Shane Brown

The City Council conducted public hearings regarding the annual budget adoption for the upcoming fiscal year and the proposed annexation of real estate parcels. Discussions and actions included a project status update from HR Green, setting the wage for a part-time seasonal pool manager, and approving the renaming of the Anamosa Arboretum to Serenity Park. The Council also reviewed and approved an agreement for a School Resource Officer, authorized various pay requests for city infrastructure and engineering projects, and received reports from the City Administrator and members of the Council.

The council held a special session to conduct a public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year. After opening the floor for public input and verifying that no inquiries had been received at city hall, the mayor closed the public hearing, and no further action was taken before the meeting was adjourned.

The council held several public hearings regarding service agreements for AED units, police Tasers, and a telephone system upgrade. Action items included setting a date for an annexation public hearing, authorizing the purchase of a replacement public utilities vehicle, approving a contract for grave digging services, and reviewing various project pay requests. Additionally, an expense approval report for multiple city funds was presented.

The council discussed a noise street closure permit application regarding downtown parking and construction projects, ultimately voting to postpone the decision until the next meeting to investigate alternative parking options and potential liability implications. The meeting also featured a presentation on an economic development assistance program for the Northland's housing development project, including a discussion on tax increment financing (TIF) requests to support infrastructure costs.

The City Council meeting included the approval of the consent agenda, which covered previous minutes, current bills, and a liquor license. Key actions included approving Resolution 2026-07, which appropriates funds to outside agencies under the Hotel/Motel Grant Program for fiscal year 2027. The council also approved resolutions setting the wages for a full-time Police Officer (Resolution 2026-08) and a full-time Marketing & Outreach Librarian (Resolution 2026-09). Furthermore, Resolution 2026-10, approving the removal of a Library Trustee, was passed, as was the Fiscal Year 2027 Expenditure Budget. A project status update detailed work on the 3rd Street Sidewalk Extension Project, the Water Treatment Plant Aerator Replacement Project, and the Elm & Hickory Street Sanitary Sewer Rehab. The meeting concluded with reports covering a recent fire at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the success of the Father Daughter Dance.