A representative of an electronic billboard company addressed the Mount Pleasant City Council Tuesday evening to explain the benefit of allowing these signs in the community.  Robinson Outdoor had requested the City change the current ordinance that allows electronic message signs limited to fifty square feet but prohibits electronic billboards. Following a public hearing during which no one else spoke, the council was split, three yes and three no, on the first reading of an ordinance change and the mayor declared the proposed amendment defeated.

The City was approached by a home occupied business owner who installed a sixteen square foot sign and was directed to take it down.  The business owner asked the council to change the ordinance to allow for that size sign. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended four square feet.  The current ordinance allows two square feet. None of the council members approved 16 square feet signs but approved of four square feet. Bob Griffith was the only council member to vote against an increase of any size saying these businesses are located in homes in residential areas and should not be any bigger.

During the regular November meeting Tuesday, the Mount Pleasant City Council authorized Mayor Steve Brimhall to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Police Department union agreeing to the proposed resource officer for the school district. The union had already agreed and signed the M.O.U. The next action of the Council was to approve hiring Brad Gillis as that resource officer.

Warner Engineering was approved by the Council to move forward with the planning, design and construction oversite for the West Washington Street rebuild.  And finally the airport five year capital improvement program was approved. Each year, in order for the City to be considered for state and federal funding, the airport must have a program.  The plan is then sent to the Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Transportation.

On November 22, just after 6:30 pm the Mt. Pleasant Police Department responded to the 900 block of East Washington Street for a report of a two-vehicle accident. Upon investigation, it was determined that a van operated by Gerald Wiggins of Mount Pleasant, was stopped in the roadway in the 900 block of East Washington Street facing East while waiting to make a left-hand turn. A second vehicle operated by a juvenile from Mount Pleasant was also traveling eastbound on East Washington Street. That vehicle failed to see that the van had stopped causing the collision. The combined damage to both vehicles was estimated to be in excess of $7,000.00. Both subjects were assessed on scene by the Henry County ambulance crew. As a result of this investigation, the juvenile was cited for failure to stop in assured clear distance.

Henry County Jail

In the interest of keeping Henry County residents informed, the Henry County Sheriff’s office has requested KILJ post the daily jail count. During the jail referendum campaign it was publicized that the jail would be able to house additional inmates from surrounding counties and this would generate revenue for Henry County.

Date:   11-23-2022______

 27 _   Henry County Inmates

  39_    Out of County Contract Inmates              

 66      TOTAL

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November.

“Despite a year that included significant weather challenges, persistent inflation and highly pathogenic avian influenza, we approach Thanksgiving and the conclusion of harvest with a deep sense of gratitude. We are thankful for the hardworking and resilient farm families who continue to sustainably produce crops and livestock that feed and fuel consumers here and around the world,” said Secretary Naig. “The snowmelt from the first widespread snow of the season will improve soil moisture conditions, while warmer temperatures will be welcomed as we gather together to celebrate Thanksgiving.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Harvest neared completion with 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 20, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Cold temperatures and snow limited additional fieldwork to applying soil amendments such as anhydrous, manure, and lime.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 17 percent very short, 35 percent short, 47 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 24 percent very short, 38 percent short, 37 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus.

Harvest of the corn for grain crop was virtually complete at 97 percent. Moisture content of field corn being harvested for grain remained 16 percent.

Livestock were mostly in good shape with calves weaned and cattle out feeding on stalks.

MOUNT PLEASANT MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Board of Trustees: Regular Meeting
1:00 P.M. Tuesday, November 22nd, 2022
City Hall Council Chamber Room located at 307 E. Monroe St.

AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER.
A. Roll call.
B. Approval of Agenda.
II. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING.
A. Regular Board Meeting – October 18, 2022 – Approval.
B. Special Board Meeting – November 4, 2022 – Approval.
III. FINANCIAL.
A. Approval of Warrants.
B. Treasurer’s Report – Nate Lucas.
C. Transfer of Funds.
D. Resolution No. 2022-16: Resolution for a salary increase to Shawna Sammons following the 120-day
probationary period as the Administrative Assistant/Board Clerk – Approval.
IV. LEGAL COUNSEL.
A. Attorney – Timothy J. Whipple & Brad Beaman (Ahlers & Cooney P.C.).
1.

V. OPERATIONS.
A. Management – Nate Lucas, General Manager.
1. Cedar Lane Well #7 and Water Distribution System Project – Update & Approval
a) Board review of the associated Bid Package #1 (Well Drilling) work.
b) Board review and approval of Change Order #4
c) Board review of the associated Bid Package #2 (Well Equipping) work.
2. E. Henry Street Water Main Replacement Project – Update.
a) Board review of the associated water main / service replacement work.
3. Adams Street Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear Replacement Project – Update.
a) Board review of the associated Adams Street Substation 15 kV Sheltered Aisle Switchgear
Replacement Project work.
4. Transmission System Power Supply Project – Update.
a) Status update of the associated 69 kV transmission system power supply work.
5. Monthly Activities.
B. Customers.
1.
C. Employees.
1.
VI. OTHER BUSINESS.
A. Other Business, Unscheduled for Consideration by Board of Trustees.
1. Executive Session – Personnel & Legal.
a) (Executive Session pursuant to Section 21.5(1)(c) of the Code of Iowa for
legal purposes).
VII. ADJOURNMENT.
Next Regular Board Meeting: 1:00 p.m. Tuesday December 20th, 202