Author: Theresa Rose

Following a wide-spread outage this past week, Windstream announces that customers were restored to service over the weekend after crews dried out wet cables in a manhole. However, they found some damaged cables in the manhole system, and crews have been working around the clock to repair those cables and restore service to the customers who were still impacted. As a result, customers are now coming back into service one at a time as individual cables are repaired, and that will continue until all repairs are complete. Barring unforeseen issues, the last customers should be back in service by the end of business on Wednesday. As always, Windstream appreciates its’ customers’ patience as they work through these repairs.

MOUNT PLEASANT, IA – In her first order of business, new director of the Mount Pleasant Childcare Center Amy McLaughlin, accepted a check from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church. That contribution is another of the generous donations from area churches. McLaughlin will officially begin her duties as the new director on February 8.

 

“The Board and I are very excited for Amy to join us as our new Director. We are confident that her education and past work experiences, combined with her outgoing personality, will be the perfect fit for the center” said Sarah Donnolly, President of the Mount Pleasant Childcare Center Board of Directors.

 

Amy McLaughlin, a native of Sigourney, IA attended Loras College receiving her degrees in Social Work and Psychology. She has close to 20-years of experience with the Iowa Department of Human Services. McLaughlin and her husband Jeremy reside in Wayland, IA with their two children.

 

McLaughlin explained, “Being part of the Childcare Center from the ground up is a wonderful opportunity and I am thrilled to be part of it. I look forward to working with community partners to make this long-needed addition to Mount Pleasant. I am also excited to be working again in Mount Pleasant and looking forward to seeing familiar faces!”

 

As part of her training for her new position, Amy will be working part-time at the Kids Corral in Washington, IA to gain hands on experience. She will also be integral in the remodel of the new Mount Pleasant Childcare Center located in the former Family Video.

 

Mount Pleasant has 1041 kids under the age of 11 and only 201 registered childcare seats. The community has seen a reduction of 51% in available childcare seats in the last five years. The Mount Pleasant Childcare Center will begin registration in March and is on schedule to open June 1, 2021. The Center is accepting donations which can be sent to the Mount Pleasant Childcare Center, c/o Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance, 124 S. Main, Mount Pleasant, IA 52641.

 

For more information about the Center, contact Amy McLaughlin at 319-385-3101 or email kids@mpiowa.org.

TENTATIVE AGENDA

City Council of West Point, Iowa

Regular Meeting at American Legion

309 – 5^th Street, West Point, Iowa 52656

Monday, February 8, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

 

1. CALL TO ORDER

 

2. ROLL CALL

 

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND INVOCATION BY COUNCILOR LOVING

 

4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

5. PUBLIC HEARING
6. Budget Maximum Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 (FYE22)

Motion to Open:

Discussion:

Motion to Close:

 

1. Resolution No. 802-21, “Resolution to Approve Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Maximum Property Tax Dollars for Levy”

 

6. OPPORTUNITY FOR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL
7. Leland McCosh Memorial Award to Mayor Paul Walker

 

7. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

8. POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT

 

9. MAYOR’S REPORT

 

10. CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT

 

11. CITY COUNCILOR’S REPORT

 

12. OLD BUSINESS

 

13. NEW BUSINESS
14. Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 (FYE21): Set Public Hearing for March 8, 2021at 6:30 p.m. at Public Library; and Publish Notice of Hearing in Daily Democrat

 

1. Receipt and Consideration of Final Proposed Budget Estimate for Fiscal Year 2021-2022(FYE22): Set Public Hearing on Adoption of Final Budget for March 8, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. at Public Library; and, Publish Notice of Public Hearing in Daily Democrat

 

 

 

1. Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption
   • Bernie & Ann Abolt, 102 Ave D

 

1. Resolution No. 803-21, “A Resolution Authorizing Property Owners Outside the Corporate City Limits to Connect to Sewer System of West Point, Lee County, Iowa”

 

1. Resolution No. 804-21,”An Amended Resolution Adopting an Investment Policy for the City of West Point, Iowa”

 

1. Liquor License Application

1) TurnBOWL (with Outdoor Service), effective 2/12/2021

 

14. MONTHLY REPORTS
15. Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 11, 2021
16. Treasurer’s Report for January, 2021
17. Warrants Payable for February, 2021

 

15. OTHER BUSINESS

 

16. ADJOURNMENT

Sites available throughout the state

(Des Moines, Iowa) – The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) reminds Iowans with low to moderate income, Iowans who are elderly, and Iowans with disabilities that they can get free tax preparation services at sites throughout the state.

Funding for this initiative comes from a two-year grant through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant program. VITA is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiative designed to promote and support free tax preparation service for the underserved, in both urban and non-urban locations.

DHS contracts with the Iowa Center for Economic Success to promote and deliver the tax preparation services through coalition partners across the state. You can find locations and times for tax preparation assistance at: https://theiowacenter.org/services/tax-services/ or at http://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/.

“In a year like the one we just had, filing taxes can seem more stressful than ever. The EITC/VITA program ensures that hardworking Iowans can access accurate, efficient, and free tax preparation in a safe and supportive environment. The way our volunteer tax preparers work with our clients will look different this year – many working virtually – but the history of strong service remains the same,” said Erma Mujic, Manager of Government Funding + Compliance with The Iowa Center.

During the 2019 filing season, over 139,000 Iowa families claimed over $61.6 million in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). EITC eligibility can be complex and varies by income, family size, and filing status.

By visiting a VITA site, Iowans can access IRS-trained and certified volunteers who can help them determine if they qualify for the EITC and other refundable tax credits, such as the Child Tax Credit or education credits. Volunteers at these sites also prepare and e-file (electronically file) tax returns at no cost. More than 500 volunteers prepared over 12,000 returns during last year’s filing season.

“The Earned Income Tax Credit can be extremely helpful for working Iowans, providing them more money to help them pay for groceries, housing costs and other bills. We want to spread the word and encourage Iowans eligible to file a tax return, even if they don’t owe any taxes, to take full advantage of the EITC,” said Adult, Children and Family Services Division Administrator Janee Harvey.

More details on Free Tax Preparation:
https://theiowacenter.org/services/tax-services/

Andy Miller has been hired as the new County Director of Iowa State University Extension and Outreach of Washington County.  His official duties began February 3.

 

Since 2005, Andy has served as the Probation/Parole Officer for the Department of Corrections 8^th Judicial. Prior to that role he has served as a Residential Officer and Youth Care Worker.  Andy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Buena Vista University.

 

Andy and his wife Cheyenne reside near Brighton on the family farm, where they are busy raising three daughters who have active schedules.  Andy has been a volunteer on the Washington Fire Department since 2015, where he leads Fire Prevention outreach in the Washington Fire district.  Is trained in Trench Rescue, Dive Team Rescue, CPR, Mental Health First Aid certified and is a substitute driver for the fire department.  Andy looks forward to coaching softball someday for his daughter’s teams and to continue his volunteering for many other community activities.

 

“Washington is our home; we were both raised here and being able to live and raise our family in Washington is important to us.  This opportunity allows me to use my talents to further the strong foundation that is in place with the Washington County Extension and the communities it serves.  Building on the outstanding reputation, I am excited to evaluate and implement programming opportunities for the county.”

 

Washington County Extension Council member Margaret Brinning commented, “the personnel committee was privileged to interview several outstanding candidates.  It became evident that Andy has the talents and experiences we are looking for to fill this role.  Finding a member from the community who can advance this position in the direction we envision.  Someone who wants to live, work, raise their family in became very evident that the search led us to Andy.  The Washington County Extension council is very excited to have him on board and to continue the progress and successes of Washington County Extension.

 

You may reach Andy via e-mail at to be determined or by calling the Washington County Extension office at 319-653-4811.  For information on programs hosted by Washington County Extension please visit our website at www.extension.iastate.edu/washington

 

 

Alliant Energy reminds customers about some common tips to help keep warm and safe during the expected below zero temperatures. The company also wants customers to know that they are prepared to keep the lights on and gas flowing during the upcoming bitter cold days.

Here are eight tips to stay warm and safe during colder than normal winter weather:

• Make sure space heaters are properly vented and placed at least three feet away from other objects. Shut them off when you go to sleep or leave the area.
• Use a sturdy fireplace screen when operating a wood-burning stove or fireplace.
• Check furnace and water heater vents and keep them clear to prevent equipment malfunction or buildup of carbon monoxide. They may become blocked due to condensation caused by running overtime. Likewise, check your gas meter vents to ensure they haven’t become blocked by snow.
• Keep heating equipment in good working order. Don’t warm your car up in the garage. This could cause carbon monoxide (CO) to gather in your home.
• Have CO detectors on every floor of your home and test their batteries to ensure they are functioning. This is the only way to detect CO – a deadly, odorless, colorless and tasteless gas.
• Never use a portable generator inside the house or a closed garage.
• Never use a cooking stove or a grill, either gas or charcoal, to provide heat inside a home.
• Do not go near downed power lines. Call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268) to report them.

Alliant Energy has taken actions to prepare for the extreme cold that is predicted in Iowa, Wisconsin and much of the Midwest. The company’s field employees have made sure equipment is in top shape to minimize any potential challenges the weather may pose. In addition, Alliant Energy has ensured that its electric and natural gas equipment and generating stations remain available during the forecasted bitter cold stretch.

While Alliant Energy expects its natural gas and electric distribution systems to perform as normal during the colder weather, crews are always prepared to respond to any event that impacts energy services to its customers.

More safety information is available at: www.alliantenergy.com/safety. If customers  experience an outage, or would like to check on the status of an outage, they can visit: www.alliantenergy.com/outage or call 1-800-ALLIANT (1-800-255-4268).