Greg Roth

The City Council discussed and approved several ordinances. These included designating the Consolidated Grinnell Urban Revitalization Area, amending the code of ordinances pertaining to no parking zones, and amending provisions pertaining to water rates.

The Grinnell Finance Committee meeting included updates on Grin City Bakery. The committee recommended approval of resolutions for a water revenue capital loan, a general obligation capital loan, monthly transfers of funds for trust and agency, and monthly internal transfers of funds. The Hailstorm insurance closeout was reviewed, as were the November Investment and Treasurers Reports. An update on the Budget Schedule was provided. The Public Works & Grounds Committee meeting recommended approval of a change order for the Garfield Water Main Replacement Project and pay requests for the Jordan Well No. 10 Project, the Park Street Reconstruction Project, and the Raw Water Main Project. The committee also recommended approval of the mowing and spraying bids. The Public Safety Committee recommended approval of an agreement between the city and Kevin Rusler for a law enforcement training reimbursement contract. The committee directed staff to investigate placing signs at 7th Avenue and Park Street to restrict parking a few feet from the corners. An EMS Update was provided. The Planning Committee recommended approval of an agreement with Caldwell & Brierly, PLLC for legal services on code enforcement and abandoned property, and the strategic planning document from the last meeting. The Parks and Recreation Board discussed the Master Parks Plan, Bailey Park, Arbor Lake/Lake Nyanza, and Playgrounds. The Youth Rec Basketball season will begin and the department is still awaiting the approval of the permit application for the High Dive repair. A plan for Native Plantings with the playscape at Summer St. Park was presented. The plans for Donor Signage and location of signage for the Veterans Memorial Project were presented.

The meeting included a presentation of the draft Comprehensive Plan by Cory Scott from RDG Planning & Design. The committee recommended approval of the first reading of Ordinance No. 1549, which amends the zoning for property within the Scout Subdivision, and Ordinance No. 1550, which adds regulations related to the Scout Subdivision Overlay District to establish design guidelines. Additionally, the committee recommended approval of Resolution No. 2024-146, concerning the sale of 1203 Spring St to Home Revisions, LLC.

The committee discussed and considered approvals for several resolutions related to various construction and replacement projects. These included change orders and pay requests for the Garfield Water Main Replacement Project, the Jordan Well No. 10 Project, the Park Street Reconstruction Project, and the Raw Water Main Project. Additionally, the committee considered approval of mowing and spraying bids.

The Grinnell Finance Committee recommended approval of an ordinance amending the city code regarding water rates, and resolutions approving bond counsel engagement agreements for water plant capital loan notes. They also set dates for meetings regarding loan and disbursement agreements. The Grinnell Public Works & Grounds Committee recommended approval of a change order for the Raw Water Main Project, a reimbursement agreement for engineering services with Union Pacific Railroad Company, and a resolution correcting a scrivener's error related to bids for Water System Improvements. They also discussed a non-discrimination agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation, a right-of-way request for Mediacom, and the Grinnell Lakes Restoration Feasibility Study. The Grinnell Public Safety Committee recommended approval of an ordinance amending parking on Park Street. The Grinnell Planning Committee discussed results from a Strategic Planning session and received an update on the Veteran Monument project.