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Auction

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1. Why does the City use this online auction site instead of sealed bids?

While the City has had some success in sealed bid auctions in the past we are utilizing the GovDeals web site to sell surplus items now to provide a fair and secure manor of conducting auctions. This option will also allow for increased number of bidders on some items while allowing for less potential of misplaced and misdirected bids.

2. Can I bid by submitting a bid directly to the City?

No, all bids must be placed through the online web site via an registered bid registration on that site (www.govdeals.com). This ensures that the rules are the same for all biders and allows bidders to see where the bid is currently and to watch the item closer. It also eliminates the opportunity for lost and misplaced bids.

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Band

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1. How can I join the Storm Lake Municipal Band?

The Storm Lake Municipal Band is always looking for new members who enjoy sharing their musical talents with the Storm Lake community and the visiting public. Persons interested in joining the Municipal Band may contact the Storm Lake Human Resources Department by email (humanresources@stormlake.org) or by phone at 712-732-8008 and staff will forward the contact information to the Band Director.

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Building Official

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1. Can I construct a storage shed on my property?

Storage sheds or accessory buildings require a building permit if they are over 144 square feet. However, all storage sheds or accessory buildings must comply with the following requirements:

• Be placed five feet off all property lines
  
• Be five feet away from any other structure on the property
  
• Can only be constructed in the back yard of your property

2. How do I get a building permit?

Building permits are available Monday through Friday at City Hall:
620 Erie St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588

For more information, please contact the Building Department at (712) 732-8002.

3. What are the requirements for fences?

To construct a fence requires a building permit. A fence can be placed on the lot line, but you will need to know the exact location of your lot lines. The Buena Vista County Assessor's office would have the dimensions of your lot, but to ensure the exact location of the lot lines a survey of your property would be necessary.

Interior lot fence requirements include:

• May not exceed four-feet in height in the front and side yards
  
• May not exceed seven-feet in height in the back yard
  
• Decorative side must face the adjoining neighbor’s property

Corner lots have additional requirements. For more information, please contact the Building Department at (712) 732-8002 .

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City Clerk

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1. Where can I get a driver’s license?

Driver’s licenses are issued in the Buena Vista County Treasurer’s Office, which is located on the first floor of the Buena Vista County Courthouse at 215 East Fifth Street, in Storm Lake.

For more information, contact the Buena Vista County Treasurer’s Office at (712) 749-2571.

2. How do I contact the Chamber of Commerce?

Storm Lake United is the active agency promoting Storm Lake and Buena Vista County as well as working toward the development of new business and industry within the community. Their offices are located at 110 West Sixth Street in Storm Lake.

For more information, feel free to call Storm Lake United at (712) 732-3780.

3. Where can I pay a court fine or speeding ticket?

Fines imposed by the court system, including speeding tickets, can be paid from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, at the Buena Vista County Clerk of Court’s office:
215 E. Fifth St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588

For more information, contact the Buena Vista County Clerk of Court's office at (712) 749-2546.

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City Manager

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1. How do I contact the Chamber of Commerce?

Storm Lake United is the active agency promoting Storm Lake and Buena Vista County as well as working toward the development of new business and industry within the community. Their offices are located at 110 West Sixth Street in Storm Lake.

For more information, feel free to call Storm Lake United at (712) 732-3780.

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Disc Golf Course

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1. Where can I purchase Discs to play Disc Golf?

Discs can be purchased at many sporting goods stores and sports stores. Locally in Storm Lake the Sugar Bowl in downtown Storm Lake sells the discs.

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Dredge Safety

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1. Is it safe to cross over the dredge pipe when boating even at very slow speeds?

NO, it is never safe to cross over the dredge pipe when the pipe and the dredge are on the water. Boaters and watercraft operators should always stay at least 100 feet away from the Dredge, Booster Pump, and the Dredge Pump at ALL times.

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Explorer Post

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1. How many students are involved in the Explorer Post?

Class sizes are limited to a minimum of 10 students and a maximumm of 20 students.

2. Are there other benefits for this program?

Participants of the program will learn leadership skills and develop an ability to build networking opportunities within the community. In addition, participants have the ability to apply for scholarships, participate in ride-alongs, and participate in Explorer Program competitions.

3. Is the program only for students in Storm Lake?

No, Storm Lake Public Safety is accepting applications from qualified students in the Storm Lake region.

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Finance

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1. Does the City offer Automated Clearing House (ACH) or electronic payments for its vendors?

Yes, the City offers ACH payments or electronic payments to our vendors. If you would like to be set up on ACH, please fill out the ACH Authorization Agreement Form and send it to:
City of Storm Lake
Attn: Accounts Payable
P.O. Box 1086
Storm Lake, IA 50588

You can also email this authorization form to accountspayable@stormlake.org. If you have any additional questions please call (712) 732-8009.

2. How do I get a lien taken off of my property?

Property owners who have a lien against their property can take care of the lien through the Buena Vista County Treasurer's Office from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, located at the Buena Vista County Courthouse:
215 E. Fifth St.
Storm Lake, IA 50588

You can also call the Buena Vista County Treasurer's Office at (712) 749-2534.

3. When can I expect payment on an invoice?

The Accounts Payable Department sends out checks and Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments on the first and third Wednesday of each month. This follows the Council approval of bills on the first and third Monday of each month.

In order for bills to be paid, invoices need to be submitted to the Accounts Payable Department by 10:00 AM on the Tuesday prior to the Council meeting. When you submit an invoice for payment please allow enough time for the department head to review and approve the invoice for payment.

Please call the Accounts Payable Department at 712-732-8000 if you have not received payment.

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Fire Department

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1. What type of fire department is the Storm Lake Fire Department?

The Storm Lake Fire Department is a combination fire department consisting of two career firefighters and 31 paid, on-call firefighters.

2. Does the Fire Department provide tours and public relations programs?

Special programs and tours can be arranged by calling the Storm Lake Public Safety Department at (712) 732-8010 or by email at publicsafety@stormlake.org.

3. What types of inspections does the Fire Department conduct?

The Fire Department conducts inspections including:

• Alcohol licensing
  
• Business
  
• Day care inspections
  
• Residential Housing Rental Inspections
  
• School

The department also provides plan reviews for new construction as they relate to fire codes and fire safety.

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Human Resources

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1. How do I apply for a job with the City?

All applicants need to fill out an application and authorize us to do a background check.

The application will be reviewed and the department head will contact a select group of applicants to set up an interview.

Please feel free to browse through our currently available employment opportunities.

2. What benefits does the City provide to its employees?

The City offers a competitive benefit package for our employees. Benefits vary depending on if the position is full-time or part-time. Some benefits include:

• Dental insurance
  
• Employer-matched contributions to IPERS
  
• Health insurance
  
• Paid vacation
  
• Sick time

For more detailed information refer to the Employee Benefits Explanation Sheet.

3. What are the pay periods for City employees?

The City has two pay periods - one for hourly and one for salaried employees. Hourly employees are paid biweekly, and salaried employees are paid bimonthly. Volunteer firefighters and band members are paid annually.

Volunteer firefighters are paid for their calls and training in December and band members are paid in August.

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Hydrant Flushing Program

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1. Is the City's water safe to drink?

Yes, the city’s water is safe to drink. The City of Storm Lake is required to maintain safe drinking water as determined by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Environmental Protection Agency. Tests are conducted on a daily basis to ensure compliance with these safety regulations. Additionally, annually the City of Storm Lake issues a Water Quality Report outlining the city’s water and it’s compliance with the state and federal regulations. Copies of this report can be found on the City of Storm Lake web page or a copy is available for public review at the Storm Lake Public Library and Storm Lake City Hall.

2. My water is a rusty color after they flushed, what should I do?

Following flushing there is a possibility that residents and businesses may experience some rusty colored water. If you experience rusty water you should run cold water from the cold water faucet nearest the water meter in your home or business. This will effectively flush the waterlines inside your home and remove the red or rusty colored water. If you still have rusty colored water after several minutes of running cold water you can call the City of Storm Lake at 712-732-8002 to report the problem.

3. Why does the City flush hydrants?

The City of Storm Lake like many other communities in Iowa and around the country have an annual flushing program to test and ensure adequate pressure at fire hydrants around town. Additionally, the flushing program allows the City to move water through the city’s water mains at a rapid rate helping to maintain water quality.

4. What is a Hydrant Flushing Program?

A Hydrant Flushing Program is a program conducted by the water utilities where crews open up the fire hydrants and allow water to flow out of them for the purpose of testing the water pressure at that location and to identify potential problems in the distribution system. Each hydrant is run for a period of time while crews perform the tests. Usually the program is conducted during the late evening and early morning hours to minimize the inconvenience on the water user.

5. Should I stop using water when crews are flushing hydrants in my neighborhood?

Citizens can continue to use water during the flushing program as they normally would. However, they should know that if crews are flushing hydrants in their neighborhood at the same time they are using water they may experience a decreased in water pressure while the flushing is being completed. This decreased in pressure is normal and to be expected. The pressure should resume immediately following the completion of flushing.

6. When will the City flush hydrants in my neighborhood?

Hydrant flushing will start at midnight on September 19, 2010 and run during the evenings through the remainder of the week. Hydrant flushing is conducted between the hours of midnight and 7:00AM.

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Mayor & Council

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1. May I speak to the Council at a council meeting?

At the start of each council meeting the mayor will ask if there is anyone who wishes to address the Council on a non-agenda item. At that time you may address the Council. If you are present to address the Council on an item that is on the agenda, you may address the Council when that item is being discussed.

For the quickest response you may contact the city manager
or the city clerk with your concern, and our staff will try to address the issue or provide you feedback.

If your concern is related to a service issue, such as potholes, traffic light outages, or other service-related matters, please consider using our online service request system for assistance.

2. When are Council and mayor elections held?

City elections are held the first Tuesday in November every other year on odd numbered years. Terms are staggered and not all Council members will be elected at one time. Council members and the mayor serve four-year terms.

3. How do I get an item on the Council agenda?

In order for the Council to act on any item it must be on the Council agenda, which needs to be published at least 24 hours in advance of each Council meeting.

Items to be placed on the agenda are processed through the city clerk’s office and must be received by noon on the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting in which the item is to be discussed.

For more information or to see about getting an item on the agenda, please contact the city clerk.

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NWIA Housing

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1. Do I have to live in Storm Lake to apply for this program?

This program is available to all residents of Buena Vista County including residents in all the incorporated cities within Buena Vista County including Storm Lake, Alta, Lakeside, Truesdale, Albert City, Linn Grove, Rembrant, Marathon, Newell, and Sioux Rapids.

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Open Shelters

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1. Can I still use the shelters if no one has rented them?

Yes, if no one has rented the shelter (with the exception of the Chautauqua Park Shelter and the Sunrise Pointe Golf Course Hall) you may use them on a first come, first serve basis.

2. What should I do if someone is using the facility when I get there for my rental period?

The City will post signs daily at each facility with the rental schedule on it. If for some reason someone else is using the facility when you arrive or if the group ahead of you does not leave at the end of their time we ask that you kindly ask them to release the shelter to you at your arrival. If they don't want to release the shelter to you or you are uncomfortable asking them to leave you may contact the Buena Vista County Communication Center at 712-749-2525 who will contact the appropriate City Department to assist you in this matter.

3. What if the shelter is damaged when I arrive, what can I do to ensure that I amnot held responsible for the damage?

We ask that you call the Buena Vista County Communication Center at 712-749-2525 immediately to report the damage so City staff can be contacted to verify the damage to ensure that you are not held accountable.

4. When will I know if I can get my damage deposit back and when will I get it back?

Your damage deposit is always 100% refundable provided you don't damage the rental facility in any way and your rental doesn't require the Parks Department to have to clean up after your event. Usually we will notify you the next business day after your rental regarding any problems we had regarding your rental that would affect your damage deposit. If there are no issues you should be able to pick up your damage deposit the next business day after the rental.

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Parks Department

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1. Can I rent the open shelters in the City of Storm Lake parks?

Yes, most of our open shelters are available for rent. By renting an open shelter within the Storm Lake Parks system, you are guaranteed to have the facility during the time that you need it. Rentals can be requested through our online reservation system.

Online rental requests will be held until 5:00 PM on the following business day from the date the request was made - provided the request is made at least 10 days in advance of the rental. The date will be officially booked upon receipt of payment for the rental fee.

For more information please call the City of Storm Lake at (712) 732-8000 or email rentals@stormlake.org.

2. If I want to have a concert in the band shell, do I have to do anything to rent the facility?

The band shell is available for rent but rental is not required. By renting the band shell you are guaranteed to have the facility during the time that you need it.

Rentals can be requested through our online reservation system. Online rental requests will be held until 5:00 PM on the following business day from the date the request was made - provided the request is made at least 10 days in advance of the rental. The date will be officially booked upon receipt of payment for the rental fee.

When using the band shell for a concert please check with the Police Department or City Hall to see if a noise variance will be required.

For more information please call the City of Storm Lake at (712) 732-8000 or email rentals@stormlake.org.

3. How can I donate to the Storm Lake Parks system in memory of a loved one?

The Storm Lake Parks system is a great place to honor the life of a loved one. You can do so through a donation to the system.

View a current list of items that the Parks Department is looking to receive in donations.

For more information please call the city clerk's office at (712) 732-8000 or email cityclerk@stormlake.org.

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Plant Some Shade Program

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1. When can I pick up my tree?

All trees that are pre-ordered and paid for must be picked up at AWAYSIS Park in Storm Lake on May 21, 2011 between 9:00AM and 11:00AM. Any trees that have been ordered and paid for but are NOT picked up during those hours will be planted in the Storm Lake Park system and NO refunds will be issued.

2. How will I know which tree I am getting?

Once the City of Storm Lake receives the order form and payment we will match your choice of trees with the trees available in the program (trees are reserved on a first come first serve basis) based on your 1st and 2nd choices. Once we have your trees reserved and we have verified payment you will receive a letter in the mail indicating what we have reserved for you to pick up on the event day, May 21st, 2011 between 9:00AM and 11:00AM in AWAYSIS Park. You must bring the letter with you to the event to receive your trees.

3. Do I have to bring anything with me to the event on May 21st?

To pick up your trees on May 21st you will need to bring with you the confirmation letter that you received from the City of Storm Lake indicating what trees we have reserved for you.

4. Are the trees guaranteed?

Trees purchased through this program are not guaranteed and no refunds will be issued for trees that do not survive or are not picked up.

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Police Department

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1. How many sworn police officers are authorized for the Storm Lake Police Department?

The department has an authorized strength of 19 sworn officers, which break down by rank as follows:

• Assistant police chief (1)
  
• Detectives (2)
  
• K-9 patrol officer (1)
  
• Lieutenants (4)
  
• Patrol officers (9)


• Police chief (1)
  
• School resource officer (1)

2. How many police officers are on patrol at a given time?

Depending on the time of day, the amount of officers on patrol during normal operating conditions is 3-4.

3. Do you employ any bilingual police officers?

Several of Storm Lake's police officers can speak Spanish and a small amount of Lao. The Police Department is fortunate to have two full-time, bilingual civilian community service officers who are fluent in Spanish and Lao.

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Public Safety

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1. What departments are included under the umbrella of the Public Safety Department?

The Public Safety Department includes the Police and Fire departments. In addition to those two departments the public safety director also oversees the administration of the park rangers, Animal Control, and Emergency Management.

2. How many staff members are operating under the Public Safety Department?

The Public Safety Department consists of the following staff members:

• Community service officers (2)
  
• Fire fighters (33)
  
• Office staff (3)
  
• Police dog (1)
  
• Police officers (19)
  
• Seasonal park rangers (2)
  
• University work study students (1-2)
  
• Volunteer medic (1)
  
• Volunteer office staff (1)

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Public Works

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1. My street light is not working who do I contact?

Street Lights within the City of Storm Lake are maintained by MidAmerican Energy who provides electrical service to Storm Lake. You may contact MidAmerican Energy at (888) 427-5632 or fill out a repair request online on the Mid American Energy website.

2. Does the City remove or trim trees?

The City of Storm Lake has a tree trimming program for trees that are on City right-of-way. The right-of-way is the property between the street and the sidewalk.

The city trims and removes trees during the winter months and rotates through the community on a three year schedule to ensure proper maintenance of all trees in the public right-of-way. The City will handle trees and limbs that are determined to be a hazard to personal property and injury outside of the schedule. For more information please visit our page on the city's Tree Trimming Program or contact the Public Works Assistant at (712) 732-8002.

If you have a tree or branch that is dangerous you may contact the City at 712-732-8000 or fill out an online service request.

The City does not remove or trim trees on private property.

3. My mailbox was hit by the snowplow, who do I contact?

The City’s snow plow drivers work diligently to avoid hitting mailboxes during the snow removal season.

If you believe that your mailbox has been damaged by a City snow plow, you may contact the Public Works Department by phone at 712-732-8002, by email at publicworks@stormlake.org or you may fill out an online service request.

Upon receiving notice of a damaged mailbox the City will investigate the cause of the damage and if the cause of the damage is found to be a directly from a snow plow (not damage caused by rolling or plowed snow) then the City will make reimbursement for the mailbox that was damaged with a similar mailbox.

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Service Problems

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1. What do I do if I think the water meter is not working properly or I think it was read incorrectly?

Contact City Hall to explain the situation (732-8020). We'll have someone go out to read your meter again. If any errors are discovered at this time, they will be corrected on your account.

If that does not address your concerns, we can take the water meter out, in order to test it back at the shop. there is a fee for this service.

2. What if there is a water line break?

During normal business hours contact the city Water Department at 732-8020 as soon as possible to schedule a service check for the break. If it is after hours contact the Buena Vista county Communication Center at 712-749-2525. If the break is located on your service line the property owner will be responsible for all repairs.

Note: The owner is responsible for water service lines from the connection at the water main, to the house, this includes water lines inside the house.

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Snow Emergency

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1. If my car is towed where can I go to get my car back?

All cars that are towed for violation of no parking regulations during a Snow Emergency are towed to the Storm Lake impound lot. In order to retrieve your vehicle you should stop by the Storm Lake Public Safety Office located at 401 East Milwaukee Street during normal business hours to pay the fine and storage fee before getting your vehicle back.

2. I live downtown where can I park my car during a snow emergency?

During declared snow emergencies residents who live downtown can park their cars overnight in two downtown parking lots (Lots A and C). Lot A is located at the corner of Geneseo and 7th Streets. Lot C is located on Erie Street across from BV Stationary and behind the Connell Law Office. Parking in any other downtown public parking lot will result in your vehicle being towed during a snow emergency.

3. How can I find out if a Snow Emergency has been declared?

There are several ways to find out when snow emergency has been declared by the City of Storm Lake. The City maintains a 24 hour hotline that contains the current status of a snow emergency in both english and spanish at 712-213-SNOW (7669). You can also check the current status online by going to the City's Snow Emergency webpage at www.213snow.com. Finally you can sign up for instant notifications by signing up for the email and text notifications at www.Nixle.com. Nixle Text and Email Notification System

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Utility Deposit

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1. Can my deposit be used to make payments on my account?

The City does not allow regular payments on account to be made with your deposit. However, you may elect to use your deposit to pay your final bill provided you are not moving to another rental unit in Storm Lake hen you will have utility services in your name.

2. What happens to my deposit?

The combined utility deposit will be refunded after 24 consecutive months of penalty-free service. The original amount of the deposit will be paid by check to the customer.

A customer moving out of Storm Lake or purchasing a house in Storm Lake before the end of the 24-month period will have the combined utility deposit applied to their final bill and the difference will be refunded. Customers who move to a new rental unit in Storm Lake will have the deposit transferred to their new account. They will need to provide payment for the final bill on their previous account.

3. What do I do when I move?

If you are moving out of your apartment or house, you must contact City Hall (732.8020) at least two (2) days in advance of the final date of service in order to get the utility services out of your name. You will also need to let us know your forwarding address. Only authorized people on the account can make changes to the account.

NOTE: The city only reads meters Monday through Friday (excluding holidays); therefore the final date of service, if on a holiday or weekend, will be moved to the next business day.

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Water Billing

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1. Why do I have high water usage on my bill?

Several common reasons that contribute to a high water bill include:

• Broken water pipe or obvious leak - check the pipes in the basement
  
• Company visiting
  
• Kids being at home for summer vacation or school holidays
  
• Leaking toilet or a toilet that continues to run after being flushed - check for a leaking toilet
  
• Letting the water run to avoid freezing water pipes during cold weather
  
• Water-cooled air conditioners
  
• Water softener problems (cycles continuously)
  
• Watering the lawn, new grass, or trees

For more information water on high water usage and how to determine the problem, view common service issues.

2. When is my bill due?

Bills are due by 3:00 PM on the 15th of each month.

3. Where can I pay my bill?

Convenient bill-payment locations in Storm Lake include:

• Drop box in the City Hall parking lot or pay inside City Hall at:
  620 Erie St.
  P.O. Box 1086
  Storm Lake, IA 50588
  
• Drop off the payment at the customer service counter at Hy-Vee, located at:
  1250 Lake Ave.
  Storm Lake, IA 50588

The City also offers online utility billing payments.

4. Can my deposit be used to make payments on my account?

The City does not allow regular payments on account to be made with your deposit. However, you may elect to use your deposit to pay your final bill provided you are not moving to another rental unit in Storm Lake when you will have utility services in your name.

5. What happens to my deposit?

The combined utility deposit will be refunded after 24 consecutive months of penalty-free service. The original amount of the deposit will be paid by check to the customer.

A customer moving out of Storm Lake or purchasing a house in Storm Lake before the end of the 24-month period will have the combined utility deposit applied to their final bill and the difference will be refunded. Customers who move to a new rental unit in Storm Lake will have the deposit transferred to their new account. They will need to provide payment for the final bill on their previous account.

6. What do I do when I move?

If you are moving out of your apartment or house, you must contact City Hall (732.8020) at least two (2) days in advance of the final date of service in order to get the utility services out of your name. You will also need to let us know your forwarding address. Only authorized people on the account can make changes to the account.

NOTE: The city only reads meters Monday through Friday (excluding holidays); therefore the final date of service, if on a holiday or weekend, will be moved to the next business day.

7. What do I do if I think the water meter is not working properly or I think it was read incorrectly?

Contact City Hall to explain the situation (732-8020). We'll have someone go out to read your meter again. If any errors are discovered at this time, they will be corrected on your account.

If that does not address your concerns, we can take the water meter out, in order to test it back at the shop. there is a fee for this service.

8. What if there is a water line break?

During normal business hours contact the city Water Department at 732-8020 as soon as possible to schedule a service check for the break. If it is after hours contact the Buena Vista county Communication Center at 712-749-2525. If the break is located on your service line the property owner will be responsible for all repairs.

Note: The owner is responsible for water service lines from the connection at the water main, to the house, this includes water lines inside the house.

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WENS

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1. Will the City or County sell my information to marketing companies?

No the information provided for the WENS Public Notification System is provided soley for the purpose of providing public notification by the City of Storm Lake and Buena Vista County. Notices sent through the system will originate from either the City of Storm Lake, Buena Vista County or the National Weather Service.

2. Is there a cost to participate in the service?

There is no cost to sign up for the service or to participate in the service from the WENS System side. Some mobile phone users may have fees from their cell phone provider if they elect to receive text messages from teh WENS System. We suggest that you contact your cell phone provider if you are unsure of if text messages from us will result in a charge.

3. What do you mean by you can contact me by phone?

The system allows Public Safety staff to make a series of phone calls for the entire community or a select area within a series of minutes to provide public safety information. This is typically called a "reverse 911 system" and uses your home telephone line or land phone line. For those individuals who do not have a land phone line the system will not work; therefore, it is important that you sign up with your cell phone and email address to allow us to contact.

4. I already am signed up for Nixle do I need to sign up for WENS?

Yes, the City of Storm Lake is transitioning to WENS as the sole provider for emergency notifications and will discontinue the use of Nixle by February 2012.