Jason Van Ausdal

The council addressed various administrative and operational matters including personnel transactions, code of ordinance amendments, insurance renewals, and the city administrator recruitment process. Key actions included approving the FY 2027 budget, awarding contracts for infrastructure projects like the booster station rehabilitation and Raccoon River Bridge, and establishing a process for the sale of 415 Grant Street. The council also authorized property acquisitions, sidewalk construction proposals, and reviewed financial reports, budget revisions, and public facility zoning updates.

The City Council conducted a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and passed a resolution to adopt the budget and certify tax levies. Discussions and considerations included a closed session regarding the City Administrator search, approval of an extra-territorial plat, consideration of replacing the City Hall doors, and updates regarding the 415 Grant and 601 Main projects.

The City Council meeting was convened to conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 property tax levy. Key discussion topics included the statutory requirement for the hearing, an overview of the proposed tax rates, and a detailed tax rate comparison between the current and upcoming budget years, specifically noting an increase in the debt service levy for the construction of a new library and public safety building.

The council meeting addressed various administrative and municipal matters, including the recruitment of a new city administrator, the approval of several public service agreements, and financial management items such as budget reports, tax levies, and pay applications for infrastructure projects. The council also deliberated on zoning regulations, address assignments, and the appointment of board members. Additionally, reports were provided by various city departments, and actions were taken following closed sessions related to legal or financial matters.

The business meeting addressed several key items, including consideration of Ordinance No. 2-2026 regarding amendments to Chapter 165-Zoning Regulations concerning Accessory Dwelling Units, and the approval of Resolution #2026-24 for an Employee Assistance Program Services Agreement. The agenda also included the approval of the agenda itself, a citizen hearing segment (where issues raised are referred to staff), and the adoption of a Consent Agenda. The Consent Agenda actions involved approving minutes from previous meetings (January 12, 2026 City Council Regular Business Meeting; January 8, 2026 Park Board Meeting; January 22, 2026 Planning and Zoning Meeting; and January 26, 2026 City Council Workshop Meeting) and the January Claims List. Additionally, the council approved Resolution #2026-11 to set a public hearing for amending the Zoning Regulations, Resolution #2026-12 authorizing a transfer from the TIF Fund to Debt Service Fund for GO Series Bonds FY24, Resolution #2026-13 approving the disposal of surplus Police Department property, and Resolution #2026-14 adopting an Unclaimed Property Policy. A discussion followed a presentation by Jester Insurance regarding an insurance dividend check. The council also reviewed staff reports before adjournment.