City Accepting Applications for Hotel/Motel Tax Funding
The City of Bloomfield is now accepting applications for Hotel/Motel Tax Funding. The deadline is February 1, 2022, and can be found HERE.
Survey Results: Sanitary Sewer Evaluation
In October 2021, the City of Bloomfield invited citizens to respond to a survey about sewer issues near or around their home. To view the results of the survey, please CLICK HERE.
We appreciate all who took the time to respond to the survey and very much value your input. Thank you!
Public Notice Affirmative Fair Housing Policy
This notice is published pursuant to the requirements of Executive Order 11063 on equal opportunity in housing and nondiscrimination in the sale or rental of housing built with federal assistance, and with Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, which prohibits discrimination in the provision of housing because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status.
The City of Bloomfield, Iowa, advises the public that it will administer its assisted programs and activities relating to housing and community development in a manner to affirmatively further fair housing in the sale or rental of housing, the financing of housing and the provision of brokerage services.
The City of Bloomfield shall assist individuals who believe they have been subject to discrimination in housing through the resources of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The City of Bloomfield has designated the following office as the contact to coordinate efforts to comply with this policy. Inquires should be directed to:
OFFICE: Area 15 Regional Planning Commission
ADDRESS: 224 E. 2nd St.
CITY/STATE/ZIP: Ottumwa, IA 52501
PHONE NUMBER: 641-684-6551
HOURS: Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Code Enforcement is One of the Primary Responsibilities of a City
Code enforcement is one of the primary responsibilities of a City. State Code, Chapter 364. The Bloomfield Code of Ordinances in chapters 50, and 51 define what constitutes nuisances, and how they must be addressed. The definition of a nuisance in Chapter 50 defines a nuisance as “Whatever is injurious to health, indecent, or unreasonable offensive to the senses or an obstruction to the free use of property so as essentially interfere unreasonably with the comfortable enjoyment of life or property is a nuisance”. Our Code addresses tall grass, junk vehicles, trash and debris, and dilapidated structures. Tall grass however is the most common nuisance.
When notifying a property owner, you may also need to notify deed and contract holders as well. I use a template for my letters and identify Code which speaks to Chapter 50. Chapter 51 addressees junk vehicles. The letter identifies a time period for which the nuisance must be abated, and states in part “…the City of Bloomfield may take whatever action is available to abate this nuisance…”. It is important to note if the owner ignores the letter and fails to address the nuisance, the City would (with tall grass for instance) assess the costs associated with mowing the property, and assess the costs to the property owner(s).
It is important to note nuisance abatement falls into two categories. The first is the administrative process which consists of notifying people by letter of a nuisance. This is usually tall grass, weeds or garbage. If the owner or occupant fails to mow tall grass the City of Bloomfield proceeds to cut tall grass and weeds and bill at a rate of $75.00 an hour with a minimum charge of $75.00. If a third notice is ignored, a fee of $250.00 is applied. Municipal infractions are more serious and compel owner(s) of junk vehicles, and dangerous buildings. If a person fails to respond or ignores the tall grass/weed notice, the City will contract or undertake mowing tall grass and weeds costs are attached to the owners’ property taxes.
When tall grass, or weeds are cited or reported, we take every effort to make personal contact with the occupant or owner, and explain the nuisance and what can be done to address the problem. Should citizens see a nuisance please do not hesitate to contact city hall at 641-664-2260.
Utility Bill Payments
Utility Bill Payments:
1. Can be submitted to the dropbox on front of City Hall (Please use envelope)
2. Can by paid online (will include processing fee): Click to Pay
3. Can also be mailed in
K9 Registration Form
Need to register your K9?
The K9 Registration form is available for download. For your convenience, you can print the K9 Registration Form and have it completed prior to visiting the Law Center.
*A copy of rabies vaccination form is required with K9 Registration Form.*
Information for RRWA Customers about Your Drinking Water
At times, RRWA’s customers have experienced earthy and musty tastes and odors in their drinking water. RRWA would like to share the following information which we hope answers our customers’ questions about these tastes and odors in their drinking water:
Why does my water sometimes have an earthy and musty taste and odor?
Earthy and musty tastes and odors in RRWA’s water are most likely caused by two naturally occurring chemical compounds that can be found in Rathbun Lake. These compounds are geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol.
Is RRWA’s water safe to drink?
Yes, RRWA’s water is safe to drink. The tastes and odors caused by geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in drinking water will not have any direct health impacts.
How do these taste and odor causing compounds get into Rathbun Lake?
The most likely source of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in Rathbun Lake are cyanobactera (or blue-green algae) blooms that occur in the lake.
When do these tastes and odors most commonly occur?
The most intense earthy and musty tastes and odors in RRWA’s water usually occur in late summer and early fall when conditions in Rathbun Lake favor algae blooms.
How long do these earthy and musty tastes and odors typically last?
As long as conditions in Rathbun Lake favor algae blooms, these tastes and odors could persist in RRWA’s water.
Does RRWA’s water treatment remove these taste and odor causing compounds?
RRWA’s water treatment does remove some of the geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in the water from Rathbun Lake. However, many individuals are very sensitive to the tastes and odors caused by extremely small concentrations of these compounds.
What steps does RRWA take to improve the taste and odor of the water?
RRWA takes several steps to try to improve the taste and odor of the water we supply to our customers. These steps include:
- RRWA uses granular activated carbon in our filters to help remove taste and odor-causing compounds as well as other contaminants.
- RRWA uses sodium permanganate to break down substances that can cause tastes and odors in the water.
- RRWA has an active water main flushing program that helps maintain the quality of drinking water in our distribution system.
- RRWA has taken a leadership role in working with landowners, communities, and others in the Rathbun Lake watershed to help protect the quality of water in the lake.
- Most importantly, RRWA regularly monitors the water in our treatment plant and distribution system to ensure that it is always safe for our customers to drink and use.
Should customers contact RRWA about the taste and odor of the water?
Yes, RRWA encourages our customers to contact us with any questions, concerns, and comments about their drinking water. For non-emergencies, RRWA customers can call 1-800-233-8849 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday to Friday. For emergencies, RRWA customers can call the same number, 1-800-233-8849, at any time. RRWA customers can also send emails to rrwainc@rrwa.net .