Linda K. Coppess

The council discussed and approved a resolution setting the maximum property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year and a resolution to schedule a public hearing for the proposed budget. Additional discussions included a street maintenance seal coating proposal, a request for a flashing stop sign, and review of a highway contract. The council formally approved new policies regarding the petty cash fund, the use of municipal gas cards, and snow plowing procedures. Furthermore, a request was made to evaluate the city's social media policy at a future session.

The council reviewed department reports from the ambulance, fire, police, public works, and administration departments. Key actions included the appointment of a new council member to fill a vacancy, the adoption of an ordinance regarding parking on John Street, and the approval of a 5-year maintenance agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation. Furthermore, the council approved a change in the parade route for Pork Center Days, a permit for a license plate reader, and scheduled the dates for the spring cleanup and cemetery cleanup. The council also authorized an inspection of the water tower, supported a grant application for building remediation, and permitted the burning of the lagoon.

The Council discussed various community and administrative matters including a property code violation concerning a street sign, a proposed open house at the lagoon, and UTV/golf cart usage. A public hearing was held regarding a budget amendment. Departmental reports were provided covering ambulance, fire, police, public works, and administrative operations. The Council reviewed and approved ordinances concerning fence permits and procedures for residential handicapped parking spaces. Furthermore, resolutions were adopted to finalize the budget amendment and to authorize participation in a brownfield coalition. Future infrastructure projects, such as mural placement and sidewalk construction at the park, were deliberated, as well as strategies for addressing failing water meters and setting the schedule for fall leaf pickup. Additionally, the Council set the wage for a new library assistant.

The council conducted a public hearing for the fiscal year 2027 budget and passed a resolution to adopt it. Departmental reports were provided covering ambulance, fire, police, public works, and administration operations. Key actions included authorizing an agreement with the DOT for a Highway 30 project, approving water tower inspection and lead testing, appointing new Library Board members, and rejecting a proposal for a daycare development. Additionally, the council approved a pay adjustment for water certification and denied a crack sealing proposal.

Key discussions during the meeting involved the approval of the consent agenda, which included finance reports and claims totaling significant disbursements across various city funds. Department reports were presented, including library circulation statistics, an ambulance report noting 25 calls for November, a fire report detailing 8 calls and the location of Santa's visit, a police report with 26 calls for service, and a Public Works update covering leaf collection completion and vehicle maintenance. The administration reported on attending a budget workshop and receiving notice about the Community Forestry Grant Program, alongside a legal interpretation regarding city liability for sidewalk deficiencies. Action items included deciding against immediate roof repair, approving temporary handicapped parking signage for the History Center, purchasing snow fence materials, approving partial concrete repair on Cherry Street, and continuing the trial of the shortened work week.