Mark Estrem

The council meeting addressed several significant agenda items, including public hearings for zoning amendments regarding C-1, C-2, and M-1 districts and a rezoning request for 201 N Carroll St. Legislative items involved discussions on water and sewer rate increases, peddler and solicitor regulations, and amendments to the duties of city officials. Additional business included reviews of economic incentive programs for local businesses, maintenance agreements for wastewater treatment, pool fee structures and service contracts for the 2026 season, and property-specific nuisance abatements. The council also processed grant applications, budget planning for fiscal year 2027, and received updates from the Story County Sheriff and the Ames Regional Economic Alliance.

The Council meeting included the approval of the agenda, moving an item concerning Entrance, Trail & Wayfinding Signs Quote to the top of business items, and approving the Consent Agenda, which encompassed various departmental reports and claims listings totaling over $304,000. Key discussions involved the approval of Option B from Signarama for new signage. Resolutions were passed to set the schedule for 2026 regular City Council meetings, establish official Slater holidays for 2026, appoint an individual as Mayor Pro Tem, and appoint the City Clerk and City Administrator. Appointments were also made to the Polk County 911 Board and the Story County Economic Development Group. Resolution 34 adopted the Iowa Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) for Fire and EMS Volunteers. Public hearings were conducted and subsequently closed regarding setting new Water & Sewer Rates and approving a First Amendment to the Agreement for Private Development with Jissom, Inc. Another public hearing addressed amendments to zoning and accessory building provisions, with a first reading approved for related Ordinance #314. A resolution was approved to set public hearings for the Property Tax Levy Rate and the FY27 Budget. An update on Solid Waste and Recycling detailed negotiations with various landfills and recycling authorities. The Council directed staff to investigate the status of a maintenance bond related to stormwater drainage improvements requested by a property owner. The Council also approved the adoption of Salary Ranges and Related Policies for City Employees and directed adjustments to the tax levy rate, along with approving an application with the Story County Housing Trust.

Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered various reports and contracts, such as the Story County Sheriff's Office Contract for Services and appointments to boards and committees. Financial matters involved approving claims totaling over $190,000 across multiple funds and setting the Tax Levy Rate for FY27. The Council conducted public hearings and initial readings for Ordinance 315 (Peddlers, Solicitors & Transient Merchants) and Ordinance 316 (Amending Duties & Roles of City Officials). Ordinance 313 regarding Water & Sewer Rates received its second reading approval, and Ordinance 314 received its final reading approval. Resolutions were passed concerning subdivision plans, new street lights, and a service agreement with Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance. Public Works discussed influent flow rerouting to Lagoon Cell #1, and the City Council prioritized future work on the EMS Building, Linn St. (R-38) project, and the Library project, directing staff to explore funding options.

The meeting agenda included the approval of the agenda and a citizen forum. The consent agenda covered routine items such as claims spanning January 13, 2026, to February 17, 2026, various department meeting minutes from late 2025 and early 2026, appointments to boards and commissions, and agreements concerning the Story County Housing Trust Grant and the Story County Sheriff's Office Contract for Services. Key business items involved public hearings and discussions concerning the adoption or amendment of Ordinances 315 (Peddlers, Solicitors & Transient Merchants) and Ordinance 316 (Duties/Role of City Officials). Other significant discussions included consideration of Ordinance 313 regarding water and sewer rate increases, amendments to zoning uses (Ordinance 317), a low to moderate income survey for future water/sewer grants, a contract for economic development services, addressing an odor issue at the Wastewater Treatment Plant, updates on the Linn Street Design Study, and the proposed Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan.

The Slater City Council met to discuss various departmental budgets and capital projects. Discussions included the Fire Department's technology account, EMS budget for volunteer equipment, Public Works budget for cemetery expansion and street projects, library budget revenues and expenditures, Parks and Recreation budget for park renovations, and the City Hall budget for technology upgrades. The council provided feedback on capital projects, including support for cameras and a library project. Recommendations for the upcoming year included streamlining meetings and allowing residents to address the council on agenda items.