Thanks to a $2.3 million expansion at Kalona Plastics, construction in Kalona for 1999 came in at $3,786,750, nearly $l million higher than 1998.

Reviewing the report, City Administrator Doug Morgan Monday told the Kalona Council that even without the large commercial building, Kalona would still have $l.4 million in new construction.

Of that construction, seven permits (accounting for 14 living units) were for residential and totaled $l,068,000. An additional $76,500 was for residential renovations and additions and $11,250 for residential accessory buildings.

Non-residential renovations and additions accounted for $20,500 and new commercial, including Kalona Plastics, was $2,610,000.

The additional new commercial was for Randy and Sandy Berg, AR Pizzeria, 131 E Ave., $140,000; Gaylen Kron, Highway 22E, storage facilities, $40,000 and Kalona Auto Service, 501 E Ave., renovation and addition, $130,000. (See accompanying story on page 5A)

“Kalona Plastics is a big one,” said Morgan, telling the council that “they are going to move all production into the new building which is better reinforced, and turn the old one into a warehouse.”

Even more important, the new building has a huge utility tunnel that the firm already has offered to the city for use in times of tornadoes and severe weather.

“I think we can get all of Kalona in it,” said councilman Jerry Kauffman, adding “what’s even better is that the trailer court is only 45 steps away.”

The city already has had concerns raised by trailer court residents about finding shelter during bad storms. In the past they have used the basement of the Community Center, but its limited space did not make it a good choice.

Morgan said that Kalona Plastics runs three shifts, so having the plant open “probably will not be a problem.” However, the council agreed that some arrangements should be made.

New mayor

The meeting opened with a new mayor, Jean Gustafson, the first women elected to the office in Kalona history. Gustafson previously served two terms on the city council, leaving office in 1998.

In other business, the council:

•learned that the city’s part-time office employee, Denise Ropp, has left and that the city is considering hiring a replacement.

•were told that this year should see a move to new water meters to permit monthly billing.

•were asked to consider building a shower facility at the city campground in the City Park.

•agreed that the city should see about purchasing a new, trailer- mounted sewer cleaner. It also discussed the purchase of a portable power washer, available new for $1,400 (some $600 to $800 less than usual). The present one is beyond repair.

•agreed that Morgan should obtain quotes about providing cell phones for city employees.

•learned that the County Communication Committee is meeting at 7 p.m., Thursday, January 7 at the courthouse. Key item is obtaining financing for the needed new communications equipment. Sheriff Yale Jarvis told the council that the present equipment at the Washington Safety Center has been kept operational “by using junked parts” from other counties. Jarvis explained that there are problems with the repeater to the east, as well as with other equipment.