Ron Covert

The meeting commenced with a proclamation declaring March 2026 as National Social Work Month, recognizing the critical contributions of social workers. Council members disclosed potential conflicts of interest regarding items related to their employers. The agenda included the approval of the Witter Gallery Art Festival request, which detailed plans for an event on April 24th utilizing designated parking spaces as a buffer zone. A significant portion of the discussion involved RIDES annual funding requests for fiscal year 2027. The RIDES presentation highlighted service statistics, noting that approximately 90% of their trips within Storm Lake limits are for medical appointments, primarily serving Unity Point, Unity Community Health, and Plains Area Mental Health. The presentation also detailed operational challenges, including a deficit budget resulting from losses in mental health sector reimbursements and changes to Medicaid broker assignments, which eliminated the right of request for certain trips. Discussions also covered the need for increased ridership from the general public and inquired about bilingual services for Storm Lake's diverse population.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Council member Martinez disclosed a conflict of interest regarding item number seven, the resolution concerning High View Drive. Following a call for public comments on non-agenda items, the council heard announcements, including the introduction of the new Public Works Director, Ron Covert. The consent agenda, which included a resolution requiring a roll call vote, was approved. New business featured discussions with several organizations seeking funding. The first presentation involved a request for support to utilize the shelter house for an adult disability program focused on social skills development and community integration, particularly due to the shelter house being unusable after a recent storm. The second presentation was from Upper De Moine Opportunity, requesting contribution to support their client services program addressing energy costs and food insecurity, detailing statistics on households and individuals served. The third presentation was from Stormlake United regarding their evolving Woodwine and Blues festival, including changes to the event schedule (shifting from Friday-Sunday to Thursday-Saturday) to address Sunday's energy drop, focusing on inclusivity, and introducing vendor fees. The final presentation was from Witter Gallery requesting funding for weatherproof window treatments to manage temperature and light, painting the gallery walls (which haven't been painted in 30 years), and revamping storage to protect their permanent art collection. The meeting concluded with a presentation on the 2025 city annual report, emphasizing community outreach and transparency.

The City Council meeting included actions on several items. The agenda was approved, and council members declared necessary recusals related to High View Drive and a BVU request. The consent agenda was approved. Key new business involved a motion to waive rental fees for the Quers organization's annual fall meeting event, scheduled for October 9th and 10th, at Sunrise Point Banquet Hall, with a request to waive setup fees for Friday and rental fees for Saturday. The council also voted on the second reading of an ordinance vacating a public right-of-way portion of High View Drive to facilitate a hospital clinic addition, which passed. A public hearing was held and subsequently closed regarding the rezoning of six lots adjacent to High View Drive from R1 (Single Family Dwelling) to IN3 (to permit hospital/clinic use), which also passed. Furthermore, a first reading addressed the proposed rezoning of a lot on Onidita Street from IN1 (Public Services Uses) to R4 (High Density Residential) for the construction of a single-family dwelling by the Storm Lake Community School District's building trades program, which also passed after a public hearing was closed. Finally, the council approved two pay applications (#11 and #12) for the Storm Lake Well Number 22 project, which involved modifications due to encountering a sand and gravel layer, potentially saving significant costs on future projects. The meeting concluded with the approval of a resolution to acquire approximately 89.13 acres of real estate from the Maron Frederick Trust for the future construction of a new water treatment facility.

The meeting began with the approval of agenda changes, including moving the resolution to appoint a new city council member later in the proceedings. Council members disclosed potential abstentions related to an agenda item. During the public comment period, the General Manager of Kings Point Resort provided updates, thanking the community for supporting the recent 'Breakfast with Santa' event, which hosted 500 attendees. The manager also addressed recent remarks regarding resort financials, explaining that an accounting software change was underway and that verified financial reports for Q1 and Q2 of fiscal year 2026 would be presented in January and February 2026, respectively. Additionally, a former city council member offered remarks thanking staff and sharing lessons learned about governing versus controlling city operations. The council then approved the consent agenda. An agenda item involved a membership request from the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, whose President/CEO presented an overview of their four-county region economic development mission and thanked the council for its partnership. The meeting concluded with the presentation of proclamations honoring Mike Nebett for 12 years of service to the Storm Lake Fire Department and recognizing Firefighter Daniel Ramirez for outstanding volunteerism in 2025. Three students from the local high school's JAG program were also recognized.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and approval of the agenda. During the public forum, a resident raised concerns regarding derelict properties and the perceived lack of enforcement of city codes, requesting that the city code be rewritten. The Mayor welcomed newly elected and reelected council members and reminded attendees of proper speaking procedures. The consent agenda was approved following questions regarding expense reports for Dennis Drywall (related to Kings Point water damage) and a line item for the water recreation restroom building (new boat ramp facility). New business included the appointment of Council Person Martinez as Mayor Pro Tem. A resolution approving the Code of Ethics for City Council members was passed. The Council then entered into a closed session referencing Iowa Code section 21.5G to discuss specific law enforcement matters, returning to open session afterward. The primary focus of the latter part of the meeting was a presentation by the Water Treatment Plant, Water Rates and Design Advisory Ad Hoc Commission. The committee recommended that building a new water treatment plant is a vital need due to the current plant's age (dating back to 1978, exceeding its typical 20-year lifespan) and operating at near maximum capacity. The committee recommended planning for construction north of the current plant, across Highway 7 and the railroad, and urged property acquisition within the next six months to commence planning for engineering and design.