The City of Boone, Iowa

• Backflow Device Test Report
• City Code Chapter 94 - Cross Connection and Backflow Prevention

• Citizens Police Academy
• Youth Police Academy
• Coffee with a Cop
• Shop with a Cop

• 2015 International Building Coder
• 2015 International Residential Code
• 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2021 International Mechanical Code
• 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code
• 2020 National Electrical Code

Keep an eye out for potholes.

If you notice potholes you can e-mail CAngstrom@city.boone.ia.us or call the Public Works Department at 515-432-4211 (x1406) - if there is no answer please leave a message.

The City is Currently Accepting Applications for this Program.

Property Protection Program FY 16/17*

*Information about the Property Protection Program (grant program to reduce groundwater/stormwater from entering the sanitary sewer system)

Application for the Property Protection Program

Plumbing Contractors Carrying the Pilot Program Endorsement:

1. Duncan Plumbing & Heating
     706 Allen Street
     Boone, IA 50036
     432-6762
     Steve Duncan, Primary Contact

2. Hull Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
     924 8th Street
     Boone, IA 50036
     432-3863
     Joe Hull, Primary Contact

3. Pritchard Brothers, Inc.
     1019 Story Street
     Boone, IA 50036
     432-6816
     Mike Pritchard, Primary Contact

4. Behle Inc. DBA Roto-Rooter
     2210 229th Place
     Boone, IA 50036
     432-8665
     Randy Behle, Primary Contact

5. Kruck Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
     734 7th Street
     Boone, IA 50036
     432-2210
     Steve Kruck, Primary Contact

6. McCloud Plumbing Services
     1011 Boone Street
     Boone, IA 50036
     432-5628 Office
     Bobby Joe McCloud, Primary Contact

7. Midwest Basement Systems
     5153 N.E. 17th Street
     Des Moines, Iowa 50313
     515-289-1606, Office
     515-975-6809, Cell
     Primary Contact, Andy

8. KA’s Underground Utility, Inc.
     1350 166th Drive
     Boone, IA 50036
     515-231-8383
     Kevin Anderson, Primary Contact

9. Golden Rule Plumbing
     804 NE Main Street
     Grimes, Iowa 50111
     515-273-7152 Office
     Jeff Backous, Primary Contact

10. Jet Drain Service LLC.
       1608 Crestwood Circle
       Ames, Iowa 50010
       Owner Jesse Berstler
       Phone # 515-231-9963

License # 3125
State of Iowa Contractor License # C115753

Jetdrainiowa@gmail.com

Winter is just around the corner!

Please remove vehicles from the roadway when any amount of snowfall is predicted.

Snow Plowing

Under Normal Snowfall Conditions, the following policy for removing snow from curb-to-curb will be carried out: the Boone Public Works Department will work diligently to plow each and every street, curb to curb. The City will maintain its policy of plowing all emergency snow routes on a curb-to-curb basis before residential areas.

Snow Emergencies are declared by the Public Works Director and announced on KWBG News Radio (1590). During periods of "Snow Emergencies" vehicles are prohibited from parking or standing unattended on any roadway within the City. The purpose of the "Snow Emergency" is to facilitate snow plowing. Any vehicles parked on the roadway will be ticketed and towed. This includes any snow contractor’s vehicle that are stopped or standing. They also will be ticketed and towed. When a snow emergency is declared, the City will make an initial contact via e-mail or text enabled phone.

Please be aware that snow plowing is an imperfect process and certain inconveniences are unavoidable. The first of two common complaints received by the City in regards to snow plowing, is damage to mailboxes. Old, unsecured mailboxes are prone to damage because of the weight of the snow. The City will not be responsible for improperly mounted, located or maintained mailboxes that are damaged by snow. Mailboxes should be installed so that the front of the mailbox is even with the back of the curb. In areas that have no curbs, the face of the mailbox should be set back six inches from the edge of the blacktopped roadway. If a properly maintained mailbox is damaged during snow removal, a claim may be filed by the property owner in the Administration Office at City Hall. The maximum refund for damaged mailboxes is $100.

The second common complaint received by the City in regards to snow plowing, is previously cleared driveways being plowed shut again. City plows must operate at a minimum rate of speed in order to create enough momentum to remove snow from the road. All snow is moved from the street to the parking.

Sidewalks

Residents are reminded that within 48 hours (24 hours for commercial businesses) after snow has ceased to fall, or the formation of ice has occurred, a 24" path must be cleared on all sidewalks. Residents are advised that when clearing snow from driveways, it should NOT be shoveled into the roadway or other properties.

Towing for Efficient Snow Removal

Citizens can contact the Police Department for information regarding vehicle recovery at 515-432-3456.

Call Elmquist Towing directly at 515-432-2524 or 515-232-6670. This is a 24 hour seven days a week number that will be answered. Someone at this number can arrange for you to get your vehicle out of storage seven days a week. The towed vehicles will be towed to 2182 232 Ln Ames, Iowa. 

Resources: 

• FAQs

The City of Boone will begin flushing water mains starting May 2024

Flushing of water mains will stop when the Clinton St water tower starts and back up when it is completed.

Flushing of water mains is done to maintain the quality of water at your tap. Again this year Public Works will continue to flush the mains weather permitting "All day every day until Winter".

2014 the city hired an engineering firm, Foth, to do a water flow study to help us understand our water distribution system better.  Through that study it was determined that we need to flush hydrants from the water towers or the mains, depending on how the water was supplied, out away from the supplying source.  Also it was determined that we would get a better result if we flushed continually one hydrant at a time instead of multiple hydrants at once 2 times a year.  We started flushing hydrants this way in the spring of 2015. Our discolored calls have dropped.

Advice to Residents:

If you as a homeowner experience discolored water please turn on your cold water closes to your water meter or flush a toilet closes to your water meter.

If a flushing crew is on your street, please note that you may have temporary discolored water. In the event you have done laundry while the crew was flushing and your clothes are discolored, do not dry the wet clothes.  Washing the clothes again (when the water clears) will normally take care of this issue. If the clothes are still discolored, the Water Department office has, available at no charge, a detergent additive.

The City of Boone would like to apologize for any inconvenience to our customers.

Citizens needing to request locates for private projects should contact Iowa One Call before digging.

Iowa law requires that any person, homeowner, professional, public or private entity, planning to engage in any form of excavation within the State of Iowa, must notify the Iowa One Call notification system at 1-800-292-8989 at least 48 hours prior to excavating. The Iowa One Call notification system is a free call and a free service to all persons planning an excavation within the State of Iowa. The required 48 hours advance notice does not include Saturdays and Sundays or legal holidays.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG!!!

Dashes in your Social Security Number are required in the following applications.

Other Area Utilities:

Gas & Electric

Alliant Energy

1-800-255-4268

Utility Deposit

Any resident who occupies a home and who wishes to place the utility bill in their name must make a utility deposit or provide an acceptable letter of credit from a previous water or electric company. No more than 2 late payments in the past 18 month. If you will no longer require our services, your deposit will be applied to your account and any leftover funds will be refunded by check. The required deposit is $125

Payments are due on the 5th of each month. A late fee is assessed to the outstanding balance after this date.

Disconnections:

Payment for delinquent bills must be received at the billing office prior to the date stated on the Disconnection Notice to avoid disconnection.

Bills not paid in full by the 20th of the month will be scheduled for shut off and a $60 reconnection fee will be assessed.

If your service is disconnected and you have been late more than 2 times in the last 12 months you will be required to pay the entire bill, including the current bill and the $60 reconnect fee in cash or with a money order or cashier’s check. Your service will be restored the morning following the date we receive full payment. You can contact the billing department with any questions.

Paying at our customer service counter is advised if you have received a delinquent notice. If you get a delinquent notice and make your payment online your payment is not complete until the transaction is received in our office. Online transactions can take up to 48 hours to complete and reach our office.

1. Call the City first (this is critical to prevent an unnecessary service charge by a plumber contractor) - call 515-432-4211 ext 1129.
2. If you are calling after business hours, during a holiday or staff is unavailable to take your call, you can call the non-emergency number for County Dispatch at 515-433-0527
3. City personnel will then be dispatched to inspect the sewer main servicing your property. City personnel will then inform you if a plumber needs to be contacted. (please note that all costs associated with work performed by a plumber is the responsibility of the property owner)
4. If a plumber is needed City Personnel will continue to be a resource to assist with research of the issue.

Meter Reading:

The City of Boone does its best to read each water meter every month. There are, however, circumstances that make estimating a necessity. When this becomes necessary, we base the estimated consumption on an average of the customers’ historical monthly usage. If your consumption is estimated, it will be stated on the bill. Any over or under estimation is reconciled at the time of the next actual meter reading.

When Payments Are Due:

Payments are due on the 5th of every month.  Bills are mailed the 15th of each month. 

Payments:

Option 1: In Person Payment

Payments may be paid at the Central Business Office (923 8th St.) or by mail to City of Boone, PO Box 37548, Boone IA 50037-0548.  Please allow enough time for payments to be processed to avoid penalty. You may also use our drop box which is conveniently located at the alley behind City Hall. These payments are picked up every morning Monday through Friday.

Option 2: ACH

Another method that may be used to pay your bill is ACH (Automated Clearing House). ACH is a free and easy program that automatically withdraws your utility bill payment from your bank account approximately the 5th of each month. To sign up you will need to complete an ACH Authorization Form and return it to the Central Business Office. Please print the form. Complete and return along with a voided check. 

Option 3: Pay Online

Online transactions can take up to 48 hours to post to your account. If your water has been disconnected please pay in our office to restore water service.

How to Read my Bill

Boone Ice Rink

Volunteer for Ice Rink                  Closed until December of 2025

Fill out and return the Background Check to City Hall Parks Dept. or email your form to CAngstrom@booneiowa.gov. For questions call Cherie at 515-432-4211 x 1406. Your background check will have to be approved before you can volunteer. Check out the Warming House hours and call Cherie at 432-4211 x 1406 to set up your volunteer time/s.

Ice Skating Rink Warming House Hours with Volunteer Staffing

Ice Skate Rink has a limited number of skates for rent at $2.00 per pair.

Rule for Ice Skating Rink

• No Skating when Posted
• Enter Rink from Ramp Only
• Stay off Yellow Bumpers
• No Hitting Pucks towards Building
• Hockey Goals at South End ONLY
• Ice Rink Closes at 9:00 p.m. when the Lights go off Automatically

Use our Locations & Facilities Directory

• Directory of City Parks
• Map of City Parks
• City Parks - Map

List of City Parks

• Anderson Park – 1010 Aldrich Avenue: Neighborhood Park with playground, basketball court and open shelter.
• Cap Erbe Park and Wildlife Reserve - 2001 S.E. Linn : 6 acre Park contains 3.5 acre restored prairie, prairie identification garden, walking path, restrooms, 3 open shelters, playground, and large open play field.
• Cummings Playground – 710 Jefferson: Neighborhood Park with playground, open shelter, basketball court, 2 ball fields & large open play field.
• Franklin Park - 1210 Carroll: Neighborhood Park with a playground .
• Veterans Memorial Park - 821 Story: Downtown Park with a wall mural, CNW Railroad caboose, veteran's memorial monument.
• Herman Park/Pavilion - 621 S Greene: 35-acre Park has a large open Pavilion, restrooms, playground, woodland trails and old township cemetery. Pavilion can be rented for group events.
• John Hansen Memorial Skate Rink and Shelter – 410 Park Avenue: Ice skating during the winter months, with enclosed shelter for warming.
• Herman Trail Shelter
• Larrew Park - 1129 Harrison: Small neighborhood playground & open shelter
• Linwood Park Cemetery - 609 Forest Avenue 
• Little League Park – 314 W. 2nd: This is dedicated to Little League with 7 ball fields, playground, restrooms & open shelter
  Information about Boone Little League Teams
• Lowell Park – 1431 16th: 8.3 acre Park with reconstructed prairie occupying 6 acres with a trail and gazebo, open space with a playground & open shelter.
• McHose Park - Image Map
• Boone Municipal Pool – 1100 Francis Mason Dr.: Heated swimming pool with 105 foot water slide. Pool is located in McHose Park.
• Canine Corral - Dog Park - see McHose Park Map 2.5 acres on Maple Canyon Dr are set aside with a five foot tall chain link fence surrounding the area. It is divided into two areas, one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs with agility equipment. An entry area in front so owners can de-leash their dogs.
• J.B. McHose Park and Shelter – 1215 Francis Mason Dr.: Largest Park located on the South side has 2 enclosed rental shelters, open shelters, 3 ball fields, 6 tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball court, 6 playgrounds, nature trail, equestrian area, fishing pond, Teddy Roosevelt statue and kiosk, bike trail & disc golf. Pool is located within McHose Park.
• Tennis Court -1200 Francis Mason Dr. 
• Volleyball Court -1200 Francis Mason Dr. 
• Gutterridge Shelter – 410 Park Ave: Rental shelter close to hiking area with swing set and pit toilet outside.
• Disc Golf Course - 1401 Francis Mason Dr. 
• Memorial Park Ball Field – 711 19th: Boone Babe Ruth baseball & high school baseball are played here.
• Memorial Park Shelter - 711 19th: 3 acre Park on the North side of Boone with a playground, 2 tennis courts, 12 horseshoe courts, basketball court and rental shelter w/porch.
• Horseshoe Pits - Memorial Park
• Miles-Lee Park – 509 Franklin: Neighborhood Park in West Boone with playground, open shelter, WWII Battle of the Bulge Monument, walking trail & small play field.
• Milwaukee Park – 1614 S.E. Linn: Neighborhood Park with playground, open shelter
• Senholz Memorial Park - 222 Mamie Eisenhower: Recreation trail here goes south to McHose Park with a small open shelter

Click Here to view the Parks photo gallery!

Boone City Parks has five shelters available for rental.

• The J.B. Mc Hose Shelter is located a ¼ mile south of the Park Ave entrance on Frances Mason Dr.
• The Memorial Shelter is located north of the railroad track on Story St. to 19th and turn left.
• The Floyd Gutterridge Shelter located 3 blocks west of Story St. on the south side of Park Ave.
• The John Hansen Memorial Ice Rink Shelter located 3 blocks west of Story St. on the south side of Park Ave.
• Herman Park Pavilion - Lincoln Avenue

J.B. Mc Hose Shelter

1215 Francis Mason Dr

Seating capacity 120, 100 chairs, 14 - 8 ft folding tables, approx open area inside 40' x 40'. Kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, sink with hot and cold water. Fireplace. Flush toilet inside and adjacent building. Close to playground, softball diamond, swimming pool, kids fishing pond, hiking trails, tennis and volleyball courts.

Memorial Shelter

711 19th St

Seating capacity 50, 40 chairs, 6 - 8ft folding tables, approx. inside open area 40' x 20'. Kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, sink with hot and cold water. Flush toilet inside. Close to a playground, horseshoe pits, tennis and basketball courts.

*Floyd Gutterridge Shelter

410 Park Ave.

Seating capacity 50, 40 chairs, 6 - 8ft folding tables, approx. inside open area 30' x 36'. Kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, furnace and water outside. Pit toilet outside or portable toilet located by John Hansen Memorial Ice Rink Shelter. NO tape, staples, nails, tacks, stickers, screws on the walls or ceiling. Close to playground and hiking trails. 

**John Hansen Memorial Ice Rink Shelter

410 Park Ave.

Seating capacity 100, 100 chairs, 14- 8ft folding tables, approx. open area inside 39' x 39'. Kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, furnace with  water outside located by Gutterridge Shelter. Pit toilet outside and portable toilet. Close to playground and hiking trails. NO tape, staples, nails, tacks, stickers, screws on the walls or ceiling.

*Gutterridge will be available from October through April, with additional $20 charge per day for heat.

**John Hansen Memorial Ice Rink Shelter will be available March 15 through December 1 with additional $20 charge per day for heating during March, April, October, November and December.

NO water during the above months and portable toilet is outside the shelters. McHose Shelter, Herman Pavilion and Memorial are not available from Mid October through April.

Renter Responsibility:

• Renter will be billed for any damage or clean up costs.
• Building must be cleaned before vacated. 
• Renter may remain at building for one hour past park closing time for clean up purposes only. 
• Park closes at 11 p.m.
• Put away all folding chairs and tables.
• Set all picnic tables outside.
• Make sure stove, water and lights are turned off. 
• Leave refrigerator on.
• Put out fires. (NOT with fire extinguisher)
• Shut and lock all windows and doors.
• Sweep the floor and set garbage outside (unless posted on refrigerator to leave inside).
• Clean up litter outside associated with your group.

Alcohol:

Alcohol is permitted on premises. It is the renter’s responsibility to insure that all persons under 21 years of age are prohibited from consuming any alcoholic beverages in or around rented shelter. The City of Boone is not liable for any accident or injury due to alcoholic consumption.

Fire Extinguisher:

Each building is equipped with an all-purpose fire extinguisher for your safety. Please do not discharge extinguisher unless necessary.

Cancellations:

Please inform the Parks Department of your cancellations as soon as possible so that others may use the facility. Rental Fees are non-refundable.

Key Pick Up & Return:

Come to Boone City Parks' parking lot at 724 Lincoln Avenue (at the south end of Greene Street and east of Herman Pavilion). A key will be in black milk box marked "KEYS"  next to the new office door in an envelope with renter’s name. Keys for weekend renters will be in the box on Friday afternoon and you can pick them up at your convenience. Please call ahead for other arrangements. Return your key to the same black milk box marked "KEYS" as soon as you are finished with the Shelter and report any damages in writing. Additional $40 charge for keys not returned in 48 hours.

Rental Policy for Herman Park Pavilion

Herman Park Pavilion Renter Information

A sign on the front displays when this open air pavilion is rented. This pavilion has 40 picnic tables with a stage that is 42' x 23'.

Rules:

1. If pavilion is not rented, usage is on a first come - first served basis. 
2. Grills are on a first come, first serve basis.
3. Noise and music is to be kept low so all can enjoy.
4. Reservation can be made up to one year in advance.

Shelter Rental Rates

Effective January 1, 2025

*Gutterridge will be available from October through April, with an additional $10 charge per 1/2 day or $20 for entire day of heat. 

**John Hansen Memorial Ice Rink Shelter will have an additional $10 charge per 1/2 day or $20 for the entire day of heat during March, April, October, November and December.

Mc Hose Shelter, Memorial Shelter and Herman Park  Pavilion are not available from mid October through April. 

Rental Fees are Non-Refundable 

Picnic table rental - $15 per table up to 50 tables, then 51-100 no cost. Per week (7 days) You pick up at Park Office and return to Park Office.

Scout Troop Rental Weekends $100 per weekend per shelter (3 p.m. Friday - 3 p.m. Sunday)
           
Shelter reservations may be made up to one year in advance.

(Example - Next year if you want to use the shelter on May 25, you may make that reservation no earlier than May 25 of this year)
Rental Fees for next year are subject to change

To make reservations call the Parks/Public Works Office at (515) 432-4211 ext. 1406 or by e-mail at Reservations

If sending an e-mail request, please provide the following information:

Name

Address

Phone

Date of desired reservation

Time of reservation (Reservations are made in the following time slots:  7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. full day, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. half day, or 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. half day)

Shelter location (Mc Hose Shelter, Memorial Shelter,  Gutterridge Shelter, John Hansen Memorial Ice Rink Shelter or Herman Park Pavilion)

Rental rates subject to change.

Boone's Notification System

Boone has developed several systems for notification of residents. This system has been adopted to help keep our citizens aware of important information about the city.
For non-text notifications go to: Nixle.com today! It's quick, easy and secure.

Alert Boone

Text ALERTBOONE to 888777

Emergency Alert Program
Welcome to ALERTBOONE, the City of Boone's tool for providing residents with direct emergency and non-emergency information. ALERTBOONE is a city service that supplies residents with text messages and/or e-mail alerts for incidents/conditions such as severe weather emergencies, hazardous materials, traffic impacts, etc. Preparedness and being informed is critical in an emergency.  The Boone Police Department urges residents to subscribe to receive alerts sent directly to mobile phones or email accounts to stay informed.

Notification Program Overview
Welcome to ALERTBOONE, the city of Boone's tool for providing residents with direct emergency and non-emergency information.  ALERTBOONE is a City service that supplies residents with text messages and/or e-mail alerts for incidents/conditions such as severe weather emergencies, hazardous materials, traffic impacts, etc.   Preparedness and being informed is critical in an emergency.  The Boone Police Department urges residents to subscribe to receive alerts sent directly to mobile phones or email accounts to stay informed. Signing up for ALERTBOONE is FREE.  However, depending on your service plan, you may be charged for messages and data on your devices.  Contact your mobile service provider for details on costs in your plan.

How Does Notify Boone Work?
In the event of an emergency, the city's designated personnel will send text messages and/or e-mail alerts directly to the registered phones or email accounts using this ALERTBOONE system.  Non-emergency alerts may be issued for traffic disruptions to keep public informed of related major street closures or events impacting traffic.  Once registered, alerts will be sent to the mobile phone/email address designated as situations arise.  It is important for the user to keep the information current to receive messages.    

Sign up for Notifications
Text ALERTBOONE to 888777

Stop Receiving Notifications
The process to stop receiving notifications is similar to the sign up process.  You can text STOP to 888777 or go to the registration website and follow the prompts to be removed.

What is the ALERTBOONE Emergency Alert Program?
ALERTBOONE is a city of Boone service that provides subscribers with emergency text messages and/or email alerts for incidents/conditions such as extreme weather advisories and warnings, hazmat situations and other important notifications, as well as traffic disruptions and impacts. This service allows anyone to opt-in to receive direct notifications about events that may affect the public safety.  

When will it be used?
This system will be used to notify those signed up to the program about imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that affect the public well-being.  Administrators will send notifications as needed, dependent on the severity and duration of an incident.  The Boone Police Department maintains this system and issues notifications to all subscribers in the event of an extreme emergency; however, those registering have the option to obtain only emergency notifications or both emergency and non-emergency alerts (such as major events or other traffic disruptions).   Non-emergency alerts will come via BOONEIA group.  You can text BOONEIA to 888777 to be a member of this group. 

Will I still get emergency alerts if I don't sign up?
Only subscribers will receive alerts via this system.  Notifications will be received by subscribers only via the methods that have been chosen at registration/update.

Boone Snow Ordinance Notifications
Text BOONESNOW to 888777 

Get an E-Mail or Text Message when the Snow Ordinance is declared.
Boone adopted a Snow ordinance that will be put into effect in anticipation of major snow events. When the Snow Ordnance goes into effect allvehicles and trailers must be removed from City streets.  The result is a street that can be completely cleaned from curb-to-curb for safe travel of vehicles.
To make this a success we NEED YOUR HELP.  We need citizens to spread the word.  During snow falls we need citizens to remove all vehicles from City streets.  Citizens can monitor the City website at www.boonegov.com and tune to KWBG AM 1590 to determine when the Snow Ordinance is in effect. With your help we can make this year another successful year for snow removal.  The Mayor and Council have a desire to keep citizens informed when the snow ordinance will go into effect.  IF you would like to be contacted (via e-mail or cell phone text message) you need to simply text BOONESNOW to 888777.  The City will send out a notification message noting when the ordinance goes into effect.  We will also send a note when the ordinance ends.  A separate notification will be sent for each separate winter event.  

Note: We cannot guarantee that you will receive a message, so it's important that people continue to check the City's website whenever snow falls and you think a Snow Emergency is likely. You must follow Snow Emergency parking rules, even if you don’t receive a Snow Emergency Alert.

Boone Notifications
Text BOONEIA to 888777

The city of Boone is excited to offer a new notification system.  This new system is a simple way to get pertinent information about your City and City Government.  To sign up you may either text BOONEIA to 888777. The notifications from the BOONEIA group are more general in nature as well as a variety of service messages from the City.

Categories Include but are not limited to:

• Neighborhood Services Activity
• Information Updates
• Career Opportunities
• City Hall Events
• Library Events and Services
• Winter Alerts
• News Releases
• Mayor
• City Council
• Department of Public Works
• Hydrant Flushing
• Water/Sewer Service Interruptions
• Water System Alerts/Notifications
• Potholes and return tips by residents
• Street Sweeping
• Fire Department News and Events
• Health Department
• Office of Emergency Management
• Construction
• City Agency Meetings

All permit applications circulate through various city offices for review and approval, depending on the scope of the work and approvals required. 

Click Here for the Building Permit Application. 

Information about the Emerald Ash Borer

Below are some of the best resources for addressing or preventing an EAB infestation of your ash trees.

• Press Release
• Iowa DNR
• Emeral Ash Borer Information
• Specialized Information for Homeowners 
• FAQ

What is the City of Boone doing? 

• Street Tree Inventory (complete)
• Assessing Condition (ongoing)
• Watching for Spread (ongoing)
• Aquiring Equipment - (the City has financial plans to purchase equipment to asisst in ash tree removal - that funding is available for the current fiscal year)
• The City Parks Department has an immediate Action Plan Policy established. Over the next several weeks the Parks Department will further review existing policies and determine if modifications are necessary to be proactive.

Street Tree Inventory Maps

• All Non-Ash Tree
• Trees by size
• Ash Trees by size
• Staff Removal Trees
• Contract Removal List
• Ash Tree Removal Process
• Ash Tree Appeal Form

Understanding Smoke Testing

Smoke testing is used to detect storm water inflow sources such as roof downspouts, driveway and yard drains, foundation drains, and storm water drainage system cross connections. It can also detect structural deterioration and leaking joints in sewer pipes. Smoke testing is one of the most efficient and cost effective methods of locating sources of I/I within sewered areas.

Smoke escapes from the grass near a sanitary lateral defect.

Smoke is seen coming from a missing lateral clean-out cap. 

How does smoke testing work?

City of Boone staff will complete the field work associated with the smoke testing project. City crews have a two to three man crew use a high capacity blower and force “smoke” down into manholes. The smoke, under pressure from the blower, travels through the sewers and escapes through any connections, defects, cracks, leaks, etc. along the way. This quickly reveals sources of inflow and infiltration within the study area. After placing the blower and filling the lines with smoke, the contractor will perform a visual inspection of where the smoke is escaping. Close attention is given to sanitary lateral clean-outs and roof downspouts. It is not uncommon, however, to see smoke coming out of the grass, wooded areas, or cracks in pavements. All smoking sources are documented via measurements and pictures/video to make it easier to find these sources at a later date. The smoke is non-toxic and non-hazardous and is manufactured specifically for this purpose. It leaves no residuals or stains, and has no effects on plants or animals. The smoke should not enter your home, but if it does, it will have a distinct odor and should only last a few minutes with proper ventilation. Please note, all plumbing fixture drain traps must be filled with water prior to smoke testing. See instructions below.

Important Instructions for Residents Prior to Smoke Testing:

• Make sure all drain traps and plumbing fixtures have water in them. Fill seldom used drains (such as basement floor drains, garage sinks, etc.) with water by running the faucet for 30 - 60 seconds or filling the drain with approximately 3 cups of water. This will prevent smoke from entering your home.
• Prepare drains as soon as you receive the smoke testing notice, this only needs to be done once before testing begins
• You do not need to be home during the smoke testing field work
• Smoke should not enter your home, however, if it does this could be an indication of a defect in your plumbing system. This defect could allow sewer gases to enter inside your home, which is a potential health hazard. Corrections of such defects on private property are the responsibility of the property owner, and a licensed plumber should be consulted to ensure the proper corrections are made. If smoke does enter your home or building, please notify the field technicians who are conducting the test.

After smoke testing has concluded...

The smoke testing contractor will provide the City with a list and photo/video documentation of deficiencies uncovered throughout the smoke tested areas. Deficiencies will be in both the City right-of-way as well as private property. The City will prioritize the problem areas and start work to correct issues right away. Identified I/I sources or deficiences will need to be corrected in a timely manner. If smoke sources are found on your property, the City will provide a letter to the property owner explaining the deficiencies found and giving him/her options on how to correct them. This letter will have a specific deadline for corrections of deficiencies. Often times, deficiencies can be easy fixes, such as disconnecting downspouts from the sanitary lateral, or replacing a missing or broken lateral cleanout cap. A list of licensed sewer contractors will also be included in the letter. For more difficult corrections, the City will give an extended deadline and ask that the property owner contact a licensed sewer contractor for consultation. More difficult corrections could include cracked sanitary laterals, tree root issues, or re-routing drainage. It is impossible to know the extent of these more difficult corrections until testing is underway. Remember, correcting these problems will be beneficial to everyone involved. Keeping sewer rates low and preventing water quality violations are the goals of this work. After the results from smoke testing have been reviewed, the City will provide detailed procedures for fixing the most common problems on this website. Also, project status updates will be made to keep residents informed of where the project is currently and where it will be heading next. Feel free to check back often to stay up to date on the progress of this project as well as the I/I Reduction Program.

Correcting I/I Sources on Your Property

Clean-out Caps

A broken/missing or non-watertight sanitary lateral clean-out cap can allow excess storm water to enter the sanitary sewer system. This is especially true when the clean-out cap is in a low lying area or within an impervious surface. Clean-out caps can be relatively easy to change and under most circumstances, the broken cap can be removed and a new water tight cap can be put back into place.

Downspouts

Downspout connections can add as much as 800 gallons of clean storm water to sanitary sewers during a one inch rain event. This clean water source must be eliminated to prevent sewer backups into basements and sanitary overflows at manholes. Downspouts can be disconnected by cutting the spout, capping or plugging the ground pipe, and installing an elbow and horizontal spout to extend a minimum of five (5) feet away from the home. Flexible downspout elbows can be a relatively easy to install. Costs range from $2-$4 for elbows. Aluminum downspout extensions will range from $4 - $8, depending on length needed. Many options exist for the types of elbows and extensions you may need for your home. Some downspout extensions even roll themselves back up after the rain is done.

Ground

Areas where smoke came through the ground indicate a possible broken private lateral sewer to your home. This smoke can signal a cracked section, root intrusion, misaligned joints, or an offset section of pipe. All of these can lead to collapsing or plugging of your lateral sewer, which would lead to a sanitary back-up into your home. The best way to check the condition of your sanitary sewer lateral would be to have an inspection done by a licensed sewer contractor. These inspections usually include some type of video inspection of the pipe using CCTV (Closed Circuit Television). This will allow the plumber to see exactly where problems exist.

The water plant uses a four step process to treat the water pumped from 14 wells along the Des Moines
River. After pumping from the wells, the water moves to the first three steps of the treatment process
which are aeration, lime softening and carbon stabilizing. The gravity filters are the final treatment step
for the water. The gravity filters remove any remaining pollutants in suspension in the water. Turbidity is
how this is measured. After a turbidity violation last summer at the water plant, it became apparent that
additional sand was needed for the gravity filters to work properly.

Originally the plant had 30 inches of special sand in the gravity filters but during the past 18 years of
constant use, nearly 8 inches has been lost, leaving only 22 inches remaining. This remaining 22 inches is
not enough to properly process the water during large summer water usage events, so there was some
lime residual in the water for a short period of time last summer that was quickly remedied by slowing
production.

Bid documents were prepared in October and bids were accepted for addition of special sand to the
gravity filters in November. HydroKlean from Des Moines was the winner at $39,250 for this work.
Work will begin in late January and will be completed by March. The work will occur along with normal
water plant operation, so there will be no disruption in service to the City. After completion of this work,
the plant will again be able to process large water amounts.

Proper maintenance and operation o f the water plant is a high priority and we will continue to monitor
the plant to ensure safe and continuous water service in the future.

Authorized by Resolution No. 2152

(Program amended February 5, 2024)

The goal of this program is to encourage remodeling and repair work on commercial buildings in the Downtown District consistent with proven Main Street practices, including those that retain unique historic elements and use brick/masonry materials. New construction is also eligible. The intent of the Boone Downtown Incentive Fund (BDIF) is to improve and maintain the exterior facade of the existing structure; preserve the architectural integrity of the structure as it relates to the downtown; and stimulate economic development in the downtown area.

• Maximum Total Funding Available per Project (including signs and awnings): $30,000 Grant.
• For approved projects, the Incentive Fund will cover up to 40% of qualifying expenses with the exception of signs and awnings.
• Signs and Awnings: the Incentive Fund will cover up to 50% of qualifying expenses with a maximum of $5,000 (Approved 07-17-2023 by Council).
• The City has dedicated $100,000 to this program. When the funds are expended the program will end, unless extended at that time.

Qualifying improvements:

• Property must be located within the Central Business District as indicated on the attached map (Area identified as C-3 only) will be given priority in the approval of their project. If the commercial property is not within the defined area identified as C-3 on the attached map that property is only eligible for this program if the committee, in their sole discretion, determines that the project meets the goals of the BDIF Program as set forth herein .
• Façade improvements (removing contemporary materials). Façade improvements will receive higher priority. Eligible facade improvements must:
  
  • All projects facing a main street within the area must comply with the minimum brick/stone requirements as set forth in the current Boone Ordinances.
  • At a minimum the owner shall make every effort to match the existing architecture of the building including windows and facia.
  • Existing corrugated (extruded) metal panels are not an acceptable material and must be replaced with suitable exterior materials such as, but not limited to stone, brick, masonry, or glass in order to qualify for this program.
  • Wooden "boxouts" for window replacement are not allowed.
• A business/retail store must be located and operated at the property at the time of the BDIF Grant application. Said business must have posted hours and adequate signage as approved by the City of Boone and be visible to the public. A business/retail store is defined for purposes of this program as an office or retail space that maintains regular business hours meaning the business is open at least 3 days per week and a minimum of 24 hours per week.  Properties that only have tenant spaces such as apartment buildings and a "home" business do not qualify for this program. In addition, the business, in compliance with current Boone City Ordinances, must occupy and use at least 50% of the area on the 1st floor. The business must be located at the front of the building. If the property is not occupied by a business/retail store at the time of the BDIF application the owner must establish, to the satisfaction of the Committee, that said space will be occupied by a business/retail store within six months of the completion of the project. If the owner does not fulfill this requirement then the owner agrees to repay the City of Boone all funds received and shall do so within thirty (30) days after being notified in writing by the City that the amount is due. However, the Committee has the sole discretion to waive the requirements set forth in this paragraph in they determine waiver to be appropriate as it relates to the business use of the building.
• Tax-exempt entities, whether operated by an organization or individual are not eligible for this program.
• Consultation with qualified structural engineer (owner pays 25%, BDIF pays 75%) Architectural and Engineering Design Costs: the Incentive Fund will cover 75% of these costs when the project is completed. These costs are included as part of the maximum $30,000 grant award.

Funds will be awarded after the project is completed according to plan. Grant amounts are subject to available funds. Previous BDIF recipients are eligible to apply for projects. Boone wants to support your project in any way we can, so please do not hesitate to ask.

Application Requirements:

1. Send a Letter of Intent to Participate to: Attention: BDIF, Boone City Hall, PO Box 550, Boone 50036. There is no deadline for submittal. Awards are granted on a case-by-case basis and are at the sole discretion of the Committee based upon the requirements set forth herein. [Required for eligibility]
2. Make an appointment to have the BDIF Committee visit your property to discuss your plans. [Required for eligibility]
3. Plan the details of the project using information from the BDIF Committee visit and your own design sketches as guidelines. Be sure to contact William Skare (515-432-4211 ext 1102) if you or your contractor has questions.
4. Compute the estimated cost of the project. [Required for eligibility]
5. Complete the application form and return it to Boone City Hall, PO Box 550, Boone 50036. There is no deadline for submittal.  The application will require:
   • A minimum of two (2) bids from contractors for each segment of the work to be completed. If the owner can reasonably prove that they were unable to find additional bids for the work, this requirement may be waived by the Committee.
   • A detailed business plan establishing the use of the property setting forth information that the property is eligible for this program including specific information as to the business to be operated at the property and the owner's intent as to continued ownership of the property.
6. The program ends when funding is depleted.
7. Only AFTER the Boone Economic Development Committee approves your project may work begin.
8. The project must be completed within one (1) year of the approval of the application. During that year the Committee retains the right to notify the owner that satisfactory progress is not being made on the project and schedule meeting to discuss whether the grant shall continue. The Committee retains the right to rescind the approval in cases where satisfactory progress is not being made or to extend the one (1) year deadline. The Committee will take into account projects associated with other state and federal grants that may delay the project and circumstances out of the control of the owner.
9. If the application is approved and funds paid by the City of Boone, the owner authorizes the City of Boone to place a lien against the property for those funds. That lien will be for a period of four (4) years and shall require the owner to repay the funds to the City if the owner fails to comply with the requirements as set forth above or sells/transfers the property in that four (4) year time period. The amount to be repaid in cases where the property is sold/transferred will be reduced by 25% for each year that passes after the funds are paid to the owner. In the case where the owner fails to establish a business/retail store, the funds shall be repaid in full and there shall be no reduction. The Committee retains the authority to establish the amount to be repaid and compromise any such amounts if deemed necessary. The owner will sign all documents necessary to implement this lien.

Click Here for the Downtown Grant Application 

Program Details:

1. The BDIF Committee will be the Economic Development Committee. Committee meetings will be scheduled as necessary (as determined by the Chairman).  All BDIF Committee meetings are open to the public.
2. The BDIF will have final authority for approval and any grant or denial of the application shall be in their sole discretion.
3. If the applicant is different than the owner a notarized consent form must be included.
4. Preference will be given to plan submittals that are exterior façade improvements. A focus is making improvements that both improve appearance and increase taxable value of the structure.  The program is not intended for “repair only” projects.  If repairs are needed for façade improvements, they can be included.
5. Awards will be granted based on the concepts of each individual project. The City has expressed interest in improving the appearance of downtown buildings, as demonstrated with the improvements of the Police Department. 
6. The City may require engineered plans.
7. Who qualifies? Preference will be given to property tax paying entities/property owners.
8. The BDIF program is a reimbursement grant program. For qualifying projects, the City will issue reimbursement monies to the applicant.  The City will not issue funds directly to contractors or supply companies.

Objectives

• Encourage new construction of, and remodeling and additions to,
  residential and commercial properties through abatement of taxes on the
  value of the improvements.
  
  
• Improve economic conditions and housing opportunities in the area and
  take steps to enhance the general attractiveness of the Urban Revitalization
  Area.
  
  
• Planning goals include revitalizing the area through the promotion of new
  construction on vacant land and rehabilitation of existing property,
  stabilizing and increasing the tax base, and providing overall aesthetic
  improvement.
  

Click Here to review the Urban Revitalization Plan 

Click Here for the Application

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