Forest City public meetings in 2023

Council

The Forest City Council unanimously approved two resolutions amending the Employee Policy Handbook for sick leave accrual and vacation accrual. The council also authorized refunding donations to the Library Building Project, totaling $12,000, and approved the consent agenda and claims report. No action was taken on the Comprehensive Plan update or the Bridge Overload Rating Analysis.

• Approved consent agenda including 12/4/23 agenda, 11/20/23 minutes, and invoices (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-21 amending Employee Policy Handbook for Sick Leave Accrual (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-22 amending Employee Policy Handbook for Vacation Accrual (7-0)
• Authorized refund of $2,000 donation from Win/Carol Pehrson and $10,000 from Laila Buck for Library Building Project (unanimous)
• Approved claims report totaling $398,521.66 (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved resolutions obligating $25,000 in TIF funds for the YMCA daycare and $75,000 for an industrial marketing plan, both unanimously. It also approved several other TIF-related resolutions, a bridge overload rating analysis with Calhoun-Burns for $2,500, and a street closure for Christmas on Clark. All votes were unanimous or as recorded, with no substantive items denied or tabled.

• Approved $25,000 TIF obligation for YMCA daycare (unanimous)
• Approved $75,000 TIF obligation for industrial marketing plan (6-0, Mikes abstained)
• Approved TIF appropriation resolution for annual obligations (unanimous)
• Approved certifying TIF indebtedness for FY2025 (unanimous)
• Approved annual urban renewal report for FY ending June 30, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved $2,500 bridge overload rating analysis with Calhoun-Burns (unanimous)
• Approved street closures for Christmas on Clark on Dec 9 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and tax abatement (6-0, Wooldridge abstained)

Council

The Forest City Council approved several resolutions and ordinances, including adopting Ordinance #842 and #843 to delete property from the urban renewal area and TIF district, and repealing a prior tax division ordinance. The council also accepted the "I" Street sanitary sewer project and approved payment of $94,879.18 to Brian Nettleton Excavating, and approved bids for surplus electric department vehicles. All votes were unanimous with Councilmember Marcia Tweeten absent.

• Approved Resolution 23-24-12 Street Finance Report FY2023 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-13 Annual Financial Report FY2023 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-14 Investment Policy with spelling correction (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-15 deleting property from Urban Renewal Area (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #842 deleting property from TIF district (6-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #843 repealing Ordinance No. 610 (6-0)
• Accepted 'I' Street Sanitary Sewer project and approved $94,879.18 payment to Brian Nettleton Excavating (unanimous)
• Approved lease with Ron Holland for transit bus garage bay at $200/month (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved the third reading of Ordinance 841, rezoning land east of Central Street from HI to RMO, and passed Resolution 23-24-11 naming financial depositories. They also accepted a $10,000 bid for brick repair at the Light Plant and approved quotes totaling $105,073.84 for exhaust piping and turbo repairs. Street crack filling was approved at an estimated cost of $1,705.20, and staff was directed to remove three more bump-outs on Clark Street. No action was taken on replacing two Line Shed doors.

• Adopted Ordinance 841 rezoning HI to RMO east of Central Street (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-11 naming financial depositories (6-0)
• Accepted $10,000 bid for Light Plant brick repair from Ken Kaiser Restoration
• Approved $83,073.84 exhaust piping and $22,000 turbo repair quotes from Wheeler World
• Approved $1,705.20 street crack filling quote from J&M Works
• Directed staff to remove three more bump-outs on Clark Street
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and invoices
• Tabled discussion on Line Shed door replacement

Council

The Forest City Council approved several items, including transferring ownership of K9 Kovu, the second reading of a zoning ordinance change, and a $29,994 quote for breaker and relay maintenance. They also authorized water main upgrades and manhole repairs, and approved the consent agenda. All votes were unanimous among present members, with two members absent.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes, invoices, and liquor license renewal (unanimous)
• Concurred with Board of Adjustment for variances at 226 Hwy 69 North (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-10 transferring K9 Kovu ownership (5-0)
• Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance #841 zoning change from HI to RMO (5-0)
• Approved $29,994 quote from Revolt for breaker and relay maintenance (unanimous)
• Authorized water main upgrades on North 4th Street and Riverview Drive ($10,000 est.) (unanimous)
• Approved manhole repairs near Lichtsinn RV (time and material) (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:38pm (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council is holding a Personnel-Finance Committee meeting to discuss personnel and finance issues. The agenda contains only this discussion item and is otherwise procedural, with no specific actions or proposals listed.

• Discussion of personnel issues
• Discussion of finance issues

The Forest City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance #841, changing zoning east of Central Street from Heavy Industry to Residential Multi-Family Option, with no public comments. They also approved a deer bow-hunting request at 105 Oak Knoll Circle, a $9,095 pool door/window replacement quote, and accepted Police Officer Tyler Harmon's resignation. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved 1st reading of Ordinance #841 re-zoning east of Central Street to RMO (7-0)
• Approved bow hunting request at 105 Oak Knoll Circle (unanimous)
• Approved $9,095 pool door/window replacement quote from Eddy's Glass and Door (unanimous)
• Accepted Police Officer Tyler Harmon's resignation (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (unanimous)
• Noted payroll change for Joe Klukow as Interim Paramedic Supervisor at $21.00/hour

Council

The Forest City Council approved the consent agenda, including tax abatements for three properties, and authorized the Enhancement Committee to hire an engineer for Tim Coffey Park projects. They also approved a $47,738.64 pickup truck for the Street Department, a $3,500 storage container for the Electric Department, Resolution 23-24-9 for FY23 annual transfers, and accepted the FY2023 financials. Parking concerns around G and 7th were discussed and referred to the Street Committee.

• Approved consent agenda including tax abatements for O'Rourke, Bell/Huffman, and Erdman (unanimous)
• Authorized Enhancement Committee to hire engineer for Tim Coffey Park projects (unanimous)
• Approved $47,738.64 quote for 2024 F250 for Street Department (unanimous)
• Approved $3,500 quote for storage container for Electric Department (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-9 Annual Transfers for FY2023 (7-0)
• Accepted FY2023 financials (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved a $400,000 general obligation loan agreement for the library project after a public hearing with no comments. They also approved several resolutions, including 28E agreements for economic development and ambulance services, and accepted a $98,615.50 bid for a sewer replacement project. Street closures for a church event and a homecoming parade, plus a fireworks permit for Waldorf University, were approved. No action was taken on special assessments for the J Street reconstruction project.

• Approved resolution 23-24-6 for $400,000 library loan agreement (6-0, Welch absent)
• Approved resolution 23-24-7 for 28E agreements with Forest City Economic Development Inc. (5-0, Mikes abstained, Welch absent)
• Approved resolution 23-24-8 for 28E agreement with Winnebago County for ambulance services (6-0, Welch absent)
• Accepted $98,615.50 quote from Brian Nettleton Excavating for I Street sewer replacement (unanimous)
• Approved street closure for Immanuel Lutheran Church on Clark Street on 9/6/23 (unanimous)
• Approved street closure for FCHS Homecoming Parade on 9/7/23 (unanimous)
• Approved fireworks permit for Waldorf University Athletics at Bolstorff Field on five dates (unanimous)
• No action taken on special assessments for J Street Reconstruction Project

Council

This is a brief Personnel-Finance Committee meeting with only three agenda items: call to order, discussion of personnel issues, and adjournment. The agenda contains no other business items, so the meeting is essentially procedural and focused on a single topic.

• Discussion of personnel issues

Council

The Forest City Council approved the final reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 840, which prohibits parking on L Street west of Best Street. The council also approved a $67,300 supplemental engineering agreement for the final design and bidding phase of the J Street Reconstruction Project, without special assessments. A $25,000 annual funding request from the Forest City YMCA for its childcare program was approved, to be paid from TIF revenue. An EMS 28E Agreement with Winnebago County and Forest City Ambulance Service was tabled until the next meeting.

• Adopted Ordinance No. 840 for No Parking on L Street west of Best Street (7-0)
• Approved $67,300 Supplemental Engineering Agreement for J Street Reconstruction Project (unanimous)
• Approved $25,000 annual funding request for YMCA childcare program from TIF revenue (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-4 setting Aug. 21, 2024 public hearing for $400,000 General Obligation Loan Agreement (7-0)
• Approved FY 2024 Transit Service Agreement with NIACOG (unanimous)
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding regarding State Setoff Program (unanimous)
• Tabled EMS 28E Agreement with Winnebago County and Forest City Ambulance Service
• Approved consent agenda including minutes, invoices, and mayor appointments (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved a Memo of Understanding with AFSCME Local 861 implementing wage changes, set the City Clerk/Administrator salary at $89,346.40 for FY 2023-2024, and amended the Employee Policy Handbook for longevity pay and paramedic pay. The council also authorized the use of the Flower Fund as in previous years, with employee contributions ceasing effective 7/1/23, and approved a request to block parking spaces for a Business After Hours event. No action was taken on the City becoming the Employer of Record for the County EMS System, which was only discussed.

• Approved AFSCME Local 861 Memo of Understanding for wage changes (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-1 setting City Clerk/Administrator salary at $89,346.40 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-2 amending Employee Policy Handbook for Longevity Pay (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 23-24-3 amending Employee Policy Handbook for Paramedic Pay (5-0)
• Approved Flower Fund use with Mayor-authorized expenditures, employee contributions cease 7/1/23 (4-1)
• Approved parking space block for Farm Bureau Business After Hours on Aug 1 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and invoices as submitted (4-0, 1 abstention)

Council

The council held a joint meeting with Winnebago County Supervisors and other cities to review an EMS Advisory Council recommendation to use $250,000 of the EMS levy for four paramedics and $198,000 for a pool of EMTs. Attendees received a draft 28E agreement between the county, Forest City, and Forest City Ambulance Service. The county supervisors recommended that the City of Forest City serve as the Employer of Record for the county EMS program. No formal action was taken by the council; the meeting was procedural and adjourned at 8:10pm.

• Reviewed EMS Advisory Council recommendation to hire 4 paramedics ($250,000) and EMT pool ($198,000)
• Received draft 28E agreement between Winnebago County, City of Forest City, and Forest City Ambulance Service
• County supervisors recommended Forest City as Employer of Record for county EMS program
• Adjourned meeting at 8:10pm (motion by Buffington, seconded by Mikes, carried unanimously)

Council

The Forest City Council approved the third reading of Ordinance 838 amending the electric utility fuel and purchased power cost adjustment, and Ordinance 839 amending sewer rental rates, both with six ayes and one absence. The council also approved a $7,200 engineering service agreement with WHKS for the I Street Sanitary Sewer Improvements project, and a parklet agreement for The Green Axe at 111 North Clark Street. A motion to remove bump-outs at 145 and 150 North Clark Street passed 5-1, with Councilmember Mikes voting no. No action was taken on changes to longevity pay.

• Adopted Ordinance 838 amending electric utility fuel and purchased power cost adjustment (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
• Adopted Ordinance 839 amending sewer rental rates (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
• Approved Resolution 22-23-43 approving farm lease in Nerem Industrial Subdivision (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
• Approved Resolution 22-23-44 supporting Landfill of North Iowa recycling examination process (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
• Approved $7,200 WHKS engineering service agreement for I Street sanitary sewer improvements (unanimous)
• Approved parklet agreement for The Green Axe at 111 North Clark Street (unanimous)
• Approved removal of bump-outs at 145 and 150 North Clark Street (5-1, Mikes nay)
• Approved Resolution 22-23-46 FY24 employee wage rates (6-0, Wooldridge absent)

Council

The council approved the purchase of a new Elgin Pelican Sweeper for $275,889 and a used 2012 Caterpillar mini-excavator for $46,000. They also approved a farm lease with Heritage Park of North Iowa and the Forest City FFA Chapter for Nerem Park land, and passed second readings of ordinances adjusting electric utility fuel costs and sewer rental rates. A parklet agreement for Sweet Emmy Lu's was authorized on an interim basis, and the council accepted Valerie Monson's resignation effective June 9, 2023.

• Approved $275,889 Elgin Pelican Sweeper purchase (unanimous)
• Authorized $46,000 purchase of 2012 Caterpillar mini-excavator (unanimous)
• Approved farm lease with Heritage Park and FFA for Nerem Park (6-0, Davis abstained)
• Passed 2nd reading of Ordinance 838 amending electric utility fuel cost adjustment (7-0)
• Passed 2nd reading of Ordinance 839 amending sewer rental rates (7-0)
• Authorized interim parklet use for Sweet Emmy Lu's until official agreement approved (unanimous)
• Accepted Valerie Monson's resignation effective June 9, 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including alcohol licenses for Sid's Gas & Groceries, Paddler's Tap, and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies (6-0)

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $690,458.26, which includes accounts payable of $613,503.25 and payroll checks of $76,955.01. The report covers expenses across all city funds, with the largest allocations to the electric fund ($463,569.38) and general fund ($147,685.84). No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved claims report totaling $690,458.26 (accounts payable $613,503.25, payroll $76,955.01)
• Approved fund allocations including $463,569.38 for electric and $147,685.84 for general fund

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $535,580.27, which includes accounts payable of $458,124.77 and payroll checks of $77,455.50. The report covers various expenditures such as insurance renewal, street reconstruction, and utility payments.

• Approved claims report totaling $535,580.27
• Approved accounts payable of $458,124.77
• Approved payroll checks of $77,455.50

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $744,582.42, which includes accounts payable of $663,788.77 and payroll checks of $80,793.65. The report was attested by City Clerk/Administrator Daisy Huffman and Mayor Ronald Holland. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved claims report totaling $744,582.42 (accounts payable $663,788.77, payroll $80,793.65)

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $238,830.50, which includes accounts payable of $162,072.42 and payroll checks of $76,758.08. The report was approved as presented, covering various expenditures such as road salt, engineering services, and utility payments.

• Approved claims report totaling $238,830.50
• Approved accounts payable of $162,072.42
• Approved payroll checks of $76,758.08

Council

The Forest City Council held a special meeting on March 22, 2023, primarily to hear a presentation on County EMS services led by Thomas Gayther, President of the Forest City Ambulance Service. Many comments were shared, but no action was taken by the Council. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Heard EMS presentation, no action taken
• Adjourned meeting unanimously

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $579,131.76, which includes accounts payable of $500,712.37 and payroll checks of $78,419.39. The report covers various expenditures such as utilities, road materials, and professional services. The council also reviewed the February 2023 fund recap showing total receipts of $984,357.91.

• Approved claims report totaling $579,131.76 (accounts payable $500,712.37, payroll $78,419.39)
• Approved February 2023 fund recap with total receipts of $984,357.91

Council

The Forest City Personnel-Finance Committee is meeting to discuss finance and personnel matters. The agenda contains no specific action items, only a call to order and a general discussion topic.

• Discussion of finance matters
• Discussion of personnel matters

The council approved the claims report totaling $300,776.54, covering accounts payable and payroll. The report includes payments to various vendors for goods and services, such as utilities, equipment, and professional services. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved claims report totaling $300,776.54
• Approved payroll checks included in the report

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $425,682.88, which includes accounts payable of $266,650.54 and payroll checks of $159,032.34. The claims cover various city expenses such as utilities, equipment, and professional services. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved claims report totaling $425,682.88 (accounts payable $266,650.54, payroll $159,032.34)

Council

The Forest City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss budget figures for fiscal year 2023-2024. No votes will be taken during the discussion portion, but public comments will be heard and a vote may occur after discussion. The meeting is available virtually via GoToMeeting.

• Discussion of FY 2023-2024 budget figures
• Public comment opportunity on budget items
• Virtual meeting access via GoToMeeting

Council

The Forest City Council held a special joint meeting with the Library Board and Waldorf University representatives to discuss a proposed future library. Following discussion and a similar action by the Library Board, the council voted unanimously to authorize a committee to continue pursuing the joint library partnership. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized committee to continue joint library partnership (unanimous)

Council

The Forest City Council approved the January 2023 claims report totaling $542,157.23, which includes $461,393.00 in accounts payable and $80,764.23 in payroll checks. The council also received the December 2022 fund recap showing total receipts of $1,672,089.76 and the 2022 gross wages report totaling $2,963,452.94. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved accounts payable totaling $461,393.00
• Approved payroll checks totaling $80,764.23
• Approved total claims and payroll of $542,157.23
• Received December 2022 fund recap with total receipts of $1,672,089.76
• Received 2022 gross wages report totaling $2,963,452.94

Council

The Forest City Council approved the claims report totaling $235,396.25, which includes accounts payable of $154,977.56 and payroll checks of $80,418.69. The report was attested by City Clerk/Administrator Daisy Huffman and Mayor Ronald Holland. No other substantive decisions were recorded in the minutes.

• Approved claims report totaling $235,396.25
• Approved accounts payable of $154,977.56
• Approved payroll checks of $80,418.69