City of Keokuk

The City Council meeting included several agenda items approved via consent, such as the release of plans and specifications for demolition and soil removal at the former Elkem Site (Resolutions No. 46-2026 and 47-2026), setting a public hearing for the Airport Taxiway A & D Lighting Project (Resolution No. 48-2026), and approving several liquor and cigarette/tobacco licenses. A public hearing was held regarding a Development Agreement with Main Street Keokuk, Inc., which the Council subsequently approved. The Council also approved the second reading and final adoption of an ordinance rezoning property to Heavy Industrial District, approved a resolution terminating the hiring freeze, set the 2026 Aquatic Center Rates, and accepted demolition bids for properties at 1016 High Street and 1118 Blondeau Street. Staff reports covered updates on the Brownfield project, the upcoming tax levy meeting, bond fund allocation, and efforts to eliminate lead water lines.

The City Council agenda for March 5, 2026, included several items presented for action. The Consent Agenda covered approval of previous minutes (from February 19, 2026, and February 20, 2026), eligibility lists for Fire Department promotions, and several resolutions related to public bidding for site demolition and contaminated soil removal at the former Elkem Site (Plat 1 and Auditor's Parcel D), setting a public hearing for the Keokuk Municipal Airport Taxiway A & D Lighting Project, and approving multiple liquor licenses for local establishments (L. Treyns, Home Town Wine & Spirit, and Site Food Mart), as well as a Cigarette/Tobacco License for Site Food Mart, and payment of bills and transfers listed in Register No.'s 5527-5528. Key discussion items included a public hearing regarding a proposed Development Agreement with Main Street Keokuk, Inc., consideration of an ordinance for rezoning property to Heavy Industrial District status, resolution to terminate the hiring freeze, setting of 2026 Aquatic Center rates, and accepting demolition bids for properties at 1016 High Street and 1118 Blondeau Street.

The meeting agenda covered several financial and planning matters, beginning with updates on the local healthcare situation, specifically the construction planning for a rural emergency hospital and the receipt of a $125,000 recruitment grant. Key discussions involved approving the consent agenda, which included minutes from previous meetings and cash receipts for January 2026. The council held public hearings and acted upon authorizing $500,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes (GCP1) for essential corporate purposes, such as police/fire equipment and housing demolition, and subsequently authorized proceedings for up to $525,000 in related notes (GCP2). Another public hearing addressed the disposal of city-owned real estate at 116 North 7th Street to the Keokuk Neighborhood Initiative for developing tiny homes for veterans, contingent upon a development agreement. Finally, the council approved the initial reading of an ordinance conditionally rezoning property from residential and commercial districts to M2 Heavy Industrial District.

The Mayor provided an update on Insight's construction plans and a grant received for Rural Emergency Hospital development. The agenda included setting public hearings for a proposed Property Tax Levy and a Development Agreement with Main Street Keokuk, Inc., as well as approving a liquor license for Hampton Inn Keokuk. Multiple public hearings were held and subsequently closed concerning the authorization and issuance of General Obligation Capital Loan Notes totaling $500,000 (ECP-1) and $525,000 (GCP-2). The Council also authorized the disposal of city-owned real estate at 116 N. 7th Street, approved the initial reading of an ordinance to rezone property to Heavy Industrial District, and authorized the purchase of five gas detection monitors for the Water Resource Recovery Facility. Resolutions were passed to approve rate changes for Oakland Cemetery services and to allow the Mayor to enter an agreement with Ahlers & Cooney for legal services. The Historic Preservation Commission's annual report was accepted, and staff reported on Planning Commission activities and roof issues at the animal shelter/sewer building, noting the need to consult insurance regarding the original contractor's work.

The meeting focused on reviewing the proposed budget, noting minimal changes despite inflation, particularly for the wastewater plant which is operating at minimum staffing. Two line items were adjusted: one for sludge hauling contract percentage increase and another for increased diesel fuel costs for the generator, which is used under an interruptible service agreement with Alliant to save on electricity. Discussions heavily involved capital projects funded through specific accounts (Fund 610 and Fund 611), which originated from a 2023 bond issue for a belt press that is no longer needed due to the closure of the ADM plant. Key capital expenditures discussed included the purchase of a used end loader, installation of gas detection systems in buildings (estimated at $15,000), a primary digester rehab project, and the replacement of circulating pumps. A significant portion of the discussion centered on spending down the remaining balance in Fund 611 (approximately $1 million) on sewer-related projects to avoid negative arbitrage issues. This included a transfer of about $300,000 to cover the sewer infrastructure portion of the Belair street project. Another fund, Fund 613 (derived from an EPA settlement with DNR enforcement), contains $185,000 that needs to be spent on pre-treatment improvements. Projects identified for this fund included replacing circulation pumps and a proposed $75,000 expenditure for a clarifier turntable, though the speaker noted the benefit of standardization with existing equipment. The meeting also covered the ongoing First Flush Study related to the mandatory separation of combined sewer flows by 2029/2030 as per the consent order, noting the complexity of the remaining overflow issue at Third and De Moine.