Cory Arp

The council held a public hearing for the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget amendment and subsequently passed a resolution to adopt it. Key discussions included a nuisance abatement case with a granted deadline extension, concerns regarding dust control for an alley behind the ball park, a request to increase pay for the municipal utilities board members, and potential land acquisition for a residential project. Additionally, the council reviewed department reports, approved payments of bills and tax abatements, and decided to solicit bids from local banks for managing city funds.

The council conducted a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year budget. Key actions included the adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, the awarding of a contract for the Heritage Trail Project, and authorization for the Manning Municipal Utilities Board to select an architect for the plaza redevelopment project. Various administrative and financial resolutions were approved, including consulting service agreements, administrative plans, and the payment of monthly bills. The council also reviewed department reports regarding seasonal maintenance activities and discussed a request for food truck space, though no action was taken.

The council discussed the status of various project resolutions, including the Community Neighborhood Revitalization Project and the Heritage Trail Project. Departmental updates included the decommissioning of generators, operations of a data center, and various infrastructure and facility maintenance reports. The council also authorized the reimbursement for a fire department tanker unit, reviewed city financial reports, and addressed other administrative matters including committee participation and insurance updates.

Key discussions and actions during the session included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered approving the minutes of the previous January meeting, payment of bills spanning from January 21 to February 17, the January Treasurer's Report, a Liquor License for Dollar General, and the Certified Local Government Annual Report. The Council addressed departmental reports, updated the Council on the former Plaza building and directed the sale of its generator and contents. Several resolutions were approved: Resolution 2026-9 to rename a driveway to Victory Lane; Resolution 2026-10 for payment regarding the Iowa Water Quality Initiative Easement; Resolution 2026-11 establishing compensation rates for Public Works employees on emergency call-outs; and Resolution 2026-12 providing notice for a hearing on the Heritage Park Trail Project. Ordinance 379, regarding an amendment to the Code of Ordinances for Alternative Enforcement Action for Minor Violations, was read a third time and adopted. Additionally, the date for the March meeting was announced as March 24th.

The City Council meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and a citizens forum where no public comment was offered. Key discussions involved the consent agenda, which included approving the previous month's minutes with amendments, authorizing payments, reviewing the Treasurer's Report, and approving various resolutions concerning employee compensation rates for the upcoming fiscal year, an employee sharing agreement, CDBG award policies, Iowa Department of Transportation speed limit changes on Highway 141, and calling for a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy. Council also confirmed board appointments and approved the garbage contract with Carroll Refuse Service, including a 12-cent tipping fee increase. Additionally, the Council directed staff to pursue purchasing a new motor for the street sweeper and rebuilding its hood. Further actions included approving resolutions for a Technical Services Contract for the CNRP Project, accepting a proposal for the Engineer for the Park Neighborhood Revitalization Project, approving a zoning assistance contract with Region XII, and approving the Municipal Utilities Development Park Subdivision.