Andrew Lent

The meeting included the election of officers for 2026, resulting in Dan Dove being elected Chairperson and Steve Chase elected Vice Chairperson. A public hearing was held regarding a rezoning request for 15 acres to M-1 zoning, which was recommended for approval subject to deficiencies. The Commission also considered and recommended for approval, subject to deficiencies, a site plan for a two-story addition to the Lutheran Church of the Cross and a preliminary plat for Prairie Crossing Plat 10. Finally, the Commission considered and recommended for approval drafted language for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to align with State of Iowa legislation.

The council conducted public hearings and passed resolutions regarding the Water System Improvements 2024 (Well #5 and NE 80th Street WTM Project) and the 34th Avenue NW Sanitary Sewer Lift Station Project, including awarding contracts for both. Additionally, the council approved a site plan for the Summit Products Phase III expansion. The consent agenda covered a variety of administrative and operational items, including the approval of bills and pay applications, setting public hearings for future infrastructure projects, authorizing property right grants, approving a re-addressing, establishing various sports facility lease agreements, and reviewing liquor permit applications.

Key discussions and actions included the presentation of Life Saving Awards to an officer and a deputy. A public hearing was held regarding an amendment to Chapter 167, Zoning Code, to provide standards for Accessory Dwelling Units, mandated by Iowa Senate File 592. The council passed an ordinance on its first, second, and third readings related to modifying Zoning Code District Regulations. Another public hearing addressed the FY2026 Budget Amendment, noting a planned decrease in the ending fund balance but allocating up to $5 million for infrastructure improvements in the Altoona North Industrial Area. A resolution was adopted for the amended FY2026 budget. A public hearing also took place concerning the rezoning of 15 acres from A-1 (Agricultural District) to conditional M-1 (Limited Industrial) for a planned data center. Further actions included approving the granting of City property rights, approving various payment applications and change orders for projects such as Fire Station No. 26 and the Townsend Park Watershed Improvements, and authorizing a loan agreement and the issuance of General Obligation Urban Renewal Refunding Bonds. The council also set public hearings for a new sanitary sewer lift station project and the Maximum Property Tax Levy.

The meeting included a presentation and update on the Comprehensive Plan, specifically the 1st Ave plan. Key updates involved voting Alex to continue as Chair and Bev as Vice Chair, confirming Gary Hoard as the next artist for the rotating display, and reviewing renders for the Olde Town Entry Way, where the committee requested simplification and more color. The Arts Festival was postponed until next year. The committee discussed applying for the Prairie Meadows grant and Polk County Grant, pending consultation with City Leadership. Discussions also covered moving the Corn Sculptures to the Outlets for a fall festival. Policy reviews resulted in the approval of the Chairperson Implementation Policy and the Contractor Hiring Policy, while the Financial Policy was brought up for approval.

The meeting addressed the review and approval of the January 6th, 2026 meeting minutes. The primary agenda item involved a public hearing concerning a request for a 15' 10" rear yard setback variance for the property at 252 Cottonwood Drive SW to cover an existing deck. After discussion regarding the extent of the encroachment, potential precedent, and neighborhood support, the variance request was approved. Additionally, the Board formally expressed appreciation for the work done by Claire Habel, who will be unavailable for the next meeting.