Council Discusses Grocery Store Assistance, Cemetery Upkeep

Published by editor on Thu, 10/23/2025 - 12:00am

By:

Jensen Johnston

ALLISON – The Allison City Council held its regular meeting Oct. 13, addressing several community and administrative matters, including updates to billing procedures, cemetery maintenance, and city infrastructure.

City Administrator and City Clerk Alexis Wiegmann informed the council that she and Deputy Clerk Chris Graser will attend the IMFOA (Iowa Municipal Finance Officers Association) conference in Des Moines. The council also discussed the possibility of assisting the local grocery store with repair costs for its coolers through the city’s Economic Development fund, which would require the owner to submit an application for review.

Council Member Cindy Galey raised several community concerns, including repainting yellow lines on Main Street and exploring liability issues for allowing residents to collect logs from the city’s burn pile west of Highway 14. The city will consult with its insurance provider before moving forward.

In new business, council members voted to change the utility bill due date from the 15th to the 20th of each month to provide more time for processing and payments. The council also approved a $4,836.20 estimate from Tufte Excavation to install a 4-inch water meter at Wilder Park.

Two resolutions were passed: one to set consultation and public hearing dates for a proposed Urban Renewal Plan, and another to approve a $280,388.35 payment to Heartland for ongoing infrastructure work.

The Cemetery Committee reported several maintenance needs, including stone repair, flagpole refurbishment, and gopher control. Public Works Director Trent Stirling will coordinate with local contractors to determine repair options.

The city’s code enforcer job description was finalized. City Engineer Zeb Stanbrough confirmed the 2025 street project is complete, with additional manhole repairs scheduled. The council also agreed to fill gravel patches on seal coat roads and asphalt patches where necessary.

Members approved setting a $250 minimum charge for city mowing and snow removal when property owners fail to comply with ordinances. Additionally, the council voted to calculate debt service by property tax parcel rather than per meter to create a fairer billing system.