Kalona council accepts deed for 95 acres of recreational land

By Cheryl Allen
Posted 3/22/23

“This is a big one,” City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said. 

On Monday night the Kalona City Council accepted a deed dedicating 94.89 acres of land, divided into three parcels, …

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Kalona council accepts deed for 95 acres of recreational land

Posted

“This is a big one,” City Administrator Ryan Schlabaugh said. 

On Monday night the Kalona City Council accepted a deed dedicating 94.89 acres of land, divided into three parcels, to the City of Kalona from Moyna Holdings, Inc.  A restrictive covenant is imposed on the real estate, requiring it be used as “a recreation area for the benefit of the City of Kalona, its residents, and guests.”  Division of the land, as well as commercial and industrial activities, are prohibited.

The land flanks the Vista Ridge and North Ridge subdivisions and Incline Grove Estates in Southtown.

The restrictive covenant is in place for 21 years with the option of being extended in 21-year periods in the future.

“This will help us with some of the things that we’re writing grants for, to have this under our ownership, and that would put it under our ownership and management of conservation here,” Schlabaugh said.  “We’re excited about this opportunity.  It’s an unbelievable opportunity.” 

The City submitted a spring grant application to the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) requesting $1,450,000 for a trailhead and other amenities to be constructed on the property, a $3.35 million project.

Other Council action

  The Council approved the hiring of Michael Martins, a graduate of Hillcrest Academy and Wellman resident, for the General Laborer position.   His start date is April 3 with a starting wage of $20.19 hourly.

Martins, who has education and experience in Forestry, was selected from five applicants, three of whom were interviewed for the position.

The Council approved the 2023-2024 budgeted Law Enforcement Contract with the Washington County Sheriff’s Patrol for $239,417, an increase of $14,519 over the current fiscal year.  The Sheriff’s office will increase uniformed patrol from 12 to 14 deputies, with the goal of increasing to 15 next fiscal year.

All of the communities in Washington County, with the exception of the City of Washington, which has its own police department, have similar contracts with the County Sheriff.

“It has been very helpful to bring all the communities together to talk about contract law, and just what their expectations are, what communities want to see,” Schlabaugh noted.  “We’re all a little bit different in what we want, in what issues we bring to the table.  So to be able to hear those out, I think it’s really paying dividends to get us to this point.”

The Council approved street closures for the Kalona Fall Festival, which will be the same as in previous years, Kalona Farmer’s Market, and Kalona Days.  

It also approved a Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement for the Iowa Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network.  Ninety-one communities already use this network to voluntarily share equipment when needed.  There is no cost for the City to join the program.

Finally, the Council took a moment to formally recognize their receipt of their quarterly municipal grant from the WCRF in the amount of $56,770.47.

“I honestly can’t say enough how fortunate we are for what we get to spend our money on,” Mayor Mark Robe said.  “We’re very, very fortunate.” 

The Council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.