Jeremiah Owens

The meeting included a citizen comment regarding a tree removal request and updates from various department heads. The Library Director discussed Iowa Nice activities and a political bill concerning libraries. The Ambulance Director reported on staff certification and training. The Rec Board Chairman noted new board members. Key agenda items involved presentations on a LOSAP (Length of Service Awards Programs) and a DNR Grant. A contract to accept bids for water main repairs was approved. A certified letter deadline was set for an individual to claim a 'Hellcat,' and a donation of $250 was approved for the Turkey River Water Shed. The council decided to rebid an alley estimate intersecting State Street and tabled the discussion regarding a heater for the public works' shop. A resolution (2026-5) was tabled to improve its verbiage.

Key discussions included responding to inquiries regarding the removal of a one-way street near the school, the status of property maintenance at 101 King Street, and community concern over the removal of camping from the park. The Chief of Police reported on a street survey aiming to control all intersections. The Librarian noted the successful placement of a new clock and the rehoming of the library cat. The Ambulance Director announced that Nick Post is training others in ambulance driving. The Recreation Board scheduled a city-wide clean up day for April 15th and organized park stick pickup assistance. The Council approved closing Main Street for a monthly car show from May through September. Further actions included approving funding for flowers, donating used EMS equipment, and approving payment for ambulance crew rig pay. An update on 'Hellcat' was provided, and the Council approved a bid for cement work near city hall and the State Street Alley. A decision was made to have an HVAC professional inspect the Public Works Shop heater and report back. The Council also approved a resolution authorizing immediate payment and referred a letter from the Chamber of Commerce to the Streets and Sidewalk Committee. Finally, the Council approved the purchase of a new Locator for Public Works and authorized the erection of a stop sign at W. Clark Street and Lovers Lane.

The meeting included discussions with the Fayette County Fair board regarding an annual contribution request. An update on the state audit was provided, and assurances were given regarding the handling of the (101 King St) Project by the attorney. Key policy points were stressed, emphasizing the Council's role as policymakers rather than managers of day-to-day staff operations. Department reports covered drone repair and K-9 training for the Police Department, and skills night for the Ambulance Department. Several items were tabled or moved to committees, including the longevity award (until FY 2027), a blade for public works, the discussion on bricks by city hall, and the heater for the Public Works shop. The Council approved a resolution hiring Taylor Hepperle, selected option B for new water sign-up sheets, and moved the discussion on snow sweeping on Main Street to the Street and Sidewalk Committee. The Council also voted to provide water for the flowers on Main committee and appointed Jon Biederman to the Turkey River Watershed Management Authority.

The City Council meeting included citizen comments regarding the allocation of redemption money donations, which are directed to non-profit organizations in the Fayette area. Key discussions centered on the budget process, which involved several finance committee meetings. The Council approved adding Zach Bennett to the Fire Department, received updates on finalizing the University of Iowa in Wisconsin (UIU) contract, and noted the upcoming purchase of a new police vehicle. The Fire Department announced its annual Spaghetti Supper date, and the Ambulance Service Director noted a change in the Waffle Breakfast date. The Council addressed potential state legislation that could affect library board oversight. Decisions were made to move an Ambulance Certificate of Deposit (CD) for higher interest, approve a building permit for a residential property, and hire a Human Resources Consultant and a Public Works Technician. The Council also authorized the purchase of ALS jump bags and active threat medical bags for the Ambulance Service, and approved using American Rescue Funds for a CIPP Pipe Lining project to repair sewer lines. A purchase or sale of particular real estate was discussed during a closed session, with the related topic tabled for a future date.

The council addressed citizen comments concerning the completion of the Volga Recreation Trail, prompting discussion about forming a committee and reviewing funding options during the upcoming Finance Committee budget season. The Mayor recommended appointments for the Library Board and the Park and Rec Board, which were subsequently approved. The City Administrator's report covered the finalization of W-2s and 1099s and the FY 25 budget process. The Police Chief reported on advocacy efforts against banning automated traffic enforcement cameras, and the Library Director detailed advocacy against proposed legislation that could reduce city funding for the library. Actions included tabling the approval of payment for the Downtown & Neighborhood Revitalization Program, tabling the discussion on permitting outdoor live music, agreeing for the City to join the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, and moving forward with bids for updating the Open-Air Market sign to Hofbauer Park. The council approved selling a 2017 Police Ford Explorer and entered a closed session to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate before opening the session and directing the Mayor based on closed session discussions.