By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the regular meeting of the Panora City Council on Sept. 28, Lance Scott addressed the council during the public forum portion of the meeting. He spoke about an issue he has dealt with involving sewage flowing into his home.
“I’m sure you all know that there was an issue in our house on Sept. 15, a year and two months after our last ordeal when I came and presented my case to the council,” he said. “You said the issue would be fixed on Clay Street. Well, obviously, it’s not fixed yet. Yes, the work got done up the street…but still doesn’t address the issue in front of my house.”
As part of the meeting packet, a city memo from City Administrator Lisa Grossman summarized the determination by the city’s insurer that “there is insufficient evidence to establish negligence on the part of the City. The insurer reports that the City has appropriately maintained and monitored its sewer system, addressed potential hazards within a reasonable timeframe, and has a newer sewer system that is functioning properly.”
Scott stated there are two backflow-preventers between the main sewer line and his home, but he said, somehow, sewage entered his home anyway.
Grossman said the city’s sewer line in that area has been scoped with a camera recently, and no problems were observed. She gave Scott a list of contact information for agencies that may be able to help with the problem on his property, including possible financial assistance. Mayor Curt Thornberry voiced optimism that Scott can find resources to help with any costs he may incur in remedying the situation.
The council discussed the ambulance transport agreement between the city and the hospital. Currently, the city has a contract for an annual lump sum of $115,000 to provide transport. Grossman noted that the city has accrued costs around $100,000 for such transports through the first eight months of this year. The council discussed that most of the transportation involves trips to Des Moines, Omaha, Iowa City or other long drives.
The two main issues discussed were the long hours and workload this places on the ambulance crews and the cost of providing the service. The council discussed the possibility of giving 90 days formal notice of intent to end the current contract, but no formal action was taken at this time. The matter will be on the agenda for possible action at the Oct. 12 meeting of the council.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Oct.12 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#).