(Atlantic, Iowa) – The City Council in Atlantic met in a relatively short, regular session this (Wednesday) evening, during which they approved a request from Wild Wayne’s, for a Special Fireworks Display on Sept 14th at dusk. The private event is with regard to Duke Aerial’s Employee Appreciation event (on private property at 103 W. 29th St.). The show is expected to last about 20-minutes.

The Council then received an update from Cass County/United 1st Aid Program Coordinator Erik Johnson, who said there are currently 18 volunteers who “Dedicate their off-time to helping their neighbors, helping the community that they live in, being available when they travel between north-south, east-west of our county, to stop at a moments notice and go assist somebody in need.”

They are also equipped with Narcan and other supplies necessary to provide aid until an ambulance arrives on the scene. Johnson said between the three counties that have instituted the program (Cass, Van Buren and Calhoun), there have been 100 calls.

Erik Johnson

Erik Johnson said they hosted a First Aid station during RAGBRAI, in cooperation with Cass Health.

He said they have received an extension on the original grant for the program, which may result in the expansion of the program into a few additional counties. Ultimately, it’s hoped the program will go nationwide. Johnson said they will have a booth at the Cass County Fair in Atlantic, Thursday through Saturday, to answer any questions you may have with regard to the EMS levy that will be on the ballot for the November General Election.

In other business, the Atlantic City Council passed the second reading of an ordinance pertaining to the rezoning of the Camblin Hills Subdivision in Atlantic, from R-2 (Low Density/Single-Family residential) to R-4 (Multifamily residential) housing.  They also approved a Change Order for the Sunnyside Park Splashpad Project, and a related Pay Application in the amount of $316,087.41 to the Henley Group, LLC.

Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bailey Smith and Police Chief Devin Hogue updated the Council on the RAGBRAI event that was held Monday and Tuesday, in Atlantic. Smith said it was a “I think it was a great day,” and the weather cooperated.

Atlantic Police Chief Hogue said he too had no complaints about how the event unfolded.

He said the most of riders were out of town by 9-a.m., Tuesday. He thanked the officers from around the county who came in to help with traffic control, safety and other duties.

There were only two arrests, Hogue said, and those persons were residents of the community.