For Holiday Garbage Collection Dates, See Calendar, Page 4 PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID LA PORTE CITY EDDM RETAIL

POSTAL CUSTOMER LA PORTE CITY, IA 50651 DecemberN 2020 ews www.lpcia.com Celebrate a Festive Holiday Season in La Porte City Area groups and organizations are planning a vari- The window story begins at Hawkins Memorial Li- ety of activities to celebrate the season safely. brary and progresses through downtown. View each is Coming to Town! - La Porte City set of pages posted, and then follow the directions to Fire Rescue Service is making sure Santa Claus gets find the next book section. to La Porte City this year. Santa will be touring La Santa Stories - Enjoy Santa reading children’s sto- Porte City atop a fire truck on Saturday, December ries. The Jolly Old Elf has taken time from his busy 5th beginning at 1:00 PM. Keep an eye out for the schedule to share a few favorite tales. Tune in each Jolly Old Elf and step outside to wave. week to https://www.facebook.com/HawkinsMe- Letters to Santa - Santa’s mailbox is located in the morialLibrary to catch the recordings. Main Street plaza area across from City Hall. Drop Tree Forest - Take a stroll through Haw- your letters to Santa there and we will make sure the kins Memorial Library and enjoy their many themed letters make it to the North Pole! Christmas trees. They have an I Spy Kid’s Craft Kits - Each week in December children with a list of ornaments to test how observant you can pick up a different Christmas Kid’s Kit at Haw- are, a Wish Tree to pluck a tag from, a Teddy Bear kins Memorial Library. Free Kid’s Kits are take and tree, and more. make projects available to families and day cares. Holiday Lights at Hickory Hills - Black Hawk New kits are available every Tuesday. Holiday Pho- County Conservation’s Holiday Light Show will to Booth - Snap fun and funny holiday photos at feature thousands of lights, illuminating the camp- Hawkins Memorial Library with our charming sea- ground at Hickory Hills Park. Displays designed by sonal backdrop and props. Drop in to pose at our local businesses and organizations, will showcase Christmas/holiday photo booth and post it on Face- whimsical displays and familiar holiday characters as Signs of the Season - In addition to lighted garlands and banners on the Main Street light poles, the community book to earn a treat. you drive through in the comfort of your own ve- Christmas tree has been placed in the plaza area in the Christmas Window Story - Reading a delightful hicle. Cost is $10 per vehicle (cash or check only). 200 Block of Main Street. Christmas story posted in local business windows Hours are 5:00 - 9:00 PM on the following dates: is a great outdoor activity for youngsters and adults. Nov. 28, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19 and 24 (Christmas About This Publication Eve). With the recent closure of La Porte City’s long time newspaper, The Progress Review, City leaders rec- Finishing Touches for Main Street Project ognized the need to maintain a regular means of As the Main Street Reconstruction project providing news and information to residents in the nears completion, decorative details are still being City and the surrounding rural areas. While the City added to the new streetscape. Over the summer maintains a website (lpcia.com) and a presence on and fall, the City Council approved the purchase social media (facebook.com/laportecityia), we also of holiday decoratons, banners and new flags for recognize that not everyone utilizes these platforms. the Main Street lightpoles. As with many things, it seems that the old ways The new American flags were recently on dis- are still the best ways, and it was decided that the play in honor of Veteran’s Day. For the holiday United States Postal Service was the best way to en- season, new, lighted garland will wrap the light sure that La Porte City News would reach all of our poles, and holiday banners, provided by the La residents. Porte City Chamber of Commerce will complete La Porte City News will be published on a monthly the seasonal look. basis and delivered around the first of each month During the rest of the year, new banners (shown to all postal customers in the 50651 zipcode area. left) will welcome visitors to the downtown dis- And while La Porte City News is not intended to trict. replace the features found in typical local newspa- In the spring, the planting beds on Main Street per, it will provide information on City projects and will be completed. legislation as well as announcements and events. Page 2 December 2020 City Deploys Speed Data City Directory Sharing from page 4 Mitten & Scarf Tree - LPC Connect is hosting Collection Sign Elected Officials the Mitten Tree Program again this year through In September, the City purchased a data col- David Neil, Mayor [email protected] Christmas. They are collecting new or handmade lection speed sign in an effort to make drivers City Council hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves for people in- more aware of their speed in areas with speed limit Jasmine Gaston [email protected] the community who are in need. This is an op- changes. The sign is mobile and can be moved to Brett Hakeman [email protected] portunity for individuals, families, groups and Kristi Harrill [email protected] other areas of the City as needed. Brent Sadler [email protected] businesses to support a local program and help Initially, the sign was placed at the south en- Tim Smith [email protected] children and adults stay warm during the win- trance to the City on Highway 218. In that area, the ter months. The proceeds will go to families of speed limit drops from 55 mph to 45 mph, and was City Hall Black Hawk, Benton and Tama counties. If you recently the scene of a fatal accident. 202 Main Street are unable to deliver your clothing items to LPC In the first six days of operation, the sign col- La Porte City, IA 50651 (319) 342-3396 Connect during their regular business hours, lected data from over 11,000 vehicles passing Hours M-F 8:00AM - 4:30PM dontated items can be dropped off at at Hawkins through the area. Memorial Library 308 Main Street, or placed in Jane Whittlesey, City Clerk [email protected] the drop box out front. Legion Raffle Tickets to Amanda Stocks, Deputy City Clerk [email protected] Adopt a Book - Share the spirit of the season Support Boys State La Porte City Police Department and take part Hawkns Memorial Library’s Adopt American Legion is selling tickets for a shot (319) 342-2232 a Book program. Choose a children’s book tag gun raffle. Proceeds will help pay for Boys State (319) 342-2236 Non Emergency Dispatch from the tree, pay for the book and once the 2021. Tickets are $5.00 each and can be purchased book is received, you will receive recognition for by contacting any legion member, or calling 342- Chris Brecher, Chief of Police [email protected] your donation in the form of a bookplate placed Katie Davison, Records Clerk [email protected] 4240 and leaving a message. Drawing will be held in the book. Your generosity helps develop young December 19, 2020. La Porte City Public Works readers in this community. Replacement American and Iowa flags are (319) 342-3323 available from the American Legion. Call 342-3804 and leave a message. The Legion has 3’x5’, 4’x6’ Rob Williams, Street Foreman [email protected] and 5’x8’ flags on hand, and can order other sizes. Brad Schmitz, Lead Man [email protected] Due to COVID-19, the New Year’s Eve Steak La Porte City Fire/Rescue Service Fry has been cancelled.

Jeff McFarland, Fire Chief TJ Davison, Ambulance Captain ATTENTION: RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS Hawkins Memorial Library NEED HELP WITH YOUR HEATING BILL? 308 Main Street The 2020-2021 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters INCOME MAXIMUMS La Porte City, IA 50651 pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season. (319) 342-3025 Household Annual Size Gross Income The assistance is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, 1 $22,330 and type of housing. Jolene Kronschnabel, Director 2 $30,170 $38,010 [email protected] If you are not sure where to apply, Dial 2-1-1, or visit 3 Hours: https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/where-apply to contact your local 4 $45,850 Mon 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM community action agency, or write to: 5 $53,690 $61,530 Tues/Thurs/Fri 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM 6 LIHEAP 7 $69,370 Wed 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM Iowa Department of Human Rights 8 $77,210 Sat 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Capitol Complex For households with more than eight members, Des Moines, IA 50319 add $7,840 for each additional member. La Porte City FFA Historical & Ag Museum 408 Main Street WHEN TO APPLY: WAGE EARNERS: La Porte City, IA 50651 • Elderly (60 & over) and/or disabled: Please bring copies of your check stubs for the 30-day period preceding the (319) 342-3619 October 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 date of application, or a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. • All other households: ATTENTION: RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS November 1, 2020 to April 30, 20NEED21 HELP WITHFIXED YOUR INCOME: HEATING BILL? Closed for the season This income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security TheWHAT 2020-2021 TOLow TAKE:-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Income, has Family Investment Program, Veteran's Assistance, Unemployment been• establishedProof of Income to help qualifying(for all household low-income members Iowa homeowners age 19 and and Insurance, renters and pensions. Please bringINCOME copies ofMAXIMUMS your check stubs from the La Porte City Family Aquatic Center pay for over)a portion Depending of their primaryupon your heating household costs for income the winter type, heating income season. previous 30 days. documentation from the past 30 days, the last 12 months, or Household Annual 508 Oak Street last calendar year, whichever is easier or more beneficial for Size Gross Income The assistance is based on household income, household size, type ofSELF fuel, -EMPLOYED/FARMERS: you. Please bring a copy of your most recent1 federal income$ 22,330tax return. La Porte City, IA 50651 and type of housing. • Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household 2 $30,170 (319) 342-2339 (documentation required) members FIP RECIPIENTS: 3 $38,010 If you• areMost not r sureecent where heat to bill apply, Dial 2-1-1, or visit Please bring your current DHS Notice of Decision or contact your local office 4 $45,850 Closed for the season https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/where• Most recent electric bill -apply to contact your local for acceptable document information. community action agency, or write to: 5 $53,690 6 $61,530 If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified. Additional income not listed here may be required. LIHEAP 7 $69,370 Iowa Department of Human Rights 8 $77,210 Capitol Complex For households with more than eight members, Des Moines, IA 50319 add $7,840 for each additional member.

WHEN TO APPLY: • Elderly (60 & over) and/or disabled: WAGE EARNERS: October 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 Please bring copies of your check stubs for the 30-day period preceding the date of application, or a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. • All other households: ATTENTION: RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 FIXED INCOME: NEED HELP WITHThis YOURincome may HEATING include: Social SecurityBILL? Benefits, Supplemental Security TheWHAT 2020- 2021TO TAKE:Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)Income, has Family Investment Program, Veteran's Assistance, Unemployment • been establishedProof of Income to help qualifying(for all household low-income members Iowa homeowners age 19 and and Insurance, renters and pensions. Please bring copies of your check stubs from the over) Depending upon your household income type, income INCOME MAXIMUMS pay for a portion of their primary heating costs for the winter heating season.previous 30 days. documentation from the past 30 days, the last 12 months, or Household Annual last calendar year, whichever is easier or more beneficial for SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMSizeERS: Gross Income The assistanceyou. is based on household income, household size, type of fuel, Please bring a copy of your most recent1 federal income$ 22,330tax return. and• typeProof of housing. of Social Security Numbers for all household 2 $30,170 members (documentation required) FIP RECIPIENTS: 3 $38,010 If you• areMost not r sureecent where heat to bill apply, Dial 2-1-1, or visit Please bring your current DHS Notice of Decision or contact your local office https://humanrights.iowa.gov/dcaa/whereMost recent electric bill -apply to contact your local for acceptable document information.4 $45,850 community action agency, or write to: 5 $53,690 If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified. Additional income6 not listed here may$61,530 be required. LIHEAP 7 $69,370 Iowa Department of Human Rights 8 $77,210 Capitol Complex For households with more than eight members, Des Moines, IA 50319 add $7,840 for each additional member. WHEN TO APPLY: WAGE EARNERS: • Elderly (60 & over) and/or disabled: Please bring copies of your check stubs for the 30-day period preceding the October 1, 2020 to April 30, 20 date of application, or a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. • All other households: November 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021 FIXED INCOME: This income may include: Social Security Benefits, Supplemental Security WHAT TO TAKE: Income, Family Investment Program, Veteran's Assistance, Unemployment • Proof of Income (for all household members age 19 and Insurance, and pensions. Please bring copies of your check stubs from the over) Depending upon your household income type, income previous 30 days. documentation from the past 30 days, the last 12 months, or last calendar year, whichever is easier or more beneficial for SELF-EMPLOYED/FARMERS: you. Please bring a copy of your most recent federal income tax return. • Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household members (documentation required) FIP RECIPIENTS: • Most recent heat bill Please bring your current DHS Notice of Decision or contact your local office • Most recent electric bill for acceptable document information.

If you receive alimony or child support, it will also need to be verified. Additional income not listed here may be required. Page 3 December 2020 Snow Emergency and Winter Weather Reminders A is Hawkins As the calendar turns towards winter, residents emergency and the parking rules thereunder. The Library’s Featured E-Book and property owners are reminded of the City’s La Porte City Police Department shall be autho- snow emergency and snow removal requirements. rized to cause the towing of vehicles blocking traf- is the featured online book SNOW EMERGENCY: A snow emergency fic or parking on a La Porte City street, alley, or for December. This timeless tale of an arrogant is defined as any accumulation of snow requiring City-owned off-street parking area during a snow miser's transformation into a paragon of warm- street clearance. If the accumulation is due to a emergency. The owner of the vehicle shall pay hearted generosity is as much a part of the season snow or ice storm, the emergency shall continue the costs of towing and storage occasioned by the as holly and . Bridges, our virtual library, through the duration of the snow or ice storm and removal of the vehicle. has unlimited checkouts of the eBook and audio- the 48-hour period after cessation of such storm. REMOVAL OF SNOW, ICE, AND AC- book of this classic story. Read the book and then If the accumulation is not due to a snow or ice CUMULATIONS: The abutting property owner join the online Facebook discussion at the end of storm, the emergency shall continue for 48 hours shall remove snow, ice, and accumulations prompt- the month. Give the library a call if you need help from the emergency declaration. Such emergency ly from sidewalks. If a property owner does not with Bridges. conditions may be extended or shortened when remove snow, ice, or accumulations within a rea- Share the spirit of the season and take part conditions warrant. No person shall park, aban- sonable time, the City may do so and assess the in the library’s Adopt a Book program. Choose don or leave unattended any vehicle on any pub- costs against the property owner a children’s book tag from the tree, pay for the lic street, alley, or City-owned off-street parking for collection in the same manner book and once the book is received, you will re- area, except the City Parking Lot on Main Street, as a property tax. The abutting ceive recognition for your donation inthe form of during any snow emergency unless the snow has property owner may be liable a bookplate placed in that book. Your generosity been removed or plowed from said street or al- for damages caused by failure helps develop young readers in this community. ley or until the snow has ceased to fall. Where to remove snow, ice, and ac- There are many other activities planned at the predictions or occurrences indicate the need, the cumulations promptly from LIbrary in December, see article on page 1 for City shall inform the news media to publicize the the sidewalk. details. Hawkins Memorial Library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, December 24 and 25, for Get Involved In Your Community: the Christmas holiday, so remember to dash in La Porte City Advisory Commission Openings and grab extra books and movies early. For more information on the library or any BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT PLANNING & ZONING of its programs, contact Jolene Kronschnabel, Director at (319) 342-3025. About: The Board of Adjustment consists of five members About: The Planning & Zoning Commission consists appointed by the Mayor with Council approval. The Board of of seven members appointed by the City Council. The Adjustment meets on an as needed basis. Commission meets on an as needed basis. La Porte City Police Department

Duties: The Board of Adjustment hears and renders Duties: The Commission reviews and makes October 2020 decisions on appears made by resident in regard oto adopted recommendations regarding the adoption or amendment to 30 Warnings development ordinances. the La Porte City Comprehensive Plan and the Development 10 Citations Ordinance which includes subdivision plats, vacation of platted 129 Calls for Service Length of Term: Five years areas, and other land use changes or issues. 10 Assist Black Hawk County 1 Assist Benton County Deadline: Appllication forms are avaialble online at lpcia. Length of Term: Five years com/commissions or at City Hall. Applications will be accepted 1 Assist Waterloo until all positions are filled. Deadline: Appllication forms are avaialble online at lpcia. com/commissions or at City Hall. Applications will be accepted Traffic until all positions are filled. 1 Driving while license suspended ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 3 Speed ABOUT: The Economic Development Commission consists 1 Failure to maintain registration of five voting members, four of whom shall be appointed by the FFA HISTORICAL & AG MUSEUM 1 Failure to maintain control Mayor with Council approval. Up to two of these members may About: The Museum Board consists of six members 1 No Insurance reside outside the City limits but must be employed or operate a appointed by the Mayor with Council approval. Up to two of business within the City. The Commission meets monthly. these members may reside outside the City limits but within Criminal the Union School District. The Board meets monthly. 1 Possession/Purchase of Alcohol Underage Duties: The Commission promotes economic development 2 Minor using tobacco/vapor and sustainability through efforts addressing business Duties The Museum Board provides for the operation and attraction, retention and expansion as well as improvements to maintenance of the FFA Ag Museum and makes plans for Arrest Log October 2020 the community as a whole. future operations. One juvenile of La Porte City was arrested on 10/9/2020 for Possession of Marijuana. Length of Term: Three years Length of Term: Five years Camiellia Gibbs, 33, of Evansdale was issued Deadline: Appllication forms are avaialble online at lpcia. Deadline: Appllication forms are avaialble online at lpcia. a summons to appear in court on 10/2/2020 for com/commissions or at City Hall. Applications are due by com/commissions or at City Hall. Applications will be accepted December 31, 2020. until all positions are filled. driving while barred. Page 4 December 2020 Sharing is Caring: Local Ways to Give Back this Holiday Season Holiday Food Drive - Hawkins Memorial Li- brary, LPC Connect, and Thriftway are work- ing together to reduce hunger in the commu- nity. Now through December 31, 2020, visit Thriftway, pick up an LPC Connect grocery tote. Fill the tote with non-perishable food items or personal care products. For every five totes donated from purchases made at Thrift- way, they will donate one tote of groceries to the La Porte City Food Pantry. LPC Connect is also collecting Food Pantry donations at thier office on 306 Main Street in La Porte City. You can also drop off your non-perishable food and personal care items at the Hawkins An Annual Tradition - For the third year, the La Porte City Memorial Library, 308 Main Street in Decem- Police Association has partnered with local vendors including ber and fine totals will be reduced by $2.00 for Odd Pops, Rockets Bakery, Kramer Sausage, LPC Connect, Tootsies and Thriftway to provide Thanksgiving meals to Stars and Stripes at Sunset - In recognition of Veteran’s each item. six families in the community. Pictured above, Police Chief Day, new American flags were recently unfurled over Main See SHARING, page 2 Chris Brecher and Records Clerk Katie Davison prepare to Street. deliver meals. December 2020 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday City Council Meetings are scheduled for the second and fourth Mondays of the month. Meetings are 1 2 3 4 5 Hawkins Library Hawkins Library 5-9PM Holiday Lights 1:00PM Santa subject to change or cancellation due to lack of New Kids Kits Available Santa Story on Facebook at Hickory Hills Parade quorum, weather or health related issues. Meeting agendas are posted at the City Welcome Center, 5-9PM Holiday Lights 200 Main Street and at www.lpcia.com. at Hickory Hills 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 8-10AM Hawkins 6:30PM 302 Cedar St Curbside Recycling 5-9PM Holiday Lights 5-9PM Holiday Lights Library - Coffee Time American Legion Post at Hickory Hills at Hickory Hills 207 Monthly Meeting Hawkins Library Santa Story on Facebook Hawkins Library New Kids Kits Available 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 8-10AM Hawkins Hawkins Library Hawkins Library 5-9PM Holiday Lights 5-9PM Holiday Lights Library - Coffee Time New Kids Kits Available Santa Story on Facebook at Hickory Hills at Hickory Hills

7:00 PM City Hall City Council Mtg

20 21 22 23 24 25 Christmas Day 26 8-10AM Hawkins Hawkins Library Curbside Recycling City Garbage Library - Coffee Time New Kids Kits Available City Departments Close City Departments Closed Collection Hawkins Library at Noon Due to Christmas Santa Story on Facebook Hawkins Library Closed Hawkins Library Closed Holiday

5-9PM Holiday Lights at Hickory Hills

27 28 29 30 31 New Year’s Eve 1 New Year’s Day 2 8-10AM Hawkins Hawkins Library Hawkins Library City Garbage Library - Coffee Time New Kids Kits Available Santa Story on Facebook City Departments Close City Departments Closed Collection at Noon Due to New Year’s Holiday 7:00 PM City Hall Hawkins Library Closed Hawkins Library Closed City Council Mtg at 5PM