Rebecca Newton Schau

Key discussions included a resident's concern regarding an alley entrance. The council awarded the contract for residential garbage and recycling collection services to WEMIGA Waste following a bid opening. There were discussions regarding potential subdivision layouts with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning and an update on the sanitary sewer collection system and sump pump status. The council approved a lease for farm ground, concrete replacement at Ash Street and South Main Street, and the 2026 Insurance Renewal. A date was set to open bids for the Sealcoating of Streets FY27. The council also approved a Consent to Mortgage for 202 Burlington Street and tabled the Review of Council Manual Rules & Procedure. Layouts for new playground options for Railroad Park were reviewed, and dates were set for flushing water mains. Department reports included updates from the Police, Water/Sewer Superintendent, and City Clerk, noting work on a significant sewer improvements grant.

The primary focus of the budget workshop was a discussion regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and a consent agenda covering financial reports, disbursements, a building permit, a tax abatement application, and several alcohol licenses. Key discussions involved reviewing a proposal from a trash hauling business, setting a date for proposal openings, and tabling discussions regarding a proposed wage increase and a new subdivision. The Council also reviewed Council Manual Rules & Procedures and Personnel Policy without taking action, discussed a 28E Agreement with West Point for police services, and approved mailing an updated sump pump letter to all property owners. Budget workshop dates were scheduled, and a public hearing for the proposed tax levy was set. Reports were provided by the Police Department, City Clerk (mentioning grant opportunities), and Sewer Superintendent.

The council meeting included actions on the consent agenda, which covered approvals for December 2025 financial reports and disbursements, and a building permit revision for 419 Lynn St. The council approved Resolution No 2026-01 naming Pilot Grove Savings Bank as the City Depository and made various committee and departmental appointments, including Mayor Pro Tem Dahms. A public hearing regarding the FY2027 property tax levy was set for February 9, 2026. The council approved Ordinance No 202 on its second reading and waived the third reading; this ordinance amends provisions pertaining to operating budget preparation, detailing submission requirements and public hearing timelines related to property tax statements. Furthermore, Ordinance No 203, amending public hearing requirements for restricted residence districts, passed its second reading and third reading was waived. Other discussions included requirements for a grant to rehab the railroad depot, reviewing the Council Manual Rules & Procedures and Personnel Policy, addressing ongoing issues with Gworks Cloud Software, and approving the hosting of the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk on July 4th. The Public Safety Committee will coordinate with West Point regarding police services, and a trial date was set for a nuisance property case. Financial summaries for receipts and disbursements for December 2025/January 2026 were noted.

The council discussed and took action on various items, including setting public hearings to amend the code of ordinances related to public hearing requirements for building and land use, budget preparation, and amending the FY2026 budget. They approved a resolution amending the transfer of funds for FY2026 and tabled the approval of the Annual Financial Report FY2025 for further review. The council also reviewed city and library CDs, discussed recommendations from French Reneker regarding the Sanitary Sewer Collection System Assessment, and approved an engineering service agreement with French Reneker for subdivision conceptual planning. Additionally, they reviewed changes to the Westview Park Use Agreement, approved a Windstream Kinetic Permit, and discussed the status of nuisance properties.