NICHOLS, Iowa–A concerned citizen came to speak to the Nichols City Council meeting April 13 after learning that the West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department had sent a letter to the City of West Liberty expressing intent to form their own 28E agency after May 1 if the City of West Liberty did not take action following ongoing differences between the two organizations. Currently, the West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department provides services to several cities and the rural areas surrounding West Liberty. Nichols receives emergency medical services, or EMS, from the West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department and the Nichols Volunteer Fire Department has a mutual aid agreement with them.

The citizen encouraged Nichols to explore contracting for ambulance services from either the City of Muscatine or a provider in Johnson County. The City of Nichols plans to contact a lawyer about the best way to handle the situation should the West Liberty Volunteer Fire Department make itself an independent agency. They also plan to inquire about how mutual aid agreements between the West Liberty and Nichols Volunteer Fire Departments would work.

As the council turned their attention to new business, they put in place plans for maintaining the city as warmer weather approaches. The council unanimously approved contracting to spray for mosquitos again this summer. Because Nichols has sprayed for mosquitos for the past several summers, they may get to a point next year where they do not have to spray monthly, which would save the city money. They also approved a bid from Riemer’s Lawncare for mowing and storm cleanup, as needed, this spring and summer. At a future meeting, the council will set the official date and times for their annual spring cleanup, when residents may get rid of bulky waste items, within reason, and have them picked up for free.

During their regular report, the Nichols Volunteer Fire Department shared that 300 people attended their recent pancake breakfast fundraiser. They thanked everyone who attended, as their support will allow the department to continue to update their equipment. Using funds provided by the city, the department also completed the bathroom renovation project at the fire station, which they started earlier this year.