Jessica Visser

The agenda for the regular session includes the consideration of proclamations for Cupps Garage, The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center, and Temple Spa and Wellness. Key new business items involve the approval of a flooring deposit payment to Hello Garage, consideration of Ordinance No. 478 regarding revised garbage rates, adoption of Resolution No. 26-07 for the LOSAP program for the Fire and Rescue Department, and approval of Resolution No. 26-08 for an agreement with Earlham Chicks with Checks. Additionally, the Council plans to set dates for a public hearing on the FY27 Property Tax Levy and a Special Session meeting, and consider accepting a $500,000 grant contract with the Iowa Finance Authority.

The Council meeting began with the approval of the agenda, followed by the proclamation of three local entities: Cupps Garage, The Nest Child Care and Early Learning Center, and Temple Spa and Wellness. The Consent Agenda, which included the approval of various previous meeting minutes and financial reports, was unanimously approved. In departmental reports, the Police Department reported on their quiet month and discussed potential budget reallocation from a vacant officer position to vehicle replacement for FY27. Public Works is addressing stop sign placement, pothole filling, and moving forward with the water main project, pending final numbers for the lagoon phase 2 per DNR requirements. The Community Building Committee presented flooring bids, noting Hello Garage offered a 15-year warranty and agreed to add sand to prevent slipperiness. New business involved approving a deposit payment to Hello Garage for flooring, approving the revised first reading of Ordinance No 478 concerning garbage rates, approving the waiver of the second and third readings for this ordinance, and approving Resolution No. 26-07 adopting the LOSAP program for the Fire and Rescue Department. The Council also approved Resolution No 26-08 concerning an agreement with Earlham Chicks with Checks for $10,000.00, set a public hearing for the FY27 Property Tax Levy, and set a Special Session for March 26, 2026, for budget hearings. Further, the Council approved the motion for an Engagement Letter regarding Amendment No 1 to the Earlham 2019 Urban Renewal Plan and accepted a $500,000 grant by signing a contract with the Iowa Finance Authority.

The special session addressed new business, specifically the approval to renew the BRICKER-PRICE BLOCK RESTORATION CORPORATION liquor license for one year.

The Budget Committee discussed finalizing the budget, specifically addressing the police car replacement by proposing to increase the budget allocation by $10,000, bringing the total set aside for a future patrol car to $30,000. The committee also reviewed the overall city budget status compared to previous years and discussed adjusting the community building's budget based on current revenue versus expenditures. Furthermore, a decision was made regarding a $45,000 donation received by the community building, which will be placed into an interest-bearing account (CD, Market money, or savings) to fund future flooring renovations planned for FY27. The committee concluded by advising the Clerk to proceed with the budget submission to the Department of Management for the next steps in the budget process.

The Human Resource Committee meeting covered new business items including the approval of the Personnel Policy Manual with revised changes for 2026. A discussion took place regarding the proper wording of holidays within the manual. The item concerning the HR Attorney was tabled pending the provision of additional information.