November 24, 2016 75¢
Est. Buchanan County Review 1892
Community meeting addresses proposed EB facilities upgrade By Christine Dale, Assistant Editor
“Every little concern we listen to – it is important to us,” said Dawn Kress, Chair of the Citizen’s Committee for School Enhancement (CCSE) during a community meeting held Nov. 16 at the City Hall in Quasqueton. The community group presented information and addressed concerns about the Dec. 6 East Buchanan School District bond vote to extensively remodel the industrial technology building (the “shop”) and add a safe room and fine arts/athletics addition. CCSE member Mary Donlea said the group and school board want to know about issues important to those in the district as long-term plans and priorities are
determined. Because parking has emerged as a significant concern, plans include the addition of a 40-spot student parking area west of the buildings. Also, the existing high school parking lot will be repainted and modified to increase spaces from 88 to 111. It was noted that this will be implemented whether the bond passes or not. Christel Manson, also with CCSE, explained the project’s cost of $6.5 million will be divided three ways. Approximately one-fourth will be paid from state sales tax funding allocated for school infrastructure (SAVE), one-fourth from increasing the district’s income tax surcharge to 5%, and half from property tax increases. This formula was developed in response to land and business owners who were concerned the tax distribution would unfairly burden them. Travis Squires of Piper Jaffray explained the tax impact and answered questions. Over the last several years, the district
has reduced its net property tax levy to $13.03 per $1,000 net taxable value. Even with an increase of $1.15, the levy is still less than the $14.26 rate paid in 2012. It was noted that the income surtax is not on total income but is based on the amount of tax owed to the state of Iowa. According to Squires, a few years ago the income surtax was 10%. Story continues on page 24.
Pictured above: Travis Squires. At left: Ken Kehrli discusses the industrial technology building. (Christine Dale Photos)
Supervisors hear monthly reports The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Nov. 14, and in special session on Nov. 15. At Monday’s meeting, Roadside Manager Sherlyn Hazen presented her monthly report. Hazen is working on brush control, cutting cedar trees and small trees. The hydro-seeder and spray equipment have been winterized. The board also heard from Public Health Deputy Director Tai Burkhart, who was appointed by the Board of Health at its October meeting as public health director, replacing Amy Marlow. Burkhart reported that the Sub-Service Area 6B group continues to meet. The amount of funding to local governments is uncertain for FY18. The worksite business flu shots have been
completed and immunization card reviews in schools are complete with registered day cares reviews in progress. EMA Director Rick Wulfekuhle reported that the local recovery coalition has been meeting weekly. The first meeting for the Federal public assistance declaration was held at Calmar last week. Local meetings will be scheduled with FEMA and the State for the projects. A work day will be scheduled for the annex. Wulfekuhle reported on conferences attended and projects Chris Hare worked on in October. GIS/E911 Coordinator James Quinn also presented the monthly report. Preventative maintenance of tower site generators are complete and Quinn will inspect all tow-
Buc Bots compete at Denver
er sites. Black Hawk County’s new radio equipment was installed on the Jesup water tower. Quinn presented information on the U.S. Cellular application to modify an existing tower and the necessity to amend the county’s Microwave Radio Path Ordinance. The conservation department GPS field data collection project continues. Matthew Even, Environmental Health/Zoning Administrator, presented his monthly report. The first quarter claim for the grant has been submitted in the amount of $12,279.14. A database to store well information is being created. A map layer of rezoning requests is being created. The department has started data collection for the Comprehensive Plan. The radon poster contest information has
been sent to schools. Even is preparing for indoor pool inspections in early December. Community Services Director Julie Davison told the supervisors that Case Management served 75 clients in October. She also presented information on the services provided by the region. Two residents received rental assistance and 14 received utility assistance. Twenty-six veterans were served. At 10:15 AM, the board reconvened a public hearing regarding the vacation of a portion of Vincent Ave. On Nov. 15, the board of supervisors canvassed the votes cast in Buchanan County at the Nov. 8 General Election. The Abstract of Votes will be filed with the Secretary of State’s Office.
By Christine Dale, Assistant Editor
East Buchanan Schools’ FIRST Lego League team, the Buc Bots, competed at Denver IA on Nov. 19. The theme for this year’s game was Animal Allies. The team created a presentation about dairy cows, and designed and programed a competition robot to complete missions for this year’s robot game. “Perhaps the biggest area of growth for the students was team unity,” said Coach Andi McCurdySavgo. “It was apparent from the first practice that our emphasis would need to be on team building, referred to as Core Values in FIRST Lego League.
“The growth of the team in this area came slowly. After several weeks … there came a tangible moment of cohesiveness. The students gathered for a huddle after a difficult team building exercise, which they struggled to complete. One of the students called for each member to put their hands in the middle of their huddle and a mighty shout of ‘Buc Bots!’ was heard. From then on, each practice ended the same way, as did each aspect of the competition this past Saturday.” Pictured: The Buc Bots watch as their robot performs in competition. (Christine Dale Photos)
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