Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Russell News Prepares for a Leave of Absence

Russell News is taking a leave of absence for January-February, some slower news months in the area.

We will also take that time to evaluate to see if there is any interest in continuing. If no one steps up during that time to help, it will be retired. If you have any thoughts on how to continue, if it has accomplished its goals by keeping the public informed or if there is a need for any change in format, please use the contacts at the end of this edition, or call Karen at 535-6251 or Bob and Sharon at 535-2602.

Russell City Council Mini-minutes December 1, 2014 

Brian Beaty gave the Fire Department report. The new rescue is in service. The fire department has received a grant to purchase new slide-in units for the grass trucks.
Our new water/wastewater permit compliance requires a self-assessment and the need to secure the services of an engineer. The lagoon inspection report was distributed to all council members.
M. Neer had asked the council at a previous meeting if the city would forgive the tax lien assessed to the property prior to their purchase. Approved.
Duane and Dana saw a copy of the Iowa Municipal Policy Leaders Handbook-A Guide for Iowa Mayor's and Council Members. They felt it was a very good guide to have available to the Mayor and Council. The cost is $29.00 each or $26.50 for five or more copies. Approval was made to purchase 2 copies.
Any Special Business event that include outside music will be limited to one street event per calendar month. Each business will be limited to one street event per month. Permission for each street event must be obtained from the city council at the council meeting the month before the event. Set up must be completed no earlier than 6 a.m Saturday morning with take down completed by one hour after business closing. Sunday-Thursday nights any outside music will be off by 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights any outside music will be off by 1 a.m. There will be a resolution prepared to be approved at the next council meeting concerning these guidelines.
Discussion followed concerning some vandalism to the Community Building downspouts and some graffiti on the back wall of the bandstand.
Resolution was passed for City Employee Larry Mitchell’s 2015 paid holiday schedule.
There will be a budget work session on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 6 p.m.
Council members present were Dana Blue, Susan Beecher, Jay Pierschbacher and Crystal Moore,
along with Duane Bedford, Mayor Pro Tem, and Wendy Nickell, City Clerk. Others attending were Police Chief Jeff Johnson, city employee Larry Mitchell and Brian Beaty representing the fire department.
The next meeting will be on Monday January 5, 2015 at 7 p.m.
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December Calendar

Sunday School, 9:30-10:15 a.m. During Advent Faith United Methodist Sunday School class will be using Adam Hamilton's video series, the Journey. It is about the trip to Bethlehem.

Monday, December 15, 5:15 p.m. Russell Museum Board meeting

Sunday, December 14th , 6 p.m. First Baptist Christmas Cantata, Candlelight service and Children's program, followed by a cookie fellowship.

Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24 at 6 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church Christmas Eve service .

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For Russell news updates try the Russell Historical Society Blog:
http://russelliowahistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/ 
For Lucas County information try their blog at www.lucascountygenealogy.blogspot.com.
If you have comments or suggestions for this column, please e-mail myoak10@gmail.com or call 641-535-2402.