By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
    The city council resolved sign and speed issues Monday evening that were held over from their previous session.
    On one request, after a recommendation from Chief Gary Dent, two stop signs will be put up at 1st Ave. SE.
    Hedges on resident property were also an issue even though they are already set back from a street corner.
    Mayor John Shelvin indicated he would try and work with owners on moving hedges back some more.
    Action taken on the Wind River Estates was at least partially resolved.
    While old wooden signs are in place, the speed signs are not enforceable because the park is private property.
    Donna Warwick requested the city (officially) establish a speed limit in that area and place appropriate signs.
    It was noted that at least six 15 MPH metal signs would be needed. The signs would cost about $34 each and around $100 overall when installed.
    After much discussion the council, on a 4-0 vote, moved to establish a 15 MPH speed limit. No action was taken on putting in the new signs.
    Once again the council discussed a revised Task Order bid from Morrison Maierle, Inc., the engineers on the proposed wastewater project.
    Councilman Gary Brown was adamant in saying, “I was disappointed in what they came back with. I was offended by their response.”

    Sandy Syvertson added, “What they are cutting out was no saving cost to us.” Wendy Judisch noted that she was uncomfortable with the timetable, going from 15 to 10 months for completion. She also felt that M&M knew the city was under the gun and there was nothing that could be done about it. Wally McHenry added, “I’m fed up with this, they should play by our rules.”
    On a revised motion, the Task Order for the project was approved with a 10-month construction phase. The motion passed 3-1 with Judisch casting a no vote.
    In other action by the council, work permits were approved for a NAPA sign at Dan’s Conoco, 601 S. Main, a garage at 510 S. Illinois, replacing a structure at 405 S. Wisconsin, a sidewalk and curb at 617 S. Wisconsin and moving trailers to a private lot at 216 S. Minnesota.
    The council tabled action on an engineer selection until the next meeting and accepted a preliminary 2007-08 budget. A copy of the budget is at city hall for public inspection during normal working hours.
    Auditors will be at city hall for a couple of days beginning Sept. 24 to go over the books to update the 2006-07 year end closing.
    The city officially accepted the resignation of Mary Ann Ries as city attorney, effective Aug. 31. She said she hopes to have all pending cases resolved by then.
    Aldermen approved the closing of a part of 4th Ave. SE during the Chamber of Commerce - sponsored Harvest Festival in October.
    Council members also moved to accept a petition from the Mission Church to close Ave. C in the Lightner-Smedsrud Inc., Edition on a 4-0 vote.
    Monthly reports from Finance Director Agnes Fowler and Public Works Director Rich Anderson were accepted.
    The next regular council meeting will be on Sept. 4, 7:30 p.m., one day later than normal because Sept 3 is a holiday (Labor Day).