Forest City public meetings in 2025
24 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
December Regular Council
The council passed Ordinance 860 on final reading, vacating a portion of Central Street and an alley in Rebecca A. Clark's addition and transferring the land to Winnebago County. The council also approved several contracts and payments, including a $6,497,000 amendment for the Power Plant Substation project and final payments for the 2025 Street Rehabilitation and East Park Street Sewer Extension projects. A discussion on ASV/UTV city codes was referred to the Safety Committee and the next meeting. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Adopted Ordinance 860 vacating Central Street and alley (6-0)
- Approved Amendment No. 01 to Task Order No. 15 for Power Plant Substation with DGR ($6,497,000)
- Approved Pay Request No. 3 for Push Incorporated Electric Distribution Improvements ($472.60)
- Approved final payment to Shift General Contracting for East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Extension ($26,249.02)
- Approved final pay estimate to Heartland Asphalt for 2025 Street Rehabilitation ($21,785.94)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-23 accepting Heartland Asphalt for 2025 Street Rehabilitation (6-0)
- Referred ASV/UTV code discussion to Safety Committee and next meeting
- Approved consent agenda including minutes and invoices
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
December Regular Council
The Forest City Joint Council and Library Board met on December 8, 2025, for a tour of the library led by Waldorf's Library Director Sarah Beiting. Following the tour, the council addressed questions and concerns from the community. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 7:50pm on a motion by AJ Welch, seconded by Karl Wooldridge, carried unanimously.
- Adjourned meeting at 7:50pm (unanimous)
November Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the FY25 audit report, adopted the FY27 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program, and passed several resolutions including the annual financial report, urban renewal report, and TIF certification. Multiple construction pay estimates and change orders were approved for airport, wastewater, and dam removal projects. The council discussed but took no action on the East Park Street sewer final payment and the feral cat problem.
- Approved FY25 audit report (unanimous)
- Adopted FY27 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program via Resolution 25-26-18 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-19 annual financial report (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-20 urban renewal report (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-21 internal advances for Urban Renewal Project (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-22 TIF indebtedness certification (unanimous)
- Approved airport taxilane project change order and pay estimates totaling $35,068.08 (unanimous)
- Approved $10,000 tank removal quote at light plant (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
November Regular Council
The council approved the purchase of a new tanker truck for the Fire Department from Toyne Inc. for $395,522.30, and accepted the final construction cost of $1,533,370.56 for the airport runway rehabilitation project. Several other items were approved, including sewer extension work, pay estimates, and a grant application. The council took no action on the Waldorf University library building agreement, which will return to the agenda on 12/01/2025.
- Approved $395,522.30 new tanker truck from Toyne Inc (unanimous)
- Approved Certificate of Substantial Completion for East Park Street Sanitary Sewer (unanimous)
- Approved Change Order No. 3 for East Park Street Sanitary Sewer at $15,309.00 (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate No. 2 for Electric Distribution Improvements to Push Inc. at $50,822.52 (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Estimate No. 3 for airport runway project to Heartland Asphalt at $27,999.94 (unanimous)
- Accepted Change Order No. 4 for airport runway project at $5,375.05 (unanimous)
- Accepted Statement of Completion for airport runway project with final cost of $1,533,370.56 (unanimous)
- Approved application to Iowa Economic Development Authority Rural Planning Grant (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
October Regular Council
The Forest City Council awarded a $96,160 contract to Irby Utilities for electrical distribution switchgear on J Street, and approved three pay requests totaling over $1.87 million for ongoing construction projects. A request to bow hunt at 225 North Golf Course Rd was approved. The council discussed the Emergency Plan with 2025 amendments but took no action, deferring it to the next agenda.
- Approved Resolution 25-26-14 awarding J Street electrical switchgear contract to Irby Utilities for $96,160 (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Request No.2 to WICKS Construction for T-Hangar Taxilanes project, $287,324.23 (unanimous)
- Accepted Pay Request No.11 to Staab Construction for WWTP Improvements, $1,390,036.20 (unanimous)
- Accepted Pay Request No.1 to Heartland Asphalt for 2025 Street Rehabilitation, $192,924.04 (unanimous)
- Approved Kyle Schnebly's request to bow hunt at 225 North Golf Course Rd (unanimous)
- Discussed Emergency Plan with 2025 Amendments; no action taken, deferred to next agenda
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
October Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a 28E agreement with Hancock County for the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project on 340th Street, and approved a new job description for the City Administrator that includes direct supervision of administrative staff and department supervisors. The council also granted a variance to Charles and Marcia Tweeten for a pergola at 445 N Clark, with Marcia Tweeten abstaining. Several other items were approved, including street closures for Treats on the Streets, an appointment to the Board of Adjustment, and authorization for bow hunting at 105 Oak Knoll Circle. No action was taken on a proposal to replace the diving board and stairs at the pool.
- Approved consent agenda including liquor license and minutes (unanimous)
- Approved street closures for Treats on the Streets 10/31/2025 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-12 28E Agreement for 340th Street rehab (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-13 new City Administrator job description (6-0)
- Granted 4 ft front yard setback variance for pergola at 445 N Clark (5-0, Tweeten abstained)
- Appointed Rod Barkema to Board of Adjustment (unanimous)
- Authorized bow hunting at 105 Oak Knoll Circle (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
September Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a $60,000 short-term funding request from the Golf Course Board, with any FEMA flood money earmarked for flood mitigation. The council also approved several contracts and pay requests, including a $1.13M payment for the WWTP Improvements Project and a $56,878 pay request for the East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project. A motion to accept a quote for new squad car computers with warranty failed, but a quote without warranty was approved. The council set a public hearing for October 20 on the J Street electrical distribution improvements.
- Approved $60,000 short-term funding for Golf Course (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-10 for J Street electrical distribution improvements (unanimous)
- Approved Change Order 2 and Pay Request 2 for East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project, $56,878 (unanimous)
- Accepted Pay Request No.10 from Staab Construction for WWTP Improvements, $1,132,917.25 (unanimous)
- Approved Pay Request No.1 from WICKS Construction for T-Hangar Taxilanes, $108,386.62 (unanimous)
- Denied quote for Panasonic CF33 with warranty $4,588.07 (2-5)
- Approved quote for Panasonic CF33 without warranty $4,289.87 (6-1)
- Approved cleanup of nuisance property at 335 W M St. (6-0, 1 abstention)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
September Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved Resolution 25-26-9 for the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project contract and bonds, with all present members voting in favor. They also accepted a $118,113.27 payment for electric distribution improvements, approved a $34,726.00 truck purchase, and concurred with a Board of Adjustment decision for a sign setback at 1305 HWY 69 South. The council voted to move forward with the City Administrator hiring process. No action was taken on a change order for the Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project.
- Approved Resolution 25-26-9 for 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project contract and bonds (5-0)
- Accepted Pay Est #1 for Electric Distribution Improvements to Push Inc. for $118,113.27 (unanimous)
- Approved Street/Sanitation quote for 2025 Ram 1500 from Pritchard's for $34,726.00 with trade-in (unanimous)
- Concurred with Board of Adjustment granting 0' front yard setback for sign at 1305 HWY 69 South (unanimous)
- Approved moving forward with City Administrator hiring process (5-0)
- Tabled discussion on Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project Change Order #1 (no action taken)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
August Regular Council
The council approved the 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project contract with Heartland Asphalt, Inc. for $226,374.83, and adopted the project plans and specifications. It also approved a $20,820.40 change order and a $150,982.38 pay request for the East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project, and accepted a $1,182,325.25 pay request for the WWTP Improvements Project. The council sent the Bear Creek Golf Course FEMA appeal funding request to the P&F committee for further discussion.
- Approved Resolution 25-26-8 awarding 2025 Street Rehabilitation contract to Heartland Asphalt, Inc. for $226,374.83 (5-0)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-7 adopting plans and specs for 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project (5-0)
- Approved Shift General Contracting Change Order 1 for East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project for $20,820.40 (unanimous)
- Approved Shift General Contracting Pay Request 1 for East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Project for $150,982.38 (unanimous)
- Accepted Pay Request No. 9 from Staab Construction for WWTP Improvements Project for $1,182,325.25 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-5 appointing Kelli Welp to the Board of Park Commissioners (5-0)
- Approved city sponsorship of Rural Housing Needs Assessment Application to IEDA Rural Planning Grant (unanimous)
- Sent Bear Creek Golf Course FEMA appeal funding request to P&F committee for recommendation (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
August Regular Council
The Forest City Council unanimously adopted Ordinances 854-857, which amend electric, water, sewer, and electric meter deposit rules, and Ordinances 858-859, which amend house mover approval and no-parking zone codes. The council also accepted a park board commissioner's resignation and approved a temporary work assignment rate of $22.50 per hour. A proposed affordable housing project was discussed but no action was taken, and a golf course board item was postponed.
- Adopted Ordinance 854 amending electric utility deposit (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 855 repealing water customer utility deposits (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 856 repealing sewer customer utility deposits (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 857 repealing electric meter deposit (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 858 amending house mover approval by clerk (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 859 amending no parking zone code (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Park Board Commissioner Melissa Reynolds
- Approved Resolution 25-26-6 temporary work assignment at $22.50/hour (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Meeting
The Forest City Parks and Recreation Board held a meeting on July 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The board welcomed new member Sam Jefson. No substantive decisions were made; the minutes record no actions taken under old business.
- Welcomed new board member Sam Jefson
July Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved Ordinance 853, a lead water line policy, on its third and final reading. The council also advanced first readings of four ordinances related to utility deposits and approved a $416,774.73 airport construction contract. Several resolutions were passed, including setting dates for a street rehabilitation project public hearing and adopting the final assessment schedule for the 2024 street project.
- Approved Ordinance 853 lead water line policy (6-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 854 amending electric utility deposit (6-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 855 repealing water customer deposits (6-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 856 repealing sewer customer deposits (6-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 857 repealing electric meter deposit (6-0)
- Accepted Wicks Construction contract for $416,774.73 for airport taxilane project (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-2 setting public hearing and bid letting for 2025 Street Rehabilitation Project (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-3 adopting final assessment schedule for 2024 Street Reconstruction Project (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
July Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved several items, including the adoption of Ordinance 852, which imposes a franchise fee on Black Hills Energy, and the second reading of Ordinance 853 regarding lead water line policy. They also approved funding for the YMCA childcare program, a volunteer firefighter retirement benefit, and various construction payments and agreements.
- Adopted Ordinance 852 franchise fee on Black Hills Energy (5-0)
- Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance 853 lead water line policy (5-0)
- Approved $25,000 annual funding for YMCA childcare program (unanimous)
- Approved LOSAP retirement benefit match up to $500 per volunteer (unanimous)
- Approved final pay estimate $19,387.50 and retainage $62,972.64 for 2024 Street Reconstruction Project (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 25-26-1 accepting 2024 Street Reconstruction Project (5-0)
- Approved $23,524 for diesel generator reconditioning and testing (unanimous)
- Approved $1,230,358.30 pay request for WWTP Improvements Project (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
June Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the third and final reading of Ordinance 850, amending water rates, and passed the second reading of Ordinance 852, establishing a 5% franchise fee on energy providers. The first reading of Ordinance 853, a lead water line policy, was also approved. The council accepted a $16,500 contract with Mosquito Control of Iowa and a $27,500 MOU with the Tree Doctor for emerald ash borer treatment, among other actions.
- Approved consent agenda including licenses, tax abatement, and minutes (unanimous)
- Approved RAGBRAI street closures, Main expo, and route map (unanimous)
- Adopted Ordinance 850 amending water rates (6-0, Mikes absent)
- Approved 2nd reading of Ordinance 852, 5% franchise fee on energy providers (6-0)
- Approved 1st reading of Ordinance 853, lead water line policy (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-64 setting FY 2026 salaries and wages (6-0)
- Accepted $16,500 contract with Mosquito Control of Iowa (unanimous)
- Accepted $27,500 MOU with Tree Doctor for emerald ash borer treatment (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
June Regular Council
The council approved the first reading, waived the second and third readings, and adopted Ordinance 851, granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise. It also approved the first reading of Ordinance 852, establishing a 5% franchise fee on energy providers. The council accepted the FY 2025 budget amendment, approved the second reading of a water rate ordinance, and authorized a support letter for an Armed Forces Museum and a Hall of Heroes Day proclamation.
- Adopted Ordinance 851 granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise (6-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 852 establishing 5% franchise fee on energy providers (6-0)
- Accepted Resolution 24-25-62 for FY 2025 Budget Amendment (6-0)
- Approved second reading of Ordinance 850 amending water rates (6-0)
- Accepted Blazek Electric quote for light plant electric panel replacement $55,299.40 (unanimous)
- Accepted Precision Tank quote for fuel line addition $36,786.00 (unanimous)
- Accepted Northway Well and Pump repair estimate for water plant pump $24,647.00 (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-63 for temporary part-time city administration position (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (4 roll-call votes)
May Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 850 amending water rates, and authorized a grant application for the municipal airport. They also approved several contracts and payments, including a $178,900 engineering task order for the Power Plant Boiler Replacement project and a $1,164,287.70 pay request for the WWTP Improvements Project. The council set public hearing dates for a natural gas franchise extension and a franchise fee ordinance, and appointed Betty Burress as City Clerk with contract details to be finalized on June 2.
- Approved consent agenda (unanimous)
- Approved Puckerbrush Fireworks July 18, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved RAGBRAI kids bike rodeo June 21, 2025 (unanimous)
- Set public hearing date for Black Hills Energy gas franchise extension (unanimous)
- Set public hearing date for franchise fee ordinance on energy providers (unanimous)
- Approved 1st reading of Ordinance 850 amending water rates (7-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-59 authorizing airport grant application (7-0)
- Approved Amendment #1 to Task Order No. 16 for DGR Engineering, $178,900 (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
May Regular Council
The Forest City Council awarded a $172,558.85 contract to PUSH Inc. for 2025 electric distribution improvements and approved $113,606.07 in electrical materials contracts. It also authorized $18,025,000 in Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2025, and approved several other contracts and purchases. No action was taken on a Black Hills Energy franchise fee ordinance or a recycling contract with Absolute Waste Removal.
- Approved $172,558.85 electric distribution contract to PUSH Inc. (7-0)
- Approved $113,606.07 in electrical materials contracts (7-0)
- Authorized $18,025,000 Sewer Revenue Bonds, Series 2025 (7-0)
- Approved $16,150 construction services with SEH for East Park Street Sewer project
- Approved $26,800 professional services with Veenstra & Kimm for street/intake rehabilitation
- Accepted $46,315.84 bid from Forest City Ford for a 2025 4WD truck
- Accepted $44,392.00 bid from Forest City Ford for a 2025 K-9 Police SUV
- Set public hearing for FY25 budget amendment for May 19, 2025
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
April Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the FY 2026 budget via Resolution 24-25-55 and authorized a $60,195.97 pay request for the Dam Removal and River Front Enhancement project. The council rejected a proposed rate increase from Midwest Waste, with the city sanitation department set to take over recycling when the contract ends. Several other items were approved, including a nuisance mowing contract and an audit quote.
- Approved FY 2026 Budget (Resolution 24-25-55) unanimously
- Approved Pay Request #2 for Dam Removal and River Front Enhancement ($60,195.97) unanimously
- Approved Change Order #2 for WWTP Improvements ($6,241.00) unanimously
- Rejected Midwest Waste rate increase ($6,500/month); city sanitation to take over recycling
- Accepted high bid for John Deere X724 mower from Lance Heimer ($1,555.25) unanimously
- Accepted low bid for Nuisance Mowing from Rick Burress ($35.00/hour) unanimously
- Accepted FY25 audit quote from T.P. Anderson & Company PC ($18,000) unanimously
- Authorized RAGBRAI committee to proceed with insurance for beverage garden (6-1)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
April Regular Council
The Forest City Special Council held a public hearing on the fiscal year 2026 property tax levy. City Administrator Huffman noted the levy can be lowered but not raised above the published amount. No written or verbal comments were received, and the hearing was closed.
- Public hearing on FY2026 property tax levy opened and closed with no comments received
March Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved several resolutions, including awarding the East Park Street Sewer Project to Shift General Contracting for $189,780 and the airport T-Hangar Taxilanes project to Wicks Construction Inc. for $416,774.73. They also approved related contracts, a grant application, and various pay estimates. All votes were unanimous with one member absent.
- Approved consent agenda including licenses and permits (unanimous)
- Approved EMC annual insurance renewal (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-44 adopting plans for East Park Street Sewer Project (6-0)
- Awarded East Park Street Sewer Project to Shift General Contracting for $189,780 (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-46 for airport taxilane project plans (6-0)
- Awarded airport taxilane project to Wicks Construction Inc. for $416,774.73 (6-0)
- Approved Task Order No. 6 to McClure for $97,324 (6-0)
- Approved FAA grant application for airport project (6-0)
🗳️ How they voted (5 roll-call votes)
March Regular Council
The Forest City Council met for a budget workshop on March 3, 2025, to review the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 departmental and Proprietary Fund budgets. City Clerk/Administrator Huffman presented the budgets and highlights, and the council discussed legislative changes affecting the city. No formal decisions or votes were taken during the meeting, which adjourned at 6:57 pm.
- No formal decisions or votes recorded; meeting was a budget workshop only
February Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved a General Obligation Sewer Improvement Loan and Disbursement Agreement, authorizing bonds and a tax levy for sewer improvements. They also ordered bids for the East Park Street Sanitary Sewer Extension project and set bid dates for airport improvements. The council approved replacing the police garage boiler and conditioner for about $7,000, and approved a quote for lead service line replacements.
- Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewal and tax abatement (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-40 for sewer improvement loan and bond issuance (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-41 ordering bids for East Park Street sewer extension (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-42 setting bid date for airport taxi lane reconstruction (6-0)
- Set public hearing on FY26 property tax levy for April 7, 2025 (unanimous)
- Approved $2,125 per connection for lead service line replacements (unanimous)
- Approved replacing police garage boiler and conditioner for ~$7,000 (unanimous)
- Left mobile food vendor fee code unchanged (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (2 roll-call votes)
January Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 849, which amends sewer rental rates over three years, and passed resolutions creating and filling Finance Officer and Administrative Billing Clerk positions. They also approved a $56,905 pay request for WWTP improvements, appointed Andrew Faber to the Landfill of North Iowa Board, and authorized a $75,000 REAP grant for the Tim Coffee Trail bridge restoration. All votes were unanimous except for the ordinance and resolutions, which had one absent member.
- Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 849 amending sewer rental rates over three years (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-33 creating Finance Officer and Administrative Billing Clerk job descriptions (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-34 appointing Finance Officer at $30.95/hr and Administrative Billing Clerk at $30.06/hr (6-0, Wooldridge absent)
- Approved Pay Request #2 for WWTP Improvements to Staab Construction for $56,905.00 (unanimous)
- Appointed Andrew Faber to Landfill of North Iowa Board of Directors (unanimous)
- Authorized CA to sign REAP Grant #25-R4-MJ for Tim Coffee Trail-Yellow Bridge Abutment Restoration for $75,000 (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including tax abatement for Jeffrey/Margot Woodley at 108 Fair Meadow Lane (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
January Regular Council
The Forest City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 849, which amends sewer rental rates over three years, with all present members voting yes. It also approved resolutions creating and setting wages for a Finance Officer and Administrative Billing Clerk, and approved a $56,905 pay request for WWTP improvements. The council authorized the city administrator to sign a $75,000 REAP grant for the Tim Coffee Trail bridge restoration and appointed Andrew Faber to the Landfill of North Iowa Board. All votes were unanimous among the six present members; Karl Wooldridge was absent.
- Approved consent agenda including tax abatement for Jeffrey/Margot Woodley (unanimous)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 849 amending sewer rental rates over three years (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-33 creating Finance Officer and Administrative Billing Clerk job descriptions (6-0)
- Approved Resolution 24-25-34 setting Finance Officer wage at $30.95/hr and Billing Clerk at $30.06/hr (6-0)
- Approved Pay Request #2 for WWTP Improvements to Staab Construction for $56,905.00 (unanimous)
- Appointed Andrew Faber to Landfill of North Iowa Board of Directors (unanimous)
- Authorized CA to sign REAP Grant #25-R4-MJ for Tim Coffee Trail bridge restoration, $75,000 (unanimous)