City of Charles City

The session included a budget review for Capital Project Funds, covering specific projects such as the Charley Western Trail Bridge, Charley Western Bike Trail Extension, IPC Sponsored Project, Arboretum, Main St Bridge, N. Grand RR, Iowa/Lane RR, Brackett St RR, CH/PD Renovation, and the American Rescue Fund. There was also a review of the Levy Sheet and the Overall Budget for FY27, followed by a City Administrator Report and reports from Boards, Commissions, or Committees.

The Council approved the agenda and the consent calendar, which included the approval of a Class B Retail Alcohol License for DOLGENCORP LLC dba Dollar General #2414 and the payment of numerous claims totaling $384,782.31. Key appointments included Mike Lidd to the Civil Service Commission and the reappointment of Roy Schwickerath and Jeff Titus to the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Council reviewed proposals for engineering services and reached a consensus to invite three firms (CESI, JEO, and ISG) to a future planning session for further presentation. Resolution No. 14-26, approving a contract for legal services with Lynch Dallas Legal for the Civil Service Commission due to a conflict of interest, was adopted. Amendments to Chapter 159 regarding rental property regulations, including registration deadlines, inspection procedures, and a five-year inspection cycle, were approved on the second reading via Ordinance No. 1197. A Business Associate Agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. concerning HIPAA compliance for employee insurance programs was also approved. The City Administrator provided an update on the conveyance of the Union Place property and reported on a request from St. Charles Township to renegotiate the 28E Agreement for fire and emergency services. A report from the Foster Grandparents Advisory Board mentioned recruitment efforts and an upcoming fundraiser.

The budget work session included extensive review of various departmental budgets. Discussions covered the Charles City Transit system, including the need for an additional driver and recommendations for reducing Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) revenue projections, leading to a directed increase in the transit levy. Solid Waste and Stormwater fund budgets were reviewed, addressing user fees, contract services (including brush grinding, intake repairs, and a utility rate study), and budgeting for manhole repairs. The committee reviewed TIF districts (Riverside, Southwest Bypass, South Grand, East Park, and Park Avenue), focusing on Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) set-aside requirements. Consideration was given to amending the funding resolution for The Depot grant restrooms, potentially splitting funding across FY26 and FY27. Budgeting for nuisance abatements for FY26 and FY27 was discussed, noting current capacity limitations. The full Debt Service Fund was reviewed, including amortization schedules and levy amounts. The Council also reviewed Version 1 of the levy sheet, General Fund re-estimated revenues and expenditures for FY26, and projections for FY27, with a request for further capital expenditure detail for the next session.

The session included Mayor's Comments and a discussion on Transit Developments. Key agenda items involved a discussion regarding requested changes to the timing and structure of the City's financial commitment related to the Train Depot Restroom Partnership. Other topics included the review of a Sales Stand Permit Application for 101 N. Main Street (The Fiddle Leaf) and an overview of the FY27 Maximum Levy and Budget.

Key agenda items for this meeting include citizen/public comments, approval of the main agenda, and approval of minutes from previous meetings held across late January and early February. The consent calendar covers the autorenewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License for Fareway Stores, Inc. #501, and the approval of January 2026 financials for the City of Charles City and the CC Public Employees Health Plan, along with the payment of claims. Business of the Mayor includes multiple re-appointments to the Planning & Zoning Commission, Housing & Redevelopment Authority Board of Commissioners, and the Board of Adjustment. The council will address an annual report from the Historic Preservation Commission and consider a parade permit and street closure request for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Major actions under Ordinances, Resolutions, and Motions involve considering the third reading and subsequent adoption of Ordinance No. 1197, which amends rental property registration, inspection, and renewal requirements. Several resolutions concern capital purchases, including a 2025 Ford F-150 for Police, a 2026 Dodge Ram 3500 for the Street Department, a seven-year lease for CO2 storage equipment for the Water Treatment Plant, a new boiler system for the Water Treatment Plant, a professional services agreement with SEH for Well 9 planning, an urban revitalization tax exemption application for 419 Meadow Lane, payment request #12 for the City Hall/Police Department renovation, and preliminary plans for railroad crossing improvements on Brackett Street and North Grand Avenue, and intersection improvements on Iowa-Lane Streets. Additionally, Resolution No. 25-26 directs the Planning and Zoning Commission to review UDO requirements regarding liquor and tobacco sales, and Resolution No. 26-26 addresses a professional services agreement for municipal engineering services.