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Home My WebLink About12-2001 r , k DECEMBER 2001 I PLC. F FACTS �[ 5icus 4ht 7�r " Yet„spending too much money Is not without y° <, p it's consequences. The average monthly r r= household balance on MasterCard is $2421 Nk and much of that is accumulated during Do- 4 , cember. When we spend beyond our lirnits, we Special points of interest: t i lJ feel anxious,we feel guilty,we feel at odds With the goals we have set for ourselves. These N. • feelings are a heavy load to add to the stress of Notice—Amendment to the Water Ordinance the holiday season. And do we really get much for all that money • Recollections of the Past What is your favorite holiday memory? How with the anxiety and guilt attached? According much did it cost to create it? These are the to my little survey, not really. Stress is not fun. • Children's Christmas questions I have been asking the people in my After experiencing a stressful holiday,getting to Party life to see If there is any correlation between have a non-stressful one is wonderful and luxu- large amounts of money spent and memorable rious. Give yourself that luxury, Fortunately, • Flag Etiquette holiday experiences. there are many ways to give ,gifts and have • City NewsWhat I have found is just the opposite.., wonderful celebrations without spending a lot childhood memories of Christmas and Hanuk- of money. kah almost always centered on a family gather- The holidays can be so fun and lift our spirits ings. Adults very rarely remembered more than up. The best in our neighbors, friends and in one or two gifts they had received as children ourselves is elicited by focusing on what the and it was never the first thing they talked season means to us. My goals for my family about. are three: 1. To take some time to remember From my observation, people spend too much how blessed we are and to share that with oth- money at the holidays for two reasons: they ers through gifts and charity. 2. To celebrate are worried that they will appear Scrooge-like the spiritual foundation of the season,. 3. To or unloving if they don't (the "what will others enjoy our family traditions. When I look at my stated goals, It is clear that mons even saving CITY HALL think of me reason) or they want to express y( g love and celebrate the season and believe money) is not the first thing that!want us to be spending money is the best or only way to do aware of. But the way we choose to 2andle our this (the 1 don't want my family to feel de- money and time can support or hinder our�.prl- Monday—Wednesday—Friday prived"reason). marygoaIs. 7:30 AM—4:00 PM Tuesday and Thursday SA N I A CLAUS I S C 0 M I C 7'0 T'O w N 7:30 AM—6:00 PM City Hatt Phone:846-2204 Annual C'.&&fie , . efvd,3 tmw Yadg Sunday, December 1.6 at 2:00 p�Vl k American Legion Hall Fairfax, IA All Area Children Are Invited To Attend Page 2 RECOLLECTTONS OF TfIE PAST Xe'13 "No J&twic"a�r '., jc3at Me Jr&Mw&m Qtik a 33it Reprinted witb permission(c)1971 The Gazette,Cedar Rapids,Iowa By Art Hough I wouldn't make any Fairfax - Man and boy, historian!, mister,"says Elmer Vorel was in the groElmer. "Past is past," but - despite that statement he cery business here for over 60 of his 72 years. recalls quite a bit about his father's business,the cus- Vorel ran his own store tomers,and early Fairfax. for nearly 30 years, taking The eider Vorel had two over, when his father re- or three different stores. tired because of Ill health. Elmer had started working One of them, a two-story sL for him when just a young- structure, burned down stet and had connected some 50 years ago. After with the store since, except a couple, of years in a orWnalli&el for a couple of years he make-do store, Vorel worked on the railroad sec- moved a former primary tion. schoolhouse onto a vacant kid 50 cents and tell him "People, I think, in those Voirel recalls the time he lot and converted it into a to go have a good time." days were different Now, went to Weaver Witwer store. "Our folks went with us there's too much hurry. who is still active in the It was a school Elmer different places. They had ,some of these old- Witwer Grocer Co-, in Ce- had attended "when I was parties at horne. We used timers, you can tell when dar Rapids and said: a kid." to have lots of parties in they come into the store "Mir. Witwer, Dad's quit Elmer's thoughts re- town. All the kids would yet. They never hurry too and I'm gonna start a turned to the days before go, play cards and dance." much." store." the fire,, when his father "It's different ri Mrs.Vorel made an inter- He says, "How much made the upper floor of his Used To Be Pasture esting comment at this money do you have?" , store into a sort of a com- Noting that Fairfax is now point. "Five bucks" I answered. munity center. pretty well built up, hous- You Get Concerned "Those were nice days," ing families whose bread- "Eli-ner has a lot of Go ahead and start", Elmer remembers. People winners commute to jobs friends," she said. said Mr. Witwer, who ex- had a lot of fun. It was a In Cedar Rapids, Elmer "Nowadays, people don't tended him the necessary pleasure." went back into the past seem to have much pa- credit to get his store "Dad had a dance hall again. tience with the older gen- above, also brought 'in "What used to be a pas- eration, but, what amazes Eirner relied on his Dad's some traveling shows and ture when I was a kid and me, a lot of those boys former store building the booked them for a week or drove the cows (all the who grew up in Fairfax will present concrete block so...community plays, band stop and visit him if they store on main street 25 concerts, hard time people in town had cows at are going through." years ago. This is the store dances,square dances. that time), it's all built up he sold to Harlan Henkes in houses now. One young man recently of Fairfax, who took pos- We had good times, If there is any difference stopped off on his way session when Elmer retired mister. We had the nicest In people today it's be- from Albuquerque to New last Tuesday. parents you could get." cause they hurry so much, York. Past Is Past.... "Nowadays t.hey give a says Vorel. "In a country' store," Page 3 R COLLECTIONS OF THE PAST Elmer said, "the merchant gone. I always was that card to come." two daughters, Mrs. Ed- and his help enjoy visiting way." Sometimes, the games ward Schlotterbeck, 648 with the customers more In chess and checkers took only a month and a Thirty-eighth street NIE and than they do in a lot of big you look forward." half to play out. Jean C. Winger, 2459 places. Vorel used to play a lot of "Loaf, loaf. It's easy for Deborah Drive SW an.d five "You know them and you chess and checkers, in me to loaf," Vorel said grandchildren. get concerned about their tournaments and by corre- when asked what his plans Another grandchild, Jon problems, I don't suppose spondence with competi- are for the future. Winger, was killed in the they ever have that chance tors all over the United "No matter what you do, Vietnam war. He was a In a big place." States...California, Newyou have to work, mister, graduate of Jefferson high Asked whether he is go- York, Chicago, St. Louis, When you run your own school In Cedar Rapids ing to miss working in the Arizona, Omaha, Wiscon- business you can sit down and it was his grandfa- store,Vorel replied: sin, sometimes with four someplace." ther's hope that he would AlwaThat Wagames going at once. some day take over the ys, y You have to Illilke people, store in Fairfax. "No. When I'm through "it was so interesting you too," Mrs.Vorel interjected. with something, that's couldn't wait for the next Mr. and Mrs, Vorel have ''� Corel The original Vorel Store was located where Engi- neered Components now stands. The store building burned down circa 1920. The old public school building was moved to the,loca- tion now occupied by the present Post Office and served as the store until 1954 when the new store was built(now Engineered Components). '51 T; i. Aw tJ Store.1 I me rt",&ry The interior of the Andrle store...Philipps Apartments now occupy the building. Page 4 FAIL FAX PUBLIC , LIBRARY It's Story Time! Just a reminder...there is no charge for a Fairfax Library card for any Fairfax resident. It there is any book that you are looking for that is not available in our library, the librarians will be Ihappy LIBRARY HOURS to borrow the book or books from a sis- Monday Thursday ter library. 10.00 AM - 8:00 PM 4:00 PM-8:00 PM W&A shwew Tuesday Friday Renew By Phonel 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 10:00 PM -6:00 PM If the Library is closed, patrons are aad Wednesday Saturday able to renew their materials by 2:00 PM -8:00 PM 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM phone...just leave a message. ,PWda&#W to VOLUNTEERS A&& d Sae YeaffWW Anyone interested in volunteering to help when the computer/internet is down would be very much appreciated. This would not happen very often but when it does help is needed. It is very )4M mwi expensive to call a company on problems and not good use of City Funds. t& FAIRFAX FIRE DEPARTMENT n4W&ffe&- Proudly Serving Fairfax, Watford and Surrounding Areas walzdd ca&na expw,1 &WThe year 2001 is rapidly coming to an end. a direct result of children taking candles to a With the holidays getting closer, everyone is bedroom or another room away from mom and YW&&U1e_ busy decorating for Christmas. Please keep in dad and lighting it. This is where tragedies be- mind some very basic safety precautions. For on. If you need to burn candles, please be those of you who buy real Christmas trees, aware of the consequences. Don't let the Y&m& ayahy, please keep your tree adequately watered. DO memory of that warm glow, aroma and flicker- MaV NOT start out with a tree that is already too dry. ing shadow be the remains of your home. Remember to keep the tree away from heat Every kitchen has hand towels of various ducts and fireplaces. Check all lights and ex- sizes and shapes. Many hand towels have but- tension cords for exposed wires or cracked tons that can be attached convenilently to coating. Do not cover cords with rugs 'to hide drawer handles or oven door handles on the them. If your lights or cords are In question, stove. This is a very unsafe practice. Being replace them, Cords and lights are cheap com- attached this close to your stove burners will pared to replacing your home. Last but not allow the towel to absorb grease from normal least,do not overload your outlets. cooking. The hand towel can become a fire During the holiday season it is also very com- hazard. Please keep all towels away from heat mon for us to enhance the mood of Christmas producing appliances. by burning candles in our homes. The warm The Christmas CD's produced by the FDNY glow,the aroma and flickering shadows created are being sold by the Fairfax Fire Department. by candles are beautiful but also very danger- This CID has a beautiful arrangement of your ous. As candle sales sky rocket during the hoti- holiday classics. All proceeds go to the FDNY day season,, so do fires in the homes. Please Fund. The CD is$10,00 and is available at City keep burning candles away from any combusti- Hall in Fairfax. Call Mary at 846-2204 for more bles, use candleholders that will allow for over- information, flow and never leave burning candles unat- The members of the Fairfax Fire Department tended, Do not encourage your children to light would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas candles, Many of the candle fires in homes are Tugs 5 UPCOMING MEETING FIRE DEPARTMENT Monday, December 17, 2001 7:00 PM Upstairs in Fire Hall CITY COUNCIL Tuesday,January 8, 2002 7:00 PM LIBRARY BOARD City Hall Monday, January 14, 2002 7:00 PM Library Community Roam AMERICAN LEGION Monday,January 7, 2002 7:00 PM Legion Hall PLANNING & ZONING A reminder to Legion members...from Monday,January 7, 2002 November through April our regular monthly meeting will start at 7:00 PM on the first Monday 7:00 PM of each month. City Hall All Veterans are welcome to attend the If there is no agenda,the meeting will be meetings and If anyone is interested in renting The doors are open cancelled. the Legion Han, please contact Ken Gordon at .for all Eaigaix citi ,ens to join us at any of DEADLINES these meetinns, New ideas and suggestions NEWSLETTER AGENDAS are always appreciated Please have news articles, Depending on the situation,the and welcomed. community events, announcement, deadline to be placedon the etc.to City Hall by the first Planning&Zoning Commission and FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH the City Council agendas is the The Fairfax Facts will be sent out WEDNESDAY BEFORE THE MEETING WASTE MANAGEMENT REMINDER Please have your trash out at the curb side by 8:00 AM on Tuesday mornings. x Cardboard iiarge pieces) need to be broken down into 3 foot by 2 foot pieces to fit into the truck.. If there is a large quantity; please bundle them together with a string or to pe. Page 6 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2002 ORDINANCE 241 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE VI,CHAPTER 1,SECTION 6-1.0304 BELLING FOR WATER SERVICE AND SECTION 6-1.0305 SERVICE DISCONTINUED BE ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF FAIRFAX,IOWA 1. Bills Issued. The Clerk shall prepareand issue bills for water service on or before the first (1'' day of each month. 2. Bills Payable. Bills for water service shall be due and payable at the office of the Clerk by the fifteenth(15"') day of each month, 3. Late Payment Penalty,. Bills not paid by the fifteenth (15"') day of each billing period shall be considered delinquent and a late penalty of two dollars ($2.00) shalt be assessed. The late penalty shall be added to the next month's bill. 4. Meters Read. Water meters shall be read monthly and reading recorded on the water bill and returned by each customer by the fifteenth (156) day of each month. if a customer has not completed and returned the reading by the fifteenth (15'h) day of each month, the City shall read the meter and a twenty-five dollar($25.00)late meter reading penalty will be added to the customer's bill. Section 3. Section 6-1,0305 of Title V1,Chapter 1, City Ordinance of Fairfax,is hereby amended: 1. Notice and Hearing..The Clerk shall send a notice by mail to each delinquent consumer that water service will be discontinued if payment, including late payment charges, is not received by the fifteenth (1501) day of each month. The notice shall also inform the consumer of the nature of the delinquency and the opportunity for a hearing prior to discontinuance of service. If the consumer is a tenant, and if the owner or landlord of the property has made a written request for notice, the notice shall also be given to the owner or landlord. 2. Service Discontinued. The Superintendent shall shut off the supply of water to any consumer who, not having requested a hearing,has failed to make payment by the date specified in the notice of delinquency. 3. Fees. A turn-on fee of twenty-five dollars Q$25.00) shall be charged before service is restored to a delinquent consumer. No turn-on fee or service fee shall be charged for the usual or Customary trips in the regular changes in occupancies of the property. Please Make Checks Payable to Code Explanation CITY OF FAIRFAX PLEASE NOTE Ro.Box 337 WT-Water QI3-Garbage Fairfax,Iowa $2229 SW-Sewer TX-Sales Tax Due to the new Utility Billing software, Eslimsied 13€11 M$-Miscellaneous your January 1, 2002 water bill will have a Charge different look. To the right is a sample of the DELINQUENT BiLLS ARE SUWECT TO back of the water bill. When filling out your DISCONTINUANCE OF SERVICE AND RETAIN THIS PORTION present meter reading DO NOT include the CHARGE FOR REINSTATEMENT FOR YOUR RECORDS stationery zero. It will, already be printed on CITY OF FAIRFAX Present Motor Reading the cards for you. If you have any questions, P.O.ftx 417 r7l El El El El 11 please feel free to call City Hall at 846-2204. FaJdax,Iowa 52220 (319)$44-2204 RETURN THIS STU@j WITH PAYMEN PAYMENT DROP BOX E AT OFFICE -T Page 7 CITY OF FAIRFAX City of Fairfax Regular Council Meeting Tuesday,December 11,2001 Mayor Voss called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.Council members present:Wainwright,Stockton,Scott and Beer. Councilperson absent: Ekstrom.Also present:Nancy Flickinger,Ron Dusil and Dick Ransom. Motion Beer,2"d Scott approval of Agenda Aye:4;MC Motion Wainwright,2"d Stockton approval Min.November 13 and November 27,2001 Council Meetings Aye:4; MC Jennifer Ryan, ECICOG, lead discussion on the solid waste contract. Jennifer suggested to appoint a committee to start the process.. Mayor Voss appointed a committee of Cory Stockton(representation as a citizen)and Marianne Wainwright. Tim Zimmerman,C;randle.Railroad,lead discussion on the possible closure of Williams Blvd.or Soathview railroad crossings,Also repre- senting the railroad was Jim Gibson,lA DOT;Bennie Howe,Regional Manager Federal Railroad Administration; and Howard Gillespie, Federal Railroad Administration. Linn County Sheriff report given by,Sgt.barks. Mayor Voss introduced ORDINANCE 241 Amending City Ordinance Title VI,Chapter 1,Section 6-1.0304 Billing For Water Service and Section 6-1.0305 Service Discontinued. Mayor Voss declared the Public Hearing opened on ORDINANCE 241 at 7:38 p.m.There being no objectors present. Mayor Voss declared the Public Hearing closed on ORDINANCE 241 at 7:39 p.m. Motion Wainwright,2nd Stockton to approve ORDINANCE 241 Aye:4;MC Motion.Wainwright,2"d Stockton to adopt ORDINANCE 241 to waive 2"d&P Readings Roll Call Vote:All Ayes MC Mayor Voss introduced ORDINANCE 242 Amending City Ordinance Title 11,Division 1,Chapter 2, Section 2.1-2.0601 Through Streets-Stop,Section 2.1-2,0602 Special Stops Required,Section 2.1-2.0603 Four-Way Stop Intersections and Section 2.1-2.0607 Yield Intersections. Motion Stockton,2nd Beer to approve ORDINANCE 242 Aye:4;MC Motion Stockton,2"d Beer to adopt ORDINANCE 242 to waive 2nd&3"d Readings Roll Carl Vote:All Ayes;MC Tabled discussion of fees of document recording was retabled to January meeting. Motion Stockton,2nd Beer to approve Star Bar Liquor License Aye:4;MC Dick Ransom led discussion on Development Agreement between the City of Fairfax and Gordon Sevig. Motion.Stockton,2"d Wainwright to approve RESOLUTION 01-12-11-1 Approving the Installation of Improvements_Prairie View Estates Phase 2 Roll Call Vote:All Ayes;MC Motion Stockton, 2"d Wainwright to approve RESOLUTION 01-12-11-2 Transfer of Funds Connections Fees for Prairie View Estates. Roll Call Vote:All Ayes;MC Motion Beer,2"d Scott to table discussion Outside Parking and Storage of Vehicles to January meeting Aye:4;MC Motion Wainwright,2"d Scott to approve 14 hrs.at$19.00 an hour Linn County Sheriff Contract for FIY 2002-2003 Aye: 4;MC Motion Wainwright,2nd Stockton to remove from table Discussion on City Attorney.Aye:4;MC Discussion with Randal Scholer of Moyer&Bergman. Motion Scott,2rd Stockton approve Randal Scholer of Moyer&Bergman,Attorneys At Lary,City Attorney Aye 4 MC Library Report given by Carol Niles. Motion Wainwright,2nd Stockton to table Delinquent Water Service Collection Procedures/January Meeting Aye 4 MC Nancy Flickinger discussed the Budget Report. Motion Scott,2"1 Wainwright to table set date for Budget Work Session for January Meeting Aye: 4;MC; Discussion on claims presented for payment-Hall&Hall Engineers revised to$9,734.35. Motion Beer,2nd Wainwright to approve claims presented for payment.Aye:4;MC Cory Stockton presented the Fire Department Report.Discussion on FDNY Christmas CD available for$10.00. Ron presented the Maintenance Report.Wells are in operation.have started flushing lines.Discussion on center line painting on Highland Avenue.It was decided not to paint line.Discussion on Fairfax sign and blowing,debris problems in Fairfax heights. Harold McCormick led discussion on blowing debris in Fairfax Heights. Motion Beer,2"d Stockton to adjourn meeting at 9:38 p.m.Aye:4;MC Bill.Voss,Mayor Mary Pacha,City CIerk ragc 8 Fairfax Facts FLAG ET'IC?UE`ITE Adapted from US, Flag Cod The fundamental rule of flag etiquette other flags flown with it should be at being sent out for trash collection. is: treat all flags with respect and half-staff, First raise the flags to their In a public gathering (lecture hall, common sense, peak,then lower to half-staff. The Stars church, etc,), the Stars and Stripes The Stars and Stripes tapes and Stripes is raised first and lowered should be to the right of the speakers or precedence over all other flags when last. on the wall behind them. flown within the United States, It should A salute(hand over heart for those not The canton of the flag(the blue °'°field" not be flown lower than another flag nor in uniform) should be rendered when with the 50 stars) should always be to should it be smaller than another flag the flag is raised, lowered, or carried by the observers' left except: 1) when flown with it. other flags may, however, on parade; when the Pledge of displayed on a casket; 2) when be flown at the same height and in the Allegiance is recited; and when the displayed as a decal on the right side of same size. Other national flags should national anthem is played (unless the a vehicle (bus, truck, plane, etc.); 3) not be smaller nor flown lower than the flag is not present), when worn as a patch on the right arm Stars and Stripes when displayed it is proper to fly the Stars and Stripes (but use on the left arm is preferable). together. if it is not possible to display at night, but only it It Is spot-lit, The Stars and Straps should be In the two or more national flags at the same No flag should be flown during center of a group of flags only when: 1) height, it is not proper to display them weather which might damage it, based the center pole is taller than the others together at all, on a common sense interpretation of or 2) when a fan-like arrangement The point of honor is on the extreme circumstances. makes the center pole higher than the ;eft from the standpoint of the observer To extend the life of a flag, when it is others. ("the flag's right"). The order from left torn it should be repaired and under no It is not illegal or improper to fly any to right of flags flown together is: the circumstances should a flag be folded flag (state, ethnic group, organization, Stars and Stripes, other national flags in while wet. etc.) alone, but ii is always preferable to alphabetical order, state flags, county When a flag is no longer of dignified) display the Stars and Stripes at the and city flags organizational flags, appearance and cannot be repaired, it same time. personal flag. should be destroyed in a dignified way If one flag is at half-staff in mourning, (burned or sealed in a bag or box before d� City of Fairfax PO Box 337 Fairfax,IA 52228 PRSRT STI)! US POSTAOI Phone;319.846-2204 PAID A falMaxsrarpflislnpe.net FAIRFA �, 1A PERMIT ,L, T O. Postal Customer Fairfax, lA 52228