Phil Gehl

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. A citizen approached the council advocating for the sale of the old public library building to facilitate the relocation of the Cascade Police Department to a nearby available property. Key actions included the approval of several consent agenda items, such as minutes from previous council and economic development board meetings, financial reports, and claims. The council also approved two resolutions: Resolution #06-26 updating the Façade Renovation Reimbursement Program and Resolution #07-26 approving an addendum to the Building Permit Application. Furthermore, the council untabled and approved Resolution #05-26, which authorized a $20,000 façade grant for Iowa Main Street Investments LLC. Updates were provided by the Police Chief and City Administrator, and council members reviewed budget requests for FY27 Community Groups. Finally, the council voted to implement a part-time city clerk position after convening in and returning from a closed session.

The Council meeting included the approval of the agenda and consent items, which covered various prior meeting minutes and financial reports. Key discussions involved reviewing the feasibility study results for the Police Department, leading to a decision to meet with Police, Fire, and EMS regarding a Public Safety Campus option. The Council also tabled a resolution concerning a Façade Grant for Iowa Main Street Investments LLC to update the related policy. Furthermore, the Council reviewed budget requests for Fiscal Year 2027, specifically for Streets, Water, and Sewer departments, and received updates from the Police Chief and City Administrator.

The regular City Council meeting addressed several agenda items. The council approved the consent agenda, which included previous meeting minutes and claims, and discussed the Hayes Street SW sidewalk reconstruction. Council directed MSA to shift the roadway to allow replacement within the right-of-way after property owners expressed opposition. Key resolutions passed included accepting the BerganKDV's Financial Audit for Fiscal Year 2025 and amending the EMS Volunteer Stipends effective February 1, 2026. Additionally, approval was granted for the St. Aquinas Food Pantry to temporarily relocate to the Old Library during their construction. Departmental budget requests for FY27 from Police, Fire, EMS, and Library were presented to the council.

The council conducted a walkthrough of the Old Cascade Library and addressed several resolutions, including approving the transfer of city-owned property, quotes for manholes and storm sewer upgrades, water main elimination, social service agreements with non-profit organizations, and quotes for street overlays. Updates were provided by the Police Chief and City Administrator.

The City Council meeting included discussions and approvals of several resolutions. These included hiring a part-time library employee, approving a quote for grinding the yard waste pile, and approving quotes for overlaying Cleveland Street SW and Cleveland CT NW. Additionally, the council approved payment for a paramedic course. Updates were provided by the Police Chief and City Administrator.