Forest City public meetings in 2024
23 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December Council
The Forest City Council approved a police reserve wage increase to $13.00/hour and set part-time interpreter pay at $25.00/hour via Resolution 24-25-32. They also approved multiple payments, including $211,438.65 for the wastewater treatment plant and $481,190.00 for the golf course irrigation project. The FY24 audit report was accepted unanimously. All decisions were made without dissent, except one abstention on the KIOW radio marketing program.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-32 raising police reserve pay to $13.00/hour and setting interpreter pay at $25.00/hour (unanimous)
- Accepted FY24 audit report (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate No. 1 for WWTP to Staab Construction for $211,438.65 (unanimous)
- Approved replacement of motor starters at Electric Plant by Blazek Electric for $4,856.58 (unanimous)
- Approved replacement locator for Water Department from Ditch Witch for $4,260.82 (unanimous)
- Approved KIOW Custom Radio Marketing Program for 2025 (6-0, Wooldridge abstained)
- Approved payment of $481,190.00 to Midwest Irrigation for golf course labor (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
December Council
The Forest City Council approved a resolution setting dates for a public hearing and bid letting on the Dam Removal and Riverfront Enhancement Project. It also approved several contracts, including a $24,936.20 engine inspection and a $4,734.75 heat exchanger repair from Wheeler World Inc., and a $47,745 software purchase from Edmunds Goviech. The council approved a street closure for Christmas on Clark on December 14 and appointed Steph Buffington and Jon Klauke to the Library Board. All votes were unanimous except the resolution, which passed 6-0 with one absence.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (unanimous)
- Approved street closure for Christmas on Clark 12/14/2024 (unanimous)
- Approved $24,936.20 Wheeler World engine inspection quote (unanimous)
- Approved $4,734.75 Wheeler World heat exchanger quote (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-31 setting dates for dam removal public hearing and bid letting (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
- Approved $47,745 software purchase from Edmunds Goviech (unanimous)
- Approved Library Board appointments of Steph Buffington and Jon Klauke (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
November Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved several resolutions, including $25,000 in TIF funds for the YMCA daycare and $75,000 for an industrial marketing plan. All votes were unanimous with one member absent. The council also approved routine urban renewal and TIF-related resolutions and a $250 letter of support for the Winnebago River Watershed Management Coalition.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-25 authorizing internal advance for Golf Course urban renewal project (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-26 obligating $25,000 in TIF funds to Forest City YMCA Daycare (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-27 obligating $75,000 in TIF funds for industrial marketing plan (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-28 appropriating TIF funds for annual obligations (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-29 certifying TIF indebtedness for FY2026 (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-30 approving FY24 Urban Renewal Report (6-0)
- Approved letter of recommendation and $250 grant for Winnebago River Watershed Management Coalition (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
November Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved two construction pay estimates totaling $356,496.46, two financial reports, and a firefighter roster. They tabled a software quote to consult with the current provider. A street closure for a tree removal was allowed without formal objection.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (unanimous)
- Approved street closure for Christmas Lighting Ceremony 12/02/2024 (unanimous)
- Approved 2024-2025 Forest City Firefighters roster (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate #2 to Heartland Asphalt $137,895.19 for runway project (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate #5 to Wicks Construction $218,601.27 for street reconstruction (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-23 FY24 Street Finance Report (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-24 FY24 Annual Financial Report (6-0)
- Tabled Edmunds Govtech software quote to consult with gWorks (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
November Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a $13,300 geo evaluation quote from Chosen Valley Testing for the Airport Taxiway Widening project. The consent agenda, including minutes and invoices, was approved unanimously. The council also received an update on the completed airport runway project and staff reports on various city operations.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (unanimous)
- Approved $13,300 Chosen Valley Testing geo evaluation for Airport Taxiway Widening (unanimous)
October Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved several infrastructure payments and adopted an ordinance amending the water service system for curb valve installation. The council also approved a lease for a transit bus garage bay and authorized two library donation refunds. All votes were unanimous except for the ordinance, which passed 6-0 with one absent.
- Approved consent agenda including liquor licenses and minutes (unanimous)
- Approved street closures for Treats on the Streets on 10/31/2024 (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate #1 for Runway 15-33 project to Heartland Asphalt for $1,365,175.37 (unanimous)
- Approved Change Order #3 for Runway 15-33 project, net change of $116,998.48 (unanimous)
- Approved Task Order #5 for engineering services with McClure for T-hanger taxi lanes project (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate #4 for Country Club Street Project to Wicks Construction for $509,950.88 (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance No. 848 amending water service system for curb valve installation (6-0)
- Approved lease for Transit Bus Garage Bay at $200/month with Ronald Holland (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
October Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement after a public hearing with no objections. They also approved a $3,000 contract amendment with NIACOG for the Comprehensive Plan update, amended the Employee Policy Handbook for personal day accrual, and authorized a $17,000 refund of a library donation to Wayne & Gloria Johnson. All votes were unanimous among the five members present, with two members absent.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-21 for Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement (5-0)
- Approved $3,000 contract amendment with NIACOG for Comprehensive Plan update (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-22 amending Employee Policy Handbook for personal day accrual (5-0)
- Authorized $17,000 refund of library donation to Wayne & Gloria Johnson (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including license renewal and invoices (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
September Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved resolutions establishing urban renewal areas for both the Forest City and Northeast areas, and approved a contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project. The council also set a public hearing date for a Sewer Revenue Loan not to exceed $20,100,000, approved a change order and pay estimate for the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project, and authorized an airport change order. All votes were unanimous.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-17 establishing Forest City Urban Renewal Area (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-18 establishing Northeast Urban Renewal Area (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-19 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements contract (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-20 setting hearing for $20.1M sewer revenue loan (7-0)
- Approved Change Order #1 removing flyash from concrete paving, $10,413 (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate #3 to Wicks Construction, $223,806.70 for street work (unanimous)
- Approved Airport Change Order #2 to widen crosswind runway and taxiways, $8,719.51 (unanimous)
- Authorized bow hunting at 105 Oak Knoll Circle and $7,500 library donation refund (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
September Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved resolutions and contracts for the wastewater treatment plant improvements project, including a $19,673,000 contract to Staab Construction Co. and an $850,000 construction service agreement amendment with WHKS. The council also awarded contracts for two electric transformers and approved FY24 financials and annual transfers. All votes were unanimous among the five present members; two members were absent.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-12 finalizing wastewater treatment plant plans and cost estimate (5-0)
- Awarded $19,673,000 wastewater treatment plant contract to Staab Construction Co. (5-0)
- Approved $850,000 WHKS construction service agreement amendment for WWTP (unanimous)
- Awarded $1,291,982 electric power transformer contract to Niagara Transformer Corp. (5-0)
- Awarded $99,966.13 electric step-up transformer contract to Dakota Supply Group (5-0)
- Approved FY24 financials (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-16 for FY24 annual transfers (5-0)
- Authorized $10,000 refund of Library donation to Troy and Heidi Thompson (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
August Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved $25,000 in funding for the YMCA childcare program, which is facing waiting lists due to staffing shortages. The council also adopted Ordinance 847, adding a handicapped parking space in the municipal lot, and approved several resolutions, including setting FY2024-2025 salaries and authorizing a $75,000 REAP grant application for the Yellow Bridge Restoration Project. Various contracts and equipment purchases were approved, including a $22,931.26 fire alarm system and a $54,500.00 Durapatcher.
- Approved $25,000 for YMCA childcare program (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 847 adding handicapped parking space in municipal lot (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-6 setting FY2024-2025 salaries (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-7 authorizing $75,000 REAP grant application for Yellow Bridge Restoration (7-0)
- Approved $22,931.26 fire alarm system quote from River City Communication (unanimous)
- Approved $54,500.00 Durapatcher quote from Star Equipment (unanimous)
- Approved $11,000 Professional Services Agreement with SEH for Park Street Sanitary Sewer Design (unanimous)
- Approved street closure requests for Immanuel Lutheran Church and Motor Night (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
July Regular Council Meeings
The Forest City Council approved resolutions to move forward with the Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project, including accepting final plans, setting an August 22 bid due date, and authorizing a $1.925 million general obligation bond. The council also approved several other resolutions for electric transformers, a street reconstruction pay estimate, and various quotes. All votes were unanimous except for the bond and related resolutions, which passed 6-0 with one absence.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-2 accepting final plans and setting bid date for wastewater plant (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-3 authorizing $1,925,000 bond for wastewater plant (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-4 ordering bids for electric power transformer (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-5 ordering bids for electric step-up transformer (6-0)
- Approved pay estimate No.1 to Wicks Construction for street reconstruction, $122,125.34 (unanimous)
- Approved quote from Advanced Door for storage shed door replacement, $4,930.00 (unanimous)
- Approved quote from Computer Systems Unlimited for computer upgrade, $894.00 (unanimous)
- Directed engineer to proceed with plans for three Park Street sanitary sewer connections
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
July Regular Council Meeings
The Forest City Council approved Resolution 24-25-1 awarding General Obligation Bonds, Series 2024, with all present members voting aye. They also gave final approval to Ordinance No. 846, repealing Ordinance No. 838, which amended the fuel and purchased power cost adjustment for the Electric Utility. The council approved an $18,000 agreement with NIACOG to update the city's Comprehensive Plan, and approved several other contracts and purchases, including a $15,000 task order for the J Street Project and a $32,000 sanitary sewer main extension.
- Approved Resolution 24-25-1 awarding GO Bonds, Series 2024 (6-0)
- Approved final Ordinance No. 846 repealing Ordinance No. 838 on electric utility fuel adjustment (6-0)
- Approved $18,000 agreement with NIACOG to update Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
- Approved $15,000 task order with DGR for J Street Project (unanimous)
- Approved $32,000 quote from Rognes Brothers for sanitary sewer main extension (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of 2024 John Deere lawn mower for $10,100 after trade-in (unanimous)
- Approved Fireworks Permit for Puckerbrush (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including liquor license for Ay Jalisco (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
June Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved two change orders for the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project: removing fly ash from concrete mix ($10,500) and using a cart path as an access point with concrete restoration ($7,300). They also approved the fiscal year 2023 audit, the second reading of Ordinance No. 845 amending sewer rental rates, and a joint agreement with Winnebago County. A motion to suspend invoicing Riverbend Farms for fuel charges was passed but vetoed by the mayor, with review by the City Attorney. The council also approved a $7,325 door replacement at the Water Plant and notebooks for the Mayor and Council.
- Approved change order to remove fly ash from concrete mix ($10,500) unanimously
- Approved change order to use cart path as access, restore in concrete ($7,300) unanimously
- Approved fiscal year 2023 audit unanimously
- Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 845 (sewer rental rates) 5-0
- Approved Resolution 23-24-44 (joint agreement with Winnebago County) 5-0
- Approved quote from Eddy's Glass and Door for Water Plant door ($7,325) unanimously
- Approved notebooks for Mayor and Council 3-2
- Motion to suspend Riverbend Farms fuel invoice passed 4-1, but vetoed by mayor
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
May Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 845 amending sewer rental rates, and passed resolutions to rename the Civic Auditorium the Sue Edmondson Civic Auditorium and the airport field Trimble Field. They also approved a curbside recycling contract with Midwest Waste LLC and a $8,268 quote to replace the Light Plant parking lot. The council directed staff to bill a farmer for fuel charges only after a power interruption, and approved a consent agenda including invoices totaling $567,451.94.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-40 for General Obligation Loan Agreement (6-0)
- Approved 1st reading of Ordinance No. 845 amending sewer rental rates (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-41 renaming Civic Auditorium to Sue Edmondson Civic Auditorium (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-42 naming Airport Field as Trimble Field (6-0)
- Approved $8,268 quote from Blacktop Services for Light Plant parking lot (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-43 curbside recycling contract with Midwest Waste LLC (6-0)
- Directed staff to bill farmer for fuel charges only (4-2)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
May Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project contract, set a public hearing for a $1.975M loan, and approved numerous infrastructure contracts and quotes. They also directed staff to not require Council approval for auto-renewed liquor licenses and tabled the curbside recycling contract with Midwest Waste LLC.
- Approved Resolution 23-24-38 awarding 2024 Street Reconstruction Project contract (unanimous)
- Set public hearing for $1,975,000 General Obligation Loan Agreement (Resolution 23-24-39, unanimous)
- Approved street closures for 2024 Chamber events and Immanuel Lutheran Church (unanimous)
- Approved bond counsel service agreement with Dorsey's for GO borrowing, est. $14,000 (unanimous)
- Approved supplemental agreement with Veenstra & Kimm for street reconstruction, not to exceed $96,500 (unanimous)
- Approved pay estimate #2 to Harold K Scholz Company for SCADA improvements, $38,614.38 (unanimous)
- Approved quotes for waterline replacements on Riverview Drive, West M Street, and North 9th Street (unanimous)
- Directed staff to not require Council approval of auto-renewal liquor licenses (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
April Regular Council
The Forest City Council held public hearings and approved resolutions for the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project, including the Resolution of Necessity and plans/specifications. The council also approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget after a public hearing. A contract for curbside recycling with Midwest Waste, LLC was not acted upon. The council awarded a contract for the airport runway rehabilitation project to Heartland Asphalt for $14,004,018.80.
- Approved Resolution 23-24-35 for 2024 Street Reconstruction Project (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-36 ratifying plans and specs for street project (6-0)
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (unanimous)
- Approved FY 2025 Budget (6-0)
- Accepted quote for 2025 Ford Explorer Police Vehicle at $45,915.00 (unanimous)
- Authorized refund of $10,000 Library donation to Marjorie VerHoef (unanimous)
- Awarded airport runway contract to Heartland Asphalt for $14,004,018.80 (5-0)
- Approved FAA grant application for airport runway project (5-0)
🗳️ How they voted (3 roll-call votes)
April Regular Council
The council held a public hearing and then unanimously approved Resolution 23-24-33, finally approving plans and the $1.426M engineer's estimate for the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project in Country Club Estates. The council also approved several other items, including a two-year Emerald Ash Borer treatment for city ash trees at $27,573.75 per year, renaming the Civic Auditorium to the Sue Edmondson Civic Auditorium, and a $40,554.82 roof restoration quote. All votes were unanimous unless otherwise noted.
- Approved 2024 Street Reconstruction Project plans and $1.426M estimate (unanimous)
- Approved $27,573.75/year for two-year Emerald Ash Borer treatment (unanimous)
- Approved renaming Civic Auditorium to Sue Edmondson Civic Auditorium (unanimous)
- Approved $40,554.82 quote for Line Shed Metal Roof Restoration (unanimous)
- Approved $17,967.25 bid from L&S Electric for generator cleaning and testing (unanimous)
- Set public hearing for FY25 Proposed Budget for 04/15/2024 at 5:00pm (unanimous)
- Set public hearing for Airport Runway 15/33 project for 04/15/2024 at 7:00pm (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-34 amending Employee Policy Handbook for Birth and Bonding policy (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
March Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved two resolutions for the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project: a resolution of necessity and a notice for taking bids. The council also accepted Erik Hertzer's resignation from the Airport Commission and appointed Jeff Holland to fill the vacancy. All votes were unanimous except for the two street project resolutions, which passed 6-0 with Karl Wooldridge absent. The meeting adjourned at 6:20pm.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, invoices, and Bear Creek liquor license renewal (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-31, Resolution of Necessity for 2024 Street Reconstruction (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-32, notice of taking bids for 2024 Street Reconstruction (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
- Accepted Erik Hertzer's resignation from Airport Commission (unanimous)
- Approved mayoral appointment of Jeff Holland to Airport Commission (unanimous)
- Adjourned at 6:20pm (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
March Regular Council
The Forest City Council held a public hearing on the State Revolving Fund loan application for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements, then authorized the mayor to sign the Environmental Information Document. Council approved Resolution 23-24-30 for the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project, setting a hearing and taking bids. They also approved several contracts, including $35,428.80 for street patches, $7,449 for pool lockers, and a $10,081.56 refund of a library donation. A motion to post for a lineman position passed 6-1, with Karl Wooldridge voting no.
- Authorized mayor to sign Environmental Information Document for SRF loan for wastewater plant improvements (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-30 for 2024 Street Reconstruction Project plans and bid-taking (7-0)
- Approved $35,428.80 quote from Blacktop Service Company for 2024 street patches (unanimous)
- Approved $7,449 quote from Summit Lockers for pool locker replacement (unanimous)
- Authorized $10,081.56 refund of Library donation to Barb Lovick (unanimous)
- Approved replacement of transfer switch at Light Plant, $5,161.90 from Floyd & Leonard and $7,585 from Blazek Electric (unanimous)
- Approved posting for a lineman position (6-1, Wooldridge opposed)
- Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewal for Kwik Star (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
February Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a series of resolutions related to the 2024 Street Reconstruction Project, including a preliminary resolution, plans and specifications, and a resolution of necessity. They also approved agreements for watershed management, airport runway engineering, and land leases, and accepted a resignation. All votes were unanimous except for one abstention on the consent agenda.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices (6-0, Wooldridge abstained)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-26 28E Agreement with Winnebago River Watershed Management Coalition (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-27 Preliminary Resolution for 2024 Street Reconstruction Project (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-28 Preliminary Plans and Specifications for street project (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-29 Proposed Resolution of Necessity for street project (6-0)
- Approved Independent Fee Evaluation for Airport Runway Project with DGR ($4,250)
- Approved lease agreements with Lewis Grain & Livestock and FCCS-FFA for land use
- Set Property Tax Levy Hearing for April 1, 2024 at 6:45pm
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
February Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a resolution to submit a grant application for the Tim Coffey Trail Phase 2C project, funded by donations and grant money. They also approved the consent agenda, a library board appointment, disposal of bricks, and accepted a resignation. All votes were unanimous except for the trail resolution, which passed 6-0 with one absence.
- Approved consent agenda including minutes, invoices, liquor license, and tax abatements (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 23-24-25 to submit TA Set-Aside application for Tim Coffey Trail Phase 2C (6-0)
- Approved appointment of Valerie Faugstad to Library Board (unanimous)
- Approved disposal of brick pile east of old grocery store (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Aaron Kelso (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
January Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved two DGR task orders for power plant improvements: $54,800 for Phase 2 substation improvements and $15,900 for boiler replacement preliminary design. They also approved a tax abatement application, continued selling Historical Society books at City Hall, and took no action on a parking request from Craig's Auto Repair. The meeting was largely routine, with the claims report totaling $717,248.46.
- Approved DGR Task Order No. 15 for Phase 2 Power Plant Substation Improvements at $54,800
- Approved DGR Task Order No. 16 for Power Plant Boiler Replacement at $15,900
- Approved tax abatement application for Dennis and Beverly Steffensen at 405 S 8th St
- Authorized staff to continue selling Historical Society books at City Hall
- No action on parking request from Craig's Auto Repair
January Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a $12,500 refund of a library project donation to Wayne and Gloria Johnson, and appointed Street Superintendent Andrew Faber as the Landfill of North Iowa Board Representative. The council tabled a proposal to sell Winnebago County Historical Society books at City Hall and discussed nuisance properties without action. The FY 2025 Budget Workshop was set for January 29, 2024, at 5:30pm.
- Approved consent agenda including agenda, minutes, invoices, Shooterz alcohol license, and tax abatement for Alan Nelson at 316 Forest Ave (unanimous)
- Appointed Andrew Faber as Landfill of North Iowa Board Representative (unanimous)
- Approved $12,500 refund to Wayne and Gloria Johnson for library project donation (unanimous)
- Tabled sale of Winnebago County Historical Society books at City Hall
- Set FY 2025 Budget Workshop for 01/29/2024 at 5:30pm