Charles City public meetings in 2025

City Council Regular Agenda

The Charles City Council will consider and vote on several resolutions, including a federal‑aid agreement to fund the Main Street Bridge. Other items include updates to the city’s traffic control listing, a private development agreement with Union Place, L.L.C., payment requests for the City Hall and Police Department renovation, and a Class E retail alcohol license. The agenda also contains routine approvals of the meeting agenda, minutes, and consent calendar.

• Resolution 118-25: Approve Iowa DOT federal‑aid agreement for Main Street Bridge funding
• Resolution 119-25: Amend the official traffic control listing for parking restrictions on F Street
• Resolution 120-25: Approve private development agreement with Union Place, L.L.C.
• Resolution 123-25: Approve payment requests #9 & #10 for City Hall/Police Department renovation
• Approval of Class E retail alcohol license for a liquor, beer & tobacco outlet

The council approved the consent calendar, adopted a resolution to accept $1.5 million Iowa DOT bridge funding, and approved traffic‑control changes near Lincoln Elementary. It also approved the Union Place development agreement, preliminary plat, site plan, and related payment requests, and granted extraordinary duty pay to the city clerk. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved consent calendar items (licenses, ownership updates, 11/2025 financials, vendor payments) – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 118-25 authorizing Iowa DOT bridge funding – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 119-25 amending traffic control list for school zones – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 120-25 development agreement with Union Place LLC – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 121-25 preliminary plat for Union Place – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 122-25 site plan for Union Place – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 123-25 payment requests #9 & #10 for City Hall/Police renovation – unanimous (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 124-25 amendment to employment agreement for extraordinary duty pay to City Clerk – unanimous (5-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The City Council and staff will hold a planning session to discuss infrastructure, development, and regulatory updates. The meeting includes reviews of a bridge replacement agreement and a proposed ordinance for vacant buildings.

• Main St Bridge IDOT City Bridge Replacement Funding Agreement and preliminary design
• Union Place development preliminary plat and site plan
• Proposed Vacant Building Ordinance
• Sales stand permit for The Fiddle Leaf at 101 N. Main Street
• FY27 budget workshop timeline review

The council reviewed a seasonal sales‑stand permit, a 130‑unit Union Place development, a vacant‑building ordinance, and a bridge funding agreement. It also received updates on the FY27 budget, winter snow‑blade issues, and a Foster Grandparents program. No items were approved, denied, or formally adopted; further action is planned for future meetings.

City Council Regular Agenda

The Charles City Council will consider several routine items, including licensing approvals and payment of mowing liens. The key decision is whether to adopt Resolution 117-25, which would continue the lease of the city ball field to Zoetis LLC. The council will also approve the agenda, minutes from the November 17 meeting, and the consent calendar.

• Approval of Class B Retail Alcohol License for Hy‑Vee Fast & Fresh
• Approval of License Amendment for Kwik Star #468, ABD Square Footage Audit
• Approval of mowing liens: Parcel #11-12-134-004-00 $130.00; Parcel #11-01-460-006-00 $180.00
• Consider Motion to approve Resolution 117-25 continuing the ball field lease agreement with Zoetis LLC
• Consider approval of the consent calendar

The council approved the meeting agenda and the November 17 minutes, then adopted the consent calendar authorizing multiple licenses, mowing liens and $906,229.75 in payments. Resolution No. 117‑25 to continue the ball‑field lease with Zoetis LLC for three years was passed unanimously. The meeting concluded with the oath of office for Officer Dylan Usher and adjournment.

• Approved agenda (5‑0)
• Approved November 17 minutes (5‑0)
• Approved consent calendar authorizing licenses, liens and $906,229.75 payments (5‑0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 117‑25 to continue ball‑field lease with Zoetis LLC (5‑0)
• Administered oath of office to new police officer Dylan Usher
• Adjourned meeting (5‑0)

City Council Regular Agenda

The council will consider a third reading and adoption of Ordinance 1196, which updates nuisance abatement procedures and junk vehicle definitions. It will also approve two retail alcohol licenses, several excavation bonds, and multiple financial and audit reports. Additional items include street‑closure requests for holiday fireworks and the holiday parade.

• Third reading and adoption of Ordinance 1196 amending nuisance abatement and junk vehicle definitions
• Approval of Class F Retail Alcohol License for Charles City Benevolent Association of Elks dba BPO Elks Lodge 418
• Approval of Class C Retail Alcohol License for Charles Theatre Inc
• Approval of excavation bonds for West Union Trenching, EJ Construction LLC, and Andrew Babcock dba Babcock Services
• Approval of FY27 TIF Certification Report

The council approved Ordinance No. 1196, amending Chapters 50 and 51 to update nuisance abatement procedures and junk‑vehicle definitions (5‑0). It also approved holiday street closures for the Dec 5 fireworks and lighted parade, and proclaimed American Education Week for Nov 17‑21 (5‑0). Additionally, the council adopted the FY25 audit draft, the TIF Certification Report, the FY25 Urban Renewal Report, the FY25 Street Finance Report, and the consent calendar items (all 5‑0).

• Approved Ordinance No. 1196 amending Chapters 50 & 51 (5-0)
• Approved holiday street closures for Dec 5 fireworks and parade (5-0)
• Approved proclamation of American Education Week, Nov 17‑21 (5-0)
• Approved FY25 audit draft report (5-0)
• Approved TIF Certification Report (5-0)
• Approved FY25 Urban Renewal Report (5-0)
• Approved FY25 Street Finance Report (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar items (licenses, bonds, payments) (5-0)

City Council Special Agenda

The Charles City Council will meet on November 21, 2025 at 5:45 p.m. to consider the meeting agenda and discuss Resolution 116‑25. The resolution seeks approval of a change order that adds a geo‑grid, drainage improvements, and additional rock base to the parking lot for the City Hall and Police Department renovation project. No dollar amount is listed in the agenda.

• Consideration and approval of the meeting agenda
• Discussion and vote on Resolution 116‑25 to approve a change order for geo‑grid, drainage, and rock base in the City Hall/Police Department parking lot
• Review of related document RES 116‑25 PCO 50025 GEO GRID ROCK BASE.PDF

The council adopted Resolution 116-25, approving Potential Change Order #50025 for the City Hall/Police Department renovation project. The order authorizes installation of a geogrid and six inches of additional rock base in the front parking lot. The resolution passed unanimously, 5‑0. The mayor reported the overall project remains about $230,000 under its allocated budget.

• Approved Potential Change Order #50025 (geogrid and extra rock base) – adopted Resolution 116-25 (5-0)
• Approved meeting agenda – unanimous (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous (5-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The City Council and staff will hold a planning session to discuss the Main Street Bridge. The meeting includes reviews of the FY27 TIF Certification, FY25 Annual Urban Renewal, and FY25 Street Finance reports.

• Public forum on Main Street Bridge renovation vs restoration
• Review of FY27 TIF Certification Report
• Review of FY25 Annual Urban Renewal Report
• Review of FY25 Street Finance Report

The council met for a planning session and heard updates on the Main Street bridge study, City Hall/Police renovation, and TIF reports. Public comments were heard, but the mayor reiterated that no action will be taken on the bridge project at this meeting. No formal approvals, denials, or tabling of items occurred.

City Council Regular Agenda

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding a storm sewer improvement project and changes to industrial building height and story limits. The body will also consider several resolutions for city infrastructure, funding, and mutual aid agreements.

• Public hearing and contract approval for the 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project
• Ordinance 1195 to increase maximum height and stories in M-1 and M-2 industrial districts
• Resolution 112-25 for facade program funding at 409 N. Main Street
• Resolution 101-25 for a metal storage shed at Wildwood Golf Course
• Mowing liens for Parcel #12-06-381-009-00 ($255) and Parcel #11-12-190-001-00 ($169)

The council adopted the final plans and awarded the contract for the 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project. It also passed ordinances updating industrial bulk requirements and nuisance definitions, and approved several resolutions including joining IAWARN, a lead service line funding agreement, a metal shed at Wildwood Golf Course, and a sales stand permit application.

• Approved Resolution No. 110-25 adopting final plans for 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project (ayes 4)
• Approved Resolution No. 11-25 awarding $78,381 contract to Denver Underground for storm sewer project (ayes 4)
• Approved second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 1195 increasing bulk height limits in industrial districts (ayes 4)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance No. 1196 amending nuisance and junk vehicle definitions (ayes 4)
• Approved Resolution No. 113-25 joining Iowa Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (IAWARN) (ayes 4)
• Approved Resolution No. 114-25 agreement with Short Elliott for lead service line replacement funding assistance (ayes 4)
• Approved Resolution No. 101-25 construction of metal storage shed at Wildwood Golf Course (ayes 4)
• Approved Sales Stand Permit Application (3 ayes, 1 nay)

City Council Planning Agendas

The City Council and staff will meet to review several grant applications, construction projects, and utility agreements. The session includes discussions on water service line replacements and facility upgrades.

• Façade Improvement Grant Application for the Charles Theatre
• Construction of a metal storage shed at Wildwood Golf Course
• Lead and galvanized service line replacements
• Service line termination agreement with Young Construction for 1312 Gilbert Street
• Sales stand permit application per Code Chapters 136.20 & 136.21

The October 29, 2025 planning session was held in the Zastrow Room of the public library. Council members discussed a service‑line termination extension, a $10,000 façade improvement grant, a water‑line replacement plan, and a sales‑stand permit, but no motions were adopted or votes recorded. The meeting concluded with routine updates on storm‑sewer bids and upcoming public hearings.

City Council Regular Agenda

The Charles City Council will approve the meeting agenda, minutes, and consent calendar, and will vote on two Class C retail alcohol licenses. It will also approve delinquent utility liens totaling $2,287 for several parcels and an excavation bond for Rock Central, LLC. The council will consider a rezoning ordinance changing a city‑owned parcel from R‑2 residential to M‑1 light manufacturing, and will take first readings on a bulk‑height amendment and a new water supply well report.

• Approve Class C Retail Alcohol License for Salinas’, LLC and for T6, LLC dba Prologue. Books And Wine
• Approve delinquent utility liens for parcels #12-06-179-018-00 ($307), #12-06-353-013-00 ($410), #11-12-426-006-00 ($101), #11-01-378-004-00 ($84), #12-06-153-009-00 ($146), #12-06-153-063-00 ($239), #12-06-353-008-00 ($219), #11-01-477-003-00 ($200), #11-12-404-004-00 ($146), #12-06-359-002-00 ($150), #11-12-129-003-00 ($285) – total $2,287
• Third reading of Ordinance 1194 to reclassify a city‑owned parcel from R‑2 (medium density residential) to M‑1 (light manufacturing)
• First reading of Ordinance 1195 to increase maximum height and number of stories for conditional and permitted uses in M‑1 and M‑2 districts
• Resolution 102-25 adopting the preliminary engineering report for new public water supply Well #9 and authorizing submittal to the Iowa DNR

The council adopted Ordinance No. 1194 changing a city parcel from R‑2 residential to M‑1 Light Manufacturing. It also adopted several other ordinances and resolutions covering building height limits, code updates, water well planning, pump maintenance, Superfund site response, and a railroad crossing safety agreement. All actions passed unanimously with four Ayes and no Nays.

• Approved Ordinance No. 1194 rezoning parcel from R‑2 to M‑1 (4 Ayes)
• Approved Ordinance No. 1195 raising max building height to 75 ft and stories to 6 in M‑1 and M‑2 districts (4 Ayes)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 1196 amending nuisance and junk‑vehicle code provisions (4 Ayes)
• Adopted Resolution No. 102-25 to submit engineering report for new public water well #9 and authorize IOWA DNR intended use application (4 Ayes)
• Adopted Resolution No. 103-25 approving $48,403.29 contract for High Service Pump #3 maintenance (4 Ayes)
• Adopted Resolution No. 104-25 approving $20,175 city share of GHD Services change order for Shaw Avenue Superfund site review (4 Ayes)
• Adopted Resolution No. 105-25 approving Section 130 crossing safety improvement agreement for North Grand Avenue CPKC railroad crossing (4 Ayes)
• Approved Class C Retail Alcohol Licenses for Salinas, LLC and T6, LLC dba Books and Wine (4 Ayes)

City Council Planning Agendas

The City Council and staff will hold a planning session to discuss infrastructure projects and code updates. Key topics include water system maintenance, bridge feasibility, and zoning amendments.

• Final feasibility study for Main Street Bridge
• Proposed building height amendments in M-1 and M-2 zoning districts
• Application for Well #9 and viability study
• Nuisance code amendments
• Consulting fees for GHD regarding EPA response

The council approved submitting the preliminary engineering report for the water system to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and filing the Intended Use Application. The council indicated Alternative 1 – drilling a test well north of the plant – as the preferred option. No vote tally was recorded in the minutes.

• Approved submittal of water infrastructure plan to IDNR and filing of IUP, preferring Alternative 1 (no vote recorded)

City Council Regular Agenda

The City Council will approve the agenda, minutes from recent meetings, and items on the consent calendar, including several retail alcohol licenses and payment of claims. It will take a second reading of Ordinance 1194 to change the zoning of a city‑owned parcel from R‑2 residential to M‑1 light manufacturing. The council will also set a public hearing for the 2025 Storm Water Project and consider a first amendment to the purchase agreement with Bloomfield Acres, LLC.

• Second reading of Ordinance 1194 to reclassify a city‑owned parcel from R‑2 to M‑1
• Approval of Class C retail alcohol license for Plaza Mexico Mexican Restaurant
• Approval of Class B native wine license for Unique Country Store
• Resolution 98-25: set public hearing for the 2025 Storm Water Project
• Resolution 99-25: approve first amendment to purchase agreement with Bloomfield Acres, LLC

The council approved a proclamation for Alpha Delta Kappa Month and adopted the consent calendar covering multiple license approvals and $548,482.33 in payments. It also rezoned a city‑owned parcel from R‑2 residential to M‑1 Light Manufacturing, approved preliminary plans for the 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project, and adopted an amendment to the Union Place Purchase Agreement. All actions passed with unanimous affirmative votes.

• Approved agenda (5 ayes)
• Approved minutes of September meetings (5 ayes)
• Approved consent calendar items including several alcohol licenses and $548,482.33 in payments (5 ayes)
• Approved proclamation for Alpha Delta Kappa Month (5 ayes)
• Approved Ordinance 1194 to rezone parcel from R‑2 to M‑1 Light Manufacturing (ayes: Knighten, Noah, Lumley, Freeseman, Pittman; nays: none)
• Approved Resolution No. 98‑25 for preliminary plans and specifications of the 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project (ayes: Noah, Lumley, Freeseman, Pittman, Knighten; nays: none)
• Approved Resolution No. 99‑25 amending the Union Place Purchase Agreement with Bloomfield Acres, LLC (ayes: Lumley, Freeseman, Pittman, Knighten, Noah; nays: none)

City Council Special Agenda

The Charles City Council will consider Resolution 97-25, which approves an employment agreement with the selected city administrator candidate. Council members will discuss the terms of the agreement and vote on its approval. No other agenda items are listed for this special meeting.

• Resolution 97-25: Approve employment agreement with selected city administrator candidate

The council approved its agenda unanimously. It adopted Resolution 97-25, hiring city administrator candidate Tyler Trout with a $120,000 salary and related benefits. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 97-25 hiring city administrator Tyler Trout (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Special Agenda

The City Council will consider entering a closed session to review applications and evaluate the professional competency of candidates for City Administrator. The council will then consider a motion to offer the City Administrator position to the selected candidate, conditioned on approval of a written employment agreement. The agenda also includes standard items such as approval of the agenda and adjournment.

• Enter closed session to review City Administrator applications and evaluate competency
• Motion to offer City Administrator position to selected candidate, pending written employment agreement
• Consider approval of the meeting agenda

The council approved its agenda for the special session. They voted to enter a closed session to review City Administrator applications under Iowa Code Sec. 21.5(1)(i). After reconvening, the council approved offering the City Administrator position to the preferred candidate, contingent on a written employment agreement. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 p.m.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Entered closed session to review City Administrator applications (5-0)
• Offered City Administrator position to preferred candidate, pending written agreement (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The City Council and staff will review several agenda items, including a request for a flower stand at 101 N. Main, a nuisance issue, a proposed vacant building ordinance, an amendment to the Union Place purchase agreement, the 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project, and an economic development grant for the Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce. The meeting will also include reports from the interim city administrator and city staff.

• Request for flower stand on sidewalk at 101 N. Main (The Fiddle Leaf)
• Discussion on proposed vacant building ordinance – Business Improvement Committee
• Union Place Purchase Agreement Amendment
• 2025 Storm Sewer Improvement Project
• Review of Economic Development Grant to Charles City Area Chamber of Commerce – Business Incentive Fund

The council agreed that staff and City Attorney Brad Sloter will draft an annual permit for merchandise displays, including a seasonal self‑serve flower stand requested by Lauren Lundberg. The council also discussed the city’s nuisance‑code procedures, a proposed Vacant Building Ordinance, a storm‑sewer improvement plan, and an amendment to the Union Place purchase agreement, but no votes or approvals were taken on those items. The planning session adjourned at 8:52 p.m.

• Staff and Attorney Sloter to draft an annual permit for seasonal flower stands (no vote)

City Council Regular Agenda

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding rezoning a city-owned parcel from medium density residential to light manufacturing. The body will also consider several resolutions related to infrastructure, economic development, and city renovations.

• Public hearing for rezoning a city-owned parcel from R-2 to M-1 (Shaw Ave site)
• Resolution 93-25: Development agreement and forgivable loan for Curbtender, Inc.
• Resolution 91-25: Payment request No. 7 for City Hall/Police Department renovation
• Resolution 92-25: Lane Street railroad crossing closure agreement with CPKC
• Mowing lien approval for Parcel #11-12-190-001-00 in the amount of $412

The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1194 to rezone a city‑owned parcel to a light‑manufacturing district and authorized a railroad‑highway grade crossing closure agreement with CPKC, including related funding. It also approved street closures for the SpookWalk event, a $33,047 pump rebuild quote, a $12,988.88 WRRF repair quote, the seventh payment request of $271,053.92 for the City Hall/Police Department renovation, and a $62,500 forgivable loan to Curbtender for creating 50 jobs.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1194 rezoning parcel to M‑1 (5-0)
• Approved street closures for SpookWalk Oct 27‑28 (5-0)
• Approved $33,047 rebuild quote for RAS/WAS Pump #3 (5-0)
• Approved $12,988.88 parts quote for WRRF rotary cutter repair (5-0)
• Approved payment request #7 of $271,053.92 to Kingland Construction for City Hall/P.D. renovation (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 92-25 authorizing railroad‑highway grade crossing closure agreement (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 93-25 authorizing $62,500 forgivable loan to Curbtender for 50 jobs (5-0)

City Council Special Agenda

The Charles City Council will discuss a motion to enter a closed session for interviews with six city administrator applicants. The motion cites Iowa Code Sec. 21.5(1)(i), which permits closed sessions to protect an individual's reputation during the hiring process. The council will vote on whether to proceed with the closed session before reconvening in open session.

• Motion to enter closed session for interviews with six city administrator applicants, per Iowa Code Sec. 21.5(1)(i)

The council voted unanimously to approve the special session agenda. They then approved a motion to go into closed session to interview six city administrator applicants, also unanimously. No actions were taken during the closed session, and the council adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved closed session for administrator interviews (5-0)
• No action taken in closed session
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Special Agenda

The council voted 5‑0 to approve the meeting agenda. It then voted 5‑0 to enter closed session to review city administrator applications. No action was taken in the closed session, and the council adjourned the meeting with a 5‑0 vote.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Entered closed session to review city administrator applications (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Regular Agenda

The council set a public hearing to rezone a city‑owned parcel from R‑2 residential to M‑1 light manufacturing (unanimous vote). It also approved a 2.62% residential solid‑waste rate increase, a $59,634 manhole rehabilitation contract, the consent calendar payments totaling $447,156.55, and appointed Steve Hubert to the Board of Adjustment. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved consent calendar payments of $447,156.55 (5-0)
• Appointed Steve Hubert to the Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Adopted resolution to set public hearing for rezoning parcel to M‑1 (5-0)
• Approved 2.62% residential solid‑waste rate increase (5-0)
• Approved $59,634 manhole rehabilitation contract (5-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The council approved a supplemental agreement to conduct a feasibility study of the historic Main Street bridge. It adopted the gallon‑based rate increase scenario for waste service, applying the 2.62% increase by gallon. The council declined to provide financial support for the reforestation donation program. Members also agreed to keep the current autopay fee structure and not absorb the fees.

• Approved supplemental agreement to study Main Street bridge
• Adopted gallon‑based 2.62% waste rate increase scenario
• Declined financial participation in reforestation donation program
• Confirmed autopay fee structure will remain unchanged

City Council Regular Agenda

The council adopted Ordinance 1193 to vacate a portion of Cedar Street and convey it to DeLaine and Jane Freeseman, reimbursing $750 for legal fees. It also approved Resolution No. 87-25, authorizing the $290,910.94 sixth payment to Kingland Construction for the City Hall/Police Department renovation. Additional items approved included the agenda, minutes, consent calendar, a Foster Grandparent proclamation, and a Homecoming parade permit.

• Approved agenda (ayes-4)
• Approved minutes of July 30 and August 4 meetings (ayes-4)
• Approved consent calendar items (alcohol licenses, liens, payments) (ayes-4)
• Approved proclamation honoring 60th Anniversary of Foster Grandparent Program (ayes-4)
• Approved Homecoming parade permit for Charles City Schools (ayes-4)
• Adopted Ordinance 1193 vacating portion of Cedar Street, conveyance to DeLaine and Jane Freeseman, reimburse $750 legal fees (ayes-4)
• Approved payment request No. 6 to Kingland Construction for $290,910.94 (ayes-4)
• Adjourned meeting (ayes-4)

City Council Special Agenda

The council approved its agenda and closed the public hearing on the vacancy appointment. Councilmembers voted to appoint Krista Noah to the vacant city council seat. They also approved an additional transfer for Fund 172: Public Housing for FY25. The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Closed public hearing (4-0)
• Appointed Krista Noah to vacant council seat (4-0)
• Authorized additional FY25 fund transfer (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council Regular Agenda

Council approved a $19,777 replacement of the main water pump’s variable frequency drive and a $79,864 upgrade of the water treatment plant’s programmable logic controllers. The council also approved a $4,000 façade improvement grant for Tellurian Brewing, the closure of Main Street’s 200 block for the Harvest Moon Festival, and the vacating of a portion of Cedar Street’s right‑of‑way. All listed resolutions passed unanimously or with only an abstention.

• Approved $19,777 water pump VFD replacement (Resolution 81-25) – unanimous yes
• Approved $79,864 PLC upgrade for water treatment plant (Resolution 82-25) – unanimous yes
• Approved $4,000 façade improvement grant for Tellurian Brewing (Resolution 83-25) – unanimous yes
• Approved closure of Main St 200 block for Harvest Moon Festival – ayes 4
• Approved vacating portion of Cedar Street ROW (Ordinance 1193) – ayes 3, abstain 1
• Approved consent calendar payments totaling $514,767.93 – ayes 4
• Approved agenda – ayes 4
• Approved minutes of July 16 and July 21 meetings – ayes 4

City Council Planning Agendas

The council decided to convert the upcoming planning session into a special meeting to consider appointing a new council member. The next regular council meeting was scheduled for August 4. No other policy actions were approved during this planning session.

• Convert upcoming planning session into a special meeting to consider appointing a new council member (decided)
• Schedule next regular council meeting for August 4 (scheduled)
• Completed migration of all utility billing data to the FrontDesk system (completed)
• Staff training for FrontDesk system scheduled for next week (scheduled)
• City auditors to be on-site the week of August 18 (scheduled)
• Removed left bollard on west entrance of pedestrian bridge to improve bike accessibility (completed)
• Mayor requested council prepare bullet‑point list on nuisance abatements for August 4 meeting (task assigned)
• Presented commemorative plaque to Councilmember Keith Starr in recognition of his service (recognition)

City Council Regular Agenda

The council approved its agenda, minutes, and a consent calendar covering $909,712 in vendor payments. It adopted two Economic Development Support Agreements totaling $447,000, approved the second reading of Ordinance 1193 to vacate a portion of Cedar Street, authorized FY25 fund transfers, approved a $399,633.52 payment for the City Hall/PD renovation, and set a process to fill a council vacancy by appointment while approving the final city administrator search profile.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar (5-0)
• Approved CCADC economic development agreement (5-0)
• Approved Main Street Charles City economic development agreement (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1193 (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved FY25 fund transfers (5-0)
• Approved $399,633.52 City Hall/PD renovation payment (5-0)
• Approved appointment process for council vacancy (4-0, 1 abstain)

City Council Planning Agendas

The council agreed to remove item #5, "All Affected Properties have been notified? Yes or No," from the street‑closure notification form. Instead, a reminder will be added to the form directing applicants to publicize the event for property‑owner notification. No other formal actions were approved during the session.

• Remove item #5 from street‑closure notification form (decision made, no vote tally recorded)

City Council Regular Agenda

The council approved its agenda, the consent calendar and two street‑closure requests for upcoming events. It adopted the first reading of Ordinance 1193 to vacate a portion of Cedar Street and passed amendments to the Riverside, South Grand and SW Bypass urban renewal areas. Councilmembers also approved the appointment of interim city administrator Dan Gifford and authorized the refurbishment of fire engine 252 and purchase of a new pumper. All actions were approved by unanimous or recorded roll‑call votes.

• Approved agenda (ayes 4)
• Approved consent calendar (ayes 4)
• Approved street closures for National Night Out (ayes 5)
• Approved street closures for Art‑a‑Fest (ayes 5)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 1193 vacating Cedar Street (ayes 4, abstain 1)
• Approved Riverside urban renewal plan amendment (5‑0 roll call)
• Approved appointment of interim city administrator Dan Gifford (5‑0 roll call)
• Approved fire engine 252 refurbishment and purchase of 2006 Pierce Dash pumper (ayes 5)

City Council Planning Agendas

The council reached consensus to clear unwanted vegetation in the South Grand right‑of‑way while keeping healthy crab apple trees. They set agenda‑item deadline times—Thursday noon before Monday regular meetings and Monday noon before Wednesday planning sessions—with the mayor retaining final authority. The council also agreed to place a discussion of nuisance properties on a future planning session agenda.

• Agreed to selectively clear vegetation in South Grand right‑of‑way, preserving healthy crab apple trees
• Established agenda‑item deadline times (Thursday 12 pm before Monday regular meetings; Monday 12 pm before Wednesday planning sessions) with mayor having final say
• Decided to add discussion of nuisance properties to a future planning session

City Council Regular Agenda

The council adopted a loan agreement authorizing a $173,000 general‑obligation corporate‑purpose note. It also passed Ordinance 1191 to vacate a portion of abandoned Thirteenth Avenue and approved two street closures for July 4 events. Additional actions included a colocation agreement with WIN, LLC, a payment request for the city‑hall/police renovation, and a directive to study rezoning the Shaw Avenue parcel. All items were approved unanimously or with the recorded vote totals.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved minutes of May 28 and June 2 meetings (4-0)
• Approved consent calendar items, including licenses, bonds and $2,871,531.01 in claims payments (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1191 vacating a portion of abandoned Thirteenth Avenue (4-0)
• Approved street closure for Firecracker 5K (July 4) (4-0)
• Approved Main Street closure for July 4 fireworks (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 58-25 colocation agreement with WIN, LLC (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 61-25 loan authorizing $173,000 general‑obligation note (4-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The June 11 planning session discussed several items, including a cost‑saving engine refurbishment option, a $268,916.32 payment request for city hall/police renovations, and the need to re‑zone a parcel near the Shaw Avenue dump site. It also covered the upcoming short‑term borrowing request, the dissolution of the SW Bypass TIF Committee, and staffing updates. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were taken.

City Council Regular Agenda

The council adopted Ordinance 1192, amending the Unified Development Ordinance to permit more than one duplex on a lot. It also approved the second reading of Ordinance 1191 and reset its public hearing date. Resolutions were passed to accept the final payment for the 2024 permeable pavement project and to set public hearing dates for the Riverside, Southwest Bypass, and South Grand urban renewal plans. Finally, the council approved posting for an interim city administrator.

• Approved Ordinance 1192 allowing multiple duplexes (3-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1191 (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 53-25 resetting hearing date for Ordinance 1191 (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 54-25 accepting final payment for 2024 permeable pavement project (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 55-25 setting hearing date for Riverside urban renewal plan (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 56-25 setting hearing date for Southwest Bypass urban renewal plan (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution 57-25 setting hearing date for South Grand urban renewal plan (3-0)
• Approved posting for interim city administrator (3-0)

City Council Special Agenda

The council adopted the second reading of Ordinance 1192, allowing more than one duplex on a single lot, with a unanimous 5‑yes vote. It also approved Change Order PR‑3 for a plumbing depth change ($16,203.01) and Change Order PR‑4 for exterior wall reinforcement ($82,426.92), each passing unanimously. The agenda was approved and the meeting was adjourned at 6:31 p.m.

• Approved agenda (5‑yes)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1192 (duplex amendment) (5‑yes)
• Approved Change Order PR‑3: plumbing depth change ($16,203.01) (5‑yes)
• Approved Change Order PR‑4: exterior wall reinforcement ($82,426.92) (5‑yes)
• Adjourned meeting (5‑yes)

City Council Special Agenda

The council approved the meeting agenda. They accepted Hinson Consulting's proposal to conduct the city administrator search, with a budget not to exceed $18,750. The council agreed to reconvene on May 28 at 5:30 p.m. The session was adjourned.

• Approved meeting agenda (5-0)
• Accepted Hinson Consulting search proposal up to $18,750 (5-0)
• Scheduled special session for May 28 at 5:30 p.m. (consensus)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Regular Agenda

The council adopted Resolution 43‑25, amending the fiscal year 2025 budget to reflect changes in project timelines, staff, TIF payments, and housing severance. Several other actions were approved, including a street‑closure amendment for the May 30 Party in the Park, a purchase of a new police Interceptor, and a parking‑waiver for Cedar Valley Property Solutions. The council also set public hearing dates for Ordinances 1191 and 1192 and supported a workforce‑housing tax‑credit application for the Union Place development.

• Adopted FY25 budget amendment (Resolution 43‑25) – approved 4‑0
• Approved street‑closure amendment for May 30 Party in the Park – approved 4‑0
• Approved purchase of a 2025 Ford Police Interceptor (Resolution 48‑25) – approved 4‑0
• Granted six‑month parking‑waiver for Cedar Valley Property Solutions (Resolution 49‑25) – approved 4‑0
• Approved amendment of the parklet agreement with Dean Eats (Resolution 45‑25) – approved 4‑0
• Approved memorandum of understanding for fire engine refurbishment cost‑share (Resolution 46‑25) – approved 4‑0
• Set public hearing for Ordinance 1191 (Resolution 44‑25) – approved 4‑0
• Supported Union Place workforce‑housing tax‑credit application (Resolution 50‑25) – approved 4‑0

City Council Planning Agendas

The council voted to send a letter of support for the local Foster Grandparents Program as presented by the city administrator. Council members also agreed to let Administrator Diers contact 2‑3 consulting firms to help find a new city administrator and to involve the incoming administrator in engineering staff decisions. A special session was scheduled for May 21 at 6:00 p.m. to review proposals from those consulting firms.

• Approved sending a letter of support for the Foster Grandparents Program
• Authorized Administrator Diers to contact 2‑3 consulting firms for assistance in the city administrator search
• Allowed the incoming city administrator to participate in decisions regarding engineering staff
• Scheduled a special session on May 21 at 6:00 p.m. in the Zastrow Room to review consulting proposals

City Council Regular Agenda

The council approved the meeting agenda, the April 21 minutes, and the consent calendar items, including several retail alcohol licenses and $909,012.83 in payments. It adopted Ordinance 1190 to extend the expiration time for conditional use permits and variances, and passed resolutions for a parklet on Kelly Street, a FY25 budget amendment hearing, and several payment and repair projects. All actions were approved unanimously (5‑0).

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Approved April 21 minutes (5-0)
• Approved consent calendar items, including multiple retail alcohol licenses, liens, bonds and $909,012.83 in payments (5-0)
• Approved three proclamations for Historic Preservation Month, Poppy Day, and Municipal Clerk Week (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 1190 extending conditional use/variance permit expiration to 2 years with a 180‑day extension option (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 36-25 creating a parklet agreement on the south side of Kelly Street (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 38-25 setting a public hearing for the FY25 budget amendment on May 19 (5-0)
• Approved payment and repair resolutions: city hall/police renovation ($107,228.85), pool renovation ($85,634.90), water clarifier repairs ($46,903), and Maple Heights lift station pump replacement ($73,186.36) (5-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The council approved a $20,000 allocation for FY26 to create the Charles City Business Incentive Fund, aimed at supporting business growth outside downtown. Council members asked the city engineer to prepare cost estimates for hot‑mix asphalt and concrete repairs on the Charley Western Trail. They approved a parklet lease on Kelly Street with enclosure conditions and rejected the request for an extra parking space. The council also directed the water superintendent to seek cost‑saving options for a $27,589 clarifier repair and scheduled a public hearing on the FY25 budget amendment for May 5.

• Approved $20,000 FY26 allocation for Charles City Business Incentive Fund
• Requested city engineer to prepare cost opinions on HMA overlay and concrete for Charley Western Trail repairs
• Approved parklet lease on Kelly Street with enclosure conditions; denied extra parking space request
• Directed water superintendent to contact WesTech about possible cost savings for $27,589 clarifier repair
• Scheduled public hearing on FY25 budget amendment for May 5 (to be held May 19)
• Will consider Cedar Street ROW vacation resolution at next regular meeting

City Council Regular Agenda

The council adopted the FY26 city budget (Resolution 31-25) with a 3‑0 vote. It also approved a master service agreement for the Shaw Avenue dump site (Resolution 32-25), changed the city bank account signatory to include Brittney Lentz (Resolution 33-25), and authorized refurbishment of fire engines 251 and 252 (Resolution 34-25), all by unanimous votes. Additional unanimous actions included adopting an open records policy (Resolution 35-25), appointing Bruce Hovden and Robin Macomber to the planning and zoning commission, and approving two street‑closure requests for a Rotary car show and a Full Moon 5K.

• Approved FY26 budget (Resolution 31-25, 3‑0)
• Approved master service agreement for Shaw Avenue dump site (Resolution 32-25, 3‑0)
• Approved change in city bank account signatory to add Brittney Lentz (Resolution 33-25, 3‑0)
• Approved refurbishment of fire trucks Engine 251 & 252 (Resolution 34-25, 3‑0)
• Approved open records policy for library and city hall (Resolution 35-25, 3‑0)
• Approved appointments of Bruce Hovden and Robin Macomber to planning & zoning commission (3‑0)
• Approved street closure for Rotary car show with police chief signature condition (3‑0)
• Approved street closure for Full Moon 5K event (3‑0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The council reviewed options for repairing fire engines 251 and 252, noting costs of $900,000 to $1 million and agreeing that refurbishment is the priority. The fire‑truck issue, a master services agreement for the Shaw Avenue dump site, and a library open‑records policy were all slated for consideration at the next regular council meeting. No formal approvals, denials, or vote tallies were recorded in this session.

• Fire‑truck refurbishment option scheduled for next regular agenda (no vote)
• Shaw Avenue dump master services agreement scheduled for next regular agenda (no vote)
• Library open‑records policy scheduled for next regular agenda (no vote)

City Council Special Agenda

The council approved the meeting agenda unanimously. The public hearing on the FY26 consolidated general fund levy was then closed by unanimous vote. Finally, the council adjourned the special session, also unanimously.

• Approved meeting agenda (4-0)
• Closed FY26 consolidated general fund levy hearing (4-0)
• Adjourned special session (4-0)

City Council Regular Agenda

The council adopted a resolution to enter a general‑obligation corporate purpose loan of up to $195,000. It also accepted the city’s insurance renewal package with a $495,188 premium. Several street‑closure requests for farmer’s market, Party in the Park events, and the July 4 parade were approved, and the FY26 budget hearing date was set for April 21.

• Approved $195,000 general‑obligation corporate purpose loan (4 ayes)
• Accepted insurance renewal package at $495,188 premium (4 ayes)
• Approved street closure for farmer’s market (2:30‑6:30 p.m. Wed, 8:00‑12:30 p.m. Sat, May 3‑Oct 18) (4 ayes)
• Approved street closures for Party in the Park events on May 30, June 13, June 27, Aug 1 (4 ayes)
• Approved July 4 parade street‑closure and permit request (4 ayes)
• Set public hearing for FY26 budget on April 21 (4 ayes)
• Approved Pay Estimate #2 for City Hall/Police renovation ($62,886.98) (4 ayes)
• Approved appointment of Chris Tonn to Historic Preservation Commission (4 ayes)

City Council Special Agenda

The council approved its agenda unanimously. It voted to hold closed‑session interviews for the fourth and fifth city clerk applicants, each motion passing 5‑0. The council then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Entered closed session for interview with fourth clerk applicant (5-0)
• Entered closed session for interview with fifth clerk applicant (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council Special Agenda

The council unanimously approved the special session agenda. It voted to enter closed session three times to interview the first, second, and third applicants for the city clerk position, each motion passing with all five members in favor and no opposition. The council then adjourned the special session unanimously.

• Approved agenda (5-0)
• Entered closed session for first clerk interview (5-0)
• Entered closed session for second clerk interview (5-0)
• Entered closed session for third clerk interview (5-0)
• Adjourned special session (5-0)

City Council Planning Agendas

The council reached consensus to increase the deductible on the EMC insurance renewal to $50,000. Staff will develop a parade and street‑closure policy and report back after consulting nearby cities. The engineer outlined a trial trail improvement from Owen Street to 5th Avenue, with plans and a public hearing scheduled for May 5. The unified development ordinance will be revised to allow one year, with a possible 180‑day extension, for obtaining a building permit after a variance or conditional use is granted.

• Increase EMC insurance deductible to $50,000 (consensus)
• Task staff with drafting a parade/street‑closure policy and bring it to a workshop
• Mark Wicks to contact Clear Lake, Mason City and other area cities about their policies
• Prepare plans and specifications for the Owen St‑to‑5th Ave trail project for the next regular meeting
• Schedule a public hearing for the trail project on May 5
• Revise unified development ordinance to allow one year, with a possible 180‑day extension, for building permits after a variance or conditional use