Ron Walker

The council held a work session to review and discuss funding requests and 28E Agreements pertaining to the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

The Council approved various liquor license amendments and renewals, as well as transient merchant permits. Street closures for upcoming events throughout 2026 were authorized. The Council reviewed a proposal for electric vehicle charging stations and referred the contract to the City Attorney. Multiple resolutions were passed, including the disbursement of public funds for the upcoming fiscal year, street lighting adjustments, and approval of a change order and pay application for the Civic Center complex. The Council also set a bid date and public hearing for street improvement projects, authorized an IT service agreement, appointed a member to the Building Committee, and approved a cost of living increase. Additionally, the Council held a closed session to discuss a real estate transaction.

The council convened for a special session, which consisted of multiple closed sessions conducted pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(c). The council moved into and returned from these closed sessions before adjourning the meeting.

The key discussions and actions included the approval of the Consent Agenda (Minutes, Claims, Clerks & Treasurer's reports) and the renewal of several liquor licenses. The Council received an update on Dickinson County recreational trails and a request for funding for the Lakes Area Senior Citizens Center. A public hearing was held concerning the Minnewashta Campground boat ramp and dock, with the consensus referring the item to the Park Board. Two public hearings were held regarding perpetual utility easements requested by Interstate Power and Light Company, resulting in the passage of two resolutions granting these easements. Permission was granted for two specific parcels to connect to Iowa Lakes Regional Water service despite not being within City limits. Another public hearing preceded the passage of a resolution authorizing the sale of vacated right-of-way on Iowa Street. Resolutions were passed approving a Change Order for the Civic Complex project and a Pay Application to Hausmann Construction. The Council also approved an Assignment and Assumption of a Law Enforcement Training Reimbursement Agreement, appointed Ron Walker to the Little Sioux Water Coalition, and set a Public Hearing for the Proposed Property Tax Levy for the FY2026-2027 budget.

The Council addressed several administrative and financial matters. The agenda was amended to include a Street Closure and a Transient Merchant Permit. Position changes included promotions for Bryan Larson to Public Works Director and Victor VanPelt to Water Superintendent, along with the hiring of new employees in Street Maintenance, Parks Maintenance, and the Police Department. The Council considered several funding requests from external organizations, including Upper Des Moines Opportunity, CAASA, Dickinson County Historical Society and Museum, Historic Arnolds Park Inc., RIDES, and Iowa Lakes Corridor. Team Wave requested budget funds for cemetery wall and street intersection beautification. Resolutions were introduced to grant perpetual easements to Interstate Power and Light Company along Minnewashta Beach Road, and to sell vacated right-of-way along Iowa Street, with public hearings scheduled for February 11, 2026. The Council approved a change order decreasing contingency funds and approved a substantial Pay Application for the Arnolds Park Civic Complex construction. A public hearing was set regarding the Minnewashta Campground boat ramp ownership discrepancy. Several Mayoral and Council appointments were made, including the Mayor Pro-tem, Police Chief, City Treasurer, City Clerk, Zoning Administrator, City Attorney, and various board and commission members. The session concluded with a closed session to discuss negotiations on a liquor license, after which the Council directed the City Attorney to proceed with negotiations.