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Kalona, IA

Kalona public meetings in 2023

24 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 18, 2023

Council

Council to swear in new members, consider DOT digital sign

The Kalona City Council is holding its regular meeting to handle routine business including approving minutes and bills, and hearing a city administrator's report. The main new business items are the swearing in of a council member and mayor, and considering a preliminary application for the DOT Digital Sign Program.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, applies for DOT speed signs

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills totaling over $100,000. They also directed staff to complete an application for solar digital speed signs through the DOT's Speed Feedback Program. Mayor Mark Robe and Councilmember Gregory Schmidt were sworn in for new terms.

Mon Dec 4, 2023

Council

Council to discuss Incline Grove rezoning and Alliant Energy rate increase

The Kalona City Council will hold a regular meeting to address several items including a rezoning ordinance and a resolution regarding electric rates. The council will also consider a payment application for the Oak Hill Park Trail and receive an annual WEDG presentation.

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✓ Decided: Council approves rezoning for Incline Grove Phase 2 and 3

The Kalona City Council approved the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 2023-351, rezoning 15.06 acres from agricultural (A-1) to single-family residential (R-1) for Incline Grove Phase 2 and 3. The council also approved the first and final pay application of $269,296.02 for the Oak Hill Park Trail, with retainage held for 30 days. A resolution opposing Alliant Energy's proposed rate increase was passed unanimously. The meeting included approval of the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills.

Mon Nov 20, 2023

Council

Council to hold public hearing on Incline Grove rezoning, first reading of ordinance

The Kalona City Council will hold a work session to discuss the 209 5th Street property option and the Yoder Property. The regular meeting includes a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance to rezone Incline Grove Phase 2 and 3 from agricultural to single-family residential, plus other items like a TIF certification, street closure, and financial report approval.

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✓ Decided: Council approves first reading of Incline Grove rezoning

The Kalona City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone 15.06 acres from A-1 agricultural to R-1 single-family residential for Incline Grove Phase 2 and 3, with no public comments at the hearing. The council also approved a contract for the Comprehensive Plan with Impact 7G and Confluence, a TIF resolution for $330,277.64, a street closure for Christmas in Kalona, the 2022-2023 annual financial report, a liquor license for Casey's, and a facility use agreement with the American Red Cross. The meeting was moved from January 1 to January 3, 2024.

Mon Nov 6, 2023

Council

Kalona Council to consider rezoning, liquor license, YMCA rates, sidewalk repairs

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on November 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes consideration of an alcohol license renewal, setting a public hearing for a rezoning request, discussing sidewalk repairs, and approving a demolition. The previously scheduled work session was canceled and will be rescheduled.

alcohol-licenserezoningymcasidewalk-repairsdemolitionpublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council approves YMCA membership rate increase and 24/7 access option

The Kalona City Council approved a YMCA membership rate increase of $15-$24 per year depending on membership type, with an optional $2.50/month or $30/year for 24/7 access. The council also approved a Class E Retail Alcohol License for DNS LLC (Westside Petro) by a 2-1 vote, set a public hearing for the Incline Grove rezoning, and approved sidewalk repairs and demolition related to the Student House Project.

Mon Oct 16, 2023

Council

Council to discuss 2024 RAGBRAI application and gravel bike race

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on October 16, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes discussions on hosting the 2024 RAGBRAI bike ride and the Gravel Series Bike Race, as well as a resolution on a property split, YMCA membership rates, and alcohol license renewals.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, waives parcel review, tables YMCA rates

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills. They waived the right to review a Washington County parcel split for Steve Rich, tabled a proposed YMCA membership rate increase, and approved a liquor license for Tequila Grill. The council also declined the 2024 RAGBRAI host town application and directed staff to continue discussions on the Gravel Series Bike Race.

Mon Oct 2, 2023

Council

Council to review annual road report and consider cemetery plot sale

The Kalona City Council is holding its regular meeting to handle routine business, including approving minutes and bills. They will review the Annual Road Use Report for fiscal year 2022-2023, recognize third-quarter Washington County Riverboat Funds, consider selling Sharon Hill Cemetery plots to Paul and Ruth Hershberger, and hear the annual YMCA presentation. A closed session is scheduled for property acquisition discussions under Iowa Code Section 21.5(j).

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, road use report, cemetery plot sale

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills totaling over $200,000. They also approved the annual Road Use Report for 2022-2023 and the sale of a Sharon Hill Cemetery plot to Paul and Ruth Hershberger. The council recognized $62,705.59 in Washington County Riverboat Funds and directed staff to send a thank-you letter. A closed session was held regarding a property sale, after which staff was directed to gather more information.

Mon Sep 18, 2023

Council

Council to consider chicken permit, awards, TIF report, asphalt

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting to consider a chicken permit application, approve 2023 Community Award recipients, review the 2022-2023 Annual Urban Renewal Report (TIF), and discuss fall asphalt projects and the Southtown Recreational Area with MSA Engineering. Public forum and a city administrator report are also on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, awards, and fall asphalt projects

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills totaling over $100,000, including payments for water tower cleaning, student house construction, and a dump trailer. They also approved a chicken application, 2023 Community Award recipients, the annual urban renewal report, and fall asphalt projects. The council directed staff to continue with trailhead plans for the Southtown Recreational area.

Tue Sep 5, 2023

Council

Council to consider liquor licenses, dump trailer, park trail, bridge grant

The Kalona City Council will consider renewing two liquor licenses, discuss purchasing a dump trailer for Public Works, and vote on resolutions to accept plans and award a contract for the Oak Hill Park trail project. They will also consider applying for a DOT bridge replacement grant for the B Avenue Bridge and discuss leaf removal options for 2023.

alcohol-licensespublic-worksparkstrailsbridgesgrantsleaf-removal
✓ Decided: Council awards $296,943 Oak Hill Park trail contract

The Kalona City Council approved several items, including awarding a construction contract for the Oak Hill Park Aggregate Trail Project to C.J. Moyna for $296,943.40. They also approved a 4-1 vote on alcohol license renewals for Tequilla Wine and Spirits and Best of Iowa, approved the purchase of a Duramax dump trailer for $13,800, and voted to solicit DOT bridge replacement grant funds for B Avenue Bridge. The council also approved a leaf removal option using yard waste bags and a bin at the City Shop.

Mon Jul 17, 2023

Council

Council to consider sidewalk project payments, bridge report, property sale

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on July 17, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes routine items (minutes, bills, public forum) and several action items: accepting sidewalk improvements on 7th Street and D Avenue, approving a final payment of $8,953.28 to TK Concrete, accepting the 2023 Bridge Report, waiving review of a preliminary plat for Blake Hershberger, setting a public hearing to sell city-owned property at 315 C Avenue, discussing a form for naming city assets, amending personnel policies, and entering a closed session on property acquisition.

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✓ Decided: Council accepts sidewalk project, sets hearing for property sale

The Kalona City Council approved the final payment for the 7th Street and D Avenue sidewalk improvements, accepted the 2023 Bridge Inspection Report, and passed resolutions including waiving review of a parcel split and setting a public hearing for the sale of city-owned property at 315 C Avenue. The council also adopted a change to the personnel manual regarding payroll processing and authorized staff to proceed with property negotiations after a closed session.

Fri Jun 30, 2023

Council

Council to recognize riverboat funds, handle routine business

The Kalona City Council is holding a regular meeting with routine items: approving minutes and bills, a public forum, and a city administrator's report. No old business is listed. The only notable new business is recognition of 2nd Quarter Washington County Riverboat Funds.

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✓ Decided: Kalona Council approves bills, recognizes riverboat funds

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills totaling over $200,000, including payments for road work, playground equipment, and fireworks. The council also recognized receipt of $62,997.06 in Washington County Riverboat Funds for the second quarter and directed staff to send a thank-you letter to the Riverboat Foundation.

Mon Jun 19, 2023

Council

Council to vote on garbage contract and solid waste fee ordinance

The Kalona City Council will hold a regular meeting on June 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM. They will consider a second reading of an ordinance amending solid waste fees, and decide on new 5-year garbage and recycling contracts with LRS DBA Johnson County Refuse. The council will also discuss changing a staff member's job duties and the 2023-2024 payroll matrix, plus renew a liquor license for Dollar General.

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✓ Decided: Council approves solid waste fee increase and contract extension

The Kalona City Council approved a $1.00 increase in solid waste fees, effective July 1, 2023, and extended the garbage and recycling contract with LRS DBA Johnson County Refuse for another five years. The council also approved several personnel actions, including a title change for Heather Trimpe and a new pay matrix for employees. All decisions were made with unanimous votes, with Council member Bender absent for some votes.

Mon Jun 5, 2023

Council

✓ Decided: Council approves solid waste fee increase, first reading

The Kalona City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance raising solid waste fees by $1 per customer, effective July 1, 2023. They also approved cigarette permit renewals, a cemetery plot sale, a realtor contract for student-built houses, and grant contracts for recreation and housing projects. All votes were recorded as noted.

Mon May 15, 2023

Council

Council to hold budget hearing, consider wastewater and recreation agreements

The Kalona City Council is holding a public hearing on the 2022-2023 budget amendment and will vote on a resolution to approve it. The council will also discuss engineering agreements for the wastewater facility and recreation design, consider a liquor license renewal, and set a public hearing on solid waste fees.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $29,800 wastewater engineering contract

The Kalona City Council approved a $29,800 engineering agreement with Garden and Associates for wastewater facility plans to meet new DNR requirements. They also approved the 2022-2023 budget amendment, a Class C alcohol license renewal for Tuscan Moon (4-1), and a recreation design agreement with MSA not to exceed $147,600. A public hearing was set for June 5, 2023, on a solid waste fee ordinance amendment, and the July 3 meeting was moved to June 30.

Mon May 1, 2023

Council

✓ Decided: Council passes flood ordinance amendment, approves bills and permits

The Kalona City Council approved the final reading of Ordinance 2023-349, amending the Flood Management Ordinance to comply with Iowa DNR changes. They also approved the 2022 Water Quality Report, a street closure resolution for August 26, 2023, a chicken application for 812 3rd Street, and a variance review for 313 and 315 C Avenue. A public hearing for the 2022-2023 Budget Amendment was set for May 15, 2023. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Apr 17, 2023

Council

✓ Decided: Council approves first reading of floodplain ordinance amendment

The Kalona City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-349, amending Chapter 160 of the Floodplain Management Ordinance to comply with Iowa DNR changes. The council also approved a resolution waiving review of a preliminary plat for a property within two miles of city limits, and approved a chicken application for 412 D Avenue pending required coop size changes. Bills were allowed, and a work session was set for May 1, 2023.

Thu Apr 13, 2023

Council

Council to discuss student housing project at 313 and 315 C Avenue

The Kalona City Council is holding a work session to discuss a student house project at 313 and 315 C Avenue. This is a discussion item only, with no formal action scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Council advances Student House Project at 313/315 C Avenue

The Kalona City Council held a work session and discussed the Student House Project at 313 and 315 C Avenue. They directed staff to inquire about layout changes and to continue with the project, with an estimated start date of late May or early June. No formal votes were taken; the meeting was procedural and discussion-focused.

Mon Apr 3, 2023

Council

Council to consider water/sewer rate hike, floodplain rules, utility easement

The Kalona City Council will hold a regular meeting with routine approvals of minutes and bills, a public forum, and a report from the city administrator. Under old business, they will take a second reading (with option for final) of an ordinance amending water and sewer rates. New business includes resolutions on accepting public improvements, setting a public hearing for a floodplain ordinance amendment, a utility easement for a student-built house, and discussions on work sessions and a veterans project.

water-sewer-ratesfloodplainpublic-improvementsutility-easementproclamationwork-sessionveterans-project
✓ Decided: Council approves water and sewer rate increases effective July 1

The Kalona City Council approved the final reading of Ordinance No. 2023-348, which increases water and sewer rates effective July 1, 2023. The council also accepted public improvements for a lift station and force main from CJ Moyna & Sons, approved a 15-foot utility easement for the Student-Built House, and set a public hearing for April 17 on floodplain management amendments. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Mar 20, 2023

Council

✓ Decided: Council approves water/sewer rate hike, hires laborer, accepts 94.89-acre recreation land

The Kalona City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance increasing water and sewer rates effective July 1, 2023, hired Michael Martens as a general laborer, and approved a new law enforcement contract with Washington County. The council also accepted a 94.89-acre land dedication for recreation and approved temporary street closures for the Fall Festival and Farmers Market.

Mon Mar 6, 2023

Council

✓ Decided: Kalona Council approves 2023-24 budget with tax levy decrease

The Kalona City Council approved the 2023-2024 budget with a tax levy of $10.36 per $1,000, down from $10.37, and authorized budgeted payments to non-profit groups. They also approved applications for Washington County Riverboat Foundation funds for the Student Built House Project and Southtown Recreation area, and renewed a liquor license for Los Amigos Taqueria. A public hearing was set for March 20 to consider water and sewer rate changes.

Mon Feb 27, 2023

Council

Council to discuss recreational planning for Kalona Park and Southtown

The Kalona City Council is holding a work session to discuss recreational planning for Kalona Park and Kalona Southtown. This is a discussion item only, with no formal decisions or votes scheduled on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Council directs staff to pursue $1.7M bond for park recreation plans

The Kalona City Council held a work session to discuss recreation planning for Kalona Park and Kalona Southtown, with presentations from MSA and other officials. Council directed staff to move forward with a General Obligation Bond for up to $1.7 million to fund the projects, with the majority of the total $3.35 million cost to be covered by the bond and payments from Local Option Sales Tax Funds. Staff will continue working with MSA on grant funding options.

Mon Feb 20, 2023

Council

✓ Decided: Council approves FY 2023-2024 general levy

The Kalona City Council approved the fiscal year 2023-2024 General Levy via Resolution No. 2023-E, with all members voting yes. They also approved a $7,000 annual agreement with Paws & More for animal services, and directed staff to proceed with the Chamber's street closing request for the 2023 Farmers Markets. The council approved a $7,500 allocation for shared YMCA summer programming with Wellman and Riverside, and waived review of a 10-acre parcel split for Marilyn Farms.

Mon Feb 6, 2023

Council

Council to set public hearing on 2023-2024 max levy

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on February 6, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The agenda includes setting a public hearing for the proposed 2023-2024 maximum levy, considering liquor license renewals for two local businesses, and reviewing an amendment to the YMCA recreation services agreement. The council will also consider resolutions for downpayment assistance for a student-built project and a budgeted transfer to the public library.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, liquor licenses, YMCA pool increase

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills. It set a public hearing for the proposed 2023-2024 max levy, renewed liquor licenses for the Kalona Historical Society and Kalona Brewing Company, amended the YMCA agreement to increase pool funding, and passed resolutions for housing down payment assistance and a library budget transfer.

Mon Jan 16, 2023

Council

Kalona Council to hold public hearing on community block grant

The Kalona City Council is meeting to handle routine business and several action items. The main item is a public hearing on a joint application for an Iowa Community Block Grant with Pleasantview, followed by a second reading of the ordinance adopting the city's code of ordinances. The council will also consider resolutions on official publications, appointments, and a tractor parade and car show, plus discuss a bridge inspection agreement.

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✓ Decided: Council adopts updated Code of Ordinances, approves appointments

The Kalona City Council approved the updated Code of Ordinances (Ordinance No. 2023-347) on its final reading, waived the second reading, and passed it unanimously. The council also approved resolutions for official publications, committee memberships, and city officer appointments, as well as appointments to various boards and commissions. A joint application for an Iowa Community Block Grant with Pleasantview was not continued, and the public hearing was closed. The council approved a tractor ride and mayor car show, a bridge inspection agreement, and a cemetery deed.

Wed Jan 4, 2023

Council

Council to hold public hearing on adopting new city code of ordinances

The Kalona City Council is meeting to consider adopting a new code of ordinances, including a public hearing and first reading of the ordinance. They will also recognize grant funds, review the 2021-2022 audit report, consider a liquor license renewal, and set a public hearing for a community block grant application.

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✓ Decided: Kalona Council adopts updated Code of Ordinances on first reading

The Kalona City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-347, adopting the updated Code of Ordinances for 2022, following a public hearing with no comments. The council also approved the 2021-2022 audit report, renewed a liquor license for Kalona General Store (4-1), and set a public hearing for a Community Block Grant application for the Friendship Center.