SNOW ORDINANCE

The City of Spencer prohibits parking during snow events effective Nov. 1 -April1.  No parking on city streets or alleys from 12:00 midnight to 7:00 a.m.  if the National Weather Service predicts a snow accumulation of 2 or more inches or if new snow accumulation has reached 2 or more inches measured at the KICD station.

The snow event shall continue so long as snow accumulation continues and for an additional 48 hours after snow fall has ended.  Non-compliance will result in $100 fine and or towed.

         SIDEWALK SNOW REMOVAL

It is the responsibility of the abutting property owner to remove snow and ice accumulations from the public sidewalks adjacent to their residence of place of business after a snow event.  In the Spencer dowtown commercial district, 12 hours is allowed from the time the snowfall ceases.  In all other areas of the city, 24 hours is allowed from the time the snowfall ceases.  If an abutting property owner does not remove the snow and ice within the time specified, the city may do so and assess the costs, including administration fee.

The complete city ordinance regarding the removal of snow from streets and sidewalks can be found at www.spenceriowacity.com  under Public Notices-City Code-Title 5-1 Article E.

Effective Friday November 25, 2011, the City will go to a call-in basis on tagged bags of grass/leaves until Spring

Important Lightning Safety Warning

The City of Spencer would like to inform our citizens of a concern regarding Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) utilized as gas piping in residences and commercial buildings in Spencer.  Many fires around Iowa have been linked to lightning strikes, either by direct or indirect strikes and failure of CSST tubing due to the strikes. 

CSST tubing has been installed in millions upon millions of homes across the U.S.   The reason for its popularity is simple economics- the CSST product is less expensive and requires far less time and skill to install.  The problem- CSST tubing has a very thin wall and is very vulnerable to a fire if it is not installed correctly.  When electrical energy from lightning is conducted through CSST tubing, electrical arcing can be created between the CSST and any grounded metallic object as the lightning energy seeks a ground source.   The arcing can create a hole in the pipe with a blow torch effect with an endless gas fuel source more than sufficient to ignite nearly any type of structure.  What should you do if you think CSST tubing was used in your home or business?

                Find out if CSST tubing is present in your residence or business.

1.        If your home or business was built after 1990 there’s a good chance CSST tubing was installed. 

2.       The tubing is usually easily identifiable by its flexibility property and its yellow exterior plastic coating.

If CSST tubing is present:

1.       Call a licensed electrician to verify whether the CSST tubing is properly bonded to a ground utilized by the electrical service of that building.

2.       Look at the manufacturer’s name on the yellow coating and do some research into proper installation methods for that product.

3.       Call a licensed mechanical contractor to review installation methods utilized and have any deficiencies corrected.

4.       Call the City Hall at 712-580-7200 and ask to speak with the Electrical & Plumbing inspector on installation methods and building codes.

For additional information regarding CSST, you may access the State Fire Marshall's website containing the bulletin.

Low to Moderate Income Families May Apply Through the Month of November 2011, at Spencer City Hall, 418 2nd Avenue West, For a Rate Reduction Consideration.  If you Quality, the Reduction Would Be Rebated in December 2011 on your Utility Bill.

1-Person    $10,896
2-People    $14,712
3-People    $18,540
4-People    $22,356
5-People    $26,172
6-People    $30,000
7-People    $33,816

FALL/WINTER Hours will be as follows:

October 1, 2011 – May 31, 2012

7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon-Fri
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday
Noon   - 5 p.m. Sunday

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ALL VEHICLES ENTERING THE TRANSFER STATION MUST “STOP” AT FRONT OFFICE BEFORE DUMPING

All Commercial Businesses and Contractors are required to STOP at the front office and pay for garbage or construction materials brought to the Transfer Station.

There is a charge for ALL Construction Materials brought to the Transfer Station by Residents, Commercial Businesses and Contractors.

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The grass/brush site located north of W. 18th Street at 18th Ave. West is open 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week.

Effective April 4, 2011 the city will go to regular pick up on tagged bags of grass and brush on the following days:

Thursday        West side of Spencer
Friday             East side of Spencer

Open burning within the corporate limits of Spencer is not allowed by ordinance.

To dispose of leaves, grass clippings and other lawn waste or any household waste by burning is illegal.  You may be subject to a fine.

Other means of disposal are available.  You may bag and tag items, which the City will haul away or you may take your lawn waste items only to the designated tree and leaf site located 1 mile north of the intersection of West 18th Street and 18th Avenue West. Please observe all rules posted at the site.  Questions may be directed to City Hall at (712) 580-7200 or the Fire Department at (712) 580-7240.

Effective Friday, November 28, 2008 tagged bags of leaves will be picked up on a call-in basis until spring.  For pick up call (712) 580-7270.