City of Perry to Explore Emerald Ash Borer Options
With the Emerald Ash Borer now confirmed in neighboring Boone County, the City of Perry is doing what they can to prepare for the pests.
City Administrator Butch Niebuhr says the first thing residents need to do is identify if they have Ash trees in their yard.
“They do make good shade trees. They were planted years ago because they are a quick grow and they do put a good canopy out there but the Emerald Ash Borer is devastating to the ash trees here in Iowa. It does jump over a little bit, sometimes it doesn’t take them all and there are treatments that you can do to your tree.”
Niebuhr says there are different things that you can do to help ward off the Emerald Ash Borer, such as treating them or just removing them from your property.
Unfortunately, he says sometimes it takes years before you even know there has been an infestation.
“The Emerald Ash Borers they did find in Boone County were two male species, I don’t know if any larva was left in the trees or not. Once they do infect a tree it make take up to five years to actually get that tree that shows the stress and shows that it’s dying. A lot of times they try and infect a tree that maybe isn’t the healthiest tree on the block so sometimes the real healthy ash tree will survive. So if people take care of their trees and they prune them and maybe even fertilize them, those trees may be the ones that live through it all.”
Niebuhr says the City originally planned on cutting down the young ash trees, but now it looks like that may not be the best bet. They plan on meeting with the tree board to figure out the best plan of action.
Above Average Rainfall Recorded Locally
While portions of north east Iowa are abnormally dry, the Raccoon River Valley has surpassed average August rainfall totals, with more than a week left to go.
According to the National Weather Service, Jefferson has received 1.36 inches of rain this week, bringing their total so far this month to 4.11 inches.
Perry has seen 1.14 inches since our last report, for a total of 4.6 inches in August.
Guthrie Center received 0.88 inch this week for a total of 5.64 inches of rain so far.
Normal August rainfall in Jefferson is 3.95 inches, Perry typically sees just over four inches an Guthrie Center usually gets almost 4.4 inches.
Perry City Council Meeting Recap
The Perry City Council met in regular session last night.
At the meeting, City Administrator Butch Niebuhr says the airport commission met with engineers Bolton and Menk for an “airport 101″ explaining Federal Aviation Administration requirements and other information. The City will be working with West Union to reappropriate some of their funds from the FAA to pay for overages on the apron repair project. Niebuhr says the 18th Street is going well, despite having to relocate a water main. The broken panels at the McCreary Community Building have also been tore out and are being replaced. Finally, Niebuhr mentioned that the Resource Enhancement and Protection grant funds they’re applying for for the new soccer complex will be competitive, with most other cities looking for money for trails. He hopes that since this project is different, it may make Perry stand out.
Councilman Dr. Randy McCaulley then brought up a resident’s concern about turkey vultures near her property. Another bird has been sacrificed and hung to deter the birds from roosting in that general area. Councilman Chuck Schott then spoke about his grandchildren’s recent visit to town and the McCreary Community Building. He says new director Jeff Lamoureux was in the lobby greeting everyone and being very outgoing which was very much appreciated and pleasant to see. Councilman Phil Stone then talked about the Emerald Ash Borer now being in Boone County. He says it’s important for the City to come up with a plan to make sure all of Perry’s ash trees are not taken out due to the bugs.
A public hearing was then held in regards to the disposal of public property the City acquired on the parcel of ground known as Lot 9, Block 91. The property will be split into two parcels to be deeded to the adjoining property owners. After hearing no comments from the pubic or council, the resolution to dispose of the property was approved.
A professional services agreement for the HVAC improvements at the public safety building was then approved. Bolton and Menk, who prepared the service agreement for the project, will now oversee the installation of the project. The total cost of the agreement will not exceed $15,000 without further approval from the council.
Another professional services agreement with Bolton and Menk was also approved in regards to the North Street Extension project. The company will cover the design and contract services for the extension from 16th to 18th Street with a total cost not exceeding $125,000. The project will likely be bid through the Iowa Department of Transportation out of Ames.
Finally, the Council approved a request from Alliant Energy in regards to the use of barbed wire within city limits. City code states it’s unlawful to use the material to enclose land within city limits without written consent from the council, which was given after approval and recommendation from the planning and zoning board. Alliant plans to use the wire on top of the security fence that will surround their new substation in Perry.
New Parks and Recreation Director Sees Lots of Potential in Perry
Perry’s new Parks and Recreation Director has been on the job for a few weeks now and despite having to hire a new recreation coordinator, he says things are going well thus far.
“Each city kind of runs a little bit different, a little different dynamics so there’ s a little bit of a learning curve there but for the most part I’m just trying to hit the ground running. We’ve got some good things going on, we’ve got some good staff in place and they’ve been there for quite some time so they have a history of what’s going on so I’m learning from them and trying to implement a few new things but not shake things up too much” says Director Jeff Lamoureux, who took over the position late last month.
He says he sees a lot of positive things here in Perry, with a lot of room for growth.
“I think there’s a lot of potential here in Perry as far as recreation goes. We’ve got a great facility with the McCreary Community Center, a great asset to the community there with a lot of potential with programming and getting more people involved with recreation, leisure and fitness” adds Lamoureux.
There are several fall programs now accepting registrations including youth flag football, cheerleading and volleyball, along with men’s basketball and women’s and co-ed volleyball.
For more information or to register, stop by the McCreary Community Building or call 465-5621.
6th Annual Ruff Ride Saturday
Adel’s local pet rescue and transport organization is hosting their annual fundraiser this weekend.
AHeinz57’s 6th annual Ruff Ride poker run takes place Saturday. Motorcycles will gather in Adel before heading toward Panora, Woodward and Waukee and returning back to the Raccoon Valley Community House that afternoon.
Those who don’t have a motorcycle to ride are invited to participate by jumping on the party bus and enjoying the barbecue dinner and live music from Trips, along with raffles, bike and tattoo contests and a silent auction.
Motorcyclist registration is $15 and it’s $25 to get on the party bus. Both include a meal, poker hand, bandana and raffle ticket.
To register or get more information, go to https://www.aheinz57.com/6th-annual-ruff-ride/