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Government

Board accepts internal report on SBG

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/16/2013 - 8:34pm
Board and administration continue to plug away on best implementation

SOLON– Lianne Westcot, Dick Schwab and Matt Townsley left smiling after the latest Solon school board meeting on July 8. The school board unanimously approved the group’s report on Standards Based Grading (SBG).
The trio had spent hours in meetings over the last weeks synthesizing recent public comments (including the June 3 public hearing), as well as information from throughout the school year. Board member Dan Coons shared his appreciation during the short, 35-minute meeting, held at the central office conference room, 301 S. Iowa St.


School pledges assistance for drainage

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/16/2013 - 8:34pm
City asks for use of soccer fields during joint session

SOLON– Everyone appreciated the update.
The Solon City Council and the Solon school board met in joint session last week, discussing the long-term potential for shared services and facilities as well as more immediate concerns like raging surface water running through a residential subdivision.


Public speaks out against possible school closures for ICCSD

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/16/2013 - 9:03pm
Presentation by facilities committee sparks remarks

IOWA CITY– The message from the public at the July 9 Iowa City Community School District ICCSD) board meeting can be summed up with these resounding words.
“Don’t close neighborhood schools.”


Coralville; ailing finances, or healthy debt?

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/16/2013 - 9:05pm
A recent downgrade for the city’s bond rating is just part of the picture, say city officials

Since the mid-2000s, the City of Coralville has been engaged in significant economic development projects that have been both hailed as visionary and necessary for the community’s growth, and criticized as unfair and irresponsible to taxpayers. In more recent years, the city has fallen under scrutiny for its TIF practices and continued participation in providing financial incentives to private enterprise. This is the first of a three-part series examining the city’s current fiscal status, its economic decision making and the concerns of area citizens who question both.


City of Solon announces vacancies on Library, Park & Rec, P&Z and Board of Adjustments

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/09/2013 - 7:00pm

SOLON– The City of Solon is now accepting applications for membership on the Library Board of Trustees, Park & Recreation Commission, Planning & Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustments. The Library Board of Trustees meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m. The Park & Recreation Commission meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The Planning & Zoning Commission meets, when needed, on the last Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. The Board of Adjustments meets on an “as needed” basis. Applicants must reside within the city limits of Solon.


Tiffin issues boil advisory

Submitted by admin on Fri, 06/21/2013 - 5:09pm

TIFFIN – The city of Tiffin in Johnson County issued a boil advisory Friday after shutting off water to the older part of town and Deer View Estates, a newer section on the west side,.
The city was installing a new pipe connection Friday afternoon when they needed to shut off the water to complete the work. About 500 to 600 residents and businesses are affected.
The city expects to complete repairs, restore water pressure and flush the lines Friday evening. However, the boil advisory will remain in effect until the city can collect and test water samples.


Carry on: No change in NL gun rules

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/18/2013 - 3:58pm
NL councilor lacks support for changing firearms rules

By Lori Lindner
North Liberty Leader
NORTH LIBERTY– People who lawfully possess guns will still be able to carry them onto city property in North Liberty without violating any city laws.
A resolution to prohibit firearms on city-owned property came before the North Liberty City Council on May 28, brought by request from council member Coleen Chipman. After moderate discussion, Chipman’s motion to disallow weapons on city-owned property failed 2-3, with Chipman and council member Gerry Kuhl voting in favor.


Residents to pay more for water usage

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/18/2013 - 3:59pm
Water, sewer consumption rates to rise July 1, bigger jump coming next year

NORTH LIBERTY– The river is not the only thing on the rise.
North Liberty residents will likely see their water and sewer rates increase beginning July 1.
Last Tuesday, May 28, the North Liberty City Council approved the first reading of ordinance amendments to increase the rates people pay on their water and sewer usage.


Highway 965 funding gets another lift

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/18/2013 - 4:00pm

NORTH LIBERTY– The City of North Liberty keeps chipping away at street improvements projects, and little by little, funding assistance keeps the wheels of progress turning.
At its May 29 meeting, the Urbanized Area Policy Board of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) voted to funnel another $1,948,000 to North Liberty for Highway 965. The portion of roadway approved for this round of funding, which stretches from Penn Street to Zeller Street, is considered the third of a planned seven-phase, comprehensive plan to widen and improve the thoroughfare.


NL will use firm to hire police chief

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/18/2013 - 4:08pm

NORTH LIBERTY– The City of North Liberty will use a professional firm to hire its next chief of police.


CLOSED DOORS

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/18/2013 - 6:13pm
After hours of discussion and deliberation by school board, Kim Blankenheim retains her job

SOLON– Dozens of parents and students paced through Solon High School’s darkened cafeteria, eyes peeled through the library windows to watch a dear friend fight for her job. They anxiously waited for the closed session to open, and the theatrics to cease. Most everyone that night was there for one reason, Kim Blankenheim.


Some council members still not sold on purchased site

Submitted by admin on Wed, 05/29/2013 - 8:47pm
Tiffin city hall location debated after land swap offer

By Lori Lindner
North Liberty Leader
TIFFIN– At the beginning of last week’s meeting, the Tiffin City Council gave tacit approval on a design for a new city hall.
But by the end of the meeting, the building’s location was once again in question, and the heated debate raged on, taking the council’s May 22 meeting to the four-hour mark.