Maquoketa’s weekly summary–December 2nd through 6th, 2024

Maquoketa’s City weekly summary from December 2nd through 6th, 2024.

Josh Boldt–Maquoketa City Manager, said, “ good morning!  We are back with an update after an excellent week at City Hall.  We closed applications for our Finance Clerk and Public Works Maintenance position…This week we had a difficult utility shut off week with an abnormal  amount of door hangers and 7 actual shut offs…I have assumed budget entry duties and worked with Tyler Incode–our enterprise software–to learn the edit process, so we can move about our budget production on a normal schedule.  Andrea did leave our City with the FY25-26 edits prepared, so that is very helpful”

Community Development:

This week the City, County, and Conservation Board approved the final general contractor construction contract for the Prairie Creek Recreation Area.  By the end of 2025, this reserve will  have completed some very spectacular improvements and it will be a neat draw to Maquoketa and Jackson County…”

Police Department–Police  Chief Zeimet, said, “ …including myself, were surprised to see the snow flurries flying as they started their work week. While it did not amount to much in the way of accumulation, it was enough to make roads slick in some areas…we did not have any accidents reported in Maquoketa. Citizens should be aware of snow routes and declarations of snow emergencies.  In the event a snow emergency is declared, citizens are not allowed to park on the snow route until after the event.  This cooperation helps Public Works get out streets cleared more effectively and efficiently, while allowing Officers to focus on other tasks instead of having to ticket or tow illegally parked vehicle.  The City of Maquoketa will post Snow Emergency on its Facebook, as well as notifying KMAQ.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Detention Center moved to their new location, 1700 East Maple Street.  The Maquoketa Police Department has not moved, we are still located on 102 South Niagara Street.

Water/ Wastewater: Jenn Schnoor, said,

“This week we finished jetting and looking at the stretch from Sonac to East Grove. The line is clean, this will looked at in three months. Sonac has now hired two external consultants to diagnose and resolve the build up. We also while out cut a service line of out of Edna Street so we can camera that line., but are awaiting gas for the camera.  This gas keeps the wheels pressurized so no liquid can enter the crawler. 

Jenn finished the treatment agreement for Dynamic Tube, and dropped off and waiting for Bryan to look over and sign, so I can ship  off to the DNR.

KSB pump crew were here this week during the start up on the bypass pumps, and I think those are finally online the way they should be… We helped with the hydraulic spill on Western Avenue, which spread through the city on many blocks.”

Fire Department: Fire Chief, Al Mulhausen, said,

“This week we where dispatched to six calls.  Two of the most significant calls were a haybale burning near a barn on a very windy Wednesday, thankfully it was stopped before reaching any buildings and a structure fire in Nashville, Sunday evening.

This week for training, Joey from Alliance Water, who is also a firefighter, talked about hydrant operations.  One of the big things discussed, now that we have entered the cold season, is the importance of making sure the hydrants are completely drained of water before we put the cap back on after a fire. We also conducted our monthly equipment  checks verifying that all of our equipment is in the proper place and working order. 

Fire Safety Tip:  if you have a real Christmas tree in your home, please make sure it is properly watered to keep it from drying out.  Red text in the spirit of Fire Prevention.”

Public Works Department Director: Jon Hopson, said,

 “ This week started off with some snow showers that wouldn’t quit.  We had to send some trucks out to salt the streets.  It was only half an inch, but it made the roads slippery for a few hours.  It did allow us to check out our equipment  for the first time this season.  The on Wednesday the strong winds came and blew leaves all over around on the streets we had just cleaned up.  We had cleaned up our street sweeper for the season, so, we did some of the work the old fashioned way…by hand.”

Library:  Miss Colleen, said,

 “ we are currently getting ready for one of our most popular programs, our annual Taste Test.  We are tasting 18 different flavors.  This has become a fun activity for a lot of families over Christmas break.  Currently we have 50 registrations submitted, with almost 220 participants.  Go to forms.gle/bJUINR6bHCkm2EfK9.

This past Sunday, the Friends of the Library held the Christmas Tour of Homes at three local Airbnb properties, raising almost $500 dollars.”