History

Tiffin through time

Every dated item of the town's history in the archive on one list: history notes, checked research claims, events read from the records, ordinances, resolutions of the kinds that mark the town's life, project milestones, the earliest appointment to each board and proclamations. Each line is as the records put it, with its page. Atom feed.

2,777 items.

November 6, 1963 Figure The $4200 asked for 8.7 acres of land for the lagoon is about $483 per acre as printed in 1963 (derived, per acre). Derived
“Clair Flansburg gave us a price of $3800 for 900x350 ($500 estimate for clearing this land), and $4200 for 8.7 acres.”
document 3349, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 6, 1963 Figure The minutes record a price of $3800 for a 900x350 parcel and $4200 for 8.7 acres, and an estimate that condemning a 20-acre piece would cost the town $400 and take six months.
“Clair Flansburg gave us a price of $3800 for 900x350 ($500 estimate for clearing this land), and $4200 for 8.7 acres.”
document 3349, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 30, 1963 Discussion At a special meeting held at the Holiday Inn the council toured a mechanical sewage plant to compare it with the lagoon; a 24-hour test had shown 96% removal.
“They ran a 24-hour test on the plant three weeks ago which showed 96% removal, which exceeded expectations quite a bit.”
document 3349, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
November 30, 1963 Figure The minutes record the Holiday Inn unit at $13,800, a contractor's price of $28,000 for a comparable plant for the town, and $19,275 for the projected lagoon including pipe and land.
“The unit at Holiday Inn cost $13,800. We would have to go a little over 50% larger. A 40,000 gallon tank would handle the town's needs for 20 years or so. The cost as given to Mr. Nicholas by the contractor is $28,000. The cost of the projected lagoon, including extra pipe needed and the cost of land is $19,275.”
document 3348, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 30, 1963 Figure The projected lagoon cost of $19,275.00 as printed in 1963 is about $210,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“The unit at Holiday Inn cost $13,800. We would have to go a little over 50% larger. A 40,000 gallon tank would handle the town's needs for 20 years or so. The cost as given to Mr. Nicholas by the contractor is $28,000. The cost of the projected lagoon, including extra pipe needed and the cost of land is $19,275.”
document 3348, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 30, 1963 Figure The engineer reported sewer bids coming in below estimate, which would give a $3500 cushion if the trend continued.
“Sewer bids have been coming in cheaper than estimated lately ($3. and $3.10) which would give us a $3500 cushion if trend continues.”
document 3348, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
December 4, 1963 Figure The December 1963 bills include $75.00 for the clerk and $80.00 for the mayor.
“75.00 . . Margie O'Toole (clerk) 80.00 . . James O'Toole (mayor)”
document 3347, p. 1 · meeting · James O'Toole · 1960s
December 9, 1963 Discussion A councilman suggested appointing a Growth & Development Chairman to investigate new industry, with two or more councilmen devoted to the sewer project.
“One man could be appointed Growth & Development Chairman, and two or more councilmen devote most of their time to the sewer project.”
document 3347, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
December 9, 1963 Decision The council recommended not passing the Highway Commission ordinance restricting accesses, because it restricted further commercial development in the town.
“(a) That it restricts any further development of commercial property within the Town.”
document 3347, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
January 3, 1964 Discussion At a meeting with the attorney and engineers, the town was told the 25% test: sewer assessments should not exceed 25% of a lot's actual value.
“The one place where this becomes important is if the assessment is such that the cost of the improvement would exceed 25% of the actual value.”
document 3346, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1964 Discussion Meeting as the Board of Health, the council took up a recurring school furnace hazard and was advised it was empowered to close the Tiffin School; the State Fire Marshal inspected on 3 January.
“we were empowered under the Code of Iowa to close the doors on the Tiffin School.”
document 3345, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1964 Figure A new oil furnace for the school was estimated at about $1,500; the Board of Health resolved to review progress in thirty days.
“This would probably cost in the vicinity of $1,500.”
document 3345, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1964 Decision The council approved the formal application to the Highway Commission for putting the sewer underneath the highway.
“Bill made the motion that the Council approve the formal application from the Town to the Highway Commission for putting the sewer underneath the highway.”
document 3345, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
February 5, 1964 Figure A Des Moines bonding attorney estimated the town's financing cost for the sewer at between $900 and $1,000, and the council moved to appoint him for the town's financial business.
“Mr. Carpenter, the bonding attorney there, estimated our cost of financing at between $900 and $1,000.”
document 3344, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 5, 1964 Decision The council unanimously resolved to give its unqualified support to the Fire Association's plan to obtain a new unit.
“gives its unqualified support and encouragement to the Fire Association in its plan to obtain the new unit”
document 3344, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
February 5, 1964 Figure The February 1964 bills include $1000.00 to Powers & Associates.
“1000.00 . Powers & Associates”
document 3344, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 16, 1964 Discussion Sewer obligation bonds had to be amortized over not more than 20 years, with a sinking fund.
“They have to be amortized for not more than 20 years.”
document 3343, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
March 16, 1964 Discussion The minutes record that one bonding attorney judged the sewer plan not feasible while another bonding firm advised by telephone that it was feasible.
“Mr. Carpenter gave a cursory examination of the material sent to him and decided it was not feasible. On the basis of the same information, Carlton Bey advised Mr. Powers by telephone that he considered the plan to be feasible.”
document 3343, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 16, 1964 Figure The sewer plant's operating cost was estimated at $3,000 yearly to be divided among 138 equivalent family units.
“Operating cost of plant: estimated at $3,000 yearly to be divided among 138 equivalent family units.”
document 3343, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
March 16, 1964 Figure The sewer estimate included a plant land acquisition cost of 3 acres at $1,000 per acre.
“The estimate includes an estimate on the plant land acquisition cost of 3 acres @ $1,000 per acre”
document 3343, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 16, 1964 Figure The estimated plant land price of $1,000.00 as printed in 1964 ($ per acre) is about $11,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“The estimate includes an estimate on the plant land acquisition cost of 3 acres @ $1,000 per acre”
document 3343, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 18, 1964 Discussion The mayor reported an experimental new Dutch Elm Disease treatment involving boring holes in a tree and a systemic insecticide.
“a new treatment for Dutch Elm Disease is out on an experimental basis.”
document 3342, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
March 18, 1964 Discussion The mayor was told the Highway Commission now had the prerogative of setting the speed limit on any highway and that an earlier council had given up access rights by ordinance.
“The last legislature amended the Code so that the Highway Commission now has the prerogative of setting the speed limit on any highway.”
document 3342, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 18, 1964 Discussion The Highway Commission told the mayor the town could not replace its school signal light unless it went to the Commission's system, but could maintain the existing one.
“we cannot replace our school light unless we go to their system, which would cost the amount of the estimate furnished by Nate Moore. However, we can maintain the light as it is.”
document 3342, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 1, 1964 History note The town asks about natural gas service
“Natural Gas. The Clerk was directed to write to Bill Owens, Investigating Officer, Iowa-Illinois Light & Power, Iowa City, to have him check on the availability of gas service to Tiffin.”
document 3341, p. 1 · history note · 1960s
April 1, 1964 Discussion Besides a Des Moines financing plan, the council investigated hiring Chicago bond attorneys to print the bonds with the town selling them itself.
“hiring Chapman and Cutler, bonding attorneys in Chicago who handle most of the school bond elections in Iowa, to print our bonds and the town itself would sell them.”
document 3341, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 1, 1964 Figure The council approved a beer permit for the Lark and accepted $200.00 for it.
“200.00 . The Lark (beer permit)”
document 3341, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 7, 1964 Figure A financial adviser found assessment deficiencies of $4,368 where properties were assessed over 25% of value, and that about $49,000 of unpaid assessments would go on special assessment bonds.
“went through the spread and took valuations and created the deficiencies of $4,368, which are the properties which are assessed over 25% of the value of the property with the improvement in place.”
document 3339, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 7, 1964 Figure In one copy of the 7 April 1964 minutes the financing firm's services 'would run around $3,000'; the same copy adds by telephone that $3,600 is total financing and legal fees against $3,875 in the engineer's estimate.
“Later, on the telephone, Mr. Ellender told the Mayor that the $3,600 is the total financing and legal fees. This is less than the $3,875 in the engineer's estimate under legal, administrative and financing.”
document 3340, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
April 7, 1964 Discussion The bond adviser told the council that no vote of the people was required on general obligation bonds for sewer.
“No vote of the people is required on General Obligation bonds for sewer. (Section 408.A of the Code).”
document 3340, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
April 21, 1964 Neighbors The council moved to go on Daylight Saving Time to coincide with Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.
“Wayne moved, Bob seconded the motion to go on Daylight Saving Time to coincide with Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. Carried.”
document 3338, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
April 21, 1964 Discussion A Community Facilities Administration official told the mayor a federal loan on the town's revenue bonds would carry 3-7/8%, reviewed each July 1; the prior year's rate was 3-3/4%.
“At the current time, it is 3-7/8% and it is reviewed every July 1. Last year it was 3-3/4%.”
document 3338, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
April 28, 1964 Decision For a company wanting to unload asphalt tank cars on the railroad siding, the council suggested a permit with a $1,000 bond, and set a 90-day load limit on town streets.
“also a $1,000 bond should be given to the town before operations commence.”
document 3338, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
May 5, 1964 Figure The mayor figured that assessment payers would pay around 11½ percent in interest, the 6½ on assessments paid on time plus the 5% on the bonds, and that borrowing at 5% would be cheaper.
“the 6½ interest they pay when paying their assessment on time, plus the 5% they are paying on the bonds would make their interest rate around 11½.”
document 3337, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 5, 1964 Discussion The State Health Department's decision on a polishing pond would require buying more land, and it also insisted on a wet-hole pump instead of a dry-hole pump.
“This would require the purchase of more land, and the possibility of going south under the railroad tracks was discussed.”
document 3337, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 5, 1964 Report A councilman and the treasurer were moving to Iowa City in June, so replacements were discussed.
“Appointment of a Councilman to replace Bob Svatos and a Treasurer to replace Marie, who are moving to Iowa City in June, was discussed.”
document 3337, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
May 5, 1964 Decision The council accepted a letter from Western Materials Company as a gentleman's agreement to post a bond and clean up the railroad property after asphalt unloading work.
“Bill moved that Tiffin accept Finley's letter as evidence of a gentleman's agreement to comply with our only requests that he put up a bond”
document 3337, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 20, 1964 History note A citywide municipal gas system is proposed
“Mr. Thayer suggested that the Town seriously consider putting in a municipal gas system. The engineer could make an estimate. Municipal gas bonds are really money-makers. They are usually paid off in ten years and then they pour money into the town.”
document 3336, p. 1 · James Thayer · William Tucker · Wayne Reed · history note · 1960s
May 20, 1964 Discussion The financing adviser suggested a fee of at least $100 for anyone who did not hook up by the time construction passed their property line.
“A fee should be set (suggested to be at least $100) to be paid by anyone who does not hook up by the time the construction goes by their property line.”
document 3336, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
May 20, 1964 Decision The council authorized a contract with White-Phillips Company of Davenport for sewer financing, a fee of $2,500, revenue bonds to sell for no more than 4-3/4% and general obligation bonds no more than 4%.
“White-Phillips would agree to set up any plan the Council would choose; would furnish exactly the same supervisory services as Carlton Beh; would guarantee that revenue bonds would sell for no more than 4-3/4% and General Obligation Bonds no more than 4%; their fee is $2,500.”
document 3336, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Decision Bill Bream was sworn in as councilman to take Bob Svatos' place.
“Bill Bream was sworn in as councilman to take Bob Svatos' place.”
document 3335, p. 2 · meeting · Bill Bream · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Neighbors The council passed Ordinance No. 54 restricting access to Highway 6, with the same provisions as Ordinance No. 51 already in effect, as the Highway Commission required.
“The Ordinance No. 54 restricting access to Highway 6 was passed, since this contains the same provisions as Ordinance No. 51, already in effect.”
document 3335, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 54 · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Figure Ordinance No. 54 set speed limits on Highway 6 of 45 mph at the west end, 25 mph through the middle of town and 45 mph at the east end, and prohibited parking along the highway within town.
“45 miles per hour from Station 156+88 to Station 160+00 25 miles per hour from Station 160+00 to Station 175+00 45 miles per hour from Station 175+00 to Station 177+70.0”
document 4710, p. 2 · Ord. 54 · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Figure The council withheld $250 for the street map from a payment to Shive-Hall, saying the map had never been made accurate.
“the Council does not feel that the $250 for the map should be included in the payment, since it has never been made accurate and has been and will be of no use in its present state.”
document 3335, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Discussion The council agreed to investigate placing signs at the north and south ends of town to alert motorists to traffic hazards.
“It was agreed to investigate the immediate placing of signs at the north and south ends of town, probably outside the city limits”
document 3335, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Decision The council accepted the White-Phillips agreement provided the firm would buy revenue bonds for the full cost of construction at 4 1/2% interest.
“the agreement between the Town of Tiffin and White-Phillips be accepted providing that they agree to buy revenue bonds in the full amount of the cost of construction at 4 1/2% interest.”
document 3335, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
June 3, 1964 Ordinance Ordinance 1964-054 adopted: Passing speed limits document 4710 · meeting · Ord. 1964-054 · 1960s
July 1, 1964 Decision A short July 1964 meeting renewed cigarette permits, renewed a Class C liquor licence for a restaurant and lounge, and issued a Class B beer permit to the Tiffin Inn.
“Motion by Stratton seconded by Sprung that Class B Permit (Beer) be issued to Tiffin Inn. MC.”
document 3334, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 17, 1964 Decision Contractors would be paid in pledge orders stamped 'Not paid for want of funds', which the financing firm would cash in Davenport the same day and later convert into revenue bonds.
“They are issued to the contractors in payment; they will be stamped "Not paid for want of funds" by the Town Treasurer before they are given to the contractor.”
document 3333, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 17, 1964 Decision The council passed resolutions to employ Powers & Associates as engineers and to advertise for sewer bids, to be received by 7:30 p.m. on 5 August 1964.
“The resolutions to employ Powers & Associates as engineers and to proceed with advertising for bids were passed.”
document 3333, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
July 17, 1964 Report A councilman read an agreement, made the previous Sunday, regarding the land the town wished to purchase for the sewage plant.
“Bill Verry read the agreement made Sunday by Earl Stratton, Lou Klein, and Lynn Colony regarding the land the town wishes to purchase from Leora Rogers.”
document 3333, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
August 5, 1964 Figure Four sewage plant bids were opened on 5 August 1964, ranging from $30,897.00 to $50,580.00.
“Manchester Construction Co., Masonville, Iowa 30,897.00 Kehe Construction Co., Waverly, Iowa 50,580.00”
document 3332, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
August 14, 1964 Figure A resolution of 14 August 1964 awarded the sewage works contract to Glenn Construction Co. of West Des Moines at $37,432.00, described as the best and lowest legal bid; the bids opened on 5 August listed a lower figure of $30,897.00 and no Glenn bid.
“Glenn Construction Co., 417 Maple St., West Des Moines, Iowa: $37,432.00”
document 3331, p. 4 · meeting · 1960s
September 3, 1964 Figure On 3 September 1964 the council accepted the bid of Sammons Construction Company of Keokuk under an engineering change order, which lowered the bid by changing specifications and shelving the pond for the time being; the resolution printed the bid as $37,843.00 but the total estimated cost as $22,152.90.
“Ammons Construction Co., Keokuk, Iowa $37,843.00”
document 3328, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
September 3, 1964 Figure The council released a pledge order of $7,908.45 for Powers & Associates' time-and-materials billing from 30 January to 30 July 1964.
“release Pledge Order to the amount of $7,908.45, covering the time and materials billing from January 30, 1964 to July 30, 1964 submitted by Powers & Associates.”
document 3330, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Spending A resolution approved a contract dated 24 August 1964 with Sammons Construction Co. of Keokuk for the sewage treatment plant in the amount of $114,528.80, with a performance bond in like amount.
“the contract referred to in the preamble hereof between the Town of Tiffin and Sammons Construction Co., dated the 24th day of August, 1964, in the amount of $114,528.80, be and the same is hereby approved.”
document 3326, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Figure The treatment plant contract of $114,528.80 as printed in 1964 is about $1,200,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“the contract referred to in the preamble hereof between the Town of Tiffin and Sammons Construction Co., dated the 24th day of August, 1964, in the amount of $114,528.80, be and the same is hereby approved.”
document 3326, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Spending A resolution approved a contract dated 18 August 1964 with Clear Construction Co. of West Des Moines for the sewage works, in the amount of $27,122.00, with a performance bond in like amount.
“the contract referred to in the preamble hereof between the Town of Tiffin and Clear Construction Co., dated the 18th day of August, 1964, in the amount of $27,122.00, be and the same is hereby approved.”
document 3325, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Figure The sewage works contract of $27,122.00 as printed in 1964 is about $290,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“the contract referred to in the preamble hereof between the Town of Tiffin and Clear Construction Co., dated the 18th day of August, 1964, in the amount of $27,122.00, be and the same is hereby approved.”
document 3325, p. 3 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Neighbors The council passed a resolution authorizing and urging the creation of a County Board of Health for Johnson County.
“the City Council of Tiffin does hereby officially authorize and urge the adoption of a County Board of Health for Johnson County, Iowa.”
document 3324, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Figure The October 1964 bills include $25.00 to the railroad for an easement for an access road and $200.00 for another easement.
“25.00 . Railroad (easement for access road)”
document 3324, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Decision The council set the sewer permit fee at $20.00, with a $5.00 discount if paid before 1 November 1964, to pay sewer expenses until rentals could be received.
“It was agreed to set the fee for a Sewer Permit at $20.00, with $5.00 discount if paid before November 1, 1964”
document 3324, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Decision The council moved to investigate a preliminary plan for a water system, with Powers & Associates as engineers, at a cost not to exceed $1,500.
“that a preliminary plan for a water system be investigated, appointing Powers & Associates as engineers, this cost not to exceed $1,500.”
document 3324, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
October 7, 1964 Decision The council voted to have a preliminary plan for a water system investigated, appointing Powers & Associates as engineers at a cost not to exceed $1,500.
“Water. Glen moved, Ted seconded the motion that a preliminary plan for a water system be investigated, appointing Powers & Associates as engineers, this cost not to exceed $1,500. Carried unanimously.”
document 3324, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 3, 1964 History note The council agrees the town needs a housing ordinance
“Housing Ordinance: Proposed housing ordinances were discussed, with the agreement that there is a real need for a good one as soon as possible.”
document 3322, p. 2 · history note · 1960s
November 3, 1964 Decision The council decided to set the sewer tap-on fee at $250.00, to be reviewed each January, and to require all residences and businesses to connect by 1 September 1965.
“it was decided to set the tap-on fee for $250.00 at the present time, to be reviewed at the regular January meeting of each year.”
document 3322, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 3, 1964 Discussion On the geologists' advice the council planned a 5-inch test well and three sand points near the firehouse to measure the capacity of a water-bearing layer, noting the deeper strata had sulphate and was hard to soften.
“plan to put in three sand points and drill a well on the town property next to the Firehouse.”
document 3322, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 9, 1964 History note D. E. Edwards offers to drill the town's well at his own risk
“Mr. Edwards presented an alternate proposal, to drill a permanent well and test for flow himself with the understanding that if said flow was not attained, the Town would not pay him any amount.”
document 3322, p. 2 · D. E. Edwards · Wayne Reed · history note · 1960s
November 9, 1964 Figure At a special meeting the only bid for drilling a test well was $600.00 from J. E. Latta & Sons, Inc. of Riverside, Iowa.
“The only bid received on the proposal sent out was from J. E. Latta & Sons, Inc. Riverside, Iowa as follows: Item 1: $240.00, Item 2: $120.00, Item 3: $240.00 for a total of $600.00.”
document 3322, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
November 9, 1964 Figure The test well bid of $600.00 as printed in 1964 is about $6,500 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“The only bid received on the proposal sent out was from J. E. Latta & Sons, Inc. Riverside, Iowa as follows: Item 1: $240.00, Item 2: $120.00, Item 3: $240.00 for a total of $600.00.”
document 3322, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 History note The League of Municipalities recommends the Uniform Building Code
“League of Municipalities recommends that uniform building code originated at Pacific Coast conference be adopted. It is a code that is nation-wide and can be adopted in part just like the State Housing Code.”
document 3322, p. 2 · history note · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Discussion In the code discussion a speaker said land development cost as much for a $20,000 house as a $30,000 one, and that a $20,000 house could sell here for $18,000 and beat the Iowa City market.
“It costs them just as much for land development for a $20,000 house as a $30,000.”
document 3323, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Figure The $20,000 house price of $20,000.00 as printed in 1964 is about $220,000 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“It costs them just as much for land development for a $20,000 house as a $30,000.”
document 3323, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Decision Ordinance No. 55 required owners of residences and businesses within the drainage area to connect to the public sewer by 1 September 1965 and set a $20.00 permit fee.
“Such connections of all existing residences and business establishments shall be completed by September 1, 1965.”
document 4711, p. 2 · Ord. 55 · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Milestone On 17 November 1964 the council passed Ordinance No. 55 regulating connections with the municipal sanitary sewer system, effective that date, with the three-readings rule dispensed with.
“The ordinance shall be effective this date, November 17, 1964.”
document 3322, p. 2 · meeting · Ord. 55 · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Report A councilman asked when the landowner would be paid for the plant land; the mayor said as soon as the town obtained the abstract information from Powers.
“Bill Verry asked when Mrs. Rogers would be paid for the land, and the Mayor said that as soon as the town gets the abstract information from Powers it will be up to Mrs. Rogers.”
document 3323, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Discussion The engineer reported the contractor would fill subsided sewer trenches with stone and oil or give the town a deduction on his contract.
“Glenn is going to determine the cost of putting stone in these trenches and shooting them with oil and he is going to do that or give the town a deduction on his contract of this amount.”
document 3323, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Decision The council unanimously awarded the contract for the test well to Latta after the engineer's geologist advised that the Latta bid would give the most information.
“Glen moved, Bill Bream seconded the motion to award the contract for test well to Latta. Unanimously carried.”
document 3323, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
November 17, 1964 Ordinance Ordinance 1964-055 adopted: REGULATING CONNECTIONS WITH THE MUNICIPAL SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM Be It Enacted by the Council of the Town of Tiffin document 4711 · meeting · Ord. 1964-055 · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Decision The mayor reported that the attorney advised against accepting funds from the contractor to repair streets, and the town would keep the contractor on the hook until spring; contractors were responsible for a year after the contract.
“Contractors are responsible for a year after the contract.”
document 3321, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Decision The council voted to pay crop damage to the soybean crop on the plant-site land, 1 1/2 acres, at bushels per acre at the current price; $135.97 appears in the bills.
“Bill Bream made the motion that this damage be paid to Hebl's at the rate of bushels per acre at the current price.”
document 3321, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Figure Council pay was by the meeting: the mayor was paid $105.00 for 21 meetings at $5.
“105.00 . James O'Toole (21 meetings @ $5)”
document 3321, p. 2 · meeting · James O'Toole · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Figure Council pay was by the meeting: a councilman was paid $66.00 for 22 meetings at $3.
“66.00 . Glenn Potter (22 meetings @ $3)”
document 3321, p. 2 · meeting · Glenn R. Potter · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Figure The councilman's pay per meeting of $3.00 as printed in 1964 ($/meeting) is about $33 in 2026 dollars (derived, CPI-U). Derived
“66.00 . Glenn Potter (22 meetings @ $3)”
document 3321, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Discussion The council discussed that state rules allowed two trailers to a lot but the housing ordinance could stipulate only one.
“at the current time there can be two trailers to a lot, if we want to stipulate only one trailer to a lot in the ordinance, we can.”
document 3321, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Figure The December 1964 receipts include $920.00 from sewer permits.
“920.00 . . Sewer permits”
document 3321, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s
December 2, 1964 Report The test well hit water-bearing sand at about 70 feet; pumping at 50 gallons a minute drew the level down, and at 20 gallons a minute it held at 61 feet.
“Geologists hit the vein at about 70 feet (six feet of good sand) and they started pumping at 50 gallons a minute.”
document 3321, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1965 History note Ordinance No. 56: Tiffin's first housing ordinance
“Ordinance #56, AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR MINIMUM HOUSING REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS FOR THE TOWN OF TIFFIN, IOWA. Bill Verry made the motion to pass this ordinance, effective today.”
document 3319, p. 1 · Ord. 56 · history note · 1960s
January 6, 1965 Annexation The council discussed annexation east of town: that the town has zoning influence within a mile, that annexation on request of two-thirds of owners would be simple, and that agricultural land in town is taxed at two-thirds of the county rate.
“It would lower the taxes on this property, because if agricultural land is inside the town, the agricultural tax is only 2/3 of what it is in the county.”
document 3319, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1965 Figure The mayor told prospective east-side developers the property was 1500 to 2000 feet from the plant, at $3.25 a foot to reach it.
“you are somewhere between 1500 and 2000 feet from the plant there @ $3.25 a foot, it would cost some money to get to the plant.”
document 3320, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1965 Report The sewer plant was reported to be coming along, with the contractor aiming for 1 March 1965.
“Plant is coming along, and they are shooting for March 1.”
document 3319, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
January 6, 1965 Report The minutes record that continued pumping kept dropping the water level, so the test well would not supply a town pump, though the water was of good quality.
“Apparently this will not provide enough water for a town pump.”
document 3319, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 3, 1965 Annexation On a landowner's written request the council unanimously passed a resolution annexing a described area, about 90 acres south of the road and 92 acres north of it, effective when recorded; about 18 acres of the land was already in town limits.
“Ted moved and Bill Verry seconded the resolution that this property be annexed as designated, to be effective on the date when it is recorded. Carried unanimously.”
document 3318, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 3, 1965 Discussion The minutes give the power line as one reason to annex: a planned north-south line would bar buildings within 200 feet of it and take out about 10 acres of key property.
“no buildings can be erected within 200 feet of this line, so this cancels quite a lot of that key property. It would take out about 10 acres.”
document 3318, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
February 3, 1965 Figure The council set $5.00 an hour as the charge for private citizens' use of the town tractor operated by a town employee.
“it was decided that $5.00 an hour for use of the town tractor (operated by town employee) by private citizens would be a fair assessment.”
document 3318, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Figure One copy of the 3 March 1965 minutes says 10% of the contractor's contract held in escrow means $3400; another copy of the same meeting says $300.
“We have 10% of his contract in escrow, which means $3400.”
document 3316, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Decision The sewer plant contractor's request for a 60-day extension was denied; he was given 10 days for delivery of parts.
“Sammons requested a 60-day extension which was denied.”
document 3317, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Decision The council resolved that sewer rentals would accrue from 1 April 1965, be due monthly from 1 May, with overdue charges after the 15th at 5%.
“rentals will accrue from the 1st of April, will be due on a monthly basis starting May 1, with overdue bills being charged after the 15th and each subsequent month on the basis of 5%.”
document 3316, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Figure The mayor said the town had kept its streets in good shape on an annual budget of $3,000 and intended to hold to it, and said the town would not go into debt over streets.
“We have carried our streets in pretty good shape on an annual budget of $3,000 a year, and that would be our guideline.”
document 3316, p. 1 · meeting · 1960s
March 3, 1965 Figure The mayor said an earlier estimate figured $65,000 for a water system on revenue, which would add another $3.00 to what customers paid for sewer and water.
“Even figuring $65,000, we were to go entirely on revenue, this would add another $3.00 to what we would be paying, for sewer and water.”
document 3317, p. 2 · meeting · 1960s

Dates are the meeting's or the document's unless the page states another. Themes on ordinances, resolutions and project milestones come from words in their titles (a rule, not a reading); on notes and claims, from the research.

Data last updated October 23, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.