Sites of the MonthGreat Sites to Check Out

(from Partner Communication's monthly newsletter

Time To Study College Rankingscolleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com – If someone in your family will be college bound in the coming year or two, be sure to study this annual ranking of colleges and universities from U.S. News & World Report. You'll also find college advice for students and parents as well as tips on applications, loans, and more.

Fun And Flexible Photo Editingpicmonkey.com – With PicMonkey, you can easily edit and touch up photos, or develop your own photo designs. Give your photos a makeover with Wrinkle Remover and Teeth Whitening, try fun special effects to create unique photo images, or use the collage tool for a cool new Facebook cover.

Winning Tailgating Recipesfoodnetwork.com – The chefs at Food Network have teamed up to bring you the Top 50 Tailgating Recipes. You'll score big with friends and family on game days with dishes including Charleston Cheese Dip, Three Cheese and Artichoke Scones, and Charred Corn Guacamole with Corn Chips.

Loyalty Made Easypoints.com – Loyalty programs for airlines, hotels, shops, and credit cards are great, but if you have more than a few, they can be hard to keep track of. The free Points service allows you to manage all your programs in one spot, move points between programs, and even reward yourself with gift cards.

The Reluctant Gourmetreluctantgourmet.com – The name says it all: some of us want to be great cooks, but don't know where to start. Now you do! This site offers everything from cooking tips, to information on cooking tools and ingredients, to meal planning strategies and — of course — delectable recipes.

Learn About Life on Marsmars.nasa.gov – Mars has been in the news a lot lately – because scientists have discovered water there and because of the new movie, The MartianWant to know more about the Red Planet? This site has videos, images, articles, and much more. Don't miss the updates on the Curiosity Rover, which is there now!

Scam Alert – Beware Of Facebook Friend Request Scam

There's a Facebook scam making the rounds that you should know about. It works like this: You get a friend request from someone you thought you were already friends with on Facebook, perhaps a relative or casual acquaintance. You think that's a little odd, but figure maybe this person had to create a new account or something, so you accept. Before long, you start to receive strange messages — urgent pleas for money due to an emergency or invitations to sign up for work-at-home jobs or free gift cards.

Clearly, this is no friend. It's a scammer that has spoofed a Facebook account in order to steal money or distribute spam links. What should you do if you receive a friend request from someone you don't know, or if your own account is spoofed? Here are a few tips:

Always double-check friend requests: Don't just automatically click "accept" for new requests. Take a few moments to look over the profile and verify that account is a real person, not a scam. If you receive a friend request from someone you are already friends with, don't confirm the request until you verify it with your friend. Contact them by some other means — phone, email, text, etc.

Don't blindly trust friends' recommendations: Just because a link, video, or other information is shared by a friend doesn't mean that it's safe to click. It could be a fake account, a hacker, or mean that your friend hasn't done his or her research.

Watch for poor grammar: Scam Facebook posts are often riddled with typos and poor English.

Alert your friends: If your Facebook friend suddenly starts posting links to work-at-home schemes or scandalous celebrity videos, tell him or her directly about the suspicious activity. Otherwise, they may never know that their account has been impersonated.

Have fun on Facebook but watch out for fake friends!

50 PlusThe 50 + group meets the third Monday of each month at the Melbourne Rec Center, at noon. We would love to have some new people come, we have lost several people through moving away or from death. We have a great Pot luck and if you aren’t able to make a dish to share, just come and join us for good food and fellowship. Good chance to get out and enjoy others!!

We bought 13 gifts for the Veterans at the Iowa Veterans Home so they can enjoy opening up a gift.

Water/Sewer bills are due by the 15th of the month. A 10% penalty is added after that date. Did you know you can sign up to have your Melbourne utility payment deducted from your checking or savings account at MidWestOne Bank automatically each month? It is a great way to simplify your life and to avoid late payments and late charges. The City of Melbourne does not accept Debit or Credit cards, but please

consider using your banks’ bill pay option. Most banks offer this service at no charge to the customer. You will need to check with your personal bank to get their policy.One word of caution if you use this option - you will want payment to come out of your account no later than the 10th of the month. Even though most of us bank “locally”, the payments generally come from out of state such as California, North Carolina, Texas, etc. You will need to allow extra time for the payment to arrive through the mail. Unfortunately, if it comes in late, there will be a “late fee” already assessed. By having it sent BY the 10th, you should avoid it arriving after the due date. Contact the city clerk’s office to find out about building permit requirements. Building permits are not required for roofing and siding projects. If you have a building project, check with the city clerk’s office to see if a building permit is required and if there are any regulations you have to be sure to follow. Projects needing a permit that are started before a permit is issued may have the fees doubled. If you will be moving, contact the city clerk’s office before your final date. We need to know your forwarding address and when you will be moving. If you notice a street light not working properly, let the City or the utility company know. You may call Alliant Energy at 1-800-255-4268 or the city clerk’s office at 641-482-3338.Remember to move cars off the street when snow begins to fall. They must remain off the street until snow is removed from curb to curb and snow has stopped falling. Make plans now where to put your vehicle while the streets are being plowed. Vehicles not moved can, and will, be towed at owner's expense.

Where is my Property Line?Surveyors use electric theodolites to measure elevations, distances, and directions in order to establish property lines.• Typical construction projects that require setback information can include: decks, sheds, garages, and additions.• Common borders, most often delineated by where neighbors mow their lawns and/or maintain fences do not necessarily mark the actual property lines.• Do NOT assume that utility poles and sidewalk edges mark property lines.• Street curbs are almost never located at the property line.• Because many lots in Melbourne were platted many years ago, often time’s survey pins have inadvertently been removed by lot owners unaware of what they were.• Survey pins are typically buried about 1’ or more below grade and at the corners of lots.• Pins are typically a ½” – ¾” round iron pipe flush or slightly below the grade line. Newer pins will have a yellow or orange plastic cap with a surveyor’s license number on it. Some older pins could be metal posts, rebar, axle irons, pipes and other items.• The City does NOT have a specific survey of your lot.• If no pins are found, contact a registered land surveyor to locate your property lines and set new corner pins.

HEARING LOSS? CHOOSE SMOKE ALARMS WITH ADDED FEATURESOlder adults and other folks with a hearing loss may not be able to respond quickly to the sound of standard smoke alarms. Here are some things to consider if this situation applies to you or a loved one.

Test smoke alarms to make sure everyone in your home can hear them, even when they’re asleep. Some people may not be awakened by the sound of a smoke alarm.

You can buy notification appliances that are separate from the smoke alarms and produce complex, low-frequency audible signals upon activation to wake up family members or guests with mild to severe hearing loss.

If anyone in your household is deaf – or if your own hearing is diminished – consider installing a smoke alarm that uses a flashing light or vibration device to alert you to a fire emergency.

Smoke alarms with high-

intensity strobe lights – or alarms that can be used with accessory strobes –are other options. Also evaluate pillow or bed shakers that are activated by the sound of an alarm.

If possible, assign both a family member and a backup person to help awaken those with hearing loss during fire drills and emergencies.

All smoke alarms require regular testing and maintenance to ensure they’re working properly. Families and/or caregivers may need to assist older adults with these tasks.

For more information on fire safety, go to the website of the Electrical Safety Foundation International at www.esfi.org.

Is phantom energy haunting you?

There are real life vampires in your house. They are lurking in your computers, TVs, video game systems and other electronics that keep using energy even when they’re off. The best way to fight these vampires is to unplug anything

that isn’t being used, and for those things you can’t unplug, use a smart strip – a power strip that cuts off electricity flow when items are not in use. Smart power strips and surge protectors are NOT the same thing. Smart strips cost around $25 - $30 and cut off the flow of electricity to appliances

and electronics when they are not being used.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!Mousehole Days is over for another year and it was a fun-filled weekend as always. However, it is a lot of work for the few people who get everything planned and executed. We would love some more volunteers to help plan for next year; help come up with a theme, make calls, write letters for donations, do the behind-the-scenes work, set everything up that weekend, run the events, tear it all down at the end and clean up the park. A very small group of people have done this for the last few years and some will not be able to do as much next year. Thirty minutes of your time would make a huge difference that weekend if that is all you can give, but we need ongoing support all year.The Fire Department has reluctantly decided they will not be in charge of the parade next year. So we also need a group, or a very well organized person, to take on that challenge next year. The Fire Dept. will give you all of their contact information to get you started. Melbourne’s Mousehole Days Planning Committee will be making plans for Mousehole Days 2016. The events will take place August 5, 6, and 7. We have new events ideas and lots of old favorites. However, we will not be able to bring these events and activities to our great town without volunteer assistance from a lot more people. To help, contact city hall and we will pass your information on to the committee. They will contact you when they have their next meeting.We have greatly appreciated the support we have received every year and hope more of you can support us going ahead.

Mousehole Days will not happen without a lot of effort from all of us!!

For those WM High School students in town, remember any time you volunteer will count toward your Gold Cord at Graduation.

COME ONE, COME ALL!!

To contribute content to the newsletter or to be added to the distribution list please email to: citymelb@partnercom.net or contact city hall at

111 1st AvenuePO Box 37

Melbourne, IA641-482-3338

The deadline for submissions is by the Monday before end of each quarter. (mailed 1st of January, April, July and October)

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have a working smoke alarm that can sound fast for both a fire that has flames, and a smoky fire that has fumes without flames. It is called a “Dual Sensor Smoke Alarm.” A smoke alarm greatly reduces your chances of dying in a fire.

Prepare an escape plan and practice it often. Make sure everyone in your family knows at least two (2) escape routes

from their bedrooms.

Help the Fire Department Help YOU!When the snow falls, we would appreciate all the help we can get from our residents and property owners. While you are clearing snow from your sidewalk, please be mindful of any fire hydrants near or on your property. Do not pile snow on or around them as this hides the hydrant from street view. Fire personnel are always on the lookout for the nearest hydrant as they approach a fire scene, and if it is hidden behind a large snow pile or worse, totally buried, this can cause significant delays in attacking a fire quickly and effectively. Would you unofficially “adopt” the hydrant in front of your house? Make sure that emergency personnel can locate it quickly by keeping the snow cleared around it.Private snowplow operators are also asked to be mindful of hydrants on both public and private property when moving snow, as well as not piling it against the back doors of buildings. Snow thaws and refreezes, which can make emergency exits unusable for building occupants. It is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain their walkways, liability issues may arise if delays in attacking a fire, or being able to escape a fire, can be directly attributed to improper snow removal operations.

Important Utility Bill InformationUtility payments are due upon receipt and considered late after the 15th of the month. There is a drop slot in the front door of City Hall and payments are collected each day. Any payment dropped in the box after 4:00 p.m. is considered the next day’s business. If the 15th

falls on Saturday or Sunday, the box is emptied at 8:00 a.m. on the Monday following and any payments made after 4:00 p.m. are considered late. The 15th is not a postmark deadline and all payments received after the 15th are considered late. If you do not receive your bill, please do not hesitate to contact us at 482- 3338 to request a duplicate billing or to find out the amount due.WHEN YOU PLUG IN A GENERATOR, LINE WORKERS’ LIVES ARE ON THE LINE When a storm hits your area, your co-op’s linemen rush to your aid as soon as weather conditions allow them to travel and make repairs safely. On location, line crews always take the necessary safety precautions before they work on a damaged or downed power line.They start by verifying other crews are not working on the same circuit. Then they visually inspect to make sure the circuit has been opened and tagged to isolate it – and use a voltage detection device to ensure the circuit is de-energized. In addition, they place personal protective grounds on the circuit to make sure the line immediately will be de-energized should the circuit accidently be energized while work is in progress.But even after taking these measures, our workers’ lives remain in your hands. We’re proud of our outstanding safety record, but sometimes – no matter how many steps we take to keep everyone safe – the very people we’re there to help unknowingly put our lives (and theirs) in danger.Did you know that the portable generators you and your neighbors start up when the power is out could prove fatal to line workers and other members in your area when used improperly? A generator connected to a home’s wiring or plugged into a regular household outlet can cause backfeeding through the transformer on the pole and along a power line – and electrocute anyone who comes into contact with it, even if the line seems dead and is laying on the ground.Co-op employees aren’t the only ones in danger when a portable generator is used improperly. You may be at risk of electrocution, fire injury, property damage or carbon monoxide poisoning if you don’t follow the safety instructions that came with your unit.Follow these guidelines when using a portable generator.

Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless your home has been wired for generator use. Call a licensed electrician to connect the generator to your home’s circuits with a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding.

Use heavy-duty, grounded, outdoor-rated extension cords that are free of cuts or tears; all plugs should have three prongs. Ensure that your generator is properly grounded too.

Never overload the generator. A portable generator only should be used when necessary to power essential equipment or appliances. In fact, standard units are not intended for long-term use, so check with the unit’s manufacturer if this is your intent.

Turn off all equipment powered by the generator before shutting if down.

Keep the generator dry. Operate it on a dry surface under an open structure – never in your home, basement or garage.

Always keep a fully charged fire extinguisher near the generator, and never add fuel while it’s running.

Winter Weather RemindersThe Melbourne Public Works Department is asking for the public assistance during snow and ice events and offers the following tips for a safe winter season: Put safety first. Drive only if necessary. Find off-street parking for your vehicle until streets have been cleared. Do not follow too closely to plow equipment. Do not stop too closely behind a plow truck. If you cannot see the truck mirrors then the driver cannot see you. Do not let children build snow forts or tunnels next to the street. Stay informed of the weather forecast. Maintain a safe traveling speed and following distance. Allow extra time to reach your destination.

Carbon Monoxide ReminderIt is that time of year when Fire Departments receive a lot of calls from residents due to carbon monoxide.Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas produced by incomplete combustion. According to the National Fire Prevention Agency, in 2010, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 80,100 non-fire CO incidents in which carbon monoxide was found, or an average of nine calls per hour.CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes or standards.For the best protection, interconnect all CO alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.People who are more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide, infants, pregnant women, people with physical conditions which limit their body’s ability to use oxygen (i.e. people with emphysema, asthma, heart disease, and those with breathing disorders) absolutely need detectors.If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive. Please contact your Fire Department with questions.

Please be sure to review and renew your “No Texting While Driving” contract within your family. If you haven’t filled one out or discussed this topic with your family members, especially the younger drivers, please take the time to do so. You can find a great no texting contract at http://www.itcanwait.com/all. Click on the “Take the Pledge” button. Texting and driving is now the most dangerous issue on the road, it has surpassed drinking and driving. A lot of our younger

(as well as older) drivers are texting and taking their eyes off the road. For every text message you read, on average, your eyes are off the road for six seconds. Close your eyes and count to your-self … 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, 4 Mississippi, 5 Mississippi, 6 Mississippi … what could have happened to you in those six seconds behind the wheel? Have a safe October!Ordinances are required to establish the rules by which a city is governed, and to establish rules that protect the majority of its citizens from abuses by a minority of its citizens. Each month we will give a brief description of the key points of some of the ordinances. A copy of the code is available for public inspection at the City Hall and the Library.

Chapter 51JUNK AND JUNK VEHICLES

DEFINITIONS For use in this chapter, the following terms are defined:

1. “Junk” means all old or scrap copper, brass, lead, or any other non-ferrous metal; old or discarded rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, rubber, debris, waste or used lumber, or salvaged wood; dismantled vehicles, machinery and appliances or parts of such vehicles, machinery or appliances; iron, steel or other old or scrap ferrous materials; old or discarded glass, tinware, plastic, or old or discarded household goods or hardware. Neatly stacked firewood located on a side year or a rear yard is not considered junk.

2. “Junk vehicle means any vehicle legally placed in storage with the County Treasurer or unlicensed and which has any of the following characteristics:

A. Broken Glass. Any vehicle with a broken or cracked windshield, window, headlight or tail light, or any other cracked or broken glass.

B. Broken, Loose or Missing Part. Any vehicle with a broken, loose or missing fender, door, bumper hood, steering wheel or trunk lid.

C. Habitat for Nuisance Animals or Insects. Any vehicle which has become the habitat for rats, mice, or snakes, or any other vermin or insects.

D. Flammable Fuel. Any vehicle which contains gasoline or any other flammable fuel.E. Inoperable. Any motor vehicle which lacks an engine or two or more wheels, or other

structural parts, rendering said motor vehicle totally inoperable, or which cannot be moved under its own power or has not been used as an operating vehicle for a period of thirty (30) days or more.

F. Defective or Obsolete Condition. Any other vehicle which, because of its defective or obsolete condition, in any other way constitutes a threat to the public health and safety.

51.02 JUNK AND JUNK VEHICLES PROHIBITED. It is unlawful for any person to store, accumulate, or allow to remain on any private property within the corporate limits of the City any junk or junk vehicle.

51.03 JUNK AND JUNK VEHICLES A NUISANCE. It is hereby declared that any junk or junk vehicle located upon private property, unless excepted by Section 51.04, constitutes a threat to the health and safety of the citizens and is a nuisance within the meaning of Section 657.1 of the Code of Iowa. If any junk or junk vehicle is kept upon private property in violation hereof, the owner of or person occupying the property upon which it is located shall be prima facie liable for said violation.

51.04 EXCEPTIONS. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to any junk or junk vehicle stored within: 1. Structure. A garage or other enclosed structure; or

2. Salvage Yard. An auto salvage yard or junk yard lawfully operated within the City.

51.05 NOTICE TO ABATE Upon discovery of any junk or junk vehicle located upon private property in violation of Section 51.03, the City shall within five (5) days initiate abatement procedures as outlined in Chapter 50 of this Code of Ordinances.

BECOME A VOLUNTEERA city is dependent on every citizen having a voice in what happens in the community. Do you feel as if you have a voice in our community? Why do you feel that way? Or………why don’t you feel the need to have a voice?

In Melbourne, we have several opportunities for volunteerism. The obvious ones would, of course, be the Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Responders. However, you would be wrong to stop there. We have the Library Board, Park and Rec Board, the Mousehole Committee, Beautification Committee; you can volunteer to help with the Halloween Haunted House (or the Halloween Party, when possible), help at any Library activity and, probably, a few I am forgetting.

Although volunteers work without pay, they do it to receive something—no one does things for no reason. Some reasons that you might be willing to volunteer include:

You were asked. Most people respond when someone tells them they’re needed. You care deeply about the organization and its issues and/or social change. You are motivated by the group’s view of the world to try to improve the quality of life in their

community. You seek the external recognition and internal good feeling that may come with volunteering. You have untapped skills that you can use by volunteering. You actively enjoy the kind of work that volunteering entails: it’s fun for you. You enjoy the social situation, and value the contacts with other volunteers, participants and

staff. It makes you feel needed and useful.

All of these boards and committees need volunteers. If you are interested in helping in any small or large way, please contact City Hall or someone on the committees and we can start a list of those interested. We think community involvement is really important to help us make the town more enjoyable for everyone. A commitment of one hour now and then or several hours a month is up to you. That would be your choice!

Organizational skills, good communication, good ideas…….these and other skills are a big boon to any activity.

If you have children, you can bring them along to most of these meetings. Sometimes they have great ideas, too!

Volunteering can be a tremendously rewarding experience, both for the individual who offers her time and for the town and/or the group to which she gives it.

We have had a lot of positive comments about the activities. We had a lot of fun with the North Pole Photo Booth here at City Hall! The kids sure seemed to enjoy themselves!

We did see that the hayride was packed to the hilt when we had time to look out to see it. Santa was a big hit at the Fire Station and Mrs. Claus was at the library

reading to the kids while their parents were enjoying a bowl of soup.

MidWestOne Bank had something going on all day and Susanne’s Salon was the Polar Express Stop.

DRAWING WINNERS

Fire StationGirl – Makinly MaasBoy – Noah CarmichealOil Change – Teri Carmicheal

City HallGirl – Cloe MinserBoy – Miles McGrewOil Change – Sandy Kielman

Library3 $10 Movie Passes

1. Tia Brown2. Stone Gibbs3. Justin Halter

HOLIDAY BAZAAR RAFFLE WINNERS

DONOR ITEMWINNER

Melbourne Beautification Committee 4 Hot Choc. On a Stick Denise JuelColo Crafters Table Mat + gift card holder Rose FrickeGood Creations by Judy 2 sets of Greeting Cards Rose FrickeEden Hills Farms candle and earrings Bob MonroePampered Chef + Pink Zebra Bowl Set + flavor sprinkles Doug MansagerBeth Tuttle 2 sets of oven mitt +towel Sandy Kielman

Denise HalmThe Kielman’s plate of assorted cookies Mary PothastCreations by Joey vase Boo MansagerThrive shaker bottle + samples Stacy KielmanTupperware Tupperware gift set Connie WeuveJulie’s Jams & Jellies 3 jars of jam Beth TuttleHandicrafts by Eileene Santa in crocheted suit Emma KielmanWord Up-Cycling folded book w/baby footprint Annette LanningFor Your Skin-Perfectly Posh $25 gift certificate Denise Halm31 Bags Makeup Bag Sue O’DonnellDesigns by Barb Tiger Eye necklace Sandy Halter

Did you make it to the Crafts & Small Business Bazaar this year? We had 16 vendors this year who all donated something for our raffle. We had drawings throughout the entire day. There was a great lunch by the Beautification Committee of potato soup or chili with salad, garlic bread and pumpkin bars

with a drink.

There were some amazing new items for sale such as Hot Chocolate on a Stick, folded books, holiday attire, jams and jellies, and artwork. Also, For Your Skin--Perfectly Posh and homemade candy and bread.

We had some Hot Chocolate on a Stick left over and took them to the bank. 40 of them were sold in the first 5 minutes!!

Post 161 American Legion

In the past quarter the post has lost two of its members. Paul Ficken, a World War II veteran, who did a lot of volunteer work not only for the residents of Melbourne but also for the residents of the county, passed away in September. The post and the Marshall County Combined Honor Guard helped with his funeral.

Bill Monroe, the present Commander and past Post Adjutant passed away in November. He joined the Army Reserve right after high school and continued serving for 28 years. Bill was highly involved with the American Legion and VFW Honor Guard. He not only went to funerals with the honor guard, but spent time finding uniform needs for this group.

Bill also did volunteer work helping the residents of our town mowing lawns, clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks and roto-tilling gardens. He was a volunteer fireman in Melbourne and had just started his 51st year.

Bill was also helping the Marshalltown Combined Honor Guard. This year alone Bill helped with approximately seventy (70) funerals. In the past three years, Bill had helped with over 120 funerals. He will be missed by not only Post 161 but also by the Marshalltown Combined Honor Guard.

John White will continue to help the Combined Honor Guard. The Post elected Matt White to the position of Post Commander for the year 2016.

What is Daylight Savings Time?A day when people of various countries and states across the world set their clocks one hour a head of the standard time. The practice was first introduced in Europe during the First World War. The idea was to take advantage of the longest summer days by gaining an extra hour of daylight and shortening the days in winter. It was not a new concept, back in 1784 American inventor and politician Benjamin Franklin suggested that starting the day earlier in summer will save a considerable number of candles. In the United States DST starts on the second Sunday of March at 01:00 AM by

setting clocks ahead to 02:00 AM.

We had a pretty busy fall at the Fire Department. We hold our business and training the 1st Wednesday of the month.

On Friday, December 4th the Department hosted Santa at the Fire Station during the Home for Christmas celebration and provided goodie bags for the kids that came to see Santa. We would like to thank everyone that stopped by to see Santa.

A big thanks to everyone that came out this year and supported the fire department during our fundraisers. We have great support from the community and really appreciate it.

We are currently working on an Aid to Firefighters grant for a new 2000 gallon tanker\tender. We will know later in 2016 if we get it and will let everyone know how we do. We have received a couple of small grants this year and they will be used to update some needed equipment.

We are continuing to take donations of cans and bottles for the fireworks for the Fourth of July and Mousehole Days celebrations.

The fire department would like to remind everyone to keep the area around their fire hydrants clear. If you are not able to clean around your hydrant please leave a message at the fire station. The phone number is 482-2070. Someone will then clear it for you.

We continue to look for new members, if you are interested please contact a member of the fire department or leave a message at the station.

We’ve had a great year and would like to THANK everyone for their very generous support this year.

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

THE MELBOURNE FIRE DEPARTMENT

Hello from the Melbourne Public Library!

Thanks to a wonderful community for making special events so successful! We heard your feedback at the Planning for Results event and are working on a long-range plan to fill your needs. Your generous donations at the soup supper reached over $270, which will help improve your library!

We are expanding our Story Time program for your convenience. While our usual time at 10:30 AM on Fridays will continue, we will try different times and days for a secondary Story Time, often in the evening for working parents. Any changes to the program will be posted. Parents & daycares are invited to bring preschoolers aged 1 – 4 years for stories and various crafts.

During West Marshall’s teacher in-service Wednesdays, we have a movie day at the library. Starting at 1:30 PM, kids of all ages are welcome to watch and enjoy a bag of fresh popcorn! Extra movie days are occasionally announced online and in the library.

Melbourne’s Book Club is growing at the Melbourne Public Library. Join us for friendly conversation and complimentary treats provided by members. All booklovers are welcome! The monthly book is posted ahead of time. If unavailable, Melbourne Public Library will loan a copy of the book from another library for a freewill donation of at least $2 upon request.

Your library is beginning a series called “Make.” Each event will be titled by age group (for example, “Adults Make…” or “Teens Make…”) and we will post what the project is for that event in the library and online.

Like Melbourne Public Library on Facebook for news and updates on upcoming events! To use online resources, check our calendar of events, browse the catalog, and renew or reserve items, please visit melbourne.lib.ia.us.

Questions? Email sara.mechtel@melbourne.lib.ia.us or call 641-482-3115. Open Sunday-Friday 3 – 7 PM and Friday 10 AM – 12 PM.

NFPA 58/ Appendix 1Propane Tank Distance Regulations

Propane is a highly flammable gas and although propane itself is the cause of very few accidents (most propane-related accidents are caused by sparks, lack of ventilation or inadequate fittings) federal, state and local regulations exist to minimize accidents risks.A way of avoiding the hassle of having to design your propane tank setup taking into account propane tank distance requirements is including it in the quotes you request from different propane companies when deciding from which company you want to rent or buy a propane tank. Propane dealers are familiar with building codes and can easily identify the safest and most convenient location for your propane tank.Regardless, it is useful to know that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has imposed propane tank distance requirements on propane users. Therefore, you cannot install your propane tank just anywhere on your property. Aside from the need for your tank to be accessible by road to enable propane companies to deliver propane, it also has to be a certain distance from other structures and buildings on your property.According to NFPA 58 Appendix l, propane tanks are legally required to be certain distances from air conditioning compressors, window air conditioners, fans, direct vent appliances, windows, buildings and adjoining properties. Distances vary according to tank size (the larger the tank, the further it has to be) and whether your tank is aboveground or underground (underground tanks pose less of a safety risk so regulatory distances are shorter).Generally, the majority of tanks fall under a ten foot rule with regard to buildings and houses. The standards and rules differ when locations such as playgrounds, parking lots, railroad tracks or other flammable materials are taken into consideration. Propane companies and professionals will ensure propane tank distance requirements are adhered to when installing a propane tank in any location.The point of transfer is defined as “the location where connections and disconnections are made or where LP-Gas is vented to the atmosphere in the course of transfer operations”. The transfer of propane during the filling process results in residual liquid release between the tank fill valve and the hose end connection upon completion of transfer. When the hose is unhooked from the tank, liquid is released into the atmosphere. For this reason, the point of transfer is subject to distance requirements.Safety relief valves are subject to distance rules for the simple fact that if the relief valve opens allowing propane to vent, the vicinity above and around the relief valve needs to be clear of obstructions and ignition sources. A safety relief valve on an ASME propane tank, if fully activated, will vent propane vertically up and for this reason, propane tanks have to be installed out from under an awning or part of a building overhang.The following page shows the common residential container distances required by the NFPA.

MELBOURNE CITY NEWSLETTERMelbourne City Hall111 1St StreetMelbourne, Iowa 50162

PRSRT STDECRWSSUS POSTAGEPAIDMELBOURNE, IAPERMIT #2

MELBOURNE CITY NEWS _______January 1, 2016___

INSIDE:

CITY HALL MAYOR PUBLIC WORKSPHONE 482-3338 John White Gary FrickeFAX 482-9948 Jim Pfantz

Andrew Nichols

CITY CLERK DEPUTY CITY CLERK CHIEF OF POLICEMary Pothast Deb Mercer Lucas Hauser

Call 911 for an Emergency

FIRE CHIEF FIRE STATION NON-EMERG. NUMBERBob Monroe Non-Emerg. - 482-2070 (Police)

(not manned at all times) 754-5725

Call 911 for an Emergency

2016 COUNCIL MEMBERS

Mike Fuller, Brian Juel, Vickie Stahl, Carrie White, Angie Bunting

www.melbourneiowa.com

Great Sites to Check Out News from Fire Dept. Proper Generator Use Carbon Monoxide ReminderJoin 50+ Club Junk & Junk Vehicle OrdinanceBe A Volunteer Library Updates

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