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
Attention Small Businesses: ASSISTANCE FOR IOWA SMALL BUSINESS & NONPROFITS
Attention Small Businesses: ASSISTANCE FOR IOWA SMALL BUSINESS & NONPROFITS
Governor Reynolds has allocated federal CARES Act funds to assist small businesses and nonprofits economically impacted by COVID-19. The Iowa Economic Development Authority’s Small Business Utility Disruption Prevention Program will provide short-term relief to eligible small businesses and nonprofits that face significant hardship in the payment of utility bills for service provided during the months of disruption to their business. For more information and how to apply, please follow the link provided. If you have any questions please contact Tammy Roberts at 641-664-9654 or email tammy.roberts@cityofbloomfield.org
https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/Business/energy-recovery
U.S. Census Deadline is September 30
The deadline to fill out the U.S. Census is on September 30. Amid the current COVID- 19 pandemic, people are encouraged to respond as soon as
possible online at 2020census.gov. They can also respond by phone or by mail. All responses to the census are kept confidential and are used only to produce statistics.
Here are just a few of the many programs that distribute federal funds based on the Census count:
Unemployment Insurance
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
State Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Federal Pell Grant Program
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
School Breakfast Program
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Program
Respond as soon as you can. Respond on your own now to avoid a visit from a census taker later this year.
Learn more at 2020census.gov.
Check out this short video about counting college students: 2020 Census: What College Students Need to Know to Be Counted in the Right Place
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.
Amendment of Ordinance 18A
At the June 18, 2020 city council meeting, the city council will be voting on the amendment of ordinance 18A City Administrator/Clerk by removing all reference to City Clerk.
See links below for the current version (proposed changes are highlighted) and the proposed amended version of ordinance 18A City Administrator/City Clerk.
Ordinance 18A: Current Version (changes are highlighted)
Ordinance 18A: Proposed Revised Version
2019 Water Quality Report for Bloomfield Municipal Water
This report contains important information regarding the water quality in our water system. The water source for Bloomfield is Rathbun Regional Water Association, Inc. RRWA obtained its source water in 2019 from the Chariton River, below Lake Rathbun Dam and directly from Rathbun Lake, both a surface water source.
2019 Water Quality Report for Bloomfield Municipal Water
Garbage Collection During COVID – 19
Below is information regarding garbage collection during COVID-19:
=Waste Management will NOT take anything that does NOT fit in the garbage toter or recycle bin
=ALL. GARBAGE. Has. To. Be. BAGGED.
=ALL CARDBOARD has to be BROKEN DOWN
Road Closure Notice: North Madison Street
Beginning at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, May, 27, 2020, North Madison Street will be closed, at the intersection of North Street and Madison Street. The closure is for the duration of road construction.
Council Meeting Packet
Council packets now available on the website, for the City Council meetings.
Click here to view 5-21-20 City Council Meeting Packet
Additional Items (COVID-19 Policies, and Practices; City Pool)