Elizabeth Hix

The council discussed service reductions impacting the Perry area and ongoing efforts to research funding models for transit services. Updates were provided regarding the schedule for downtown construction and road closures. The council also heard from the Greater Des Moines Partnership regarding economic development strategies, recruitment initiatives, and the region's progress toward population goals.

The council meeting included a tribute to a longtime employee, project updates on downtown road work and the airport extension, and a public hearing regarding the construction and costs of a parallel taxiway extension. Key business actions included awarding the contract for the airport taxiway extension to Peterson Contractors Inc., approving a formal grant application for airport funding, and authorizing several utility, drainage, and construction easements for Marco Properties LLC. Open forum participants discussed the resolution of a local ordinance violation concerning firearms discharge and property maintenance, as well as bridge safety at a park.

The council meeting addressed an amended agenda which included a signage program presentation by high school students. The council approved consent items including contract payments, claims, and tobacco permit renewals. Administrative updates were provided regarding a shooting range concern located in unincorporated county territory adjacent to city limits, which the city administrator referred to the county for zoning and planning review. Additionally, the mayor issued a proclamation for National Library Week and provided updates on planning activities for an upcoming community ride event.

The meeting primarily focused on discussing proposals related to Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) housing developments. Key discussions involved the process governed by the Iowa Finance Authority's Qualified Allocation Plan (QAP), including community caps that limit the number of awards per city or county. Presenters provided clarifications on scoring criteria, project pipelines, and the necessity of middle and high-income housing development alongside low-income options. Concerns were raised by local business owners regarding the proximity of proposed low-income housing to existing commercial operations. The council discussed moving forward with hearing from all interested developers before making a final decision at the subsequent Monday meeting.

The meeting commenced with a roll call and approval of the meeting agenda. Discussions under the consent agenda included approval of minutes from a previous meeting, authorization of several contract service payments totaling $8,071 to Bolton and Mink and EOCC Environmental, approval of claims and financials totaling $227,120.54, and the approval of various alcohol and retail licenses for JMC Supermarket, Smoke Time, and Blue Jay Market. Following the City Administrator's report, the council scheduled a budget work session for Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. on the 25th. During open forum, a resident requested support for a local event and another resident raised concerns regarding the rezoning of income apartments, referencing an outdated comprehensive plan and a 2022 housing study which suggested a need for owner-occupied homes over more low-income rentals. The council also heard presentations from the Rotary Club regarding the annual Civil Servant of the Year award. Old business included the authorization and approval of a loan agreement for General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds Series 2026, which were subsequently awarded to BK Financial Securities, Inc. at a True Interest Cost (TIC) of 3.2126%. Further old business involved the approval of Pay Application Number 43 for wastewater treatment facility improvements to Woodrith Construction.