By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 14 meeting of the Panora City Council, Public Works Director Ismael Galvan provided an update on an area of sewer line that need to be replaced. The line had previously been worked on by Accu-Jet, but that company has since filed bankruptcy, and, according to City Administrator Lisa Grossman, the city’s attorney does not feel it would be cost-effective to pursue legal action against Accu-Jet since the legal costs would likely exceed any amount awarded.

Galvan explained that he has been trying to figure out how much of the line has liner that needs to be removed.

“We ended up spending about $30,000 trying to do that,” Galvan said. “We made it about 160 feet south of Highway 44, and they ran into what looks like grease pockets, where it’s about 80% clogged. It was impassable for the camera to go any further.”

Galvan said replacement of the sewer line seems to be the best solution.

“We’re going to have to replace about 280 feet of that line,” he said.

Galvan explained that he received two bids from companies that could do the work, but the bids are approximately $46,000 and $65,000. He said his crew can do the work, with materials expected to cost around $10,000.

The council addressed a request from JoAnn Smith to plant trees in the right-of-way near her home. Councilmember Blake Michelsen said he is concerned with any trees in the right-of-way for visibility reasons. Councilmember Tom Flanery said he has declined similar requests from citizens in the past and was inclined to do so in this case also. The council voted 4-1 to deny the request with Mark Sheeder dissenting.

Sheeder brought up a concern about camping at the northern portion of Lenon Mill Park because that area can become flooded with heavy rain. He also said there have been reports of someone essentially living there as a primary residence. Other council members said they have heard the reports as well.

As part of the consent agenda, the council approved a 5-day Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Lucky Wife Wine Slushies for July 30 through Aug. 3 for Panorama Days.

The council approved Resolution 25-28, for the purchase of a 2025 Silverado 2500 from Shottenkirk Chevrolet for the Water Department at a cost of $49,972. Grossman pointed out that $50,000 had already been budgeted for this.

 The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

During the July 14 meeting of the Guthrie Center City Council, Sheriff Matt Harmann addressed the council to ask for consideration of purchasing surveillance cameras to be placed in the city. Harmann explained that such cameras are becoming more common, especially in urban areas, and are a valuable tool for law enforcement.

“Anytime you go to Des Moines, you’re probably on camera 50 times,” he said.

Harmann said the Sheriff’s Department benefits from cameras installed by businesses and private properties, and he encouraged the city to consider if any cameras could be afforded. Harmann said such cameras vary greatly in price and quality, and he suggested a mid-range camera with an initial cost of approximately $1,425 and yearly service of $135.

The council approved purchasing four such cameras but will initially purchase two so they can be evaluated before more are purchased. City Administrator Kris Arrasmith said she will check for grant availability to help cover the costs.

No decision was made regarding placement of cameras. Harmann said he doesn’t have any specific areas in mind but simply encourages “the more, the merrier.”

The council discussed entrance security at the public library. Arrasmith said access codes are used for entry at the library, but some of the codes have been changed. Council consensus was that there should only be a limited number of codes in use, and City Hall staff should always have a current list of any current codes. Mayor Mike Herbert said he will meet with the library board to discuss the matter.

The council discussed the matter of urban chickens, as some citizens have asked to be allowed to raise chickens within city limits. Arrasmith read from the city code/ordinances, and no specific prohibition against chickens was found. The consensus of the council members was that cases could be decided as they come up, but that various restrictions (containment, amount of space available, distance from neighbors, etc.) would be considered.

The council approved Resolution 2025-12 Tax Exemption for Tandem and Kelsey Eischeid, 902 Tiger Lane.

The next regular meeting of the council is set for Monday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m. The public is welcome.

Special to the Times Vedette

By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette

The public is invited to a free event at The New Homestead, 2304 State St. in Guthrie Center, on July 27 from 5-7 p.m. Music will be played by Kile Jackson. Attendees are welcome to bring a lawn chair, blanket and their own choice of beverage.

Although the event is free to attend, some food and drink options will be available for purchase. A grilled jumbo hotdog and chips meal will be available for $5 from 4:30-7 p.m. Lucky Wife Wine Slushies will be selling drinks, and Homemade by Hann will offer sweet treats.

By Kerry Jacobsen | Times Vedette

A ribbon cutting/open house for Dub P Apparel was held Friday, July 11 at the company’s new building at 1002 Cameron Pass in Guthrie Center.

It was a rainy day, but a large number of area residents still turned to welcome Dub P Apparel to the community. Dub P Apparel carries a variety of merchandise in the retail store along with custom apparel and signage.

The rain didn’t keep residents form joining in on the celebration.

Dub P Apparel had a full building for its open house on Friday, July 11.

A variety of apparel is available in the retail store.

School swag and much more can be found at Dub P Apparel.

Unique gift items are part of the offerings.

Dub P Apparel is located at 1002 Cameron Pass in Guthrie Center.