of the late Robert Spotts, who served on City Council from 1972-1979. His wife Kathryn, also assisted in many elections. The Council Chambers will be completed with a plaque in honor of Robert and Kathryn.
Back row left to right: Councilman Jared Bogue, Mayor Nathan Weitl, Councilman Jeff Miesner, Councilman Gregor Ernst, Stacy Ernst, and Julie Mauer.
Front row left to right: City Clerk Heather Sweeden, Teresa Lansink, Kathryn Spotts, Janna Thompson, and Councilwoman Angela Johnson.
Notice of Scheduled Repair/Maintenance 11-29-23
IF YOU WERE NOT NOTIFIED VIA DOOR HANGER, THEN THIS NOTICE DOES NOT PERTAIN TO YOU.
Notice of Scheduled Repair/Maintenance
The City of Ida Grove will be removing a broken water main valve and a small section of water main in the 700 block of South main street on Wednesday, November 29.
This work will require a Boil advisory for a section of South Main Street, from the 300 block to the 700 block. You may use the water, but do not drink, cook or consume the water without boiling.
The advisory will be in effect from:
8am November 29th until noon November 30th.
City Hall Closed 11/23 & 11/24
City Hall will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 23, and also on Friday, November 24. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, November 27, 2023. City staff would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving Day.
Burning Regulations
13.25.150 (8) 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.
Click Here To View Burning Regulations
Snowmobile Routes & Regulations
10.60.020 – 10.60.030 The City of Ida Grove reminds residents that snowmobiles may be operated upon streets that have not been plowed during the snow season. Also, snowmobiles may be driven in alleys to and from Fifth Street. Remember to keep to the right-hand curb when operating snowmobiles on Fifth and Rohwer Streets.
NO snowmobiles are allowed in the city park, playground, Pleasant Valley Trail, city levees or upon any other publicly owned property.
Please NEVER operate snowmobiles on private property without permission from the owner. Fines for traveling in prohibited places could be up to $100.
No one under 16 years of age shall operate a snowmobile on or across a public street.
Snowmobiles cannot be operated between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. except for emergency situations or for loading and unloading from a trailer.
Click Here To View Snowmobile Routes & Regulations
City Plow Trucks
City Plow Truck for Sale
The City of Ida Grove is seeking sealed bids for a 1993 International Single Axle Truck, Manual Transmission, with a 10’ Dump Box with attached 11’ Reversable Plow. Has 119,074 Miles.
City Plow Truck for Sale
The City of Ida Grove is seeking sealed bids for a 1994 Ford L8000 Single Axle Truck, Automatic Transmission, with a 10’ Dump Box with attached 11’ Reversable Plow. Has 44,740 Miles.
City Plow Trucks can be seen during normal business hours.
Contact Gerrod at 712-364-2989.
Sealed bids are due November 20, 2023, by 4 p.m.
Sealed bids will be opened at the City Council Meeting November 20, 2023, at 5:30 p.m.
The trucks are sold “NO RETURNS”, “AS IS”, and “NO WARRANTY” condition, with no express or implied warranties or guarantees of any kind.
The City of Ida Grove has the right to refuse any, any part, or all bids.
Tree Removal Bid Invitation
Invitation to Bid Announcement
The City of Ida Grove invites the submission of sealed bids from qualified contractors for tree removal from city right-of-way. The job entails removing 13 marked trees in various locations in the city. Bid specifications can be obtained at City Hall, temporarily located at the Rec Center, 311 Barnes Street, Ida Grove, IA, or by request through the mail or email by calling
City Hall at 712-364-2428.
Sealed bids must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, November 20, 2023.
City Hall Closed 11/10/23 For Veterans Day
City Hall will be closed this Friday, November 10, 2023 in observance of Veterans Day.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, November 13, 2023.
Thank you to all of our Veterans for your service.
Election Day 2023!
Just a reminder that today, November 7, 2023, is Election Day for City Council, School Board, and EMS support.
Stop into the Ida Grove Recreation Center to vote! The polls are open until 8 p.m.
Water Tower Update
Sandblasting for the water tower has been completed. The first of 3 coats have been applied. This is a corrosion barrier coat to protect the tank from rust. Unfortunately, due to the forecasted drop in temperatures, crews are unable to finish with painting for the year. The paint crew has Ida Grove listed as top priority as soon as temperatures allow in the spring of 2024.
Thunder From the Prairie: The Life of Harold Hughes
Jerry Harrington, the author of Thunder from the Prairie: The Life of Harold Hughes, will speak at the Ida Grove Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7.
A native of Ida Grove, Harold Hughes overcame severe alcoholism to become governor of Iowa from 1963 to 1968 and Iowa’s US senator from 1969 to 1974. He then stunned the political world by leaving office to enter the lay ministry and counsel alcoholics and drug addicts.
Hughes was known as a forceful, charismatic leader who renovated Iowa government during his time in Des Moines. The Iowa community college system was created during his administration. Hughes led a bipartisan effort to reorganize and equalize primary and secondary school funding and to modernize Iowa social services and revenue systems.
As senator, Hughes led the first national effort to aid alcoholics. He was also a national leader against the Vietnam War and American military deception. His office uncovered the secret bombing of North Vietnam in 1972.
More importantly, Hughes was a courageous leader unafraid to face difficult and controversial issues. Gifted with rugged good looks and a deep bass voice, his compelling intensity during speeches often brought people to tears when he talked of the downtrodden.
“Harold Hughes’ life story is one of ardent commitment to justice, compassion and sympathy for the underdog,” says Harrington. “I wrote this book to bring his vast accomplishments to the present day.”
Harrington will have copies of his book for sale and signing at the library.
403 3rd St., Ida Grove, Iowa 51445