Jewell- The Jewell City Council Monday evening looked over an ordinance from the City of Ankeny for bicycle and electric scooter regulations. A number of Jewell residents share their comments both in favor and opposed to the regulations. The council will discuss the potential of an ordinance for bikes and electric scooters being implemented at the June 8th council meeting.
The Jewell City Council reviewed a new proposed sidewalk ordinance. This would replace the existing one. The new ordinance will include all replaced or new sidewalks would need to be a minimum of five feet. A public hearing was set for the June 22nd council meeting with the hearing time for 5:15 p.m. on sidewalk regulations.
Jewell Fire Chief Duane Hendrickson discussed with the council a resolution that would set fees for fire department responses in the hope of promotion safety and planning. The fire department fees will be at the rate of the Iowa Firefighters Association Annual Hazardous Materials Response Fee Structure. One item to note is that if a controlled burn, whether or not it’s been reported, shall become out of control and need to be extinguished by the Jewell Fire and Rescue, then appropriate rates will apply. Information regarding the fees can be found at the Jewell City Hall. The Jewell Fire Department along with Brian Lammers and Zane Schaffer from Hamilton County Conservation met and agreed that a log will accompany the watercraft at Little Wall Lake. Each time the equipment is used, the log will be completed. The documentation will support Jewell Fire and Rescue in responsibly managing the equipment by providing clear records of its usage and purpose.
The Jewell City Council held a public hearing to amend the 2025-26 budget. They are additional revenues in the amount of $69,808 and additional expenses in the amount of $279,207. Additional expenses included sewer expenses, Main Street Project final payments, additional insurance expenses and the ball field project. The budget amendment for the city of Jewell was approved.
Health insurance rates for the full-time city employees of Jewell will be at $1500 a month. It also includes dental and vision insurance. The Jewell City Council approved the rates. Plans for the installation of a retaining wall and liner for the wall at Water Works Park was approved by the council.