Bill Andrews

The City Council agenda for February 3, 2026, includes several key action items. Under New Business, discussions and potential approvals cover the Lions Club Car Show and associated street closures for September 11, 2026; Change Order #1 for Prairie Lakes Phase V, which involves a schedule change without cost impact; approval for Federal Construction Engineering Inspection Services for the multi-use trail portion of the Seneca Roadway project; an ordinance regarding de-annexation; and authorization of bank signers. The agenda also includes discussions regarding a brush pile and a Special Use Permit for 201 S. Cedar. The Administration Agenda lists approval of the minutes from the January 20, 2026, regular City Council Meeting. The Consent Agenda includes an Appropriation Ordinance for February 3, 2026, Planning and Zoning Board Minutes from January 27, 2026, and the Delinquent Account Report from November 2025. The Council will also recognize the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Following the approval of the previous meeting's minutes, the council held a session to recognize outgoing councilmembers Robert Wilson and Dale Kerstetter for their years of service, including brief parting words and the presentation of plaques. Two new councilmembers, Jeanne Daniels and Eric Scriven, were sworn in. Key new business included the approval of proposed 2026 water and sewer rates, featuring a 7.0% increase for water tiers and a 2.5% increase for sewer rates, aimed at improving water reserves ahead of the 2027 water treatment plant operational date. The council also approved a 'Food for Fines' program for the Municipal Court, allowing food donations for fine credits, continuing a program in honor of the late Court Clerk Stacy Shay. The consent agenda items, including appropriation ordinances and financial reports for November 2025, were approved. Staff reports covered permit issuance statistics, City Hall roof replacement, an ongoing violation regarding chickens in Interurban, and updates on Seneca Street progress and employee benefit financial projections.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included an amendment regarding Resolution 807-26 concerning the authorization for the purchase of lots from the Turillo family trust. The council approved the minutes from the January 6, 2026 regular council meeting. A major segment involved the promotion of Nick Manning from Fire Captain to Fire Chief, highlighting his commitment to the community. New business included approving several quick claim deeds for property rightaways along West 2nd Street to various homeowners, and further authorization for the purchase of land on West Main Street under Resolution 807-26. Staff reports covered the status of new homes built in 2025, the forthcoming transition to a new permanent website, updates on the pallet company compliance, the completion status of the roofing repairs following a hail storm, and progress on the Rioella development and Cynica gas line investigation. The construction of the water treatment plant was noted as progressing vertically.

The meeting focused on several administrative and new business items. Key discussions involved the approval of the agenda and previous meeting minutes. New business included the approval of an application for the Commercial Housing Incentive Program (CHIP-2025-02) for 16 new duplex units, the approval of an agreement with Baker Tilly for financial consulting services not to exceed $25,000.00 to address outdated financial models and bond payment concerns, and the approval of Resolution 805-25 for the annual G.A.A.P. Waiver. The Council also discussed employee wage competitiveness. A brief executive session was held to discuss a non-elected personnel matter, after which a committee was appointed to negotiate the City Administrator position. The consent agenda, including appropriation ordinances, Cereal Malt Beverage license approvals, and various departmental reports (Community Development, City Clerk/HR, Senior Center), was approved.

The meeting commenced with an amendment to the agenda to include the introduction of the new Utility Billing Specialist, Alicia Lambert. Key discussions included a Water Treatment Plant update indicating the project is on schedule with upcoming milestones through 2027. New Business involved several contract approvals and change orders related to public works projects: awarding the bid and approving the contract for Trails End Phase I Improvements, approving a supplemental agreement and a change order for the Seneca Street Multi-use Path, approving an agreement for 2nd Street Boundary Modifications, accepting public dedications for the Vale Pointe Plat, and approving resolutions for drainage, paving, sewer, and water improvements for Vale Pointe Development. The Council also approved a Professional Design Agreement with SEH for Vale Pointe and a change order for Harvest Place Improvements. Additionally, the Council read ordinances for the Uniform Public Offense Code (UPOC), the Standard Traffic Ordinance (STO), and permanent outdoor water restrictions. Updates to the Public Works Organizational Flow Chart were approved, as was a contract with Caselle for hosted software. The 2026 salary ranges were approved, and new bank signers were designated following the City Administrator's resignation. The CHIP-2025-1 application for a new duplex was approved. An executive session was held to discuss non-elected personnel matters, which resulted in the appointment of a City Administrator search committee and authorization to hire an interim City Administrator. The Consent Agenda, including appropriation ordinances and various requests, was approved.