(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic will vote during their meeting April 2^nd on approving a commitment of $2.5-million dollars in Local Option Sales Tax monies for the issuance of bonds for the proposed Nishna Valley Family YMCA expansion project. The decision was reached after nearly an hour-long teleconference this (Wednesday) evening, with the City’s Financial Legal Counsel, John Danos from Dorsey and Whitney, in Des Moines.

Danos raised several question with regard to the proposed bond issuance, and the Council had questions of their own, directed at Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman. During their previous meeting, Nishna Valley Family YMCA Executive Director Dan Haynes said if the City doesn’t agree to contribute toward the fundraising effort, it risks losing a grant from the Charles E. Lakin Foundation for the project. He reiterated those comments during the meeting March 19^th.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council passed a resolution approving the final plat for the Camblin Hills Development Subdivision. They also passed a resolution approving the job description, FY25 compensation, and posting of a Wastewater Treatment Plant Assistant Superintendent position, which has been “on the books” for quite some time, according to City Administrator John Lund.

Current Wastewater Superintendent Tim Snyder is planning to retire, and wants to train an individual capable of managing the plant. The city’s Personnel and Finance Committee has reviewed the job description of Assistant Superintendent and approved a wage of $33.10/hour for FY 2025. They also recommend the position be posted immediately and for Snyder to set the date of hire at his discretion.

The Atlantic City Council, Wednesday approved also, “A professional services agreement with (former City Clerk) Barb Barrick, to temporarily provide Consulting Services” to the City, since those services are not currently available from Teresa Rotschafer, who is with the Iowa League of Cities, and who helps with necessary reporting, Treasurer’s Report and bank reconciliation. The agreement is in effect until the end of the current Fiscal Year on June 30^th, and subject to renewal.

Barrick will be paid $125 per labor hour, along with mileage reimbursement and travel time. The City’s Personnel & Finance Committee met March 7th and concluded it would be beneficial to have Barrick provide temporary professional City Clerk services and finish the training that is necessary for the new City Clerk, Laura McLean, to do all the aspects of her job effectively. City Administrator John Lund recommended the Council approve the agreement since timing is critical, in light of the need to publish the Public Hearing for the budget by no later than April 5th.

The City Council passed a resolution setting the Sunnyside Pool membership fees for the 2025 season. The fees are unchanged from last year, and will remain in effect until the Council determines the need to amend them. On another note, a Public Hearing will be held 5-p.m. March 26^th at City Hall, with regard to the proposed Maximum Tax Levy. City Administrator John Lund…

And, in the Council Committee reports, Councilman Mike McDermott reported on a grant the City has received from the U-S Tennis Association.

McDermott is a Council Liaison to the City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.