GC council votes to partially reopen public facilities

GRUNDY CENTER- The Grundy Center city council moved forward with a plan to reopen most of the city’s public facilities that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic during Monday night’s regular meeting.

In a series of motions, the council voted unanimously to reopen parks, city hall, the Grundy Community Center, the sports complex and the library all at 50 percent capacity and the aquatic center for lap swimming and lessons only until further guidance is provided from the state. The council also voted 3-2 to allow Grundy Center Preschool and Child Care (GCPCC) to hold its upcoming fundraiser in the gym of the upper elementary building, with Dave Stefl and Butch Kuester dissenting.

Mayor Al Kiewiet and City Clerk Kristy Sawyer specifically addressed plans for the swimming pool as most other facilities in the area are only partially reopening. Governor Kim Reynolds has currently only allowed pools to reopen for lap swimming and lessons.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to meet a need that hasn’t been met real well in our community and offer multiple swimming lessons throughout the day,” Kiewiet said.

Sawyer also mentioned that the Conrad Family Aquatic Center is taking steps to limit visitors from outside of the town and county and selling yearly passes only, noting that it might be an option for Grundy Center to consider.

Grundy Center High School Athletic Director Dan Breyfogle spoke to the council about how to safely reopen the sports complex and maintain cleanliness for spectators. He said that he has spoken to Pat Brown of Tender Lawn Care about spraying the bathrooms regularly and keeping the bleachers sanitized, calling it a “good plan going forward.”

“People are just going to be happy to be able to watch baseball,” Kiewiet said.

Sawyer told the council she would continue to promote essential business only at city hall, discouraging sick individuals from coming in, using a drop box if possible and limiting visitors to one person per family. The opening of the facilities went into effect the next day, and the primary election voting was held as scheduled at the community center on Tuesday.

After some discussion, the council voted to move forward with a $12,500 Christmas lights project, and councilwoman Janetta Miller-Buck argued that it would still be cheaper through city utilities than any other company.

“It’s a process, guys and gals, it’s a deal. And $12,500 is a deal,” she said.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the council:

·      Approved the adoption of a leave donation policy.

·      Approved a resolution authorizing the use of a preliminary official statement for the issuance of bonds on the Mill Street project.

·      Awarded a BIG Grant to Hamann Enterprises, Inc. with Chad Hamann abstaining on the vote.

·      Approved a resolution approving FY2020 annual cash transfers.

·      Approved an annual liquor license for the Casey’s at 504 G Avenue and renewed cigarette licenses for both Casey’s stores, Scotty’s Saloon, Brothers Market and Dollar General.