Derick Clark

The council held a public hearing regarding the proposed tax levy for fiscal year 2026. No public comments were received during the hearing.

The City Council discussed various municipal issues, including parking concerns, utility billing and trash collection protocols, and water meter maintenance responsibilities. Approvals were granted for licenses and building permits for the Wapello County Fairgrounds, and several maintenance and equipment repairs were authorized for the Fire Department, including boat trailer axle repairs, SCBA service agreements, reel hose repairs, and fit testing. The council also addressed administrative matters such as revising the employee handbook, authorizing specific sick day allotments, approving conflict waivers for professional services, and passing an ordinance concerning fees for garbage and refuse collection. Additionally, the council scheduled upcoming public hearings for tax levies and budget adoption, planned a spring cleanup event, and conducted a closed session to evaluate professional competency.

The council meeting agenda includes a public hearing on the FY27 budget adoption, consideration of various building permits, and discussions on tree removal and generator needs for the lift station. Key operational items involve authorizing late fee forgiveness, revisions to the Harvest Host ordinance, and funding requests for the Fire Department, trails, and athletics. Extensive items include authorizing quotes for city hall, sidewalk, sewer, and lift station repairs, as well as municipal administrative updates, budget resolutions, nuisance abatement orders, sewer line agreements, and a closed session regarding professional competency evaluation.

The Council meeting involved several administrative and operational decisions. Discussions included ownership issues regarding a cemetery plot, approval of a building permit, and an increase to the 28E Agreement with the Wapello County Sheriff's Department. The Mayor appointed a new fire chief. Old business included the status of a property citation, a sewer project update, and approval for relocating a street light meter. New business included contracting for water and waste water services to meet DNR requirements, terminating a contract with Fred Clubb, employee wage adjustments and new hires in the public works department, revising comp time policies, waiving a garbage fee for a local business, the purchase of a new lawn mower, and a donation to Cardinal After Prom. The meeting also included a public forum regarding trash cans and the noise ordinance.

The special session addressed leadership changes within the Fire Department, specifically confirming that Linda Manley will step down as Fire Chief and Ken Rice will step down as 2nd Assistant to the Chief. The Mayor is scheduled to appoint a new Fire Chief during the subsequent February meeting.