Cory Arp

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.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered previous meeting minutes, bill payments, the November Treasurer's Report, tax abatements, a liquor license approval, and several board appointments to the Library Board of Trustees, Parks & Recreation Board, Economic Development Agency, and Historic Preservation Commission. A public hearing was held regarding the Adoption of the Proposed Code of Ordinances of the City of Manning, Iowa, with no public comments. Department reports noted a delay in the bridge project until Fall 2026, pending environmental clearances, which prioritizes the Heritage Park trail letting. The Council voted to maintain the name of Julia Street as Julia Street, rather than changing it to Madison. Regarding the Hausbarn-Heritage Park Partnership Proposal, the Council directed staff to work on a contract for director hiring and approved the posting for the new position. The cap for fundraising carry-forward money for the Wolves Wrestling Program was increased to $250,000. Changes to the FY26-27 Hotel/Motel Funding were approved, committing 50% of marketing funds to Manning Area Partners. The Council tentatively scheduled its retreat for January 8th and moved the March meeting to March 24th. Resolution 2025-37 approving the Renze Addition was passed. Staff was directed to proceed with applications for a refresh grant related to a water fountain, baseball, and a library printer. Ordinance 378, Adopting the "Code of Ordinances of the City of Manning, Iowa," was approved on its third and final reading. Terms for Municipal Housing Agency Commissioners were adjusted to four-year terms, and existing commissioners were reappointed with new end dates. Finally, City Council Committee appointments were approved, and a certificate was presented to a departing council member.

The council held a public hearing on White Pear Holdings, LLC Application for Voluntary Annexation to the City of Manning, Iowa. Department reports were given on water and sewer projects, street sweeping, the Christmas tree, fall street and miscellaneous projects, winter programing and Christmas break activities, and the IDALS water quality grant pre-application. The council discussed Community Foundation Grants, a request to purchase the tree site property, a no parking sign on North Nishnabotna, renaming Julia Street to Madison Street, the annual exam, committee assignments, and the December Council Meeting Date/Time.

The council meeting addressed various topics, including an extension request for moving a shipping container, sidewalk variations in subdivisions, alley revitalization through potential grants and TIF funding, and a memorandum of understanding for a sewer jet truck. Additionally, the council discussed and approved health and dental renewals with partial self-funding, and reviewed the ambulance services.