Catherine M. Benthin

The City of DeWitt Comprehensive Plan serves as a twenty-year guide for future decision-making, establishing the community's vision and identifying actions to achieve it. The plan focuses on key areas including community character, economic development, natural environment, housing, infrastructure and facilities, transportation, and land use. Its vision is to be a thriving, forward-looking city that provides social, personal, and economic opportunities for its residents to reach their full potential. Specific goals include maintaining a safe, small-town character, fostering affordable housing and childcare, providing well-maintained infrastructure, encouraging business growth, expanding skilled workforce availability, promoting recreational opportunities, and fostering community involvement.

The council meeting addressed several key items. A budget amendment for fiscal year 2020-2021 was approved, along with resolutions authorizing the release of a lien, a mortgage release, and an amendment to a professional services agreement for library architectural services. An application for a Paint Iowa Beautiful Grant was approved for community center painting. Proposals were approved for a remote unlock system for City Hall and an Itron software upgrade for water meter reading. A revised job description for Library Custodian was also approved, and a second reading of an ordinance amending the code of ordinances pertaining to natural gas franchise for Mid American was passed.

The meeting focused on a zoning violation at 118 14th Avenue, concerning the placement of parking spaces too close to the property line. The council decided to have the property owner fill out a variance form and present the issue to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, with a suggestion to move the parking further from the property line.

The council meeting addressed several financial matters, including the approval of wine permits, journal entries, reconciliation statements, and various bills totaling $175,735.72. Several resolutions were approved, concerning fund transfers (sale of old police station), an application for a downtown housing grant, the release of several liens, a forgivable loan mortgage, and a lease agreement for massage therapy. The council also approved strategic planning priorities, the disposal of stationary bikes, and the second reading of an ordinance regarding tax division. A budget workshop reviewed expense history, taxable values, and upcoming budget adjustments for various utility funds (garbage/recycling, storm water, sewer, and water). Discussions included rate increases, planned expenses for equipment and infrastructure, and reserve balances.

The council meeting focused on a budget workshop, covering capital projects (South 6th Avenue reconstruction, new police facility planning, public works facility feasibility study, pedestrian bridge replacement, and housing grant continuation), long-term debt, special revenue funds (road use fund, including snow removal and equipment purchases; trust and agency employee benefits; police retirement system; emergency levy; local option sales tax fund; and TIF fund), and general fund requests from various departments (police, fire, inspections, traffic safety, compost, library, parks, recreation, and aquatic center). Discussions included cost-saving measures, equipment purchases, and personnel adjustments. The council also addressed the emerald ash borer issue and the need to update zoning regulations.