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Osceola’s Trunk or Treat, which is sponsored by Lakeside Casino and presented by Osceola Chamber Main Street, is planned 5:30 to 7 p.m. today on the courthouse lawn. The city’s scheduled trick-or-treat hours are 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight.
I-35’s Cresta, Goering qualify for State Cross Country Meet page 1C
www.osceolaiowa.com
155 YEARS • NO. 43
OSCEOLA, IOWA 50213
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015
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Fotiadis to face off against Sullivan for at-large seat
Fotiadis
Sullivan
By AMY HANSEN
OST news editor • ahansen@osceolaiowa.com
OST photo by AMY HANSEN
Pumpkin contest: This pig-decorated pumpkin is on display at Osceola Public Library. The library’s first-ever pumpkin
decorating contest was recently held and Missy Cline’s pig pumpkin received first place in the ninth grade through adult category. Other pumpkins are also on display at the library.
Walkup to run unopposed By AMY HANSEN
OST news editor • ahansen@osceolaiowa.com
Editor’s note: This is the third in a series on mayor/ city council candidates in the November election. Incumbent Osceola City Councilman David Walkup is running unopposed for the council’s 3rd Ward seat. All candidates were given Walkup the same questionnaire from the office of the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
David Walkup Q: What made you decide to run in this election? A: During the past four years, I have enjoyed working on the city council. My role is to give input and work with the other council members and mayor to develop a comprehensive plan to guide this improvement. It is my responsibility to also continue to look at the budget and to continue to be revenue neutral. I would hope to continue working with others on the council to direct the city administrator and city employees to work on making the city of Osceola the best place to live. I also enjoy working with other entities for common purposes. Q: What are the main is-
sues you think the city of Osceola is facing right now? A: A new sewer system • New downtown infrastructure and design • Complete the paving of streets • Continue trails and sidewalks for pedestrians within the city • Establish a renters code for the city • Establish a transfer station for garbage • Complete the renovation the depot and develop a welcome center With the annual review of the comprehensive plan, the council can prioritize the goals or projects to be achieved during each fiscal year. Q: What would be some of the best ways to solve
these problems? A: I think that all of them can be solved by focusing on the project or problem, communicating with the public and letting our staff complete the project or correct the problem. A: What type of experience do you bring to the table? I am a retired educator (six years as a teacher and 26 years as a school administrator) who has lived in Osceola for the past 15 years. I have served on the Osceola Historic Preservation Commission, Board of Chamber Main Street and Osceola Golf and Country Club Board of Directors. Please see WALKUP, Page 4
Council to focus on rental code after election By AMY HANSEN
OST news editor • ahansen@osceolaiowa.com
The formation of a rental code for the city of Osceola is so important it’s been delayed, and for a good reason. “We’ve had this on the agenda for the several meetings and we’ve been inching our way toward the point where we’ll start discussing the rental code based on the 2012 International Property Code Maintenance,” said Ty Wheeler, city adminSINGLE COPY PRICE: 75¢
Copyright 2015
istrator/ clerk. “ T h a t was our starting point. A template if you will, from Wheeler which we will use to craft our own.” A candidate forum for the mayoral/city council election was held Tuesday, Oct. 20. The audience members were invited to write questions for the candidates. The rental code ordi-
nance was a question asked from an audience member. Rental codes are established to set up rules and regulations for rental units to aid renters and landlords. Work together During a city council meeting held after the forum, Wheeler said city officials wanted to postpone the rental code discussion until after the Nov. 3 election, so that would allow the current city council members and newly-elected members to schedule work sessions together.
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Wheeler said the reason was “so we don’t get going on something and then have a new body take it halfway through the process.” Councilman Dave Walkup said a new rental code was going to take many scheduled sessions. “It’s one that’s going to take some time and we’re going to do it right,” he said. The next Osceola City Council meeting is scheduled Thursday, Nov. 5. It was moved to that date because of the Nov. 3 election.
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Editor’s note: This is the third in a series on mayor/city council candidates in the November election. Incumbent Osceola City Councilman Dr. George Fotiadis is running against Jon Ryan Sullivan for the council’s at-large seat. All candidates were given the same questionnaire from the office of the Osceola Sentinel-Tribune. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Dr. George Fotiadis Q: What made you decide to run in the election? A: I have lived in Osceola for 29 years and counting. While I was thinking of not returning to office, I was asked to stay by some people I feel respect and trust for. They feel I bring experience to a council that will have a majority of votes and mayor in their first term. Osceola is on a journey to transform from the last century into the next. The road is long and there have many steps along the way. I can be the bridge and provide some continuity from the last generation to the next. The plans we make, the ordinances we change, the investments we make are from a long process of growth and change. I can help a new council by reminding them why we went in one direction, why certain plans and goals were made and from whence they came. I also feel that part of my job on council was to remind them, as I have reminded the current council, of when we may be out or order. This comes from experience. I would also continue to remind the council that our decisions must be in the stewardship of the town, and not personal conflicts or disagreements. That is a role that experience makes easier. Q: What are the main issues you think the city of Osceola is facing right now? What would be some of the best ways to solve them? A: Our issues are still largely the same, this term from the last: The basic infrastructure and support structure of the city. This is
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our job, and then we must set the conditions where individuals can build their success and future. People make the city good, not the government, but we need to plant the seeds of success. We have allies with our county, our development corp, our chamber/ main street, our schools and our important services such as police, fire and street departments. We need a water supply with the capacity to allow growth of population and industry. We should not abandon pursuit of this in any form it may take. If legislature closes one door, we should seek another. Continued work on our streets will come. We are paving on a schedule as finances permit. We need to continue with this development and replacement plan. The city square is going to be a major project. We have to work with our residents, businesses, and engineers. The final plan is likely going to have some compromises, but we need to finish underground work, and make the surface inviting to bring people to the square. I want to see continued residential development. Part of this is knowing that many of our residences are rental properties. Most will do well, but we need a mechanism to ensure that housing is safe, secure, and maybe the rental code, if developed, can be a way for renter and owner to meet on even terms. Most units will be good, but let’s face it, I need a way to have a renter get running water, at least. Last year, there were some complaints of this severity, and no mechanism to solve it. Police and fire departments need continued equipment replacement and upgrades. We will start the process with fire trucks. These are expensive pieces of equipment and we need a plan to finance them. Police car replacement plans have worked well. Q: Why would you be the best candidate for the job? A: Osceola has so much potential. I would like the privilege of helping guide it forward and ask for another Please see AT-LARGE, Page 4
Don’t Forget New editorial
Check out a new edition of “The Fry Times” editorial on page 4.
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