Help Friends and Neighbors Prevent Flooding

Raking leaves and blowing grass into the City streets violates Title IV, Chapter 2, Article 13, Section 13.03 of the Alton Code of Ordinances. The debris prevents the City from doing an efficient job of street sweeping and also obstructs the flow of water into the storm system. The violation of this ordinance, per Iowa law, is a simple misdemeanor subject to a scheduled fine of $70.00.

Notice

Due to the recent precipitation amounts and high ground water, the City of Alton’s sanitary sewer system is experiencing high flows of water. If the flows are not reduced, backups in homes could occur.
The City’s Ordinances prohibit sump pumps from being directly connected to the sanitary sewer. If your sump pump is connected to the sanitary sewer it needs to be disconnected and piped outside of the home immediately.

Fire Department’s Pancake Supper

Alton’s Fire Department will be hosting their annual pancake supper November 17 from 5:00-7:00 at the Alton Community Building. All proceeds will go towards personal protective equipment. Free will donation. APPETITES WANTED!

Seasonal Parking Reminder

We would like to remind citizens that parking is prohibited on Alton streets from October 15, 2016, to April 1, 2017, between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Violators will be subject to a $10 fine.

15 Feet above streets – 8 Feet above sidewalks

The City will be contracting with a third party to inspect the trees along the streets and sidewalks in town and will be issuing nuisance letters to property owners that are not in compliance with City Ordinance:
5.04 DUTY TO TRIM TREES. The owner or agent of the abutting property shall keep the trees on or overhanging the street, trimmed so that all branches will be at least fifteen (15) feet above the surface of the street and eight (8) feet above the sidewalks.
5.05 ASSESSMENT. If the abutting property owner fails to trim the trees as required in this chapter, the City may serve notice on the abutting property owner requiring him to do so within five (5) days. If he fails to trim the trees within that time, the city may perform the required action and assess the costs against the abutting property for collection in the same manner as a property tax. 
Please inspect your property and if your trees are not in compliance, please remedy the situation.

Heating Assistance

The Low-income Home Energy Assistance program offered through Mid-Sioux Opportunity, Inc. will be taking applications for the program year that will begin October 1, 2016 and end September 30, 2017. Please note the enclosed flyer for details. Apply early, as this is on a first come first served basis and funds are limited. Upon approval by Mid-Sioux, funds will be disbursed to the City and applied.

E-Waste Recycling

The Cities of Alton and Orange City are co-sponsoring a FREE recycling program that will accept computer monitors, CPU’s, keyboards and mouse(s), laptops, printers, servers, cell phones, TV’s, small batteries, sound equipment, banking equipment, VCR’s, fax machines, and AC adapters. Sorry, car batteries and light bulbs are not allowed. Items can be dropped off at the City Street Department south of Ace on Highway 10 on Friday, October 28, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. and Sat., October 29, from 9 A.M. to noon.

Notice To Utility Customers

As customers of the City of Alton, help is available to you in resolving possible complaints about your electric or gas service. You can contact a utility representative at the following address:

The City of Alton
905 3rd Ave. P O Box 910
Alton, IA. 51003-0910

If your complaint is related to service disconnection, safety, or renewable energy and the City of Alton does not resolve your complaint, you may request assistance from the Iowa Utilities Board by writing to:
1375 East Court Avenue, Room 69, Des Moines, IA 50319-0069, or by calling: (515) 725-7321 or toll-free (877) 565-4450 or by E-mail to customer@iub.iowa.gov

Municipal Reminders

• The City Office will be closed November 11, 2016, in observance of Veterans Day and November 24, 2016 in observance of Thanksgiving.
• When moving in or out of a house or apartment, it is important that both parties notify the City Office to have utility meters read. By following this procedure, the bills can be properly divided by the City Office.
• Parking is prohibited on Alton streets from October 15, 2016, to April 1, 2017, between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. Violators will be subject to a $10 fine