Stratford-The Stratford City Council this week met with Nancy Baker on several drainage issues in Stratford. Baker explained that she would like the alley on the 800 block between Shakespeare Avenue and Byron Street to be on the subcommittee list of items to be looked at. She went on to explain that when the Fitness Center gets water in their basement, they put a hose in the alley that is already flooding. Baker told the city council that her home gets water as well. She asked the council to have a town hall meeting about drainage issues. The council explained that residents can talk to council members or call City Hall at any time when it comes to drainage issues. Stratford City Manager Kim Leeds pointed out that if you have water in your basement to contact City Hall so the city staff can track it and reported to the Iowa DNR.
The Stratford City Council heard from its City Manager Kim Leeds on the current water and sewer rates. Leeds reviewed the projected estimated revenues if rates were increased. It was suggested the council will move forward with a five percent increase in water and sewer rates. Leeds said she will bring an ordinance to bring back to the next regular council meeting on November 9th for the proposed rates.
There was a short discussion on the road maintenance plan. The budget for Fiscal Year 2028 will already include the payment for Teneyck and possibly Bellville Road. Stratford City Manager Kim Leeds asked the council to take a look and decide which city streets are in the most need of repair in Stratford.
The future of the merry-go-round in Stratford due its current state was decided at the council meeting. Plans are to take it down before there is any injury due to the rough shape of the merry-go-round.
Stratford City Council members will be appointing a representative and alternate representative to both the Hamilton County E-911 Service Board and Hamilton County Emergency Management Commission with the names of the representatives to be announced at next month’s council meeting.