Jim Gronbach

The council reviewed PeopleService reports, discussing repairs and maintenance for water and wastewater treatment systems. An overview of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Audit Report was presented, and a 28E agreement with the Partnership for Economic Growth of Humboldt County, Inc. was approved. A public hearing was held regarding a lease agreement with Cellco Partnership d/b/a Verizon Wireless, followed by the approval of an amended and restated water tower lease agreement with the same entity. Contract change order No. 4 and pay applications for the Three Rivers Industrial Park project were approved. The council also approved the request to assign a private development agreement to Finch Block, LLC. Additionally, the council discussed the professional competency and actions of the Deputy City Clerk, ultimately voting to discharge her. Other items discussed included the removal of a fence at Swan Pond and fixing the fence on Cottonwood Trail.

The Humboldt City Council convened to discuss and act on several items. They approved a street closure request from Wildcat PTO for the Back to School Bash. The council then moved to enter a closed session to address specific law enforcement matters, focusing on current or proposed investigations, inspection techniques, or auditing schedules, to prevent law violators from avoiding detection. Following the closed session, the council resumed the open session and adjourned.

The council discussed and approved several items, including a request to close parking stalls on Sumner Avenue, a resolution approving a pay application for the Eagle Ridge Pedestrian Bridge project, and a resolution updating the part-time police officer position. They also set a date for a public hearing to review a proposed lease with Cellco Partnership and approved the first reading of ordinances amending the code regarding golf carts and ATV/ORVs on city streets. Additionally, there was an inquiry about the basement clean up and a reminder about brush pickup.

The council discussed a challenge with the Police Department, reviewed PeopleService reports, and approved requests for street closures for the Humboldt Highschool Homecoming Parade and the Hardpack 30 event. They also approved a resolution creating a job description for the Police Department Administrative Assistant position and the final reading of an ordinance amending rates for water service. The council was reminded of the upcoming brush pick up date.

The council discussed possible changes to water rates and reviewed three options. They approved quotes for paving projects, including a portion of 3rd Avenue North and the parking area for the Eagle Ridge Nature Trail. A proposal for Mosquito Control Services was approved, as well as the Community Catalyst Building Remediation Grant Agreement with the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The council also approved a select proposal for the Strategic Plan/Highway Corridor Plan and authorized the City Administrator to negotiate a scope of services with the selected firm. Public hearings were held for proposed electric and gas franchise agreements with MidAmerican Energy. Additionally, resolutions were approved for a pay application for the 4th Ave N Water Main Project, a local match resolution for the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program, and the assignment of an agreement for private development. The first reading of ordinances granting MidAmerican Energy franchise rights for electric and gas systems was also approved. Other items discussed included a segment filmed inside HTC and the Verizon agreement.