City of Baxter

The meeting agenda included approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered minutes from February 9th and February 23rd, and financials. Reports from the City Administrator/Clerk and Jasper County Sheriff were presented. Key discussions involved a presentation and update on the Baxter Community Visioning initiative, a presentation on the BEDCO Community Collaboration Initiative with potential for joint planning, and a summary of bids for the SW Avenue Phase 2 Reconstruction Project, with action deferred. The Council received an informational status report on the Code of Ordinances update. Other actions included consideration of an insurance claim settlement regarding employee theft, formal adoption of the City of Baxter Contingency Plan, discussion on League of Cities governance training, review of the Verizon/Vertical Bridge Cell Tower Lease revenue, and setting a public hearing date for the FY2027 Budget Adoption. The Mayor was scheduled to announce appointments, and the Council was set to review the FY2027 Budget Workshop #4.

The agenda for the meeting included a call to order by the Mayor, approval of the agenda, and a roll call. Key discussion points involved a presentation and recommendations concerning an Independent Investigation Report. The agenda also allocated time for public comments regarding City policies or services, subject to time limits and decorum rules.

The meeting's primary focus was the presentation of findings and recommendations by the independent investigator regarding an investigation. The investigator concluded there was no clear evidence of harassment under applicable law. Recommendations centered on implementing mandatory training for elected officials and staff on Iowa Code, City Code, and governance, clarifying ordinances, and establishing policies requiring scheduled appointments between elected officials and staff, ensuring at least three individuals are present during such meetings. The Council passed a motion to enforce these protocols regarding staff meetings and to schedule further discussion regarding mandatory training with the League of Cities.

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal matters. Key discussions involved construction alternates and additional considerations for the Rippey Intersection and Chichaqua Valley Trail Improvements Project, with a decision to bid options 1 and 2 with an additional paving alternate. The council set a bid letting date and a public hearing for the SW Avenue Phase 2 Reconstruction Project. Formal actions included the approval of final ordinance amendments, adoption of an updated Employee Handbook, approval of the Contingency Plan safe access procedures, and authorization to submit grant applications for recreational trail construction (LWCF) and ambulance cot purchase (Prairie Meadows). The council also approved the Baxter Spring Cleanup Day, established a new E-911 address for a Dollar General development, and authorized the City Administrator/Clerk to attend the 2026 IMMI Conference. A special council meeting was set for February 23rd for a presentation by an independent investigator, and a preliminary budget review for FY2027 was discussed.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which required amending an item regarding an ordinance amendment and clarifying another item concerning hiring versus appointing. The council approved the consent agenda, which included financials but explicitly excluded minutes from a prior meeting. Key discussions included the City Administrator's update regarding his departure, review and approval of the claims listing totaling $78,352.67 across various funds, and directing the City Engineer on plans for the Rippey Intersection and Chichaqua Valley Trail Improvements project, specifically concerning the extension of curb and gutter. The council tabled consideration of a water rate increase resolution, which requires an ordinance amendment rather than a resolution. A budget workshop for FY2027 was held without formal action. The council voted to hire Jill Braye as the new City Administrator/Clerk effective January 30, 2026, and appointed Josi Miller as Deputy City Clerk effective February 9, 2026. Public comment included a recommendation for recording all City staff, Mayor, and Council conversations.