AROUND MAQUOKETA AS OF JULY 22, 2003

The City of Maquoketa has received an Economic Development Grant under the Home Investment Partnership Program in the amount of $190,994.  This Grant is for homebuyer assistance for low to moderate income residents in Maquoketa that would like to purchase their first home.  Persons interested are required to complete an application and return it to the address on the application.  If the person meets the income guidelines, this grant will allow for up to $24,999 in funding to be used to update the home.  If more money is needed to bring the home up to standards, then the homeowner would have to contribute to the cost.  Anyone interested in this program can contact City Hall at 563-652-2484.

City staff recently sent out a random survey to 300 households in Maquoketa as a requirement to apply for a federal grant for dealing with the radium in the water.  Based on these results, we will apply for a grant of up to $600,000 to help with the costs of this project. 

The Jackson County Historical Society presented a proposal to the City Council regarding the Clinton Engines site.  Members stated they would like to see the Clinton Engines office building preserved and would like Council members to give a portion of the property along with the building to the Historical Society.  JCHS would like to use the property by converting the building into the Historical Museum.  Council members stated they would like to wait until August 4^th to discuss this because there is already an offer on the Clinton Engines property.

The City of Maquoketa received a 38% increase in insurance costs for the upcoming year.  The City had budgeted a 13% increase for the FY 03-04.  Staff and employees met with insurance representatives to review several different insurance programs that would fall within the amount that had been budgeted.  Upon recommendation from staff and employees, Council agreed to a new Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan that will increase insurance costs by approximately 7% rather than 38%.

The City has awarded Lohman Excavating the bid for demolition of the buildings on the proposed ARC site.  Lohman submitted a bid in the amount of $7,528 that includes demolition of the house and the barn.

Caes Construction submitted low bid in the amount of $10,950 for replacing the roofs on the park shelters that were damaged during the hail storm last year.  The City will receive insurance money to cover the cost of replacing these roofs. 

The Council appointed Nancy Moore to fill the last vacancy on the ARC Committee.  The Committee now has the full seven members and should be able to begin fund raising and planning again.

City department heads met recently to discuss the need to make budget cuts in the amount of $80,000 due to cuts at the State level.  Staff made several recommendations regarding cuts to department operating budgets and also looked at transferring funds from various departments to help cover the $80,000.  Staff will present the proposed cuts to the Finance Committee prior to presenting them to the City Council.