february 2012
red raiders go green
Mayor Douma and Bryan Gerritson presenting rebate check to Northwestern College.
Northwestern College has always strived for energy efficiency throughout their campus. Their latest project culminated with a rebate check presentation during the Northwestern vs. Dordt basketball game on December 7, 2011. Orange City Municipal Utilities Public Works Director, Bryan Gerritson, presented a $32,618 check for energy efficiency in lighting and heating/cooling projects to Northwestern College President, Gregory Christy, and Maintenance Foreman, Gary Jeltema.
Northwestern College installed the latest in energy efficient equipment when they constructed a new three-story student suites building. They also upgraded lighting in other campus buildings including Van Peursem Hall and the Bultman Center. Through these projects, Northwestern College saved almost 457,000 kilowatt-hours of energy and 75 kW of demand last year. That is enough energy to power approximately 42 homes for one year.
Orange City Municipal Utilities expresses its gratitude to Northwestern College for their good stewardship in energy efficiency.
2011 construction report
“Construction activity was steady but disappointing in 2011,” according to Ken Meendering, City Code Enforcement Officer. At a recent City Council meeting, Meendering presented a year-end report regarding Orange City’s residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects. His office issues the required building permits and conducts inspections.
Orange City home under construction
In 2011, 65 building permits were issued totaling approximately $9.91 million compared to 73 permits with costs of $10.78 million in 2010. The 2011 report included five City and Northwestern College construction projects totaling $7.23 million compared to three projects totaling $3.58 million in 2010. The number of dwelling units—residential homes, duplexes and condos—was down to ten units in 2011 versus 16 units in 2010. Also, industrial and commercial projects decreased substantially from three permits totaling only $46 thousand versus seven permits totaling $3.36 million in 2010.
Meendering reminded everyone that the reports are based upon the calendar year which building permits are issued, regardless of when construction actually begins or when the projects are completed. Reported costs are only estimates and not to be confused with the actual costs or assessed value as determined by the County Assessor’s office.
orange city chosen blue zones finalist
Orange City has been chosen as one of the 58 Iowa Blue Zone Community finalists. In January, a committee of volunteers worked diligently to complete the lengthy application for the final round. “This was a long process, but it was worth it,” said Mitch Aalbers, City Parks and Recreation Director. “If Orange City is selected, it will be an amazing opportunity for this community.”
The ten selected Iowa communities will be announced on February 10. Once the announcement is made, the communities will be visited by a Blue Zone Official from February 27–March 10 and the next steps will be determined.
“This is just the beginning for Orange City,” continued Aalbers. “If we are chosen, we’ll need the support of the entire community. We’ve already begun to develop a team of people, but there will be something for everyone to get involved in.”
winter recreation
The Orange City Recreation Department’s winter programs are in full swing. Currently the programming includes youth basketball, adult open gym, pre-school open gym, fitness classes, and co-ed volleyball league. January is the kick off to our 2012 programming year which we hope to offer 60+ programs for the citizens of Orange City.
it takes partners
Growing Northwest Iowa’s economy was the focal point of the Northwest Iowa Development Partners meeting held January 12 at Northwest Iowa Community College. The six-county development group held their first annual meeting to showcase how the regional association is working together to promote the creation of jobs and wealth. Highlighted projects were marketing projects, existing industry visitation programs, trade shows, and site selector contacts.
Debi Durham, Director of Iowa Economic Development Authority, was the featured speaker. Durham spoke about the state’s goals to create over 200,000 jobs, raise household incomes by 25%, and to revitalize the K-12 public education system. Over 100 representatives from local city and county governments, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, utility providers, and state agencies attended.
heavy lifting required
Placing the new transformer
Progress on the new Orange City Municipal Utilities electrical sub-station is making huge strides. Crews recently installed a new 11.2 MVA transformer—that’s a lot of power—which was manufactured in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. A crane was needed to place an 89,000 lb unit that measured 7’ x 12’ x 10’. According to Bryan Gerritson, City Public Works Director, “The new unit will be the largest of five existing transformers.”
The substation is slated for completion in June and will provide power specifically for the community’s southern industrial area. It will also provide backup support for the other two substations whenever needed, continued dual contingency power supply throughout the community, and for future growth capacity.
Duane Feekes, City Administrator stated, “The $470,000 transformer is part of the $3.1 million total project cost. The project is being funded entirely by existing electric rates. No future base rate adjustments will be needed to support this project.”
legislators talk politics
Soderberg and Feenstra
The 84th Iowa General Assembly has begun. Governor Branstad has presented his State of the State address. Now the Legislators can begin to form consensus around issues that will be addressed in the weeks to come. State Representative Chuck Soderberg and State Senator Randy Feenstra held a Legislative Coffee with area residents on Saturday, January 14, at City Hall. Issues such as commercial and industrial property tax reform, job creation, revitalizing our K-12 education system, and working with the second year of the biennual budget were discussed. The next Legislature Coffee is scheduled for February 11 at 2:30pm in City Hall.
join the progress
Starting February 1, you will have an opportunity to make a real difference in the future of Orange City! Orange City 21 Foundation is kicking off an exciting new fundraising campaign, and you are invited to join the progress and impact the future of our community.
This month, every Orange City Municipal Utility customer will receive information in the mail on how they can help. OC21 is asking everyone to complete the pledge card with an amount that would be included in their monthly utility bill.
Since its founding in 1988, OC21 Foundation—with the generous support of community—has made a difference in many significant projects. A few of the ways the foundation has impacted Orange City include:
• Landsmeer Golf Club
• Orange City Area Health System
• Orange City Public Library
• Orange City Area Daycare and Preschool
Jump on the bandwagon! Your support will help make Orange City truly competitive, successful, and progressive for its residents, partners, stakeholders, and future generations.
water + dirt = mud
City workers repairing a leak
We are continually reminded that keeping our city infrastructure in good repair is an on-going process. Recently the City Water Department repaired a water line near Northwestern College’s campus. Evidently, an old service line started leaking causing water to rise to the surface. Due to its location to other electric service lines, City crews had to manually dig and remove soils with a vacuum truck. Eventually, the water line was uncovered and the leak was located. Though you can’t avoid the mud, we are thankful for the service provided by the City Water Department regardless of outdoor weather conditions or time of day.
opening soon
Prairie Winds Event Center is excited to announce its grand opening will take place on Wednesday, June 27. Paired with OnStage Orange City’s “Orange City’s Got Talent” and the City’s annual Customer Appreciation picnic, the opening celebration will be a “can’t miss” event. Make sure to mark your calendar. Additional details, including a ribbon cutting and schedule of activities, will be announced in the next couple of months.
For more information on Prairie Winds Event Center, contact Maria Plueger at events@orangecityiowa.com or 712-707-4885.
Prairie Winds Event Center outdoor pavillion
editions
What’s Vibrant? is City of Orange City’s newsletter which is included in every residents’ monthly utilities. Current and previous editions are available for download below. For additional editions, please contact Maria Plueger, Event/Brand Manager, at marketing@orangecityiowa.com or 712-707-4885.
February 2012: What’s Vibrant?
December 2011: What’s Vibrant?