Whiner’s

The Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board ROW Management staff will be giving away a portion of its stockpile of wood chips at Lime Creek Nature Center May 16th – May 20th. Mulch will be loaded into small trailers or trucks with the assistance of a tractor at 7:45 AM and 3:30 PM each day. Smaller quantities may be loaded by hand. A limited supply is available to the public so individuals interested in wood chips must contact the Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board at (641) 423-5309 to reserve a day and time for pick up.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a report recently on the challenges faced by Americans in rural communities. The report highlights that many of these communities lack access to physical bank branches, are more likely to seek credit from nonbanks, and are heavily affected by medical bills. The CFPB will be expanding its efforts to address these and other challenges facing the people and families of rural America.

“For decades, many government agencies have turned a blind eye to pressing problems facing families, farmers, and businesses in rural communities,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “The CFPB will be focusing on ways to ensure that rural communities can better access relationship banking services and achieve their economic potential.”

There are multiple ways to define rural communities. According to the definition of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Economic Research Service, rural, or “non-metro,” counties are home to 46 million people, which is 14 percent of the U.S. population. People living in rural counties tend to have lower income and higher rates of poverty. The overwhelming majority of persistent poverty counties across the U.S. are located in rural areas.

While agriculture has historically been a pillar of rural economies, the number of farms has decreased over several decades. Today, less than 10 percent of people in completely rural counties work in agriculture, and the farmers who remain earned only 16 cents for every dollar spent by consumers on agricultural products, according to a USDA analysis. Another pillar of rural economies is small businesses, with people living in rural communities more likely to be employed by small businesses than people living in other parts of the country.

Local financial institutions, such as community banks and credit unions, often offer products and services that fit the local economic terrain. However, rural communities are experiencing a fast-paced exodus of in-person banking services, with rural communities 10 times more likely than urban communities to be located in banking deserts. In fact, the Federal Reserve has identified more than 2,100 existing and potential banking deserts across the country with more than 1,500 located in rural areas.

The data snapshot provides a summary of economic challenges facing rural people and communities. Among its key findings:

• Rural Americans depend on physical bank branches and smaller banks. In 2019, nearly 9-in-10 rural households visited a bank branch. Rural banking customers tell the CFPB that given the unique qualities of rural economies, if they are reduced to a number and fed into a large bank’s algorithm, their credit needs will not be met. However, these same customers are the ones most likely to not live within 10-miles of a bank with in-person services. 

• Rural Americans are less likely to have a credit history and more likely to use non-bank credit, resulting in rural consumers paying more for credit. Compared to the rest of the country, rural areas have the highest rates of people without a usable credit history maintained by one of the three nationwide consumer reporting agencies (i.e. Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Rural consumers without credit records have more difficulty accessing credit when they need it, such as to fill short term income gaps, recover from weather emergencies, or seek new opportunities. Many rural consumers who have difficulty accessing traditional sources of credit may turn to pawnshops and payday lenders, whose extensions of credit are often costlier and can quickly put consumers on treadmills of increasing debt.

• Unpaid medical bills are affecting access to credit, housing, and employment. Almost 1-in-5 U.S. households have allegedly past-due medical bills, which can unfairly, and adversely, affect credit reports and limit access to credit, housing, and employment. According to a recent study by the CFPB, Medical Debt Burden in the United States, unpaid medical bills are more common in the Southeastern and Southwestern U.S., which also have significant rural populations. Additionally, healthcare and insurance costs tend to be highest in rural communities, compared to urban and suburban communities, which leads to more expensive medical bills and charges.

The CFPB has launched a new Rural Initiative to focus its authorities and resources to address the particular needs of rural communities. The CFPB has begun making a concerted effort to work with government and civil society stakeholders to establish lines of communication and gain more visibility into the most pressing consumer finance issues in rural areas. Specifically, the CFPB will:

• Dig deeper to understand the unique needs of rural communities by analyzing data and developing effective ways for the people living in those communities to file complaints. The CFPB will conduct research to fill in data gaps on rural communities, particularly on the unique needs of those in the agricultural sector, rural housing, and trying to access credit. The CFPB will also gain more insights into the dynamics of rural communities from rural people themselves by identifying more effective ways for rural people to access and use the CFPB’s complaint tool.

• Hear directly from rural communities and the financial institutions that serve them. The CFPB will be conducting roundtables with rural stakeholders – including workers, farmers, and small business owners. These roundtables will be online and in-person in rural communities across the country, including in the Deep South, Appalachia, Indian Country, and the Rio Grande Valley.

• Work with federal partners to meet the needs of rural communities. The CFPB is working with the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, and Treasury, along with other agencies, to ensure that rural communities have the resources they need to thrive and that they are protected from lawbreakers within the financial sector.

Suspension of Russia’s Permanent Observer Status at the Organization of American States

04/21/2022 04:17 PM EDT

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Today, the United States welcomes the adoption of a resolution at the Organization of American States (OAS) suspending Russia as a Permanent Observer to that institution. With the passage of this resolution, OAS member states demonstrated that we do not stand on the sidelines in the face of the Russian government’s violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses. Our Hemisphere stands with Ukraine.

The Kremlin’s inhumanity in its premeditated, unprovoked, unjust war against Ukraine is horrifically clear.  Deaths and destruction mount daily. More than 10 million Ukrainian citizens and others have been uprooted by the Kremlin’s coldblooded aggression. On a global scale, Putin’s senseless war of choice has hurt economies and threatened the food security of the world’s most vulnerable. As President Biden stated, “An overwhelming majority of nations recognize that Putin is not only attacking Ukraine, he is attacking the very foundations of global peace and security.”

The Russian government’s brutal attack against Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty demonstrates the Kremlin’s utter contempt for the values of democracy and respect for human rights, values that form the bedrock of the Inter American system. We commend the governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Guatemala for leading the adoption of the resolution, and all the governments that supported it.

The OAS action today sends a clear message to the Kremlin.  The overwhelming number of countries in the Americas called upon the Kremlin to end its unconscionable war of choice, withdraw its forces, and comply with international law.

Mason City Room         April 19, 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 April 19, 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: Jaszewski, Masson, Adams, Symonds, Lee. Absent: Thoma (arrived 7:33 P.M.).

Adopt Agenda:  Motion, Masson; 2nd, Jaszewski that the agenda be adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.) 

The Mayor proclaimed April 22, 2022, as “Earth Day”, April 29, 2022 as “Arbor Day” and the month of May as “Make It Okay” month.

City Administrator Burnett presented his Monthly Activity Report. Council comments and questions followed the report.

Prior to adopting the Consent Agenda Item #10 and #12 were removed to be acted upon separately. 

Consent Agenda: Regular Minutes of April 5, 2022; Claims dated April 7 and 14, 2022 in the amount of $1,310,870.60; Moose – Class A Liquor License; Fleet Farm Fuel – Class C Beer, Class B Wine; Pasta Bella Restaurant – Special Class C, Outdoor Service; Mason City Motor Speedway – Class B Beer; Resolution No. 22-79, approving contract and bond for the “IATR Grade Crossing Reconstruction – 19th Street SW Project No. 21-1009”; Resolution No. 22-80, approving the contract and bond for the construction of the “2022 Pavement Marking Program Project No. 22-1003”; Approving the Public Notice Affirmative Fair Housing Policy; Resolution No. 22-81, adopting the Affirmative Fair Housing Policy, Resolution No. 22-82, adopting a Code of Conduct for the City of Mason City Community Development Block Grant; Resolution No. 22-83, approving an Equal Opportunity Policy; Resolution No. 22-84, approving a policy on the Prohibition of the Use of Excessive Force; Resolution No. 22-85, approving the City of Mason City Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan; Approving the Certificate of Compliance CDBG Procurement Standards (Fabian CDBG); Approving the Certificate of Compliance CDBG Procurement Standards (Geving CDBG). Motion, Jaszewski; 2nd, Symonds that all items in the Consent Agenda be approved and Resolutions adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

10. Building Renovation/Fire Protection Grant Program: Motion, Lee; 2nd, Jaszewski that Resolution No. 22-86, authorizing the establishment of a Building Renovation/Fire Protection Grant Program, be adopted. Discussion followed regarding matching requirements, the cost, history of downtown buildings, etc. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

Council Member Thoma entered the meeting via Zoom at 7:33 p.m.

12.  Order Public Hearing on Disposition of Property Talon, LLC for River City Apts: Motion, Adams; 2nd, Jaszewski that Resolution No. 22-87, -, (1) approving the competitive criteria and procedures for disposition of certain property located within the Mason City Downtown Reinvestment Urban Renewal Area; (2) determining that the proposal submitted by Talon, LLC and the River Mason City II, LLC satisfies the offering requirements and declaring the intent of the city to convey the property to the River Mason City II, LLC in the event that no competing proposals are submitted; (3) ordering publication of a notice of competitive bidding and soliciting competing proposals;  and (4) fixing date for a public hearing on the proposal to enter into a purchase, sale, and development agreement with Talon, LLC and the River Mason City II, LLC, and providing for publication of notice thereof, be adopted. Discussion followed regarding brownfield, downtown rental shortage, steps in the process, etc. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

2022 Street Panel & Curb Replacement: 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, Adams that Resolution No. 22-88 adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the “2022 Street Panel and Curb Replacement Program Project No. 22-1002” and 22-89, making award of contract to Mid-Continent Contracting, Inc. of Mason City, Iowa, be adopted and the bid tabulation with the recommended bid from Mid-Continent Contracting, Inc. of Mason City, Iowa, in the amount of $315,621.00, be accepted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

“2022 Street Rehabilitation Program Project No. 22-1001”: 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. 22-90 adopting plans, specifications, form of contract and estimated cost for the “2022 Street Rehabilitation Program Project No. 22-1001” and 22-91, making award of contract Heartland Asphalt, Inc. of Mason City, Iowa be adopted and the bid tabulation with recommended bid from Heartland Asphalt, Inc. of Mason City, Iowa, in the amount of $903,103.88, be accepted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

Transit Administration Assistance Funding: 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 Steenhuyse provided the required comments: There being no further comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Adams; 2nd Lee that Resolution No. 22-92, authorizing application for State Transit Assistance Funds and Federal funds for Non-Urbanized Areas for financial assistance and commitment of City funds for Mason City Transit System, be adopted. Clarification was made regarding funding match. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

Sale of Property – 412 3rd Street SW: 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 further comments the Public Hearing was declared closed. Motion, Masson; 2nd Adams that the recommendation be approved. Discussion followed regarding how the auction would occur and the next steps. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

5 Year Utility Rate Plan Ordinance Changes: Motion, Adams; 2nd, Jaszewski that the Ordinance No. 22-4, 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 adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.) Motion, Symonds; 2nd, Masson that the Ordinance No. 22-5, 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 adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.) Motion, Lee; 2nd, Jaszewski that the Ordinance No. 22-6, , 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 there, be adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.) Motion, Lee; 2nd, Adams that the Ordinance No. 22-7, 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 thereo, be adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.) 

RAGBRAI Ordinance Rules & Regulations: Motion, Adams; 2nd, Thoma to waive First and Second Reading and move to Final. Discussion followed regarding waiving readings and the need for it. AYES:  All (Motion carried.) Motion, Masson; 2nd, Adams that Ordinance No. 22-8, , amending the City Code of the City of Mason City, Iowa Title 5 “Public Ways and Property” by adding a new Chapter 5 “RAGBRAI Regulations”, be adopted. AYES:  All (Motion carried.)

Adjourn:  The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

/s/Bill Schickel

Bill Schickel, Mayor 

ATTEST:

/s/Aaron Burnett

Aaron Burnett, City Clerk

Publish 4-26-22

Emailed 4-21-22

BREAKING NEWS via The New York Times:
‘I’ve Had It With This Guy’: G.O.P. Leaders Privately Blasted Trump After Jan. 6

In the days after the attack, Representative Kevin McCarthy planned to tell Mr. Trump to resign. Senator Mitch McConnell told allies impeachment was warranted. But their fury faded fast.