Published: April 22, 2009 09:12 am      

Camanche considers well ordinance, ambulance fees

CAMANCHE — The Camanche City Council discussed issues surrounding the formulation of a private well ordinance at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The council has been working on establishing an ordinance regarding the use of private wells. While no decision was reached at the meeting, the council examined and discussed specific issues that could be included in the ordinance.

City Administrator Tom Roth issued a poll to the council to determine where it stood on specifics of the ordinance.

The council agreed on various items, including that, where the public water system is available, private wells should only be used for outdoor activities. The council did not support the statement that existing private wells should be banned in the city of Camanche.

The council also supported a concept that stated that all private wells must be physically separated from the public water system. It did not support a concept stating that all current city residences or businesses, including those built in the future, must connect to the city's water system, if they are within 200 feet of the property line.

No time line was given for when a decision would be reached, but it was apparent that the discussion would continue at a later meeting.

The council also discussed a proposal to upgrade ambulance services, a proposal to begin billing for ambulance service, and fire department staffing issues.

This was a continuing discussion, following a March 24 public hearing on the proposals.

Council member Ron Wehde suggested the fire department conduct a six-month test period in which billing for ambulance services would take place. If proper funds could be generated, Wehde suggested a new paramedic-certified fire official be brought on staff.

Fire Chief Dave Schutte stated that while upgrading services would be hard at current staffing levels, he would be willing to implement the test period with a guarantee that the new staff member would be added.

The council agreed that the test period would be a good first step, but no official decision was made.

The council approved a resolution pledging matching funds for the Ninth Street Recreational Trail.

According to the resolution, the total cost of the trail project, outlined by Shive-Hattery Engineers, is $172,587.50. The Regional Planning Affiliation requires a grant match of 20 percent, which would equal $34,517.50. The remainder would be funded by an RPA grant. Also, according to the resolution, Mayor Jim Robertson was authorized to sign and submit an application to the RPA for a grant of the remaining cost at $138,070. The resolution was unanimously approved by the council.