Riverfront development project discussed
Three developers have submitted proposals to develop riverfront property in New London. The developers' plans include income qualified multi-family and senior housing units in New London's downtown.
City Administrator Kent Hager reported that digital copies of the riverfront proposals are available and can be sent electronically to anyone who wishes to review the plans. "They're interesting reads," Hager said to the council at their meeting on Dec. 13. "The plans are pretty exciting to review."
More information on the proposals will be discussed at upcoming City Council and Economic Development Committee meetings.
Bonding for a new city garage facility and roof repairs on select city buildings was also discussed. The council is considering a bonding project for $1.5 million with a 10 year term. The main project would be the construction of a new city garage; other projects include roof repairs on facilities such as the aeration building at the wastewater treatment facility. The aeration building's roof sustained damage in the last snowstorm. A temporary patch has been installed, while the roof is scheduled to be replaced next year.
The Public Works department reported that a sewer rate study is underway, and a rate increase is scheduled to be put in place over the next three years. Final details regarding the increase will be presented at the January Board of Public Works meeting. Board members have agreed that increases are necessary, and will report on their findings to the council. Increases must be approved by the council before rate increases take effect; currently, increases are set to begin in February.
A request for paving on Pinewood Lane was discussed by the council. Rev. Paul Feider has asked if pavement can be laid from the end of Pinewood Lane to St. John's Community Episcopal Church. A wheelchair parishioner has been having a difficult time negotiating the gravel. The city will look into sidewalk pricing and feasibility for that area.
The council unanimously approved the purchase of a lot on the northwest corner of Cedarhurst Drive and Pershing Road for the amount of $42,500. The intersection has been described as a dangerous location, and the city hopes purchasing the lot will allow improvements to be made in the future. The cost of the property will eventually be split between the city, county and township.
The council also approved purchasing $6,500 of gravel for the former Simmons property. The gravel is needed to meet Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fill requirements. Lori Dean and Tom O'Connell voted against the measure.
The council authorized the purchase of 2012 Capital Equipment. The total amount of the equipment was listed at $216,968.
An ordinance amending the municipal code with regards to carrying weapons was tabled. An ordinance amending 9.02 of the municipal code restricting firearms in certain city buildings was approved 7-3, with Lori Dean, Tom O'Connell and Bob Besaw voting no.
The council went on to approve the following:
• A new social media policy;
• Employee injury and illness reporting and investigation policy;
• A 2-year term for election workers;
• An endorsement for the enhancement of the Library and Museum facility;
• Ordinance repealing the Tree Board;
• Ordinance amending Chapter 16 Floodplain Zoning Code; and
• Listing contract for the business park with Coldwell Banker for 3 years.
City Administrator Kent Hager reported that digital copies of the riverfront proposals are available and can be sent electronically to anyone who wishes to review the plans. "They're interesting reads," Hager said to the council at their meeting on Dec. 13. "The plans are pretty exciting to review."
More information on the proposals will be discussed at upcoming City Council and Economic Development Committee meetings.
Bonding for a new city garage facility and roof repairs on select city buildings was also discussed. The council is considering a bonding project for $1.5 million with a 10 year term. The main project would be the construction of a new city garage; other projects include roof repairs on facilities such as the aeration building at the wastewater treatment facility. The aeration building's roof sustained damage in the last snowstorm. A temporary patch has been installed, while the roof is scheduled to be replaced next year.
The Public Works department reported that a sewer rate study is underway, and a rate increase is scheduled to be put in place over the next three years. Final details regarding the increase will be presented at the January Board of Public Works meeting. Board members have agreed that increases are necessary, and will report on their findings to the council. Increases must be approved by the council before rate increases take effect; currently, increases are set to begin in February.
A request for paving on Pinewood Lane was discussed by the council. Rev. Paul Feider has asked if pavement can be laid from the end of Pinewood Lane to St. John's Community Episcopal Church. A wheelchair parishioner has been having a difficult time negotiating the gravel. The city will look into sidewalk pricing and feasibility for that area.
The council unanimously approved the purchase of a lot on the northwest corner of Cedarhurst Drive and Pershing Road for the amount of $42,500. The intersection has been described as a dangerous location, and the city hopes purchasing the lot will allow improvements to be made in the future. The cost of the property will eventually be split between the city, county and township.
The council also approved purchasing $6,500 of gravel for the former Simmons property. The gravel is needed to meet Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fill requirements. Lori Dean and Tom O'Connell voted against the measure.
The council authorized the purchase of 2012 Capital Equipment. The total amount of the equipment was listed at $216,968.
An ordinance amending the municipal code with regards to carrying weapons was tabled. An ordinance amending 9.02 of the municipal code restricting firearms in certain city buildings was approved 7-3, with Lori Dean, Tom O'Connell and Bob Besaw voting no.
The council went on to approve the following:
• A new social media policy;
• Employee injury and illness reporting and investigation policy;
• A 2-year term for election workers;
• An endorsement for the enhancement of the Library and Museum facility;
• Ordinance repealing the Tree Board;
• Ordinance amending Chapter 16 Floodplain Zoning Code; and
• Listing contract for the business park with Coldwell Banker for 3 years.
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