Enter the Whiner’s Den and post your rants, raves, observations, news tips and confessions.
NEW: Register for an account in NIT. This creates your profile; you can have a unique username, picture, bio and more for commenting on stories. You do not need to be boring and anonymous…
[user_registration_form id=”192476″]
LOG IN / MANAGE YOUR ACCOUNT HERE
As designed by the libs
Any government doing business with china is a Threat to its citizens and their sovereignty and should be treated as such and members of such governments must be treated as traitors.
This wonderful First Lady Melania cared so much for children and the United States.
Sad that she was sandwiched between Michelle and Jill, who were neither ladies nor caring for anyone but themselves and money.
Never Surrender Your 2nd Amendment!!! Never!!!!! If You Do , Your Freedom Is Gone!!!!
Vegans won’t eat Red Meat BUT they will feed them Grass & Grain to Drink their Milk.
Dear MAGA,
You really messed this thing up.
You made a catastrophic error in judgment.
He tricked you into believing him.
He was never who he said he was.
He isn’t a good man.
He wasn’t a good leader.
He never had good intentions.
He was never even a Christian.
He doesn’t care about you.
He certainly doesn’t care about America.
He is a conman.
You are his mark.
He convinced you that empathy & compassion are
weakness.
He convinced you to reject honesty & fairness.
He taught you to embrace greed & hate.
He turned you against your friends and families.
He convinced you to abandon all your morals.
He tricked you into betraying Jesus.
He has turned you into monsters.
He made you into criminals.
He turned you into traitors.
He convinced you to fight justice & democracy.
He tricked you into violently attacking your own
country.
He used you.
He blamed you.
He left you holding the bag.
You’ve made a terrible mistake.
You really messed this thing up.
And now, we are all paying the price.
MASON CITY:
City offices will be closed on Monday, February 21 in observance of the President’s Day holiday
PUBLISHED MEETING
2/21/2022, 5:30 PM
Board Meeting Agenda
Mason City Community School District | Board of Education | Administrative Center Board Room
Mason City Room, Library 2-15-22
Mason City, Iowa 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The City Council of the City of Mason City, Iowa, met in regular session pursuant to law and rules of said Council, in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library, at 7:00 P.M., on February 15, 2022. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor and on roll being called there were present, Bill Schickel, Mayor in the Chair, and the following Council Members: Thoma, Jaszewski, Masson, Adams, Lee, Symonds. Absent: None.
City Administrator Burnett presented his Monthly Activity Report. Council comments and questions followed the report.
Consent Agenda: Council Worksession Minutes of January 27, 2022; Claims dated February 3 and 10, 2022 in the amount of $1,358,512.10; Rappoint Dennis Reidel and Shelly Schmit to the Library Board; Resolution No. 22-28, fixing a date for a meeting on the proposition of the issuance of not to exceed $4,300,000 General Obligation Bonds of the City of Mason City, State of Iowa (for Essential Corporate Purposes), and providing for publication of notice thereof; Resolution No. 22-29, fixing a date for a meeting on the proposition of the issuance of not to exceed $500,000 General Obligations Bonds of the City of Mason City, State of Iowa (for General Corporate Purposes), and providing for publication of notice thereof; Resolution No. 22-30, granting preliminary approval for tax abatements allowed under the Mason City Urban Revitalization Tax Abatement Program for properties listed; Resolution No. 22-31, approving the Iowa DNR grant agreement for safety improvements to the Winnebago River Low Head Dam No.1; Resolution No. 22-32, approving contract and bond for the “Mason Creek Culvert Replacement – Virginia Avenue, Motion, Masson; 2nd, Jaszewski that all items in the Consent Agenda be approved and Resolutions adopted. AYE: All (Motion carried.)
2023-2027 CIP Plan: The Public Hearing was held as per published notice. Mayor Schickel asked if there were any written comments or objections or anyone on Zoom that would like to comment with Burnett replying there were no written comments and no “raised hands” via Zoom. There being no comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, by Thoma that Resolution No. 22-33, , adopting the 2023-2027 Capital Improvements Plan for the City of Mason City, Iowa, be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Property Tax Levy for FY22-23: The Public Hearing was held as per published notice. Mayor Schickel asked if there were any written comments or objections or anyone on Zoom that would like to comment with Burnett replying there were no “raised hands” via Zoom. Mayor Schickel stated he understood there was one letter in opposition to Item #10 with Burnett stating the message from Scott Statlander would be provided to the Council. There being no further comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Adams; 2nd, Symonds that Resolution No. 22-34, approving and adopting the property tax levy for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023 for the City of Mason City, Iowa, be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Text Changes to Zoning Ordinances: Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, Symonds that the Ordinance amending the City Code, Title 12 “Zoning Regulations”: 12-2-2 “Definitions; 12-8-3 “Form and Function Table”; 12-9-6 “Interpretation of Standards”; 12-10-6 “Interpretation of Standards”; 12-11-6 “Interpretation of Standards”; 12-15-4 “Z7-5 Specific Use District”; 15-15-15 “Forms and Functions and Development Standards Table 1”; 12-16-1 “Zoning Standards”12-16-6 “Traffic Visibility”; 12-16-23 “Accessory Buildings in Residential Districts”, be received and placed on file for second consideration. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Adjourn: The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:17 p.m.
/s/Bill Schickel
Bill Schickel, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/Aaron Burnett
Aaron Burnett, City Clerk
Publish 2-24-22
Emailed 2-18-22
MASON CITY:
Due to the forecast for measureable snow Monday and Tuesday of next week, Alternate Side Parking will go into effect at 7 pm Sunday, February 20.
Biden’s Tax Plan Is A “Raw New Deal” For Retirees.
Mason City Room, Library 2-1-22
Mason City, Iowa 7:00 P.M.
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL
The City Council of the City of Mason City, Iowa, met in regular session pursuant to law and rules of said Council, in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library, at 7:00 P.M., on February 1, 2022. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor and on roll being called there were present, Bill Schickel, Mayor in the Chair, and the following Council Members: Thoma, Jaszewski, Masson, Adams, Lee. Absent: Symonds.
Adopt Agenda: Motion, Masson; 2nd, Adams that the agenda be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
The Mayor proclaimed the 1st day of February, 2022 as “Black History Month”.
Lindsey James with Visit Mason City provided a quarterly report. Council comments and questions followed the report.
Prior to adopting the Consent Agenda Items #11 and #13 were removed to be acted upon separately.
Consent Agenda: Regular Minutes of January 18 and Worksession Minutes of January 13 and 27, 2022; Claims dated January 20 and 27, 2022 in the amount of $1,218,509.50; Dollar General Store #6730 – Class B Wine, Class C Beer; Brix Wine & Whiskey – Class C Liquor; Authorization to purchase a used bus as a replacement for one that was totaled in an accident, at a cost not to exceed $60,000; Resolution No. 22-15, setting a date for hearing on the proposed 2023-2027 Capital Improvements Plan for the City of Mason City, Iowa; Resolution No. 22-16, ordering a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for the fiscal year July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022 for the City of Mason City, Iowa; Resolution No. 22-17, authorizing approval of a forgivable loan to Moxiebird LLC for the rehabilitation of 122-124 North Federal Avenue in conjunction with the Downtown Revitalization Loan Program; Resolution No. 22-18, authorizing approval and execution of a revised Subordination Agreement between the City of Mason City and Farmers State Bank related to the rehabilitation of 152 5th Street Southwest in conjunction with the Corridor Revitalization Loan; Resolution No. 22-20, authorizing notice to bidders, fixing amount of bid security, and ordering clerk to publish notice and fixing a date for receiving same, and for a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for construction of the “Water Tower Maintenance Program (Kentucky and Eisenhower), was presented. Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, Masson that all items in the Consent Agenda be approved and Resolutions adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
11. Purchase 2021 Vactor Combination Sewer Jet Cleaner: Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, Adams that Resolution No. 22-19, approving the purchase of a new 2021 Vactor Combination Sewer Jet Cleaner from Macqueen Equipment of Saint Paul, Minnesota for the Water Reclamation Facility, be adopted. Discussion followed regarding repair versus replacement and life expectancy. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
13. Award Contract WHKS Railroad Grade Separation Crossing Feasibility Study: Motion, Adams; 2nd, Jaszewski that Resolution No. 22-21, award of contract to WHKS & Co., for professional services related to the Railroad Grade Separation Crossing Feasibility Study be adopted. Discussion followed regarding the benefits of the study related to funding and the connection to Stone Pillar and future development. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
“Mason Creek Culvert Replacement – Virginia Avenue”: The Public Hearing was held as per published notice. Mayor Schickel asked if there were any written comments or objections or anyone on Zoom that would like to comment with Burnett replying there were no written comments and no “raised hands” via Zoom. There being no comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion,Masson; 2nd, Jaszewski that Resolution No. 21-22 adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated costs for the “Mason Creek Culvert Replacement – Virginia Avenue”, and 21-23, making award of contract to Peterson Contractors, Inc. of Reinbeck, Iowa for the “Mason Creek Culvert Replacement – Virginia Avenue”, be adopted and the bid tabulation with recommended bid from Peterson Contractors, Inc. of Reinbeck, Iowa in the amount of $376,150.50, be accepted. Clarification was made regarding the completion date. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Lakeview Preserve Dredging Project No. 21-1012: The Public Hearing was held as per published notice. Mayor Schickel asked if there were any written comments or objections or anyone on Zoom that would like to comment with Burnett replying there were no written comments and no “raised hands” via Zoom. There being no comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Adams; 2nd, Thoma that Resolution No. 22-24 adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated costs for the “Lakeview Preserve Dredging Project No. 21-1012”, 22-25, making award of contract to Bob McKiness Excavating & Grading, Inc. of Mason City, Iowa for the “Lakeview Preserve Dredging Project No. 21-1012” and 22-26, approving contract and bond for construction of the “Lakeview Preserve Dredging Project No. 21-1012” be adopted and the bid tabulation with recommended bid from Bob McKiness Excavating & Grading, Inc. of Mason City, Iowa in the amount of $52,860.00 be accepted. Discussion followed regarding the completion date. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Mason City Foundation (Music Man Square Grant): The Public Hearing was held as per published notice. Mayor Schickel asked if there were any written comments or objections or anyone on Zoom that would like to comment with Burnett replying there were no written comments and no “raised hands” via Zoom. There being no comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Lee; 2nd, Adams that Resolution No. 22-27, approving and authorizing execution of a grant agreement by and between the City of Mason City and the Mason City Foundation, be adopted. Assurance was made that this was 50% of the local hotel taxes collected if the hotel and contract went through. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Changes to Zoning Ordinances: The Public Hearing was held as per published notice. Mayor Schickel asked if there were any written comments or objections or anyone on Zoom that would like to comment with Burnett replying there were no written comments and no “raised hands” via Zoom. There being no comments the Public Hearing was declared closed.Motion, Adams; 2nd, Masson that the Ordinance an amending the City Code, Title 12 “Zoning Regulations”: 12-2-2 “Definitions; 12-8-3 “Form and Function Table”; 12-9-6 “Interpretation of Standards”; 12-10-6 “Interpretation of Standards”; 12-11-6 “Interpretation of Standards”; 12-15-4 “Z7-5 Specific Use District”; 15-15-15 “Forms and Functions and Development Standards Table 1”; 12-16-1 “Zoning Standards”12-16-6 “Traffic Visibility”; 12-16-23 “Accessory Buildings in Residential Districts”, be received and placed on file for first consideration. An outline of the changes was provided. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Adjourn: The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 7:43 p.m.
/s/Bill Schickel
Bill Schickel, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/Aaron Burnett
Aaron Burnett, City Clerk
Publish 2-23-22
Emailed 2-18-22
Love how he brings Trump into it….gotta blame somebody, maybe Marx
News item: Iowa is the #1 state affected by e-scams. No surprise, there are so many trumpanzees living there, and it’s obvious that they are easily scammed.
Time will tell
apparently she likes kneeling for the black boys
Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg released a public schedule update for the week of Monday, February 14, 2022 – Sunday, February 20, 2022.
The following two events scheduled for Friday afternoon, February 18, 2022 have been canceled due to scheduling conflicts. These will likely be rescheduled in the near future.
Marshall County Communications Commission, Marshalltown
Lily Pad Learning Center, Huxley
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MASON CITY, STATE OF IOWA, ON THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $4,300,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY (FOR ESSENTIAL CORPORATE PURPOSES), AND THE HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE THEREOF
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Mason City, State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing on the 15th day of March, 2022, at 7:00 P.M., in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd Street SE, Mason City, Iowa, at which meeting the Council proposes to take additional action for the issuance of not to exceed $4,300,000 General Obligation Bonds, for essential corporate purposes, to provide funds to pay the costs of equipping the street, police and fire departments; the construction, reconstruction, and repairing of any street, bridge, or highway improvements; the construction, acquisition, installation, and repair of sidewalks, streetscapes, trails, storm sewers, sanitary sewers, water service lines, water mains, street lighting, and traffic control devices, and the removal and replacement of dead or diseased trees thereon, and the acquisition of real estate needed for any of the foregoing purposes; the construction, reconstruction and repair of City cemetery facilities; and the reconstruction, extension, and improvement of the city airport.
At the above meeting the Council shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the City to the above action. After all objections have been received and considered, the Council will at the meeting or at any adjournment thereof, take additional action for the issuance of the Bonds or will abandon the proposal to issue said Bonds.
This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Mason City, State of Iowa, as provided by Section 384.25 of the Code of Iowa.
Dated this 15th day of February, 2022.
/s/Aaron Burnett
City Clerk, City of Mason City, State of Iowa
(End of Notice)
PUBLISH 2-24-22
Emailed 2-16-22
NOTICE OF MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MASON CITY, STATE OF IOWA, ON THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $500,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE CITY (FOR GENERAL CORPORATE PURPOSES), AND THE HEARING ON THE ISSUANCE THEREOF
PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Mason City, State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing on the 15th day of March 2022, at 7:00P.M., in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd Street SE, Mason City, Iowa, at which meeting the Council proposes to take additional action for the issuance of not to exceed $500,000 General Obligation Bonds, for general corporate purposes, bearing interest at a rate of not to exceed nine (9) per centum per annum, the Bonds to be issued to provide funds to pay the costs of the acquisition, construction, reconstruction, repairing and equipping of the police and fire stations.
At any time before the date of the meeting, a petition, asking that the question of issuing such Bonds be submitted to the legal voters of the City, may be filed with the Clerk of the City in the manner provided by Section 362.4 of the Code of Iowa, pursuant to the provisions of Section 384.26 of the Code of Iowa.
At the above meeting the Council shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the City to the above action. After all objections have been received and considered, the Council will at the meeting or at any adjournment thereof, take additional action for the issuance of the Bonds or will abandon the proposal to issue said Bonds.
This notice is given by order of the City Council of the City of Mason City, State of Iowa, as provided by Section 384.26 of the Code of Iowa.
Dated this 15th day of February, 2022.
/s/Aaron Burnett
City Clerk, City of Mason City, State of Iowa
(End of Notice)
PUBLISH 2-24-22
Emailed 2-16-22
Why is it that the news people don’t call out the U S Olympic officials and the athletes about their lack of respect tor the flag of the USA. Just because it is not against the law anymore does not mean there is not proper etiquette on how to and how not to handle the USA flag. Proper handling of the flag is the least we can do for our military veterans.