CSI meeting, Eaton expansion on agenda

Daily Reporter Staff

Residents of Spencer can find out more about a multi-decade, multi-million dollar Community Sewer Initiative (CSI) project Monday when city leaders hold a public meeting about the combined sewer system in Spencer.

The meeting will take place from 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m Monday at Spencer City Council Chambers.

The city is required to conform with an Environmental Protection Agency mandate to eliminate its combined sewers. The project cost could fall within a range of $22 million to $30 million.

An engineering study will give residents a better idea of the project cost in about 18 months. Council members will be asked to set a public hearing to secure a $1 million revolving loan fund allocation.

"This will be a very informative meeting that we are encouraging residents and businesses alike to attend," City Manager Bob Fagen said, in a memo to council members. "At the meeting, maps will be available for residents to identify where they live and if they are having any basement backups."

The regular city council meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., and council members will be considering a major economic development project as part of the agenda.

Kathy Evert, President of the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, along with representatives from Eaton Corporation, will be on hand to update council members about the company's intent to expand its operation.

The city has been told the Eaton expansion reflects a $10 million investment. The move would help the company retain 71 jobs and add another 126 jobs.

"If you add those numbers with Terramech, the total number of jobs being retained and/or created is in the neighborhood of 230," Fagen said in his memo. "That is very similar to the number of jobs the wind blade company, that was looking at locating here, was proposing. This is great news for the Spencer area. Staff is recommending approval of the resolution submitting the CEBA and High Quality Job Creation Act Application."

Council members will be asked to authorize the release of a city contribution of $55,000 to the Jobs Trust for the Eaton project.

The city also will consider the release of $25,000 to the Jobs Trust for the Spencer Family YMCA Dvergsten Child Care Center. The $1.35 million center will add 4,200-square feet to the existing child care service area. The funding has the support of the city's Progress and Development Committee.

An expansion could be taking place out at the Spencer Municipal Golf Course as well. Council members will be asked to retain Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates to prepare the plans, specifications, cost estimates and form of contract for the Golf Course Clubhouse Project.

The architect's fee would be set not to exceed 6 percent of the estimated $357,285 project, or $ 21,400. If the project comes in under that estimated amount, the fee would be reduced accordingly.

Fagen's memo also clarifies the size and cost of this project. The size of the clubhouse is approximately 4,800 square feet. The plan does not call for a formal kitchen. It includes an island similar to what they have in the existing facility. Course fees and Motel/Hotel tax dollars will be used, pending council approval.

The total project cost is estimated at $400,000 once architect fees and furnishings are added in.

Fagen's office also is recommending that a May 19 public hearing date be set for the sale of city-owned property to Shine Brothers. The company intends to use the land to construct a building that would house a new process for wire fluff. If successful, the process could eliminate approximately 5 percent of the wire fluff waste currently going to the city landfill. This project would also add taxable valuation and add up to five new employees.