By Casey Jarmes | The News-Review
NORTH ENGLISH – During the Sept. 3 meeting of the North English City Council, the council approved quotes from Prairie Creek Nursery to handle the algae problem out at the town pond. The city previously $2,120 accepted a quote from Prarie Creek for milfoil treatments at the pond. Mayor Dan Strohman stated that they don’t treat the pond every year and that he didn’t remember the last time they treated it. Strohman explained that the quote was for two doses of algae control, each costing $1,679, but that the second one might not be necessary. He stated that, next year, they could begin doing routine chemical treatments costing around $2,300 to keep the algae under control, and that it might take three years to completely fix the problem.
Strohman recommended accepting all three estimates. Public works employee Jason Lee asked how long the treatment would take, pointing out that the pond would freeze soon. Strohman stated that Prairie Creek believed they could get a handle on it this year. Public works employee David Knipfer stated that the algae would die out soon when it got cold. Lee stated that people would stop fishing in the pond soon and stated the quote was throwing money away. Knipfer recommended they start the algae treatments next spring. Lee stated that the pond is normally good in the string, with the algae showing up when it gets hot. Councilman Red Haughland stated that the quote was not overly high and that they should approve it and see what happens. The council approved the quote, with Councilwoman Beth Carter giving the sole No vote.
Strohman stated that letters had been sent out to properties that needed cleanup and that things looked better than they did at the last meeting. Councilman Lou Garringer asked about the Brodor property at 118 South Main. Strohman stated that Laura Sue Woods from Iowa County Economic Development suggested that to him that the city take over and tear down the property. Garringer stated that the property was in bad shape and that the city could get grants to tear it down. Knipfer stated that the city had already spent $500 to fix up the front of the building. Garringer stated that the property looked nicer because of this. Councilwoman Kathy O’Rourke stated that she was concerned this would cause liability problems for the city. Discussion was tabled.
Knipfer stated that the new speed sign had arrived and that he planned to put it up during the week after the meeting.
