Like many other governing bodies in the area, the Winnebago City Council also took up the matter of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security) Act during their Aug. 10 meeting.

Winnebago EDA specialist Annie Leibel presented the council with a plan on behalf of the Winnebago Economic Development Authority to begin a Business Interruption Grant Program.

“Eligible businesses could request a grant for up to $3,000,” Leibel said. “These funds can be used to provide emergency assistance to businesses who were adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic or mandatory shutdowns.”

Leibel listed some of the restrictions involved with the awarding of the grants.

“The business must have fewer than 50 employees, and less than $5 million in annual sales. It must be a for-profit business and have a physical location in Winnebago,” Leibel explained. “Home based businesses are not eligible. Only one application per business will be accepted.”

The council passed a motion to release $30,000 to the EDA for the grant program. Up to $22,000 could be released at a later date.

“I hope to begin accepting applications around Aug. 19,” Leibel said.

In other financial business, the council discussed whether or not to reinvest $103,283.69 from a Certificate of Deposit (CD) which had matured.

“This money was earmarked for specific categories so I do not want to just throw it in the general fund where we might lose track of it,” council member Rick Johnson remarked.

The council directed city administrator Jake Skluzacek to get more information on rates which would be available with different investment options.

In other financial matters the council approved the payment of pay estimate No. 15, in the amount of $639,865.22, to Holtmeier Construction for work completed on the Northwest Street Project.

The council then gave approval for the purchase of two new 12 lead EKG machines for the Winnebago Ambulance for an amount not to exceed $81,790.

“We have received enough donations so the loan portion from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be less than originally expected,” ambulance director Cari Jenkins noted.

The council also approved spending $2,800 to repair two manholes near the former Corn Plus site.

A one-year extension was granted to B and B Sanitation and Recycling for the solid waste and disposal contract. The extension includes a three percent rate increase.

In her report to the council, pool manager Carol Weerts told council members swimming lessons had been completed.

“There were only 40 this year due to COVID; normally there are about 120 lessons given,” Weerts said.

She also informed the council of a possible need to change pool hours beginning Aug. 17, due to the fact there will only be six guards left.

“We need to ensure our staff can safely work,” Weerts commented. “We would like to keep the pool open until Aug. 28.”

In other matters:

The council approved making the intersection of Sixth Street SW and Fourth Avenue a four-way stop. This is the intersection which leads into the Genesis Classical Academy parking lot.

Approval was given for a liquor license to Harold Renkly for the Down Town Tavern.

The council approved the paving of the 100 block of Third Street SE, for the sum of $50,774.