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The
Official Newspaper of Manchester and Delaware County, Iowa
Tuesday,
July 4, 2006 | |
WD looks for relief from drilling agreement
by Brian Cook |
West Delaware Superintendent Rick Hilbert addressed the Manchester City council at its meeting on June 26, asking for some changes in the agreement that will allow West Delaware to have a bore field for geo-thermal heat as part of its current construction project.
Representatives of the city and school district had worked out an agreement to allow the bore field.
There were concerns about its proximity to a city well and possible contamination of the aquifer during construction.
The district had agreed to on-going inspection during the drilling of the wells in the bore field.
Hilbert explained last Monday night that having an inspector like that would add approximately $20,000 or more to the cost of the project.
“Any kind of relief we would get here would be greatly appreciated,” Hilbert commented, explaining the tight budget the district is working under.
Hilbert proposed a plan, which would have an inspector on site the first three days of drilling and periodically throughout the project when inspecting other phases of the project. He said members of the district’s buildings and grounds staff could also be trained for what to look for during the process.
There was also discussion of finding someone from the community or the surrounding area that is qualified to do the inspections, which could be hired. Councilman Jeff Ogden, who is in the well-drilling business, offered to look at the bore field wells whenever possible.
Ogden warned that whomever was hired for the inspections would have to be familiar with the process to know the number of bags of grout that should be used and to make sure the trimming pipe is to the bottom of the well.
The council asked for a list of what an inspector would be expected to look at during the drilling, before making any decisions on a new agreement. |
‘Guardians of Flame’ run through Manchester
by Latisha Sand |
BRIAN COOK / Press
“Guardians of the Flame” torch carriers for the Special Olympics ran through Manchester on Tuesday, June 27. The runners traveled from West Main Street to Riverview Park on South Franklin Street and then to Casey’s North on North Franklin Street. One of the speakers, Council Bluffs Police Chief Mike Laage, said Manchester’s crowd was the biggest crowd they had seen so far. |
Manchester residents and officials greeted several special runners on Tuesday, June 27 at Riverview Park on South Franklin Street.
Law enforcement members from around the United States ran with support members and athletes participating in the Special Olympics in Ames this week as “Guardians of the Flame,” Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team.
“Without a doubt this is the biggest crowd we’ve seen,” said Mike Laage, a police chief from Springdale, Ohio and a torch runner. “It’s a heartwarming experience.”
Several law enforcement officers, including Manchester Police Officers, and three or four classic cars, from the Country Car Cruisers, escorted the runners from the DOT station on West Main Street to the gazebo on South Franklin Street. The West Delaware High School Pep Band and over a 150 people cheered the runners on as they entered the park.
“We are proud to support the Special Olympics and are honored that you are here,” said Dave Dudley who was there representing the Rotary Club. “You are a true inspiration to us.”
Manchester Mayor Milt Kramer also noted the other sponsors, which included the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and the Country Car Cruisers. The Delaware County Pork Producers grilled burgers with the proceeds going toward the Special Olympics.
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“Special Olympics gives the kids a chance to shine and compete,” said Laage, who has been involved with the torch run for about 16 years and the Special Olympics for about 25 years.
Last year, according to Laage, the Special Olympics raised over $20 million.
The “Flame of Hope” torch, which is decorated with images from Soldier Field and fields in Iowa, started in Chicago at Soldier Field on Sunday, June 25. It arrived in Ames on Sunday, July 2 for the opening ceremonies of the USA National Games after traveling through 81 Iowa communities.
“I’ve been in the torch run for four years,” said Special Olympic runner Matthew Kemets of Connecticut. “I felt very proud running while police officers with their flashing lights on cleared the way.”
Kemets, who lives independently, has been running since he was 12 years old and says his family has always supported him.
“Doing your very best and finishing the race is what Special Olympics is all about,” he said.
Only two Iowans took part in the run, John Focht, a police officer from Council Bluffs and Special Olympic participant Rolla Lucas of Davenport. Those two, however, were part of another group of runners traveling though Iowa.
About 3,000 people will participate in 13 events for the Special Olympics including: swimming, track and field, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, gymnastics, motor activities training program, power lifting, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.
“I’m proud to be here with the team and the officers look good in their uniforms,” said Kemets.
“And remember in Special Olympics everyone is a winner.”
Before mingling with the crowd, the team gave a silver cup and a metal coin saying “Guardian of the Torch” with a flag and torch in the background to Kramer and also a coin to Manchester Police Chief Bruce Trapp, who was one of the officers escorting the team through town.
Kramer also presented the speakers with gifts.
The team later ran up Franklin Street to Casey’s North where they then drove to Oelwein, their next destination.
The Special Olympics, which started in Chicago in 1968, will run until Friday, July 7.
“We thank everyone for their support,” Laage told the crowd. “And with this crowd I know this community backs this (Special Olympics) well.”
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Ready to roll!
by Brian Cook |
Now that the Bailey/Brewer Walkway is finally completed, even some skeptics are surprised at how many Manchester residents are taking advantage of the new recreational trail.
“We’ve heard nothing but positive comments since the walkway has been open,” Manchester City Manager Tim Vick said. “You don’t have people walking in the streets which increases safety in the area.”
The one and a third mile strip of concrete was formally opened before last Monday’s City Council meeting, but people have been walking and biking on it for weeks. The Bailey/Brewer Walkway is connected to the city’s sidewalk system and in turn the rest of the walkway system.
Manchester has a three-quarter mile walkway on West Main Street leading out to the business district and a mile-long walkway around the Beckman Sports Complex. The comprehensive plan, according to Manchester City Inspector Marty Kelzer, is to have a loop around the entire community. He said people are always welcome to visit City Hall and view the map with long-term goals identified.
“It’s all based on funding,” Kelzer said when asked about a timetable for other projects. “The idea eventually is to connect to Schram Pond.” |
BRIAN COOK/Press
The Bailey/Brewer walkway in Manchester was dedicated last Monday. Taking part in the ribbon-cutting celebration were, from left, Nate Kass of Tekippe Engineering, Councilman Tony Broghammer, Mayor Milt Kramer, Dave Kluesner of Tschiggfrie Excavating, Councilman Darrell Hanson and City Manager Tim Vick. |
Manchester received a grant three and a half years ago, but the project was delayed two years.
Federal funds available for the project at the start were $347,638, and Manchester also received $64,750 for the Riverfront Walkway project.
Due to increased costs, Vick is applying for more federal funds to help cover the gap between the estimated cost of the project and what the final costs will be for the project. Three years ago when Manchester applied for the funding, the estimated construction costs were estimated at $434,548.
The initial bid from Tschiggfrie Excavating was $395,729.23 not including engineering costs. Vick said the final cost of the project would be roughly $520,000.
“When people come into the community, it’s a great eye-opener,” Vick said expressing his pleasure with how the project turned out, “They see people are out interacting with their neighbors and friends.” |
Lawmakers to take up eminent domain debate
by Brian Cook |
State Representative Steve Lukan announced on Thursday that he and other legislators would be called back to Des Moines for a special session starting on July 14 to further discuss eminent domain and possibly override a veto by Governor Tom Vilsack of a bill that would have limited its scope.
The bill passed during the regular session, which was vetoed by Governor Vilsack, was in response to a Connecticut court case in which the Supreme Court in expanded eminent domain to include condemnation for the purpose of increasing the tax base. Lukan explained that the Supreme Court, in its decision, did say that it was an issue for each individual state to decide.
The bill passed by the Iowa Legislature restricts the use of eminent domain back to what it was intended for, according to Lukan. Those would be cases of public usage such as roads, parks and other such things. Lukan said the bill also places the burden of proof on the person seeking to condemn the property.
Lukan said he intends to vote to override the governor’s veto to protect the property rights of individuals. The Republican from New Vienna thinks the majority of his fellow Representatives view this as an opportunity to defend their constituents’ rights by standing up for he Constitutional right to keep and own property.
It will take 67 votes in the Iowa House and 34 in the Iowa Senate to over ride Governor Vilsack’s veto. Lukan is confident the votes are there in the House and is encouraged that members of the Iowa Senate have agreed to come back for a special session.
It could be a historic session as Lukan explained the last time the Iowa Legislature overrode a veto was in the 1960s. |
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