It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Harada House in Riverside, IA gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Riverside, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Fairmount Park in Riverside, IA with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Le Chat Noir French Restaurant or visit Peter J. Weber House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Riverside, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Riverside, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Riverside, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
RIVERSIDEWhen Cole Smith, a Mount Pleasant native, emerged in Riverside more than three years ago for his first City Administrator job, he had no idea about Star Trek and what it was and what was that future birthplace monument thing next to City Hall?He hadn’t seen a Star Trek movie.Or the TV show.Or sipped a glass of the forbidden Romulan ale.“I was not a Trekkie coming in,” Cole said, politely smiling, during an interview with The News last week.But in three years, he learned it,...
RIVERSIDE
When Cole Smith, a Mount Pleasant native, emerged in Riverside more than three years ago for his first City Administrator job, he had no idea about Star Trek and what it was and what was that future birthplace monument thing next to City Hall?
He hadn’t seen a Star Trek movie.
Or the TV show.
Or sipped a glass of the forbidden Romulan ale.
“I was not a Trekkie coming in,” Cole said, politely smiling, during an interview with The News last week.
But in three years, he learned it, and many other things about a growing community that is just weeks away from the beginning of construction for a $13 million wellness center, is in the midst of a downtown regrowth led in part by Smith and sometime in the next year is expected to undergo an annexation of Washington County land so that a $20-30 million water park can be built across Highway 22 from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.
Less than a month ago, right around the time that Smith accepted a similar City Administrator job in Granger, Iowa, a Des Moines outer suburb, the 41st annual Trek Fest parade marched down Riverside’s main street, Highway 22, on a summery Saturday morning.
“It is a total boon for our community,” Smith said.
“Trek Fest is as huge for our local businesses around here,” he said. “Without it, we don’t have the rest of the tourism. It’s good for our community.”
When Smith left City Hall for the last time July 17 after his final day of work in an office that included a clerical staff of two he recruited and trained, he did so with a bittersweet thought in his head.
He’ll miss the place.
He’ll miss playing on the pickleball courts, eating at Riverside restaurants, seeing the physical looks of a downtown street that is quickly changing.
But most of all ….
“People,” Smith said. “It’s always the people.
“Good times, bad times, people are there,” he said. “At the end of the day, the things we’ve done the last year we’ve done together. Those are relationships. We spend a lot of time to make things happen.”
And he'll be missed.
"I am broken hearted that he moved on," said City Councilman Ryan Rogerson, "but I am also happy for him. Cole, as administrator, did more for this city than I could ever hope to do as a council person. He was absolutely instrumental in getting this city and council over so many speed bumps; community center, downtown revitalization, to name a few."
Smith remains a small-town guy who values the treasures of a small city, which in Riverside’s story include an upcoming wellness center, an emerging downtown, installation of pickleball courts and other improvements at Hall Park, a new road near Highland Elementary School to improve road traffic and pedestrian safety, and an active role in the city’s twice-monthly City Council meetings.
He grew up in Mount Pleasant and began his career as Executive Director of the Louisa County Development Group, often traveling from town to town, including Wapello, Letts, Columbus and Morning Sun, among others.
“I essentially worked out of my car and a backpack, working all nine communities,” Smith said.
“You’ve got to be everywhere,” he said. “And I think that’s one of the things, having kind of that boots-in-the-ground role to start out my career, was really helpful to understand you’ve got to be willing to get out of the office.”
Just last Tuesday, three days before his Riverside job ended, Smith participated in a two-hour tour of the city’s downtown project.
When he landed the Riverside job for his first City Administrator position among two other more experienced finalists, and accepted it, he asked, why me?
Smith said he asked Mayor Allen Schneider: “Why did you guys choose me?”
“I wanted to understand,” Smith said. “I knew I had the qualifications to do the job and do it right. I was genuinely curious.”
At the time, the city was completing the final stages of a $3 million sewer and water main project, and City Council members were entering a slow-down stage so that city funds could catch up.
That’s not exactly what happened.
First came improvements at Railroad Park and Hall Park. Then, downtown improvements with help from a state grant and talk of a wellness center grew serious following the addition of longtime Riverside resident Ryan Rogerson to the Council. Last November, Riverside voters approved an $8 million bond referendum to fund more than half of a wellness center that has been in talks for two decades.
Back in City Hall, Smith talked City Council into letting him hire not just one, but two clerks for City Hall while also clearing the way for Smith to pursue an advanced degree at Drake University.
“I think they were ready to grow and do things differently,” Smith said. “Things have changed, I think, quite a bit in our community over the last three years. Although things are slow in government, I think the path we have been on has been one of progress. It’s been one that has taken everyone to buy in to make this happen.”
Again, the people.
“I definitely have an appreciation for all the support I’ve had,” Smith said. “It’s not a job you can do alone. Honestly, without everyone’s support, there’s really nowhere to go.”
And if not for a lifestyle change, he wouldn’t be going anywhere. Smith’s relocation to Granger, a growing city of about 1,600 northwest of Des Moines, was motivated by his desire to be closer to his fiancée, Shay Slaska, an attorney located in Des Moines.
Smith was named the new City Administrator in Granger at a special meeting held June 4 in Granger, receiving an annual salary of $115,000 – more than $15,000 higher than his current salary.
He began work in Granger on July 20.
Yet, Riverside will remain in his memory.
“I’ve got lifelong connections in Riverside,” Smith said. “You don’t ever lose that. I’m definitely excited to see where the wellness center goes, where the downtown goes.”
When the wellness center opens in January 2028, as is projected, don’t be surprised to see a familiar face visiting for a day.
“I’m certainly going to miss the people,” he said. “I’m going to miss not seeing through some of the things I’d like to.”
But about that Star Trek thing.
“To be honest with you, I’m not a Trekkie now,” he said, softly laughing. “I haven’t watched any of it. You might get some groans in the community on that one.
“You have to give it credit,” Smith said. “How much this connection to Star Trek and Captain Kirk has done for Riverside.”
Oh, so he does know Captain James Tiberius Kirk, after all.
Yup, he’s a Trekkie.
RIVERSIDEThe addition of a planned water park and RV campground across Highway 22 from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort may lead to an expansion of the City of Riverside sometime this year.The proposed Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort will consist of more than 150 RV parking spots and a water park of more than 70,000 square feet with water slides, a lazy river and pools, along with a sandy beach.The $20-30 million project is being planned by Elite Hospitality Group, LLC, an affiliate of the Elite Casino group th...
RIVERSIDE
The addition of a planned water park and RV campground across Highway 22 from the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort may lead to an expansion of the City of Riverside sometime this year.
The proposed Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort will consist of more than 150 RV parking spots and a water park of more than 70,000 square feet with water slides, a lazy river and pools, along with a sandy beach.
The $20-30 million project is being planned by Elite Hospitality Group, LLC, an affiliate of the Elite Casino group that owns not only the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort but also the property where the water park would be built.
Elite Hospitality officials told The News they are hoping for a May 2027 opening.
An annexation of Riverside would provide the water park with city water and infrastructure, and would provide the city with additional property tax revenue.
The city is now in negotiation with Elite Hospitality for a TIF tax rebate arrangement that would help the project get started.
The project is not expected to cost the city any money.
If the city does not annex the land, then it will remain a Washington County property under county regulations and without a water system to tap into.
“This is good for this community,” City Council member Ryan Rogerson said.
Tom Sexton, City Council member, was concerned about the stress it would put on emergency services and asked for representatives from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Riverside Fire Department to attend a City Council work session that was scheduled for next Monday (July 13) at 6 p.m.
“I feel it will strain our EMS service, our sheriff service,” Sexton said. “I seriously think we have to look hard at those numbers.”
The park is expected to provide a tax assessment of about $10 million.
City Admin Search
The City Council approved using Theia Management Group as a consultant for the search of a new city administrator.
Cole Smith, who has been Riverside City Administrator since April 2023, is leaving Riverside to become City Administrator in Granger, beginning July 20.
The city has already advertised for the job. A proposed timeline includes final interviews in late August with a new city administrator beginning work in September or October.
Smith’s current annual salary is $92,000.
Water Rates
The City Council set a public hearing for 6 p.m. August 3, when a potential water rate increase of 3.5% will be presented and discussed, along with amendments to three city ordinances.
City Manager Cole Smith said the city has not raised water rates since 2015. A 3.5% increase may raise an average water bill about $2.50, Smith told the Council.Garbage & Recycling
The City Council approved a five-year deal with Smith Sanitation Services, of Tiffin, to take care of the city’s solid waste and recycling collections.
Smith Sanitation’s agreement begins August 24 and goes through the end of Fiscal Year 2031 (June 30).
The city terminated its contract with Lakeshore Recycling Systems due to resident complaints.
Riverside residents pay the city for trash removal.
Council Action
The City Council set a public hearing for 6 p.m. August 3 for a rezoning request from Eastern Iowa Light and Power Cooperative, to M-1 Industrial Commercial Business, on a property on Enterprise Drive.
The City Council approved a number of wage adjustments for Fiscal Year 2027 for county staff.
Next board meeting:
The City Council’s next meeting is at 6 p.m. July 20.
Riverside City Council, Riverside casino, water park, Elite Hospitality
RIVERSIDEPlans for a $35 million water park and camping resort near the Riverside Casino are moving quickly.The Riverside City Council, during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, approved a memorandum of understanding with Elite Hospitality Group and tentative TIF rebates of $4 million, and set a public hearing for Sept. 21 on a potential annexation of Washington County land for the proposed project.The Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort, which may open by May 2027, will feature a 70,000 square-foot water park tha...
RIVERSIDE
Plans for a $35 million water park and camping resort near the Riverside Casino are moving quickly.
The Riverside City Council, during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, approved a memorandum of understanding with Elite Hospitality Group and tentative TIF rebates of $4 million, and set a public hearing for Sept. 21 on a potential annexation of Washington County land for the proposed project.
The Blackjack Beach RV & Water Resort, which may open by May 2027, will feature a 70,000 square-foot water park that will have three pools, a water slide tower, a swim-up bar and a sandy beach. The RV portion would have 154 parking spots and a clubhouse building of 14,000 square feet.
The water park would be located south of the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort, and has an estimated construction cost of at least $30 million. A private groundbreaking ceremony was held August 20.
In order for the project to gain access to the City of Riverside’s water system, an annexation plan is being put into place by the city. The public hearing in September is for consideration of the annexation. An annexation will result in future tax funds for the city in exchange for city infrastructure, such as water.
The Council, by three consecutive 4-1 votes Monday, approved the memorandum of understanding and 15-year TIF structure, a pre-annexation agreement and a legal agreement with the Dorsey & Whitney law firm.
City Council member Tom Sexton was the one dissenting vote.
Mayor Allen Schneider said a final TIF (tax increment financing) agreement is still to be negotiated.
Special Election
The special election on Sept. 8 to fill a Council seat has drawn four candidates: Edgar McGuire, who was initially appointed to a seat vacated by Chris Grinstead; Travis Riggan, President of the Riverside Area Community Club and a lead organizer for Trek Fest; Levi Schnoebelen, a member of the city’s Board of Adjustment; and Nickie Nguyen, who was one of five applicants for the seat during an appointment process.
The winner of the election will serve through the end of 2029.
The election will be held 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. Sept. 8 at City Hall.
Wellness Center
The Council approved the start of the construction bid process for a wellness center that is expected to open in January 2028.
A public hearing was held Monday for the wellness center specifications and $13 million cost estimate.
The bidding process will end in mid-September with bids to be awarded and approved by the City Council after that, likely during its Sept. 21 formal session.
The wellness center will be located near Highland Elementary School.
City Administrator
The City Council has set a special session for Saturday, when it will go into a closed session to virtually interview a number of candidates for city administrator.
The city received applications from 11 candidates.
After Saturday’s interviewing is done, the field is expected to be trimmed to three finalists who will be brought to Riverside for final interviews and meetings with the public. A new city administrator is expected to be in place in September or October.
The new administrator will replace Cole Smith, who is now City Administrator of Granger, a outer suburb of Des Moines.
Theia Management Consulting is coordinating the search.
City Hall Hours
The City Council agreed with Mayor Allen Schneider’s proposal for temporarily closing City Hall from noon to 1 p.m. weekdays due to staff shortages while the city is short an administrator.
The hour closures are expected to start soon.
Council Action
The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance amendment that would raise water rates by 3.5%.
The Council approved a temporary wage increase of 10% for city staff due to increased work while the search continues for a new city administrator.
The Council approved a rezoning, from C-3 to M-1, for a property in Enterprise Park.
Next board meeting:
The City Council’s next formal session is at 6 p.m. September 9. A work session has been scheduled for August 24.
Riverside City Council, Riverside Casino, Blackjack Water Park, Elite Hospitality
877-292-2126
