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1. Why does the City use this online auction site instead of sealed bids?

While the City has had some success in sealed bid auctions in the past we are utilizing the GovDeals web site to sell surplus items now to provide a fair and secure manor of conducting auctions. This option will also allow for increased number of bidders on some items while allowing for less potential of misplaced and misdirected bids.

2. Can I bid by submitting a bid directly to the City?

No, all bids must be placed through the online web site via an registered bid registration on that site (www.govdeals.com). This ensures that the rules are the same for all biders and allows bidders to see where the bid is currently and to watch the item closer. It also eliminates the opportunity for lost and misplaced bids.

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1. How can I join the Storm Lake Municipal Band?

The Storm Lake Municipal Band is always looking for new members who enjoy sharing their musical talents with the Storm Lake community and the visiting public. Persons interested in joining the Municipal Band may contact the Storm Lake Human Resources Department by email (humanresources@stormlake.org) or by phone at 712-732-8000 and staff will forward the contact information to the Band Director.

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1. How do I get a building permit?

Building permits are available Monday through Friday at City Hall:
620 Erie St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588

For more information, please contact the Building Department at (712) 732-8002.

2. What are the requirements for fences?

To construct a fence requires a building permit. A fence can be placed on the lot line, but you will need to know the exact location of your lot lines. The Buena Vista County Assessor's office would have the dimensions of your lot, but to ensure the exact location of the lot lines a survey of your property would be necessary.

Interior lot fence requirements include:

• May not exceed four-feet in height in the front and side yards
  
• May not exceed seven-feet in height in the back yard
  
• Decorative side must face the adjoining neighbor’s property

Corner lots have additional requirements. For more information, please contact the Building Department at (712) 732-8002 .

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1. Where can I get a driver’s license?

Driver’s licenses are issued in the Buena Vista County Treasurer’s Office, which is located on the first floor of the Buena Vista County Courthouse at 215 East Fifth Street, in Storm Lake.

For more information, contact the Buena Vista County Treasurer’s Office at (712) 749-2571.

2. How do I contact the Chamber of Commerce?

Storm Lake United is the active agency promoting Storm Lake and Buena Vista County as well as working toward the development of new business and industry within the community. Their offices are located at 110 West 6th Street in Storm Lake.

For more information, feel free to call Storm Lake United at (712) 732-3780.

3. Where can I pay a court fine or speeding ticket?

Fines imposed by the court system, including speeding tickets, can be paid from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, at the Buena Vista County Clerk of Court’s office:
215 E. Fifth St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588

For more information, contact the Buena Vista County Clerk of Court's office at (712) 749-2546.

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1. How do I contact the Chamber of Commerce?

Storm Lake United is the active agency promoting Storm Lake and Buena Vista County as well as working toward the development of new business and industry within the community. Their offices are located at 110 West Sixth Street in Storm Lake.

For more information, feel free to call Storm Lake United at (712) 732-3780.

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1. Where can I purchase Discs to play Disc Golf?

Discs can be purchased at many sporting goods stores and sports stores. 

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1. Does the City offer Automated Clearing House (ACH) or electronic payments for its vendors?

Yes, the City offers ACH payments or electronic payments to our vendors. If you would like to be set up on ACH, please fill out the ACH Authorization Agreement Form and send it to:
City of Storm Lake
Attn: Accounts Payable
P.O. Box 1086
Storm Lake, IA 50588

You can also email this authorization form to accountspayable@stormlake.org. If you have any additional questions please call (712) 732-8009.

2. How do I get a lien taken off of my property?

Property owners who have a lien against their property can take care of the lien through the Buena Vista County Treasurer's Office from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, located at the Buena Vista County Courthouse: 215 E. Fifth St. Storm Lake, IA 50588

You can also call the Buena Vista County Treasurer's Office at (712) 749-2534.

3. When can I expect payment on an invoice?

The Accounts Payable Department sends out checks and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments on the first and third Wednesday of each month. This follows the Council approval of bills on the first and third Monday of each month.

In order for bills to be paid, invoices need to be submitted to the Accounts Payable Department by 10:00 AM on the Tuesday prior to the Council meeting. When you submit an invoice for payment please allow enough time for the department head to review and approve the invoice for payment.

Please call the Accounts Payable Department at 712-732-8000 if you have not received payment.

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1. What type of fire department is the Storm Lake Fire Department?

The Storm Lake Fire Department is a combination fire department consisting of two career firefighters and 31 paid, on-call firefighters.

2. Does the Fire Department provide tours and public relations programs?

Special programs and tours can be arranged by calling the Storm Lake Public Safety Department at (712) 732-8010 or by email at publicsafety@stormlake.org.

3. What types of inspections does the Fire Department conduct?

The Fire Department conducts inspections including:

• Alcohol licensing
  
• Business
  
• Day care inspections
  
• Residential Housing Rental Inspections
  
• School

The department also provides plan reviews for new construction as they relate to fire codes and fire safety.

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1. How do I apply for a job with the City?

All applicants need to fill out an application and authorize us to do a background check.

The application will be reviewed and the department head will contact a select group of applicants to set up an interview.

Please feel free to browse through our currently available employment opportunities.

2. What benefits does the City provide to its employees?

The City offers a competitive benefit package for our employees. Benefits vary depending on if the position is full-time or part-time. Some benefits include:

• Dental Insurance
• Employer-matched contributions to IPERS and/or MFPRSI (411) 
• Health Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• 10 Paid Holidays 

For more detailed information refer to the Employee Benefits Explanation.

3. What are the pay periods for City employees?

Employee are paid Biweekly

Volunteer firefighters are paid for their calls and training in December.

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1. Is the City's water safe to drink?

Yes, the city’s water is safe to drink. The City of Storm Lake is required to maintain safe drinking water as determined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. Tests are conducted on a daily basis to ensure compliance with these safety regulations. Additionally, annually the City of Storm Lake issues a Water Quality Report outlining the city’s water and it’s compliance with the state and federal regulations. Copies of this report can be found on the City of Storm Lake web page or a copy is available for public review at the Storm Lake Public Library and Storm Lake City Hall.

2. My water is a rusty color after they flushed, what should I do?

Following flushing there is a possibility that residents and businesses may experience some rusty colored water. If you experience rusty water you should run cold water from the cold water faucet nearest the water meter in your home or business. This will effectively flush the waterlines inside your home and remove the red or rusty colored water. If you still have rusty colored water after several minutes of running cold water you can call the City of Storm Lake at 712-732-8002 to report the problem.

3. Why does the City flush hydrants?

The City of Storm Lake like many other communities in Iowa and around the country have an annual flushing program to test and ensure adequate pressure at fire hydrants around town. Additionally, the flushing program allows the City to move water through the city’s water mains at a rapid rate helping to maintain water quality.

4. What is a Hydrant Flushing Program?

A Hydrant Flushing Program is a program conducted by the water utilities where crews open up the fire hydrants and allow water to flow out of them for the purpose of testing the water pressure at that location and to identify potential problems in the distribution system. Each hydrant is run for a period of time while crews perform the tests. Usually the program is conducted during the late evening and early morning hours to minimize the inconvenience on the water user.

5. Should I stop using water when crews are flushing hydrants in my neighborhood?

Citizens can continue to use water during the flushing program as they normally would. However, they should know that if crews are flushing hydrants in their neighborhood at the same time they are using water they may experience a decreased in water pressure while the flushing is being completed. This decreased in pressure is normal and to be expected. The pressure should resume immediately following the completion of flushing.

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1. May I speak to the Council at a council meeting?

At the start of each council meeting the mayor will ask if there is anyone who wishes to address the Council on a non-agenda item. At that time you may address the Council. If you are present to address the Council on an item that is on the agenda, you may address the Council when that item is being discussed.

For the quickest response you may contact the city manager
or the city clerk with your concern, and our staff will try to address the issue or provide you feedback.

If your concern is related to a service issue, such as potholes, traffic light outages, or other service-related matters, please consider using our online service request system for assistance.

2. When are Council and mayor elections held?

City elections are held the first Tuesday in November every other year on odd numbered years. Terms are staggered and not all Council members will be elected at one time. Council members and the mayor serve four-year terms.

3. How do I get an item on the Council agenda?

In order for the Council to act on any item it must be on the Council agenda, which needs to be published at least 24 hours in advance of each Council meeting.

Items to be placed on the agenda are processed through the city clerk’s office and must be received by noon on the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting in which the item is to be discussed.

For more information or to see about getting an item on the agenda, please contact the city clerk.

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1. Do I have to live in Storm Lake to apply for this program?

This program is available to all residents of Buena Vista County including residents in all the incorporated cities within Buena Vista County including Storm Lake, Alta, Lakeside, Truesdale, Albert City, Linn Grove, Rembrant, Marathon, Newell, and Sioux Rapids.

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1. Can I still use the shelters if no one has rented them?

Yes, if no one has rented the shelter (with the exception of the Chautauqua Park Shelter and the Sunrise Pointe Golf Course Hall) you may use them on a first come, first serve basis.

2. What should I do if someone is using the facility when I get there for my rental period?

The City will post signs daily at each facility with the rental schedule on it. If for some reason someone else is using the facility when you arrive or if the group ahead of you does not leave at the end of their time we ask that you kindly ask them to release the shelter to you at your arrival. If they don't want to release the shelter to you or you are uncomfortable asking them to leave you may contact the Buena Vista County Communication Center at 712-749-2525 who will contact the appropriate City Department to assist you in this matter.

3. What if the shelter is damaged when I arrive, what can I do to ensure that I amnot held responsible for the damage?

We ask that you call the Buena Vista County Communication Center at 712-749-2525 immediately to report the damage so City staff can be contacted to verify the damage to ensure that you are not held accountable.

4. When will I know if I can get my damage deposit back and when will I get it back?

Your damage deposit is always 100% refundable provided you don't damage the rental facility in any way and your rental doesn't require the Parks Department to have to clean up after your event. Usually we will notify you the next business day after your rental regarding any problems we had regarding your rental that would affect your damage deposit. If there are no issues you should be able to pick up your damage deposit the next business day after the rental.

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1. Can I rent the open shelters in the City of Storm Lake parks?

Yes, most of our open shelters are available for rent. By renting an open shelter within the Storm Lake Parks system, you are guaranteed to have the facility during the time that you need it. Rentals can be requested through our online reservation system.

Online rental requests will be held until 5:00 PM on the following business day from the date the request was made - provided the request is made at least 10 days in advance of the rental. The date will be officially booked upon receipt of payment for the rental fee.

For more information please call the City of Storm Lake at (712) 732-8000 or email rentals@stormlake.org.

2. If I want to have a concert in the band shell, do I have to do anything to rent the facility?

The band shell is available for rent but rental is not required. By renting the band shell you are guaranteed to have the facility during the time that you need it.

Rentals can be requested through our online reservation system. Online rental requests will be held until 5:00 PM on the following business day from the date the request was made - provided the request is made at least 10 days in advance of the rental. The date will be officially booked upon receipt of payment for the rental fee.

When using the band shell for a concert please check with the Police Department or City Hall to see if a noise variance will be required.

For more information please call the City of Storm Lake at (712) 732-8000 or email rentals@stormlake.org.

3. How can I donate to the Storm Lake Parks system in memory of a loved one?

The Storm Lake Parks system is a great place to honor the life of a loved one. You can do so through a donation to the system.

For more information please call the city clerk's office at (712) 732-8000 or email  cityclerk@stormlake.org.

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1. How many sworn police officers are authorized for the Storm Lake Police Department?

The department has an authorized strength of 21 sworn officers.  Assignment opportunities include: 

• Patrol Division
• Investigation Division
• School Resources Officer
• Narcotics Unit
• K-9 Unit
• Clandestine Lab Team 
• Tactical Entry Team
• Drone Pilots
• Search and Recovery Dive Team
• Hostage Negotiation Team
• Sexual Assault Response Team
• Bike Patrol 

2. How many police officers are on patrol at a given time?

Depending on the time of day, the amount of officers on patrol during normal operating conditions is 3 to 4 (excluding detectives and administration). 

3. Do you employ any bilingual police officers?

The Storm Lake Police Department has officers that speak Spanish, Hmong and Vietnamese. 

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1. Why does the City not have a page for each project that is currently going on?

Right now we are testing how this process will work both in terms of a community use perspective but also from a staff perspective in terms of how much time it takes to keep the project information up to date etc. As we refine and learn more through the process we will add more projects to this page. You can let us know how we are doing by emailing us at cityhall@stormlake.org.

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1. What departments are included under the umbrella of the Public Safety Department?

The Public Safety Department includes the Police and Fire departments. In addition to those two departments the public safety director also oversees the administration of the park rangers, Animal Control, and Emergency Management.

2. How many staff members are operating under the Public Safety Department?

The Public Safety Department consists of the following staff members:

• Community service officers (2)
  
• Fire fighters (33)
  
• Office staff (3)
  
• Police dog (1)
  
• Police officers (19)
  
• Seasonal park rangers (2)
  
• University work study students (1-2)
  
• Volunteer medic (1)
  
• Volunteer office staff (1)

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1. My street light is not working who do I contact?

Street Lights within the City of Storm Lake are maintained by MidAmerican Energy who provides electrical service to Storm Lake. You may contact MidAmerican Energy at (888) 427-5632 or fill out a repair request online on the Mid American Energy website.

2. Does the City remove or trim trees?

The City of Storm Lake has a tree trimming program for trees that are on City right-of-way. The right-of-way is the property between the street and the sidewalk. The city trims and removes trees during the winter months and rotates through the community on a three year schedule to ensure proper maintenance of all trees in the public right-of-way. The City will handle trees and limbs that are determined to be a hazard to personal property and injury outside of the schedule. For more information please contact the Public Service Assistant at (712) 732-8029. If you have a tree or branch that is dangerous you may contact the City at 712-732-8000 or fill out an online Tree Trimming Request FormThe City does not remove or trim trees on private property.

Tree Trimming Request Form

3. My mailbox was hit by the snowplow, who do I contact?

The City’s snow plow drivers work diligently to avoid hitting mailboxes during the snow removal season. If you believe that your mailbox has been damaged by a City snow plow, you may contact the Public Service Department by phone at 712-732-8029, by email at publicservices@stormlake.org. Upon receiving notice of a damaged mailbox the City will investigate the cause of the damage and if the cause of the damage is found to be a directly from a snow plow (not damage caused by rolling or plowed snow) then the City will make reimbursement for the mailbox that was damaged with a similar mailbox.

4. Does the City remove stumps within the Public Right of Way?

The City Public ServiceDepartment removes stumps from trees cut down by the City of Storm Lake within the Right of Way. The City will come out and remove the stump, refill the area with soil, and then scatter grass seed in the location. To report a stump needing removal within the ROW, please contact the Public Service Department by phone at 712-732-8029 or by email at publicservices@stormlake.org.

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1. What do I do if I think the water meter is not working properly or I think it was read incorrectly?

Contact City Hall to explain the situation (732-8020). We'll have someone go out to read your meter again. If any errors are discovered at this time, they will be corrected on your account.

If that does not address your concerns, we can take the water meter out, in order to test it back at the shop. there is a fee for this service.

2. What if there is a water line break?

During normal business hours contact the city Water Department at 732-8020 as soon as possible to schedule a service check for the break. If it is after hours contact the Buena Vista county Communication Center at 712-749-2525. If the break is located on your service line the property owner will be responsible for all repairs.

Note: The owner is responsible for water service lines from the connection at the water main, to the house, this includes water lines inside the house.

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1. If my car is towed where can I go to get my car back?

All cars that are towed for violation of no parking regulations during a Snow Emergency are towed to the Storm Lake impound lot. In order to retrieve your vehicle you should stop by the Storm Lake Public Safety Office located at 401 East Milwaukee Street during normal business hours to pay the fine and storage fee before getting your vehicle back.

2. I live downtown where can I park my car during a snow emergency?

During declared snow emergencies residents who live downtown can park their cars overnight in two downtown parking lots (Lots A and C). Lot A is located at the corner of Geneseo and 7th Streets. Lot C is located on Erie Street across from Valentina's Meat Market and behind the Connell Law Office. Parking in any other downtown public parking lot will result in your vehicle being towed during a snow emergency.

3. How can I find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared?

There are several ways to find out when snow emergency has been declared by the City of Storm Lake. The City maintains a 24 hour hotline that contains the current status of a snow emergency in both English and Spanish at 712-213-SNOW (7669). You can also check the current status online by going to the City's Snow Emergency webpage at www.213snow.com. Finally you can sign up for instant notifications through Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS)

WENS - Text and Email Notification System

4. Why can't you plow my street now?

We wish we had enough snowplows and drivers to take care of every street right away, but our resources are limited and so we must adhere to a carefully laid out system for clearing the streets. If we allowed our plows to be diverted each time a special request was made, our system would be destroyed and it would take far longer to get all the streets in the city cleared. To keep our snow removal operations as effective and efficient as possible, plows are not permitted to deviate from their assigned routes. Arterial streets have first priority for snow plowing. The remainder of the streets is then plowed after the snow subsides.

5. The plow left some snow at the end of my driveway. Can you send someone to come and plow it out?

There are approximately 3,000+ driveways in the city. If we used all of our plows and spent just 60 seconds per driveway, it would take several days to clean driveways alone. One thing you can do to minimize the problem is to pile snow that has been shoveled from the driveway on the downstream side of the driveway. Then if the snowplow hits the pile, it will be moved onto the grass or sidewalk, not back into your driveway. The Streets Division crews do not come back and plow out any driveways.

6. I own a business downtown. How are streets plowed in the Central Business District?

Streets and alleys in the central business district are treated differently from other snow and ice control operations because snow storage within the street and alley rights-of-way are not desirable. Snow plowing procedures are utilized only to the extent that storage of snow along the traveled portion of the roadway will not inhibit vehicle movement in and out of parking stalls.

When snow removal operations begin, streets and alleys in and near the central business area are sanded and salted, if deemed necessary. Snow will be hauled from the area after the clearing operations are completed. Snow hauling operations normally commence during night-time hours only when the storm has subsided will daytime plowing be considered. Daytime plowing is hazardous to the public and public services employees.

7. Can you tell me exactly when my street will be plowed?

Under ideal circumstances, we can predict fairly accurately when we will have streets in various sections of the City plowed. As weather conditions change we often must alter our snow-fighting strategy in the midst of the snow removal operations in order to control drifting snow, ice or other special problems. We cannot give you an estimate of when your street will be cleared due to ever-changing weather conditions.

8. Is there a reason why you can't pile the snow in the middle of the street instead of putting it on the sidewalks?

As we plow from curb to curb to provide for safe vehicular flow and mail delivery, snow may inadvertently fall onto the sidewalk. Unfortunately, there are a number of locations in the city where the park area is very narrow and the plowed snow covers the sidewalks. Some have suggested that the plows should go through these areas at a slower speed so the snow will not be thrown onto the sidewalks. However, the plows must maintain a certain speed in order to keep the snow from sticking onto the blades of the plow.

9. I have a medical condition. Can you plow my street first in case there is an emergency and an ambulance needs to get through?

The potential for a medical emergency does not warrant priority treatment. Anyone needing an ambulance in a medical emergency should contact the Communications Center where all necessary steps will be coordinated.

10. When is parking prohibited on city streets?

The Central Business District is signed for no parking between 2a.m. and 6 a.m. during a snow emergency and 10p.m. through 6a.m. in the residential areas. Any vehicles remaining on the streets during the snow emergency will be towed. Vehicles may be ticketed more frequently during winter months to ensure that plows are able to plow streets adequately. Anyone leaving town for an extended time (holidays, Spring break) should find suitable off-street parking to avoid ticketing and towing.

11. When I called the Streets Division number to find out about road conditions, the line was busy.

Our telephone lines are understandably jammed during severe weather conditions. We advise limiting your travel, or staying off the roads entirely if possible. Listen to television and radio bulletins about road conditions. Remember that we can only provide information about streets within the city limits. Our phone lines should be used primarily to alert us if a street has been missed or if there is some special problem relating to the snow removal operations.

12. Why hasn’t my street been cleared yet?

resources are limited and so we must adhere to a carefully laid out system for clearing the streets. If we allowed our plows to be diverted each time a special request was made, our system would be destroyed and it would take far longer to get all the streets in the city cleared. To keep our snow removal operations as effective and efficient as possible, plows are not permitted to deviate from their assigned routes. Arterial streets have first priority for snow plowing. The remainder of the streets are then plowed after the snow subsides.  The city has designated an emergency snow route where the primary design of the route is located so streets are within a 3-4 block distance to the emergency snow route

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1. What is a Subdivision?

A subdivision is a division of land into three or more lots for the purpose of future development.

2. What are the two types of Subdivisions?

Minor Subdivision: A subdivision of land which creates no more than four lots from any single parcel of land; requires no-extensions of streets, sewers, utilities, or other municipal facilities; and complies with all zoning requirements.

Major Subdivision: Any subdivision not defined and approved as a minor subdivision.

3. What is a lot split?

The division or re-division of a tract or parcel of land into two lots, building sites, or other divisions by metes and bounds description.

4. What is the approval process for a Subdivision?

The approval process for Subdivisions consists of three stages: the preapplication process, the preliminary plat approval process, and the final plat approval process.

5. What about Subdivisions Outside the City Limits?

The City of Storm Lake shall also regulate subdivisions within two miles of the city limit. The procedure for subdivisions in this two mile jurisdiction is similar to subdivisions within the city limits with some differences in procedure state in Article 3 Section 3-2(g).

6. Are sidewalks required in a Subdivision?

Sidewalk regulations can be found in Article 5 Section 5-3(d) and Table 5-3.

7. What are some Alternative Subdivision Types?

The following two types of alternative subdivision designs would require a Planned Unit Development (PUD):

Conservation Subdivisions: Wholly or in majority, a residential subdivision that permits a reduction in lot area, setback, or other site development regulations, provided 1) there is no increase in the overall density permitted for a conventional subdivision in a given zoning district, and 2) the remaining land area is used for common space.

Traditional Neighborhood District (TND) Subdivisions: Allow the development of urban neighborhoods that produce new development consistent with the patterns of historic or traditional parts of Storm Lake with appropriate civic space; or provide for the recreation of neighborhoods that follow the patterns of other traditional towns.

8. What guidelines should street designs follow?

Street designs should follow the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) Manual where practical and the Subdivision Ordinance Article 5 Table 5-2 also contains 13 various street type drawings that can serve as additional guidelines for street types.

9. What regulation deals with adequate public services?

Article 6 regulates the necessity of public services including adequate water, waste management, storm water drainage utilities, and parkland resources.

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1. What is the difference between Urban Revitalization Plan and Tax Abatement?

There really isn't any major difference. The Urban Revitalization Plan is the actual plan that provides for the ability to allow for the abatement of taxes for a period of time. Thus Urban Revitalization is the formal language and plan; however, many people refer to the plan and the process as simply tax abatement.

2. Who determines the amount of value that was added as part of my improvements?

The amount of value that is added is determined by the Buena Vista County Assessor based on the work done and listed in the building permit. We do not determine value and the assessed value added is rarely the same as the cost of construction. If you meet all the other criteria for the City’s Tax Abatement Plan we would suggest that you file for the program, there is no negative to applying.

3. Will the City’s Tax Abatement Program lower my assessed value if I don’t make any improvements?

No, you must make improvements that will achieve an assessed value increase as indicated within the policy (you must increase the actual value of the property by at least 20%) and you must comply with all applicable regulations including the requirement to get a building permit.

4. How will I know if I am approved for the Tax Abatement Program?

The Buena Vista County Assessor will provide notification of your approval or denial in the City’s Tax Abatement Plan based on the value added by April 1st annually on your annually Assessment Roll that is delivered by US Mail. If your application was denied because you didn’t add enough value (at least 20%) you will have a special typed section on the Assessment Roll notifying you of that status and why.

In the event the application is denied by the City of Storm Lake due to non-compliance with the criteria in the plan you will receive a written letter explaining why the application was denied from the City’s Building Official.

5. Why are properties located within an Urban Renewal Area not eligible for the City’s Tax Abatement Program?

Typically the Urban Renewal Area is utilizing the tax value for other incentives and economic development programs including the construction of public infrastructure that benefits the property with the Urban Renewal Area. Thus allowing an abatement of tax revenues for a period of time would take away the available revenues that were planned to be used for the other incentives and programs that are planned.

6. Who do I contact to find out if I was approved for the program or not?

The City will verify that you are in compliance with our regulations and then forward to the Buena Vista County Assessor’s office. To find out if you are eligible for the program based on valuation you can contact the BV County Assessor’s office at 712-749-2543. All other questions can be directed to the City of Storm Lake Building Official’s office at 712-732-8002 or by email at buildingofficial@stormlake.org.

7. I forgot to file my paperwork by February 1st of the first assessment year is there anything I can do to still get the abatement?

Provided that you are eligible and meet all the requirements of the program except for meeting the filing deadline of February 1 of the first assessment year you may still have an opportunity to receive all or part of the exemption.

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1. Can my deposit be used to make payments on my account?

The City does not allow regular payments on account to be made with your deposit. However, you may elect to use your deposit to pay your final bill provided you are not moving to another rental unit in Storm Lake where you will have utility services in your name.

2. What happens to my deposit?

The combined utility deposit will be refunded after 24 consecutive months of penalty-free service. The original amount of the deposit will be paid by check to the customer.

A customer moving out of Storm Lake or purchasing a house in Storm Lake before the end of the 24-month period will have the combined utility deposit applied to their final bill and the difference will be refunded. Customers who move to a new rental unit in Storm Lake will have the deposit transferred to their new account. They will need to provide payment for the final bill on their previous account.

3. What do I do when I move?

If you are moving out of your apartment or house, you must contact City Hall (732.8020) at least two (2) days in advance of the final date of service in order to get the utility services out of your name. You will also need to let us know your forwarding address. Only authorized people on the account can make changes to the account.

NOTE: The city only reads meters Monday through Friday (excluding holidays); therefore the final date of service, if on a holiday or weekend, will be moved to the next business day.

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1. Why do I have high water usage on my bill?

Several common reasons that contribute to a high water bill include:

• Broken water pipe or obvious leak - check the pipes in the basement
  
• Company visiting
  
• Kids being at home for summer vacation or school holidays
  
• Leaking toilet or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed - check for a leaking toilet
  
• Letting the water run to avoid freezing water pipes during cold weather
  
• Water-cooled air conditioners
  
• Water softener problems (cycles continuously)
  
• Watering the lawn, new grass, or trees

For more information water on high water usage and how to determine the problem, view common service issues.

2. When is my bill due?

Bills are due by 3:00 PM on the 15th of each month.

3. Where can I pay my bill?

Convenient bill-payment locations in Storm Lake include:

• Drop box in the City Hall parking lot or pay inside City Hall at: 620 Erie St. P.O. Box 1086 Storm Lake, IA 50588

The City also offers online payment on the following link: www.stormlake.org/payonline

To add your Utility Billing account, you will need your account number (listed on the very top right portion of your bill (example: 12-34567-890,) as well as your last payment amount (we are currently looking at additional methods for account verification.) This will complete your registration and you will only need your login information in the future.

4. Can my deposit be used to make payments on my account?

The City does not allow regular payments on account to be made with your deposit. However, you may elect to use your deposit to pay your final bill provided you are not moving to another rental unit in Storm Lake where you will have utility services in your name.

5. What happens to my deposit?

The combined utility deposit will be refunded after 24 consecutive months of penalty-free service. The original amount of the deposit will be paid by check to the customer.

A customer moving out of Storm Lake or purchasing a house in Storm Lake before the end of the 24-month period will have the combined utility deposit applied to their final bill and the difference will be refunded. Customers who move to a new rental unit in Storm Lake will have the deposit transferred to their new account. They will need to provide payment for the final bill on their previous account.

6. What do I do when I move?

If you are moving out of your apartment or house, you must contact City Hall (732.8020) at least two (2) days in advance of the final date of service in order to get the utility services out of your name. You will also need to let us know your forwarding address. Only authorized people on the account can make changes to the account.

NOTE: The city only reads meters Monday through Friday (excluding holidays); therefore the final date of service, if on a holiday or weekend, will be moved to the next business day.

7. What do I do if I think the water meter is not working properly or I think it was read incorrectly?

Contact City Hall to explain the situation (732-8020). We'll have someone go out to read your meter again. If any errors are discovered at this time, they will be corrected on your account.

If that does not address your concerns, we can take the water meter out, in order to test it back at the shop. there is a fee for this service.

8. What if there is a water line break?

During normal business hours contact the city Water Department at 732-8020 as soon as possible to schedule a service check for the break. If it is after hours contact the Buena Vista county Communication Center at 712-749-2525. If the break is located on your service line the property owner will be responsible for all repairs.

Note: The owner is responsible for water service lines from the connection at the water main, to the house, this includes water lines inside the house.

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1. Will the City or County sell my information to marketing companies?

No the information provided for the WENS Public Notification System is provided soley for the purpose of providing public notification by the City of Storm Lake and Buena Vista County. Notices sent through the system will originate from either the City of Storm Lake, Buena Vista County or the National Weather Service.

2. Is there a cost to participate in the service?

There is no cost to sign up for the service or to participate in the service from the WENS System side. Some mobile phone users may have fees from their cell phone provider if they elect to receive text messages from teh WENS System. We suggest that you contact your cell phone provider if you are unsure of if text messages from us will result in a charge.

3. What do you mean by you can contact me by phone?

The system allows Public Safety staff to make a series of phone calls for the entire community or a select area within a series of minutes to provide public safety information. This is typically called a "reverse 911 system" and uses your home telephone line or land phone line. For those individuals who do not have a land phone line the system will not work; therefore, it is important that you sign up with your cell phone and email address to allow us to contact.

4. I already am signed up for Nixle do I need to sign up for WENS?

Yes, the City of Storm Lake is transitioning to WENS as the sole provider for emergency notifications and will discontinue the use of Nixle by February 2012.

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1. There is snow on the ground but the trails haven't been groomed, why?

In order to groom usable trails that will be of use to the cross country ski community we really need five to six inches of snow on the ground.

If we have five to six inches and the snow has just fallen skiers should note that the first priority of the Parks Department is removal of snow on the Lake Trail and at public buildings. Once that snow is removed the crews will groom the trails during normal working hours.

2. If the trails are not groomed but there is snow on the ground can we still use the golf course to ski?

Yes cross country skiers are welcome to use the golf course area to ski even when the trails are not groomed. We do ask that you stay away from and off of the greens.

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1. Where can I go to figure out what my property use type is classified as?

Article 3 of the Zoning Ordinance defines several different   use types. If a use type is unknown, the Zoning Administrator has the authority to determine the appropriate use type.

2. What is the purpose of the zoning districts?

Article 4 Table 4-1 contains explanations for every zoning district within the City of Stom Lake 

3. Where can I find out what the zoning of my property is?

City City of Storm Lake Zoning Map can be found online at www.stormlake.org/zoning

4. Where can I go to determine if the proposed use for my land is permitted?

Article 4 Table 4-2 of the Zoning Ordinance; this table indicates permitted uses with a "P", conditional uses with a "C", and anything blank is not a permitted use.

5. What are my setbacks and other site regulations?

If you know the zoning designation of your property you can look at the site regulations in Article 4 Tables 4-3a & 4-3b.

6. Where can I find the regulations for accessory buildings?

Site development regulations for accessory buildings can be found with Article 7 Section 702(a)(6).

7. Where can I find regulations on fences?

Fence regulations are regulated per Article 7 Section 705.

8. Will a development require landscaping or other screening standards?

Article 8 deals with all landscaping and screening requirements.

9. Will a development require off-street parking and if so how much?

Article 9 deals with off-street parking requirements and Table 9-1 regulates the minimum off-street parking required for a use type.

10. What type of sign could a business put up?

All Sign Regulations can be found within Article 10.