OTTUMWA — Volunteers who helped raise money to put a fence at the dog park in Ottumwa will see results soon.

The Ottumwa City Council approved the lowest bid for the project at their meeting Tuesday. The project will be completed by Pierce Fence Co. for $8,985.65.

Gene Rathje, the city’s parks director, hopes to have the project going and completed before RAGBRAI comes through Ottumwa.

All of the funds for the project were raised by Bark Park volunteers, Rathje said.

The council held a public hearing to accept comments from citizens on spending plans for the 2009 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program from the Bureau of Justice Assistance. There was no public comment.

The grant, totaling $40,799, is split between the Ottumwa Police Department and the Wapello County Sheriff’s Department.

The sheriff’s department will get 15 percent of the funds and will spend the money on 15 handguns and accessories.

The Ottumwa Police Department will use the rest of the funds for a computer system, and a K-9 program, which includes dog purchase, dog and handler training, among other expenses.

The K-9 program will be able to be sustained for two years with the grant money, said Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark. Though, he thinks the K-9 program will continue well after the two years.

The council voted to approve the proposed spending plan for the JAG program funds.

Also at Tuesdays meeting:

• A public hearing was set for July 7, 2009, to discuss Habitat for Humanity’s intent to purchase a vacant lot and build a house at 261 S. Davis St. in Ottumwa.

• Ottumwa Economic Development Corporation Director Roger Jones updated the council with OEDC happenings. He talked about different possibilities to bring in jobs to the area, including the possibility of an airplane manufacturer which could bring in 300 jobs.

• Approved an administrative services agreement between the city and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield for the city’s group health insurance. The total fees increased by 6 percent, mainly due to individual stop loss reinsurance premiums, said Human Resources Manager Janet Richards.

Pat Shaver can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at p.shaver@ottumwacourier.com.