Sandra M. Gassman

The City Council meeting included the approval of the agenda, consent agenda items such as finance reports and expenditure claims, and the reception of the police report. The Council voted to support and approve the 'Salute to America' future community fundraiser presented by Troop 175. Several ordinances were adopted, including Ordinance Number 06-2026 concerning the City Clerk Code Amendment and Ordinance Number 05-2026 concerning the Deputy Clerk Code Amendment, following successful first readings and suspension of subsequent readings. A public hearing regarding the property tax levy was scheduled for April 08, 2026.

The council approved the agenda, consent agenda items, and received and filed the police report. Key resolutions passed included the hiring of Jennifer McDermott as Deputy Clerk, the adoption of the Iowa LOSAP program, and the adoption of the City Code Supplement. Discussions were held regarding Snow Removal and Snow Emergency parking regulations, with a motion made to increase the associated fine to $100.00, pending ordinance amendment. The council also accepted the contract for the City attorney with Jenny L. Weiss, PLLC, and conducted a work session on FY27 Budget expenditure projections.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, finance reports, and expenditure claims. Actions taken involved approving Resolution #35-2025 concerning Budget Interfund Transfers and approving a wage increase to $29/hr. for an employee, effective December 15th. The Council also approved a request from Dollar General to place a temporary banner for six months on the north side of their store. Discussions included snow emergency enforcement and sidewalks, with a decision to review associated fines on the next agenda. Consensus was reached to engage the firm of Jenny L Weiss for legal representation, including traffic court matters.

Key discussions during the meeting involved the City Council code concerning the appointment terms for the City Clerk and Deputy Clerk, as well as the current process for abatement notices. The council addressed Ordinance Number 04-2026, approving the first reading and subsequent adoption of a Snow Emergency code amendment. Action was dismissed regarding the potential rescheduling of the March council meeting. The session concluded with a budget work session focused on Fiscal Year 2027 expenditure and revenue projections.

The Epworth City Council convened to address various items, including acknowledging the Annual Urban Renewal Report FY25 and approving an annual appropriation to Rausch Construction Company Inc. The council received and filed the Police Report, approved the Plat of Fox Ridge Phase 1 subdivision, and approved the REAP Development Grant Agreement for Tower Park restroom/changing room. They also addressed personnel matters, such as renewing the health plan and approving wage increases for full-time employees. Additionally, the council opened and closed a hearing on proposed Zoning Code amendments, adopting Ordinance #33-2025. Discussion also occurred regarding sidewalk liability case law and the city's response to mitigate risk.