Full Notification

MITCHELLVILLE SPECIAL ELECTION - MARCH 2nd, 2021

INFORMATION ON THE PROCESS:

In 2019, the City started exploring the need for a new Fire Station. The intent is to improve working conditions for current staff that will help with retainage, to entice new staff to come work for Mitchellville, to open up possibilities for future grant monies toward staffing, and to give the community a facility that can grow with our city and serve the needs of our citizens for many years to come.

The City Administrator suggested that reserve funds could be used as opposed to incurring debt. The facility could be built in phases without raising property taxes or interrupting the process of other infrastructure improvements such as water mains. Council proceeded by approving the hiring of an architect by the Fire Department to design a building that would meet our needs.

Council requested a survey on social media to gauge whether Mitchellville residents would be in favor of a new Fire Station. The survey came back positive, but with a lot of questions and some residents requested a public vote. The Council agreed and City Hall started the process to hold a special election.

The State of Iowa is not a ballot initiative state, meaning that Cities/Counties/Schools cannot hold elections except for reasons listed in the Iowa Code. We cannot just put a yes or no question, like should we build a new fire station, on the ballot. The only legal reason that Mitchellville could hold a Special Election for its residents to be able to vote on a new Fire Station is to tie it to authorizing the issuance of bonds. That is why the ballot language includes the issuance of bonds in an amount not exceeding $1,500,000. Council has not made a decision on bond issuance or using reserve funds.

POSSIBLE RESULTS OF THE SPECIAL ELECTION: The measure requires 60% of the votes cast for approval.

If the measure passes, the City would have the option of issuing bonds and/or using the money in reserve to build a new fire station.

If the measure fails, the City would have the option of using the money in reserve to build a new fire station, or waiting six months and holding another special election if we want to issue bonds.

SUBSEQUENT PHASES COULD INCLUDE:

A storm shelter/heating & cooling center in a safe place in case of a natural disaster or large-scale emergency.

Public spaces such as a possible recreation area to host basketball, volleyball, and other sports.

Some type of water facility – pool, splash pad.

A possible fitness center. Outside green space that could accommodate soccer, softball, and baseball fields.
DOES MITCHELLVILLE NEED A NEW FIRE STATION?

· Current firehouse, which serves both the police and fire departments is too small for current vehicles, apparatus, and equipment.

· Current firehouse can’t meet the recommended NFPA requirements to have separate areas to store clean fire gear to help mitigate the ongoing danger of carcinogens.

· ISO is currently a 4, which is a great number for our community. It takes better equipment, apparatus, manpower, and training to ensure that the ISO number stays low. This rating affects every home owner’s insurance rates.

· Better facility will bring more membership and the possibility of staffing employees in near future.

· Police Department needs more space and will utilize current firehouse space.

· Planning for future population and increased call volume. WE need to be proactive and not reactive.

This link is for the document.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IwjgW982TZdDud_sTBCWl2PwyEmH9veV/view?usp=sharing