RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL

City attorney appointment downgraded to 6 months

By Paul D. Bowker
Posted 12/31/22

RIVERSIDE

Three Riverside City Council members voiced their disappointment at its Dec. 19 regularly-scheduled meeting with legal work done for the city in 2022, resulting in a divided vote for …

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RIVERSIDE CITY COUNCIL

City attorney appointment downgraded to 6 months

Posted

RIVERSIDE

Three Riverside City Council members voiced their disappointment at its Dec. 19 regularly-scheduled meeting with legal work done for the city in 2022, resulting in a divided vote for city attorney work in 2023.

William J. Sueppel, an attorney with Meardon, Sueppel & Downer P.L.C., an Iowa City law firm, was seeking a year-long renewal with Riverside for 2023.

The board instead approved a six-month renewal by a tight 3-2 vote even though two of the Council Persons voting in favor of the six-month deal were among those “disappointed” with the length of time it has taken for legal issues to be taken care of.

“I’m a little disappointed, too,” said Council Person Edgar McGuire, joining colleagues Kevin Mills and Tom Sexton in that opinion.

Sexton wondered if, during busy times, more than one attorney can be of help with Riverside issues.

Mills and Council Person Lois Schneider voted against the six-month renewal.

During those first six months of 2023, Mayor Allen Schneider said he will examine the timing issues with Sueppel and his firm.

Wastewater Plant

Axiom Consultants reported that three bids were received for major work needing to be done at the city’s wastewater plant, but the winner of the bid process won’t be known until the City Council meets again Jan. 3.

Two of the bids were nearly the same, and representatives from those two bidders are expected to make presentations at the Jan. 3 meeting. The council could decide to make a decision at that meeting or at its second meeting in January.

Cost estimates for the repairs are expected to approach $300,000.

Brian Boelk of Axiom Consultants told the council that final proposed designs for the city’s water treatment building renovation should be ready for the Jan. 3 meeting.

A completed study on sewer-line extensions for possible developing areas along Vine Avenue, east of Highway 218, also is expected to be ready for city review by Jan. 3. A subdivision with 60 lots is in the planning stages for that area, although currently the property does not fall within the city’s boundaries.

Council Action

The City Council approved a payment of $395,591 to Streb Construction for completed work on the Third Street water and sewer main project, and another $8,188 in a change order.

The Council approved a Volunteer Fire Assistance grant, provided by the U.S. Forest Service, for $3,520 in order to purchase of 20 sets of wildland fire PPE and chainsaws, and leaf and mist blowers. The equipment will be used by the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department and was coordinated with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Foresty-Fire Program.

The Council appointed Logan Michel as a new streets and park maintenance worker at the hourly rate of $22.

The Council approved a Branching Out grant, in conjunction with Alliant Energy’s One Million Trees initiative and Trees Forever, for $4,990. As a part of the program, 33 trees will be planted on city property.

The Council tabled a decision on a Downtown Investment Grant request pending more information on a planned $45,000 renovation for a therapist business on First Street.

Next board meeting: The City Council will hold its next regularly scheduled meeting at 6 p.m. Jan. 3.

Holiday closure: City offices are closed Monday, Jan. 2, due to the New Year holiday.

Riverside City Council