Stanhope Council wants answers from Xenia
By Billie Shelton -Daily Freeman-Journal Writer
STANHOPE - City council members in Stanhope again turned their attention to the situation with the Xenia Rural Water District when they met recently.
At their May meeting, the council voted to put on hold switching the town's water and wastewater utilities to Xenia until the company's financial condition has been reviewed. That information has not yet been received. The council directed the city clerk to communicate by letter with Xenia that by June 30 the city needs to know the firm's plans to take over the Stanhope water and wastewater utilities, with a firm date for that takeover. There are also several other points the council wants clarified by that date.
If that information is not received by the deadline, the council will need to take action on applying for loans and grants to upgrade the water treatment plant. Future plans with Xenia will cease, and the council will also look at staffing needs.
With the planned Xenia takeover, city maintenance superintendent Ed Haman had already made plans to retire from full-time employment, but indicated he would be willing to stay on at least one additional month if necessary. In a related matter, hiring a public works maintenance assistant was again put on hold pending resolution of the situation with Xenia.
The council also again looked at the project to waterproof the lower level of the community building, which is slated to begin June 30 and take several days to complete. Funding for the estimated $11,010 cost of the project will come from the local Lions club and a FEMA disaster grant obtained by the city. Barrier Water Proofing Systems of Iowa, Urbandale will be doing the job.
Another property matter on the agenda involves repair/replacement of deteriorated concrete in the park shelter and food stand. The city clerk is obtaining bids for the project, which will be funded by a combination of a grant from the Enhance Hamilton County Foundation, a donation from the Stanhope Lions Club, and funds from the city budget. The concrete work will likely not be done until after Wednesday Night in the Park and Watermelon Day activities have concluded for this summer.
In other action, the council considered what to do about several properties in the community that have not been mowed. The clerk was directed to send a notice to several property owners that they must be mowed and maintained or the city will do so and bill the owners.
Bids are being accepted for asphalt replacement for this summer, with plans to open the bids at the July council meeting.
