Sheldon, Iowa — The City of Sheldon may or may not add an aerator to the Sheldon Crossing Pond. The pond has been stocked with fish, mainly bluegills, crappies and bass, and they have been advised by the O’Brien County Conservation Director to add an aerator to the pond to make sure the fish are supplied with an adequate supply of oxygen. The total cost of the aerators and the installation of an electrical line to the pond is estimated at about $12,000. Council member Greg Geels said he felt the City should ask other sources about the need for an aerator. The Council voted to approve spending up to $12,000 on the project if they consulted with other sources and still felt the installation of the aerators would be beneficial.
In other news the Council approved a statement of completion on the Airport Lighting Rehabilitation Project and heard the news that the Runger Improvement Project has been completed. They also approved spending $19,500 for work to be done by DGR Engineering to develop preliminary plans for improvements at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. Public Works Director Todd Uhl said the requirements to operate under the new permit are extensive and will be costly, but they have 52 months to complete the changes. There are no funds in the current budget for this but the engineering fee can be paid out of the Depreciation Account. After DGR’S report is completed the City will get an idea of some of the cost and will ask for that to be included in the budget for the next fiscal year.
The Council also heard from Sheldon resident Jill Collen who voiced her concerns about the projected construction cost and operating cost of the proposed events center. She said she doesn’t see the events center as a draw to attract people to live in Sheldon. She also suggested a scaled back version of the center since not many weddings need room for 250 people or more.
And the council announced December 2nd at 4:30 p.m. as the date and time for a Public Hearing on the City’s five year Capital Improvement Plan.
