Carl Muhlhausen

The Maquoketa City Council convened for a special session, during which they approved the agenda and moved into a closed session to discuss strategy with legal counsel regarding a matter presently in litigation. Following the closed session, the council resumed the open session and took action consistent with the advice of the City Attorney.

The Maquoketa City Council convened to discuss several resolutions, including an exclusive real estate commercial broker listing agreement for the Highway 61 Industrial Park Land, a draft application and local match commitment to the CAT Grant for the Maquoketa Area YMCA Aquatic Park Project, and acceptance of the Historic Preservation Paul Bruhn Grant Agreement. They also approved a cooperative purchasing offer for a drum roller, a Ford F-550XL truck, truck upfitting, and the replacement of traffic detection systems. Additionally, the council approved a bid for tree and stump removal services and established a policy for electronic imaging and destruction of records and documents, as well as allowing electronic signatures.

The committee discussed parking limitations on Nairn Drive, West Carlisle Street, and David Street, focusing on issues caused by semi-trucks blocking access to the AmericInn. There was a suggestion to paint the curb on the West side of Nairn Drive yellow and increase fines for oversized trucks parked in the area. The committee also discussed a general Ordinance review relevant to Property Maintenance, including possible changes to Ordinances related to rental inspections, business signage, vacant building registration, and adopting the 2021 Building Codes from the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC).

The committee reviewed the city's pre-audit adjusted financials, focusing on personnel costs, and discussed a personnel cost analysis for the General Fund. They explored options to lower Police Department overtime costs, including the potential of hiring part-time officers or moving positions to salary. The committee also discussed Capital Improvement Projects from FY25, highlighting the East Maple Street Drainage project. Updates were provided on the aquatic park splashpad, including potential financial requests and repayment options. A dispatch agreement based on population redistribution was also mentioned for discussion at the October meeting.

The Maquoketa City Council meeting included discussions with Rick Dickinson from Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC) regarding economic development and support for local businesses. A public hearing was held concerning the proposed sale of real estate to T & M Investments, LC. Approvals were granted for a change order to Dave River Construction for the Park Shelter Replacement Project, a change order to Mississippi Valley Pump, Inc. for lift station pump installation, and a professional services agreement with WHKS for the Jones, Erie, and S. Niagara Utility Replacement project. Payments were authorized to Mississippi Valley Pump for the Industrial Lift Station Pump Replacement and to Display Sales for snowflake lights. A citizen complaint about a sewer line repair on Quarry Street was discussed, including potential service line coverage for residents.