Lee Geertz

The City Council meeting involved amending the agenda to remove an item requiring further discussion with legal counsel. The consent agenda, including the minutes from November 4th, 2025, was approved. Reports included updates from the city engineer regarding scheduled town hall discussions and FEMA work related to electric utility infrastructure replacement due to damage. The city manager reported on ongoing extensive legal work concerning litigation, finalization of financial reports, and ongoing collaboration with FEMA. Updates were provided on staff receiving open enrollment benefits with stable premiums, updates to TIF agreements under urban renewal, and review of lease agreements for room usage. The council also addressed public comments regarding the upcoming holiday open house event, a request for traffic calming measures due to stop sign non-compliance, concerns about heavy truck traffic downtown causing potential spills, and a note regarding a city tree contest. Financial matters included the approval of Vendor Voucher Claim List Number One and Library 3A Claim List, with a separate approval process for a bill from Cardinal.

This session, presented by Iowa State University, focused on goal setting for the City of West Liberty. Key discussions included reviewing accomplishments and milestones achieved, identifying areas where the City felt the most pride, analyzing lessons learned from the previous goal-setting session, noting unfinished and ongoing business, establishing key goals for the upcoming years, and formulating strategies to achieve those stated goals.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on the E 6th Street Project Plans, with 90% completion reported, and upcoming public hearings and neighborhood meetings related to the project. The council also discussed amendments to DNR Water and Sewer permits to increase capacity. Updates were provided regarding the Fire Agency, noting progress on the abstract, camera system installation, and lease agreement negotiations. Financial matters included the approval of Vendor Voucher Claims List #1. Significant actions involved allocating Classroom 125 for the Youth Services Program in partnership with the Ministerial Association, approving the Reverse Osmosis (R/O) Train 1 Membrane and Anti-Scalent Pump replacement for the Water Treatment Plant, and approving an initial directive for the City Manager to develop a formalized economic development incentive package for Sunshine Bakery LLC as a pilot program. Furthermore, the Council approved an Economic Development Matching Fund Grant application for WLFE, LLC, authorized an application for the IEDA Catalyst Grant on behalf of WLFE, LLC, and approved the termination of the Facilities Interconnection Agreement with Interstate Power & Light Company. The Council also set dates for Public Hearings concerning the 6th Street Reconstruction Project and a DOT easement request for the US 6 Bridge over Wapsinoc Creek. Discussions also touched upon potential impacts of tax levy ceilings and an update on funding discussions with the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors for the West Liberty Library.

The City Council meeting agenda included standard procedures such as roll call and approval of the agenda and consent agenda, which covered the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting. A key focus was the consideration of Beer and Liquor Licenses for Flamas Nightclub LLC (Class C Retail Alcohol License) and DolgenCorp LLC (Class B Retail Alcohol License). The agenda also included administering the Oath of Office for Reserve Officer Keegan Whitbeck. A Public Hearing was scheduled regarding the proposed sale and conveyance of specific real estate property described by metes and bounds coordinates located in Muscatine County, Iowa.

The City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent agenda. Alcohol license updates were approved for El Patio and Casey's General Stores, Inc. The Mayor issued proclamations recognizing Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention, and honoring Timothy McMahon for his service to the West Liberty Public Library. Reports included commendations for the Police Department and an update on the RPGI electric agreement, which requires a decision by the end of the year regarding staying with RPGI or pursuing independence, with implications for future Natural Gas integration. The Council approved multiple vendor voucher claims and library pre-paid claims. Information was shared regarding the Muscatine County Hazard Mitigation Plan update and the Community Closet opening. The Council approved the appointment of five individuals to the Library Board for terms ending December 31, 2029, and the appointment of Larry Miller to fill a vacancy on the 28e Fire Agency Board. The existing structure of City Council Committees will remain unchanged. A goal work session was scheduled for January 13, 2026, and a preview of budget discussions was provided for the January 20, 2026 meeting.