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BREAKING NEWS: Local watering hole and eatery was on fire last night. LD’S
Think the Army will be Forced to Rename ALL its Helicopters…The Apache, Blackhawk, Iroquois, Chinook?
I find TMZ Amusing watching Young Wokester’s Mind Twisting & Turning to Understand how Hollywood Celebrity Lifestyles are Normal. Last Night was NO Exception as the conversation drifted into a Couple Brothers relationship, when a 40ish Wokester mentioned Cain & Able. A 20 Something Wokester asked WHO are They? The 40ish answered Adam & Eve’s Son’s. NOT to be out done another 20 something in Astonished Disbelief…Adam & Eve had KIDS!?….Explains a LOT why America IS in this Shape.
GOP=Gang Of Putin.
I’m letting trump live in my head rent free, and I’ve never been so miserable, what should I do?
Biden Thinks Putin Is A War Criminal, (He Thinks)!!!!
WE Expected the ALT Left Media to be ALL IN ON Putin’s Fault LIES over the Gas Prices & Inflation BUT NOW Tic Tok Idiots. How many of them are EVEN Voting Age for Christ Sake?
The Indoctrination & Brainwashing is Complete. We have White People Protesting White People for BEING White People.
Smillette created racial discord in a COUNTRY. I think that constitutes a HATE CRIME and he should be treated LIKE EVERY OTHER CRIMINAL in this country. This is SO WRONG!!!
This is just WRONG. Other people stay in jail while they appeal their sentence. Smollette should NOT get any special treatment . Keep him in jail. He might try and leave the country.
Keep Jussie in jail. His sentence should have been longer. If he had been a white guy making a fake attack by black men they would have thrown the book at him and forgot where they put the key.
Mason City Room March 15, 2022
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 March 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, Symonds. Absent: Lee.
Adopt Agenda: Motion, Adams; 2nd, Symonds that the agenda be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
The Mayor proclaimed March 30, 2022 as Honey Bee Day.
Planning and Zoning Manager Tricia Sandahl presented the annual CLG Report
City Administrator Burnett presented his Monthly Activity Report. Council comments and questions followed the report.
Prior to adopting the Consent Agenda Items #10 and #21 were removed to be acted upon separately.
Consent Agenda Items: Regular Minutes of March 1, 2022; Claims dated March 3 and 10, 2022 in the amount of $1,795,287.23; Prime & Wine – Class C Liquor, Catering, Outdoor Service; Target – Class B Wine, Class C Beer, Class E Liquor; North Iowa Events Center (excludes Speedway) Class C & Outdoor Service; Simply Nourished – Class B Wine Permit; City of Mason City (Arena) – excludes junior hockey events – Class B Beer; Northside Liquor – Class B Wine, Class C Beer, Class E Liquor; Mason City Country Club – Class A Liquor License, Outdoor Service; Reappoint Colleen Niedermayer to the Planning & Zoning Commission; Appoint/Hire oe Gaubetz as Water Distribution Worker at $27.08 per hour; Appoint/Hire Laura Mott as GIS Analyst at Pay Grade J, Step 1 ($26.34/hr or $54,787 annual); Resolution No. 22-45, approving an Amendment No. 2 to the professional services agreement with Dixon Engineering, Inc. of Greenfield, WI for additional services related to the Water Tower Maintenance Program; Resolution No. 22-46, approving a Supplemental Letter Agreement #2 to the professional services agreement with SEH for additional services related to the “Mason Creek Culvert Replacement – Virginia Avenue”; Resolution No. 22-47, 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 “2022 Street Panel and Curb Replacement Program Project No. 22-1002; Resolution No. 22-48, 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 “2022 Street Rehabilitation Program Project No. 22-1001; Resolution No. 22-49, authorizing acceptance of the 2021 Iowa Certified Local Government Annual Report and directing staff to submit the report to the State Historic Preservation Office; Resolution No. 22-50, accepting work and ordering payment for construction of the “Sanitary Sewer CCTV – Phase 2 Project”; Resolution No. 22-51, approving publication of notice of hearing upon a consolidated application for Federal Transit Administration Assistance Grant for Non-Urbanized Areas and State Operating Assistance Funds for Transportation and authorizing the submission of the application, setting time and place of public hearing; prescribing form of notice to be given and directing clerk to cause publication of said notice; Resolution No. 22-52, authorizing bid process for proposed sale of 1422 North Hampshire Place and setting a public hearing; Resolution No. 22-53, proposing vacation of certain public easements located in Asbury Farms Tenth Subdivision and calling for a public hearing on the proposed vacation; Resolution No. 22-54, approving final plat for Stone Pillar Nineteenth Subdivision, was presented. Motion, Adams; 2nd, Symonds that all items in the Consent Agenda be approved and Resolutions adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
10. Approval of the proposed Firefighter Non-EMT position and attached wage scale, and recruitment strategy: Motion Adams; 2nd, Jaszewski that the recommendation be approved. Discussion followed regarding the position, recruitment, certificates involved, etc. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
21. Option for Potential Purchase of 22 No. Georgia Avenue (Mohawk Square): Motion, Adams; 2nd, Thoma that Resolution No. 22-55, approving and authorizing execution of an Option to Purchase related to 22 North Georgia Avenue (Mohawk Square) and the associated parking lots and property, be adopted. Discussion followed regarding how the Option to Purchase would work, what would happen after the timeframe had expired, history of the building, etc. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
2022 GO Bonding: 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, Jaszewski that Resolution No. 22-56, instituting proceedings to take additional action for the issuance of not to exceed $4,300,000 General Obligation Bonds be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.) 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, Symonds that Resolution No. 22-57, instituting proceedings to take additional action for the issuance of not to exceed $500,000 General Obligation Bonds, be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.) 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, Thoma that Resolution No. 22-58, authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022, and levying a tax for the payment thereof, be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Adopting the Annual Budget for FY Ending June 30, 2023: 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, Jaszewski that Resolution No. 22-59, adopting the annual budget for fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, be adopted. Comments followed regarding the impact to the average homeowner. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
Approve application by Parker House Properties for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) to fund upper story dwelling units at 26-28 East State Street. 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. Development Services Director Van Steenhusye provided the required comments. There being no comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, Symonds that Resolution No. 22-60, approving application, Duplication of Benefits Policy, and related documents for a CDBG-CV (Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus) Housing Conversion Project for 26-28 East State Street with Parker House Properties, LLC as developers, be adopted. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
5 Year Utility Rate Plan Ordinance Changes: Motion, Symonds; 2nd, Masson that the Ordinance amending the City Code by repealing Title 6, Chapter 1 “Public Utilities”, Article A. Water Rates, Section 1, Rates and Charges Established, Subsections A and B (1) in their entirety, and adopting new subsections A and B (1) in lieu thereof be received and placed on file for First Consideration. AYES: All (Motion carried.) Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, Symonds that the Ordinance amending the City Code by repealing Title 6, Chapter 2: “Sanitary Sewers”, Article A: “Sewer Rates”, Section 3: “Schedule of Rates”, Subsection A and B. and adopting a new subsection A and B in lieu thereof, be received and placed on file for First Consideration. AYES: All (Motion carried.) Motion, Adams; 2nd, Symonds that the Ordinance amending the City Code by repealing Title 4, Chapter 2: “Garbage, Refuse, Recyclables and Yard Waste”, Article C: “Solid Wastes”, Subsection 12: “Charges”, and adopting a new Subsection 12 in lieu thereof, be received and placed on file for First Consideration. AYES: All (Motion carried.) Motion, Symonds; 2nd, Jaszewski that the Ordinance amending the City Code, by repealing Title 6, Chapter 3: “Storm Sewers”, Article A: “Stormwater Utility Policy” and adopting a new Article A in lieu thereof, be received and placed on file for First Consideration. AYES: All (Motion carried.)
The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
/s/Bill Schickel
Bill Schickel, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/Aaron Burnett
Aaron Burnett, City Clerk
Publish 3-22-22
Emailed 3-17-22
March 16, 2022
An unknown amount of wastewater from a packing plant reached a tributary of the West Branch of the Floyd River south of Sioux Center, Iowa.
The manager of Sioux-Preme Packing noticed the discharge from a partly open pipe valve this morning while preparing to land apply wastewater to a nearby field. The discharge may have started yesterday. The company estimates 5,000 gallons discharged. Most soaked into the field, but some flowed into the tributary.
DNR staff will be checking the area and stream conditions this afternoon. DNR does not expect to find a fish kill.
DNR will consider appropriate enforcement action.
The United States Shares 500 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Worldwide
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State:
The United States has now shared over 500 million safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses, free of cost, to more than 110 countries and economies around the world – for the sole purpose of saving lives.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have provided nearly $20 billion in health, humanitarian, economic, and development assistance to over 120 countries, including rapid response support for urgent health needs and technical assistance to expand vaccine access. We have also invested and supported the expansion of regional COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing in Africa and Asia. Today, we continue to work tirelessly with governments and international organizations, vaccine producers, NGOs, the private sector, and others to deliver vaccines, get shots in arms, increase testing and treatment, support and protect healthcare workers, and more. Our recently announced COVID-19 Global Action Plan provides a clear roadmap for this international coordination.
Our work is making a difference around the world.
In Paraguay, our donation of two million Pfizer vaccine doses were quickly administered. The government set up a mass vaccination site based on a U.S. model and administered 500,000 doses within a week. In Zambia, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) used American Rescue Plan Act funds to support the administration of nearly two million COVID-19 vaccines through more than 500 health facilities across Zambia’s 10 provinces as part of its work to combat HIV/AIDS.
In addition, a State Department grant helped Alfred Kankuzi in Malawi build his own app to respond to the rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation across social media. Called COVID-19 NEBA, or “Hey Neighbor,” the app is offered in three languages – Chichewa, Tumbuka, and English – and increases access to fact-based information from trusted sources including U.S. Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, and Malawi’s Ministry of Health. Alfred has helped over 648,000 fellow citizens access accurate COVID-19 information.
In Thailand, State Department exchange alumni used a small grant to support Chiang Dao residents in the Chiang Mai Province. Alumni joined community organizations to create visual and audio media in seven local languages on COVID-19 prevention best practices, collaborated with public health officials to conduct COVID-19 prevention workshops for village health volunteers, and provided effective communication tools and techniques to village leaders to help residents stay updated on COVID-19 – reaching more than 70,000 people.
This work is critical because this pandemic is not over. Many lives are still at risk globally as countries contend with Omicron and we face the possibility of new variants. The United States will continue to work with partners and communities at every level to save lives and better prepare for future pandemics.
GALLUP:
U.S. Defense Attitudes Shifted Before Russia-Ukraine War.
Before Russia invaded Ukraine, Americans were evenly divided on whether the U.S. was spending enough money on defense. In the past two years, increasingly more have said the U.S. national defense is not strong enough.
Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg released a public schedule update for the week of Monday, March 14, 2022 – Sunday, March 20, 2022.
The following events are open to credentialed members of the media:
Thursday, March 17
Governor Reynolds visits Manson Hometown Grocery
Manson Hometown Grocery
1101 Main Street
Manson, IA
2:00 p.m.
Friday, March 18
Governor Reynolds tours RJ Thomas Manufacturing Company
RJ Thomas Manufacturing
5648 US Hwy. 59
Cherokee, IA
10:30 a.m.
Governor Reynolds visits Little Hawks Childcare Center
Little Hawks Childcare Center
753 Main Street
Manilla, IA
1:50 p.m.
Governor Reynolds visits The Anchored Collective
The Anchored Collective
1331 Linden Road
Harlan, IA
3:05 p.m.
The West, Putin said, is trying to split Russians and is using that “fifth column” to achieve its goal of destroying Russia. He called for Russians to distinguish true patriots from “scum and traitors”—political opponents and dissidents—and to get rid of the latter like bugs. “I am convinced that such a natural and necessary self-purification of society will only strengthen our country, our solidarity, cohesion and readiness to respond to any challenges.”
This is from the guy that some Republicans think is justified in his war on Ukraine. Sounds a lot like Donald J Trump and another well-known leader from the past.
$1 Billion in New U.S. Security Assistance for Ukraine This Week
03/16/2022 04:22 PM EDT
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
In recent days, Russia has escalated its premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified war on Ukraine, striking hospitals, demolishing schools, leveling civilian infrastructure, and killing hundreds of civilians. As Ukrainian forces bravely continue to combat Russia’s renewed invasion, the United States and its Allies and partners stand steadfast in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and we continue expediting security assistance to Ukraine. This includes $1 billion in new security assistance for Ukraine this week.
Exercising the additional authority provided in the Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act signed into law by the President, I have immediately authorized, pursuant to a delegation by the President executed earlier today, a Presidential Drawdown of military assistance valued at up to $800 million for Ukraine’s defense. This authorization is the fifth drawdown of equipment from Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine in the last 6 months. Combined with $200 million authorized March 12, it will bring the total U.S. security assistance approved for Ukraine to $1 billion in the last week alone. We are able to provide this level of assistance because of our partnership with Congress, whose responsiveness and generosity we deeply appreciate. We will continue to work closely with lawmakers to support our Ukrainian partners and impose costs on the Russian government.
Today’s announcement nearly doubles total security assistance to Ukraine since the beginning of the Administration to more than $2 billion, enabling us to surge additional needed assistance, including anti-aircraft, anti-tank, and anti-armor systems as well as small arms and munitions used by Ukrainian security forces on the ground right now in the fight to defend their country.
The United States will continue to stand together with the community of nations backing the people of Ukraine as they defend their country and will continue to urge President Putin to stop the violence, de-escalate, and choose the path of diplomacy. Until then, we will remain in close contact and coordination with our partners and allies, rally freedom-loving countries worldwide to continue delivering swift and severe consequences to the Russian Government and its enablers, and keep surging diplomatic support, security and economic assistance, and humanitarian aid to help the people of Ukraine in their time of need.
Dear bot, I have noticed you haven’t been posting as much lately. Now you have started up again must mean that the millions of dollars Russia is pouring into misinformation posts on social media sites finally reached you. Enjoy your new-found wealth while it lasts. Putin will be out of a job soon.
If Biden is afraid of Putin, it is with good reason. Putin is a crazed maniac who has moved the world much closer to a world war. You would have to be an admirer of Putin not to see that. Kinda like trumpie who now says Putin has changed. Ha ha Donny. He has always been a crazy maniaC. You were just afraid to upset him.