Louise From

The council approved the second consideration of an ordinance regarding the Community Police Relations Ordinance and an ordinance to adjust the composition and term length of the Tree Board. Resolutions were adopted designating official financial depositories, setting deposit limits, and specifying authorized account signatories. Additionally, the council reviewed the budget timeline for the upcoming fiscal year, scheduled future special meetings, and approved the payment of all outstanding bills. Reports were presented on city operations, including community protection, street maintenance, and e-government, and various community announcements were shared regarding leaf collection and garden management.

Key discussions included the approval of a resolution authorizing the issuance of $1,500,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026. The Council also considered the first approval of an ordinance to conform the Community Police Relations Ordinance to State law changes, and an ordinance to reduce the number of members on the Tree Board from 5 to 3 and change the term length to three years. The Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust (IPAIT) representative explained the Trust, enabling the City to potentially invest. Financial matters included the review of warrants and discussion regarding Fiscal Year 2027 property tax rates, leading to scheduling a special meeting for a public hearing date. Reports were received from Legal, City Administrator, Clerk, Treasurer, Community Protection, Streets and Sidewalks, Building/Zoning/Sanitation, and eGovernment departments. Announcements included dates for City Cleanup Day and Spring leaf vacuuming.

The City Council meeting agenda included several significant items. The City Attorney planned to present a resolution authorizing the issuance of $1,500,000 General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026, and a resolution approving financial institutions as official depositories. First considerations for two ordinances were scheduled: one amending the Community Police Relations Ordinance to conform with State law by disbanding the Citizens' Advisory Board, and another reducing the Tree Board membership from five to three members. The City Administrator planned a report, including a presentation from the Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust (IPAIT) regarding investment opportunities. Committee reports covered the Proposed Tax Levy Rate for FY27, updates on the Melrose Complete Streets Project, winter weather issues including a water main break, updates on Swisher Tract Trails Development, and reports from Police and Engineering departments. The City Engineer also noted plans to submit the annual MS4 storm sewer permit report and provided updates on the RRFBs at Sunset & Oakcrest.

The meeting commenced with the swearing-in ceremony for the new mayor and city council members for the year 2026. Key agenda items included the approval of the December 9, 2025, meeting minutes. The council heard a presentation on the annual city examination report for FY25, which noted minor comments regarding segregation of duties and budget overages in public safety, debt service, and capital projects. The council then proceeded with votes related to bond financing, including setting an auction date for general obligation bonds (Resolution 2602) and adopting a post-issuance compliance policy (Resolution 2603). The Mayor's report covered reappointments to the Board of Adjustment and Zoning Commission, and a recommendation to reduce the Tree Board membership from five to three members. The City Administrator provided updates on the Melrose Avenue Complete Streets project and the Swisser Track Trail development, requesting direction on proceeding with the phased project timeline.

The key discussions during this special council meeting centered on financial resolutions and contract awards. The Council approved Resolution No. 26-05 awarding General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026. Furthermore, a contract was awarded to Bolton and Menk, not to exceed $99,134.00, for the design of a multi-use trail improvement project in University Heights.