Kit Koele has officially been appointed Wilton's city clerk. At the May 11 city council meeting, members approved naming Kathryn “Kit” Koele Wilton’s next city clerk at a salary of $45,000 per year.
The move was made on the heels of longtime city clerk Lori Brown’s career coming to an end. Brown announced her planned retirement earlier this year but, given the COVID-19 pandemic, extended her employment with the city through the month of May.
City Hall to remain locked
City Administrator Chris Ball and council members talked about Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’ directives to begin opening up the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He said that if the governor were to continue loosening restrictions, City Hall staff would like city offices to remain closed to the public through the month of May, unless by appointment.
When residents enter city offices, they’ll be asked to follow social distancing guidelines otherwise wear a face covering.
Miscellany
In other action, council:
* Approved both beer and liquor license renewals for Casey’s General Store.
* Approved the following budget transfers: $50,000 from the water to general funds; $50,000 from the sewer to general funds; $25,000 from the garbage to general funds; $34,000 from the insurance to general funds; $60,000 from the sewer improvement to debt service funds; $20,007 from the sewer improvement to debt service funds; $330,000 from the TIF to debt service funds; $63,099 from the TIF to debt service funds.
Approved $380,000 of debt service bonds to be paid — which will pay off the Wilton Library & Community Center.
* Approved May 22 as Poppy Day in Wilton. Members of the Wilton Legion Auxiliary will again be obtaining donations for poppies hand-made by veterans.
* Set a public hearing for May 26 at 7 p.m. (prior to the next regular meeting) for a proposed FY20 budget amendment, which includes the $700,000 loan needed for the ongoing City Hall renovation project.
* Approved a public hearing, set also for the next regular meeting May 26, for plans and specifications for the Wilton City Hall façade improvements. Plans will be presented at that hearing/meeting.
* Approved a $6,543.08 quote from Vulcan Industries of Missouri Valley, Iowa for repair work needing done on press equipment at the sewer building.
* Mayor Bob Barrett mentioned that it was great that the city has kept its leaf collection area open near the convenience center. He reminded residents that it is for leaves and grass only — no brush or other debris is allowed.
* Member Ted Marolf mentioned that landscaping work at the Muscatine County Freedom Rock site near the Wilton Depot would be starting soon. Commemorative pavers are still for sale in honor of county veterans.
* Member Steve Owens mentioned the passing of both Thelma Nopoulos and Janice Meincke recently. He noted their numerous contributions to the city of Wilton. Mayor Barrett said of Thelma, “She put Wilton on the map.”
* Ball noted that public works employees were back to working in full crews yet on separate jobs and driving in separate trucks to continue abiding by social distancing guidelines. He also mentioned that the city would be interviewing candidates for a parks position that should average 35 hours per week.
Members Owens, Marolf, Keith Stanley, Wayne Budding and Sheryl Lenker were present. All action taken was unanimous. The next regular meeting is Tuesday, May 26 at 7 p.m. in the Wilton Community Room.