Shane Vande Voort

Discussions included appreciation for support to the local golf team, particularly regarding junior golf rates and staff support. The chairperson for Oskaloosa Main Street provided an update on launching a community survey in partnership with Main Street Iowa to gather input for a transformation strategies action plan, with an in-person community session scheduled for March 30th. The president of Forest Cemetery expressed gratitude for continued municipal budget support, noting the challenge of operating 60 acres and caring for 19,000 buried individuals. The consent agenda was approved, which included scheduling public hearings for March 16, 2026, concerning amendments to zoning and site development regulations, special assessments, and the vacation/sale of specific alleyways. The council also considered an ordinance amending bicycle registration rules. An update was provided on the YMCA natatorium completion project, detailing progress such as tile installation, pool shell coating, and glass divider wall completion, with substantial completion anticipated by August 28, 2026. The council also reviewed the first reading of an ordinance to amend municipal parking lot regulations to designate specific city vehicle parking spaces north of the fire station adjacent to an alley, as these spaces are on city-owned property and not in the public right-of-way.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Community comments included updates from Beth Brostrom regarding Main Street Oskaloosa's survey initiatives and upcoming community input session, noting the receipt of 1,014 survey ballots. Eric Con provided an update on wastewater struggles from Office of Food Products, detailing a three-pronged approach involving changing incompatible chemistry, transporting existing wastewater, and installing a Dissolved Air Flotation (DAFF) unit expected to be operational soon. The consent agenda was approved, which included setting a date for a public hearing on the property tax rate and scheduling a hearing for a development agreement. The council also announced several vacancies on various boards and commissions. The regular agenda featured a major announcement from Mackenzie Burke, General Manager of Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation (MCRF), confirming that Oskaloosa was selected to host the 2026 Little League Junior Softball Central Region Tournament in July, bringing hundreds of athletes and families, and aligning with tourism initiatives. Planning efforts include integrating the welcome ceremony with the existing Sweet Corn event downtown, and coordination with local businesses and the city for promotion and support.

Key discussions and actions included public comments from Oskaloosa Main Street regarding a survey and an update from Oskaloosa Food Products concerning wastewater corrective actions. The Council approved the consent agenda, which covered claims for February 2026 and several liquor license applications (new and renewals). Several resolutions were adopted, including setting a date for a public hearing concerning the Fiscal Year 2027 budget tax levy, establishing a public hearing for a development agreement with Oskaloosa Multifamily, LLC, approving the final plans for the 8th Avenue West Reconstruction Project and awarding the contract for that project, affirming support for Phase 2 of the SE Connector Project, and approving agreements with the Professional Fire Fighters Local 636 and PPME Local 2003 (Police) regarding wages and benefits. Ordinances were approved on second reading to amend chapters related to Sewage System and Municipal Parking Lots, and a new ordinance for the creation of an Arts and Culture Commission was approved on first reading. The Council discussed vacancies on several commissions. A public hearing was held for the State Revolving Fund loan application and the 8th Avenue West Reconstruction Project hearing. A closed session was held to discuss collective bargaining strategy.

The Planning & Zoning Commission discussed and considered requests for the vacation and sale of two separate east-west alleys. The first request concerned the alley adjacent to 307 North E Street, which the Commission recommended for council approval, as utility companies confirmed no infrastructure was present. The second request involved the alley adjacent to 601 C Avenue W, also recommended for council approval to facilitate lot size increase for a potential Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

The Special Meeting focused primarily on community input regarding potential funding cuts from the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors. Community members expressed support for current library materials and services, with one opposing voice suggesting significant funding reduction. The Board discussed the situation, noting that the City is also facing budget constraints. The Board ultimately decided to draft and send a formal letter to the Mahaska County Board of Supervisors in response to the funding challenge. Additionally, the Board approved sending an invoice to an individual for damages incurred in a meeting room, per the revised Meeting Area policy.