abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

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

phone-number877-292-2126 lm-right-arrow

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
SUBMIT REQUEST

Home Care In Riverside, IA

Home Care Riverside, IA

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 the historic Harada House 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.

In-Home Care Riverside, IA

care-serviceHome Care Services

location Service Areas

Read More
Elderly Care Riverside, IA Request More Information vector

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 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.

Hear from Our Clients
Elderly Care for James T.
551
Google

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care”

Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
In-home Care for Michael H.
551
Google

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all”

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.
Read full testimonial
Hear from Our Clients
Senior Care for Melanie S.
551
Google

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable”

Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!
Read full testimonial
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

James T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

Michael H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Riverside, IA?

lm-check

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.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

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.

lm-check

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.

Request More Information
Senior Care Riverside, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Riverside, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal 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:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
Request More Information
Respite Care Riverside, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

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:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
Request More Information
Caregivers Riverside, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

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 with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Request More Information
Home Care Riverside, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

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.

Request More Information
In-Home Care Riverside, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Riverside, IA

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:

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.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

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.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

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.

Elderly Care Riverside, IA

Affordable 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:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Riverside, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

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.

Assisted Living Referral Services

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.

Respite Care Riverside, IA

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:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Riverside, IA

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:

  • Citrus Place
  • Magnolia Grand
  • Sunrise at Canyon Crest
  • Meridian of Riverside
  • Raincross at Riverside
  • Senior Care Authority
Home Care Riverside, IA

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.

In-Home Care Riverside, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

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

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

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.

Request More Information vector
Elderly Care Riverside, IA

Latest News in Riverside, IA

Riverside Selects New Superintendent

(Oakland) Riverside Community School District has selected Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Director of Elementary Education and Student Services, Fort Dodge Community, to assume the position of Riverside Community School District Superintendent starting on July 1, 2023.Current Superintendent Dr. Timothy Mitchell said they had 16 very qualified applicants based off of a profile they created from an online survey of their patrons. The board spent time looking at 10 individuals, they selected six semifinalists that they interviewed via zoom and ...

(Oakland) Riverside Community School District has selected Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Director of Elementary Education and Student Services, Fort Dodge Community, to assume the position of Riverside Community School District Superintendent starting on July 1, 2023.

Current Superintendent Dr. Timothy Mitchell said they had 16 very qualified applicants based off of a profile they created from an online survey of their patrons. The board spent time looking at 10 individuals, they selected six semifinalists that they interviewed via zoom and then brought to the Stakeholder Committees on Wednesday two people; Dr. Stephanie Anderson and Casey Moran, Assistant Director of Special Education for the Council Bluffs Community School District. The Board and three different constituent groups went through interviews Wednesday and then after the board deliberated Wednesday night they decided to offer a contract to Dr. Stephanie Anderson.

Audio Player

Dr. Timothy Mitchell announced his retirement in January and will be leaving the district at the end of the 2022-2023 school year.

Audio Player

A contract will be offered for Dr. Stephanie Anderson on April 17th, the next school board meeting.

Dr. Anderson is excited about this new opportunity and shared “I am honored and excited to have been chosen to be the next leader of the Riverside Community School District. The community cohesiveness, academic and extracurricular celebrations, and amazing people were the highlights from my research and interview experience. I look forward to continuing the great work you are already engaging in as a community and school district.”

Dr. Stephanie Anderson brings a variety of educational experiences to the superintendent position. She grew up on a farm outside of Newell, Iowa, graduating from Newell-Fonda High School and earning her BA from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. She started her teaching career as an elementary classroom teacher in Vermillion, South Dakota and then in Storm Lake, Iowa while earning her MA from the University of South Dakota. She attended the Iowa Principal Leadership Academy to earn her administrative endorsement, which led to her serving as the assistant elementary principal and early childhood principal in Spencer, Iowa. She then served as the head elementary principal in Fort Dodge, Iowa while earning her PhD from the University of Kentucky. Most recently she has held the position of director of elementary education and student services in Fort Dodge, Iowa while earning her superintendent certification from the University of Northern Iowa. These educational experiences have grounded her in her educational beliefs of being strengths-based, making decisions that keep students at the center, and the importance of building collaborative relationships within the school community and beyond, while leading with integrity every step of the way. She is excited about what the Riverside School District and communities have to offer, and she looks forward to the opportunity to serve the district and communities. Her husband, Chris, is a computer science teacher at the Fort Dodge Middle School; their daughter, McKaelyn, is a junior at Iowa State University majoring in special education; and their son, Carter, is a junior at Fort Dodge Senior High attending the ICCC Triton Academy simultaneously.

River City Church bids $10k for downtown Riverside property - The News

Other items that may interest you Highland Schools set property tax public hearing for March 25 Auto insurance: strategies for today’s market ...

Other items that may interest you

Highland Schools set property tax public hearing for March 25

Auto insurance: strategies for today’s market

Fit to a Model T

Kalona car wash works toward April reopening

© Copyright 2024 The News | Privacy Policy

Powered by Creative Circle Media Solutions

Cole Smith selected as new city administrator for Riverside

Posted Friday, April 14, 2023 2:40 pm Cole Smith arrived in town even before he had an interview.“I went and met with some of the businesses and just talked to some residents,” Riverside’s new city administrator said after being appointed by the Riverside City Council by a 4-1 vote at a special meeting held April 5.“It was clear that there was a buzz around the community,” he said. “People are optimistic. People are very happy to be here.”Starting May 1, Smith, a native...

Posted Friday, April 14, 2023 2:40 pm

Cole Smith arrived in town even before he had an interview.

“I went and met with some of the businesses and just talked to some residents,” Riverside’s new city administrator said after being appointed by the Riverside City Council by a 4-1 vote at a special meeting held April 5.

“It was clear that there was a buzz around the community,” he said. “People are optimistic. People are very happy to be here.”

Starting May 1, Smith, a native of Mount Pleasant, will be one of those people.

Smith, who is Executive Director of the Louisa Development Group, was named as city administrator following a search that lasted nearly four months and involved at least two rounds of interviews among City Council members, Riverside business owners and a consulting firm.

But he was in Riverside, checking out his new place, before the interview grilling even began.

“It’s gotta be a good fit, both ways,” said Smith, 23, a University of Northern Iowa marketing graduate. “Throughout the entire process, I’ve met nothing but kind people. People are excited about the community and want to see it grow. People who are committed to progress, committed to serving the community. That’s something I want to be a part of.”

One of the places Smith didn’t go to during his first visit was the Voyage Home Museum. He’s not a Trekkie. Soon, that will change. After all, the good Captain Kirk hasn’t technically been born yet although a monument honoring his future birthplace is located in an alleyway next to City Hall.

“To be honest with you, I have not seen an episode (of Star Trek). That’s on my list of things to do,” Smith said.

“I feel like that’s a prerequisite to being a part of this community. You’ve got to kind of understand how that works.”

Smith is replacing Christine Yancey, who retired from city management in December and whose decision was initially not accepted by the City Council.

Smith’s contractual agreement has a starting base salary of $80,000, which is beneath the $85,000-$95,000 salary range approved by the City Council in a previous session. The agreement calls for his salary to increase to $84,000 in Fiscal Year 2025, $88,000 in FY26 and $92,000 in FY27.

Yancey topped $80,000 in FY23, which began July 1, 2022.

The three-year progression in salaries caused Council Person Tom Sexton to vote against the appointment.

“I think he’s going to do a great job,” Sexton said.

“I think he’s got a lot of energy and a lot of enthusiasm for the position,” Mayor Allen Schneider told The News. “That’s kind of what I think caught the City Council’s eye within. He’s got a variety of experience with economic development in the area so I think that’ll be helpful, too. And we can kind of learn from some of the projects that he’s undertaken in other communities around here.”

Smith will arrive in Riverside at a time when a $3.2 million water and sewer main project on Third Street is wrapping up. The city is in the midst of construction and repair projects at its water treatment and wastewater plants.

The city may be considering an expansion, or annexation of Washington County land, as housing development surfaces, including a tentative proposal for a large subdivision west of Highway 218 near the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort.

“This is my first city administration job,” Smith said, “so it’s a good place to jump in and be able to accomplish a lot of things.”

In Louisa County, Smith said he has worked on a number of projects, including business assistance and development, housing development, broadband and community organizations.

“I think the community size is something that drew me to this,” he said. “I like a tight community, a place where you can get to know a large portion of the population. It shouldn’t be understated that Riverside has positioned itself in a really good place for future growth and development.”

Schneider, who was also mayor when Yancey was hired as city administrator in 2019, was happy with the consulting and hiring process.

“I think we’re lucky to have the candidates that we did,” Schneider said. “Everybody’s very happy to have Cole coming in. It seems like we’re ready to move ahead right now.”

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. April 17.

Riverside's city administrator search is down to three finalists

RIVERSIDERiverside’s search for a new city administrator is down to three.But their identities remain a mystery.The names of the finalists were not disclosed during a City Council discussion at its meeting Monday night. Asked by The News, Mayor Allen Schneider declined to identify the three finalists.However, all three finalists were on public display Friday night at a reception at Copper Creek Ridge in Riverside.A new city administrator could be selected as soon as Saturday, following a series of int...

RIVERSIDE

Riverside’s search for a new city administrator is down to three.

But their identities remain a mystery.

The names of the finalists were not disclosed during a City Council discussion at its meeting Monday night. Asked by The News, Mayor Allen Schneider declined to identify the three finalists.

However, all three finalists were on public display Friday night at a reception at Copper Creek Ridge in Riverside.

A new city administrator could be selected as soon as Saturday, following a series of interviewing sessions that will include City Council members and also pre-selected community members and business owners.

Once a selection is made during closed session in conjunction with lead consultant Brent Hinson, Schneider told The News, work will begin immediately on making an offer to the winning candidate.

The salary is expected to fall between $85,000 and $95,000, per a previous Council decision. Former City Administrator Christine Yancey earned an annual salary of $77,250.

The target date for the arrival of the new city administrator is May 1.

Search for Kirk

Where will the birthplace monument of Star Trek Captain (and Admiral) James T. Kirk actually wind up?

That is still a question for the City Council as Brian Boelk of Axiom Consulting continues designs for a show area that will be handicap accessible. The birthplace is now located on the south side of city offices, but discussion at Monday’s meeting included talk of moving the birthplace to Railroad Park, where a Kirk statue is now located, or to another area downtown along Highway 22.

“I think it’s in an odd spot,” Council Person Edgar McGuire said of the current location.

Council Person Tom Sexton suggested locating it in a city-owned area next to Murphy’s Bar & Grill in downtown Riverside.

“That’s a great idea,” McGuire said.

The Railroad Park location would put it near the statue and just across the street from the Voyage Home Museum.

Dog Talk

Following up on a long discussion held at the March 6 City Council meeting about a pit bull terrier living at a residence on Schnoebelen Street and described by some as dangerous, Schneider visited the home and said the dog “did not seem vicious” and actually tried to lick his hand.

The dog’s owner was verbally warned by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department following a previous complaint. The dog has a current rabies vaccination, according to the St. Francis Veterinary Clinic.

“I’m done talking and fighting about it,” said Council Person Kevin Mills, who previously brought the matter to the Council’s attention. “Hopefully, something comes of it.”

“I don’t want to see anything bad happen,” said McGuire, who has suggested the sheriff’s department be contact with complaints. “I think everybody wants to do the right thing.”

Council Action

The Council approved a go-ahead for Axiom Consulting to begin the design process on structural improvements and construction at the city’s water plant. The project may also include machinery replacement approaching $200,000-$300,000.

The Council set April 3 as the date for a public hearing on the Fiscal Year 2024 city budget.

The Council approved an FY24 contract with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department for a cost of $220,401.

The Council approved a 28e agreement with Iowa Township, in which the township requests fire protection provided by the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department.

The Council approved partial retainage to Streb Construction in the amount of $116,281.91 for work done on the Third Street water and sewer main project.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. April 3. A work session was scheduled for March 29.

Riverside unveils community center rendering

After lengthy discussion — not all of it directly related to the rendering — the Riverside City Council has settled on concept art for a planned community center.City Clerk Becky LaRoche said the rendering was a pivotal step forward for the project.“This is the rendering they would need to go for funding grants,” LaRoche said. “If we were going to go for grants … you have to have an idea, a concept, to say ‘This is what we are planning to do, this is what we guess it’s going to c...

After lengthy discussion — not all of it directly related to the rendering — the Riverside City Council has settled on concept art for a planned community center.

City Clerk Becky LaRoche said the rendering was a pivotal step forward for the project.

“This is the rendering they would need to go for funding grants,” LaRoche said. “If we were going to go for grants … you have to have an idea, a concept, to say ‘This is what we are planning to do, this is what we guess it’s going to cost, and this is what we’re asking for funding.’”

LaRoche said development of the facility was a long way out, with construction slated to begin March 2023 and end a year later.

Although the council made no formal motion, LaRoche said council members agreed to the rough ideas laid out in the rendering and outlined points for future discussion.

“There was no voting, there was a lot of questions brought up,” she said. “They decided they needed to go forward with Carl A. Nelson and get them to a work session so they could answer questions.”

LaRoche said the city had not yet determined a date for that work session with the construction management company.

Some of those lingering questions include operation costs for the building, who would manage it and what membership fees would cost.

“It’s all kinds of details that there’s no way to come up with until you go step by step,” LaRoche said.

Still, the rendering packet gives direction to several key aspects of the project, even if the city hasn’t formally committed to anything yet.

For one, the new building would cost roughly $7.41 million to plan, construct and furnish. Adding child care facilities would tack on another $2.29 million, according to estimates from Carl A. Nelson.

For another, the concept art envisions a modern design, with a running track over an open gymnasium. The packet shows plans to include an exercise studio on the top floor, and a weight room and a meeting room, among others, on the ground floor with the two-court open gymnasium.

LaRoche said the location was tentatively set for city-owned land on the north side of Galileo Drive which would set up access from the nearby elementary school, though some officials involved in the project still advocate for a more central downtown location.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.