City of Pocahontas

Key discussions included the feasibility of holding closed meetings following regular council sessions, the timing of such discussions, and internal efforts among council members to share knowledge regarding applicable rules and legal guidelines to reduce reliance on external legal counsel. Other topics covered establishing policies for using nicknames on official documents, standardizing contact information on the website, communication protocols (texting), and creating new policies regarding Facebook use, department supervisor reports, and a potential adjustment to the role of the mayor pro-tem. The council concluded by agreeing to moderate their rhetoric to focus on residents' interests and mutual respect. It was also concluded that the council and mayor would self-report a process error to the Iowa Public Information Board and request more intensive future training.

The council meeting involved discussions on various topics, including claims paid and to be paid, the vacation and sale of city property, a potential new bin and dryer project, the annual urban renewal report, internet service provider changes, a deposit for the Homes for Iowa program, building permits, a salary increase for the municipal clerk, and pay requests for the CDBG Housing Program. Updates were also provided on street sweeping, library activities, park improvements, fire department and ambulance board members, and the housing committee's activities. A Community Visioning Grant was awarded, and the city will be working with Trees Forever on the visioning process.

Key discussions during the meeting included the review and tabling of Resolution RES 01-2026 regarding conduct, and the tabling of Resolution RES 02-2026 concerning the City Clerk paying bills. The Fire Chief presented plans for either building a new Fire House or an attachment to address current spacing issues, noting the new Fire Truck is expected around September 2026. The council reviewed the library's yearly budget request, which included a proposal for staff raises and an increased budget to cover costs for books and projects. A proposal for business expansion involving approximately 6.5 acres west of a current property was tabled for later discussion regarding pricing options. Several resolutions (RES 06-2026 regarding recording Council meetings and RES 07-2026 Council Calendar) were tabled. Appointments were approved for Kyle Smith to the Planning and Zoning board, and for two members to the Revolving Loan Fund Committee. Council appointments for City Administrator and City Treasurer were tabled pending revised verbiage. Council reports noted a visit to the Firehouse to observe space limitations and a discussion about making a decision on the west shelter house. The council also addressed the need to update the city website and add a citizens complaint form.

The special meeting agenda was amended to include an update from Hudson's crew regarding the splashpad. Key discussions under Old Business included reviewing the verbiage added to RES 01-2026, noting that streaming policy updates (RES 06-2026) required no resolution, and approving a $1.00 wage increase for part-time library staff, implemented immediately. New Business involved updates from Hudson's Crew concerning splashpad rules, hours of operation, and signage, with a final decision pending March 2nd. Economic Development updates covered successful Community Café Cards, Discover Poco, Jump Start news, a Podcast grant, and Leadership classes. Support for the Chamber of Commerce events was discussed, and Stephanie Webbink presented the city's 2025 dividend check. Discussions occurred regarding updating hiring for part-time positions. Tax abatements for two entities were approved, while one was tabled for further research. The purchase of three mailboxes for Prairie Estates Phase 2 residents was approved. Funding for CDL classes for K. Rice was approved. Consideration for an upgraded copier attachment was deferred to the 2026-2027 budget process. Approval was granted for RES 10-2026 regarding the Complaint Form Policy. A resolution concerning Cemetery Management & Maintenance (RES 10-2026) was tabled for amendment until the next meeting.

The meeting addressed old business, including reviewing and tabling the verbiage correction for RES 01-2026, tabling the table options for the Adam Schoon land purchase, and approving an appointment to the Board of Adjustments. Key actions in new business involved approving the use of a credit card for a board member's special purchases, approving generator training for the electric department, approving a tax abatement for two individuals, discussing the creation of a hard copy complaint form for the website, and approving a one-year agreement with the record Democrat for weather section sponsorship. The council also approved moving a previously scheduled meeting from February 16th to February 17th.