Cole Smith, Riverside’s new city administrator, was on the job for the first time Monday and it also happened to be the night of the first City Council meeting of the month.
A number of community members were on hand for a Community Visioning Committee presentation, as well as updates on the city’s Third Street water and sewer main project, the Railroad Park project and water plant projects.
Smith, a University of Northern Iowa graduate who previously was Executive Director of the Louisa Development Group, was hired in April following a four-month search. He replaces Christine Yancey, who retired from city government in December.
“I think it’s apparent that we have a lot of people who are very committed to the community,” Smith told The News. “I think that’s always a good thing, that people show up to your meeting and sit through the entire thing.”
“People obviously care and they are committed to seeing Riverside being a better place. I think that’s exciting.”
Upcoming projects discussed Monday include upgrades at Hall Park, downtown revitalization grants, a sound-and-video upgrade at City Hall and a new 10-year comprehensive plan. A public vote on a bond to finance a proposed community center is likely to happen in November.

Plant Flooding
The City Council gave the go-ahead for city engineer Brian Boelk of Iowa City-based Axiom Consulting to do a topography study of the area near the city’s water plant following recent flooding at the plant.
A water main break is believed to have caused the flooding.
Axiom is already working on a design plan for improvements at the water plant.

Third Street Project
Axiom has received a number of requests to extend sidewalks and build more retaining walls or stairs in conjunction with the $3.2 million Third Street project.
In order to take a closer look at specific issues raised by residents, the City Council plans a work session on Third Street prior to its regular Council session May 15.

Council Action
The Council set a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2023 budget spring amendment for May 15.
The Council approved a resolution for multiple transfers of funds, including $100,000 from the Casino Revenue Fund to the Community Center Fund for capital projects.
Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. May 15.