Timothy E. Crannell

The meeting addressed several items including confirming that no meeting will occur in December and agreeing to propose an earlier meeting time of 7 p.m. The commission discussed the latest draft of the historical district ordinance, noting a major change limiting its application to buildings within the designated historic district. Updates were provided on the website development, with Phase One ready for testing and content creation underway for Phase Two. The chair approved a $25 annual spend for a simplified web address, and written material permissions were secured from a contributor. Work continues on historical narratives for buildings in the district and historical homes, though progress on the Raccoon Valley Plaque is paused. Planning and ideas for the 250th anniversary were brainstormed, including coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and the Lion's group. The group decided to discuss the required Preservation Plan update and a proposed new format for the annual work plan during the January meeting.

Key discussions included an update on a meeting with Larry Vodenik regarding his new non-profit, the Perry Iowa Historical Society, and its fundraising efforts. The commission noted delays in the website development by the hired vendor, Chris Brocka, and discussed alternative storage for research documents on a shared cloud drive. Progress was made on writing historical narratives for buildings in the historic square district. Topics related to a Historical Grant application were reviewed, noting the museum is not on the national registry. The status of the plaque for the Raccoon River Community House remains on hold pending cost discussions. The commission also discussed coordinating local projects for the 250th anniversary, including potential proclamations, a genealogy class, and incorporating historical content from local contributors like David Sande and Bill Freestone. The possibility of rewriting the Adel Historic Grant to align with new guidelines and updating the Preservation Plan with consultant assistance in the future were also noted.

Key discussion topics included updates on the Youth Basketball program, which is 70% complete, and the status of Youth Baseball and Softball sign-ups. The Board reviewed significant proposed budget items for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, such as acquiring a new mower, refurbishing Kinnick-Feller Park (including tennis courts, surfacing, shelters, and lighting), and adding lighting at Twin Oaks Pond. Preparations for the 2026 pool season included sending recruitment emails and beginning advertisements for seasonal positions. A motion was passed to approve a proposed restructuring of season passes, shifting from family passes to individual passes to simplify the system. The Board received an update on the CIRPTA Trails project, noting a public meeting was held and the route was revised. Staff reported on remaining punch list items for the Southbridge Trail. During an informal discussion, the board debated the future use of the Water Tower Park site, considering ball fields versus an indoor community/recreation center, and discussed conducting a new community survey.

The Adel City Council meeting included public hearings on zoning ordinance amendments for Southbridge Plats 7 and 11, and the Bailey's Grove Channel Improvements Project. The council discussed and approved items on the consent agenda, appointed James West as the Legislative Champion Advocate for the City of Adel, and received the Police Department's annual report. They also approved an ordinance related to animal protection and regulations for dangerous dogs, and appointed a member to the Parks and Recreation Board. Additionally, the council approved a retail alcohol license for Pizza Hut, zoning ordinance amendments for portions of Southbridge Plats, and a change order for the Adel Evans Park Trail Connections Project. They also considered and ultimately approved a grant agreement with the Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce, approved the Request for Proposals for Island Park Campground Lease and Operations, and adopted plans and specifications for the Bailey's Grove Channel Improvements. Furthermore, they set a date for a public hearing and consultation meeting related to a voluntary annexation application, approved the extension of a farm lease, and discussed the implementation of the NLC Service Line Warranty Program by HomeServe.

The meeting involved discussions and possible actions regarding the amendment of Zoning Code 165.48 Section 14 pertaining to swimming pools and fences. An exception was added to allow a 48-inch fence with a lockable UL listed pool cover, requiring it to be closed when no one is home. Additionally, the Site Plan and Design Guideline on Lot 41 Southbridge Commercial Area was discussed and approved.