Daisy Huffman

The meeting addressed several key items, including a discussion on the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) for fire department volunteers, and a decision on annual funding for the YMCA childcare program. The council also approved a street closure request and the third reading of an ordinance regarding franchise fees on Black Hills Energy. Additionally, approvals were granted for a pay estimate and work acceptance related to the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project, reconditioning of diesel generators, a transit building agreement, and a pay request for the WWTP Improvements Project. The council also accepted an engagement agreement for nuisance abatement legal assistance, a street closure request for Immanuel Luther Church, assignment of a water tower lease agreement with AT&T, and a park maintenance shed roof estimate. Staff reports covered preparations for RAGBRAI, mosquito spraying, bridge project updates, and work on the Park Street sanitary sewer project.

The council approved several items including the RAGBRAI street closures, amending water rates, establishing a franchise fee on energy providers, and a lead water line policy. They also set salaries and wages for FY 2026, accepted a contract with Mosquito Control of Iowa, a memorandum of understanding with the Tree Doctor for emerald ash borer treatment, and approved a pay request for the WWTP Improvements Project. Additionally, they accepted a bid for bridge maintenance and discussed nuisance abatement issues, assigning them to the Public Safety committee. The council also accepted a resignation and received staff reports on various projects.

The council held public hearings and approved ordinances related to granting a natural gas franchise to Black Hills Energy and establishing a franchise fee on energy providers. They discussed the Winnebago County Hazard Mitigation plan, authorized a letter of support for the Armed Forces Museum, and declared August 2, 2025, as Hall of Heroes Day. Additionally, the council addressed the FY 2025 Budget Amendment, amended water rates, accepted quotes for electric panel replacement and fuel line addition, and approved repairs to the Forest City Water Plant High Service Pump. They also approved a temporary part-time position agreement for City Administration. Staff reports covered nuisance abatements, durapatching for RAGBRAI, main break repair, engine inspections, and an underground project.

The Forest City Special Council held a public hearing regarding the fiscal year 2026 property tax levy. During the hearing, it was clarified that the tax levy could be lowered but not raised beyond the published amount. No written or verbal comments were received from the public regarding the proposed property tax levy.

The council discussed and approved several items, including Puckerbrush Fireworks, a kids bike rodeo, and setting public hearing dates for the extension of a natural gas franchise and a franchise fee ordinance. They also approved the first reading of an ordinance amending water rates, authorized the submittal of a grant application for the Forest City Municipal Airport, and approved an amendment to a task order for the Power Plant Boiler Replacement project. Additionally, they approved a pay request and a change order for the WWTP Improvements Project, an estimate for cleaning and inspecting a fuel tank, and a recycling contract. The council also discussed personnel matters and acknowledged a payroll change notice. Staff reports were shared on various topics, including a Dare graduation, a Boy Scout cleanup, pool leakage, and streetlight pole replacement.