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Kalona, IA

Kalona public meetings in 2024

27 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 16, 2024

Council

Kalona Council sets 2025 work session, meeting date changes

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on December 16, 2024, with items including a report from the city administrator, a work session to discuss public improvement projects, an update on the 2024 yard waste program, and proposed date changes for three 2025 council meetings due to holidays. No old business is listed.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, schedules 2025 meetings, continues yard waste program

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills totaling over $100,000. They set a work session for January 14, 2025, to discuss public improvement projects, and directed staff to continue the yard waste program. They also moved three 2025 council meetings due to holidays.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Dec 2, 2024

Council

Council to approve $400,000 sewer loan and $942,500 in engineering contracts

The Kalona City Council will hold a public hearing and consider resolutions for a $400,000 sewer revenue loan, and will also consider approving engineering services for wastewater and water projects totaling $942,500. The agenda includes a second reading of an ordinance adding stop signs, a proposal to sell a cemetery deed, and discussion of the snow removal plan.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $400K sewer loan note and new stop signs

The Kalona City Council approved a $400,000 sewer revenue loan anticipation note, added stop signs at two intersections, sold a cemetery deed, and authorized engineering services for water and wastewater projects. All votes were unanimous.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Nov 18, 2024

Council

Council to consider $400K sewer loan, stop signs, C Avenue closure

The Kalona City Council is holding its regular meeting with several action items. New business includes a resolution to close part of C Avenue for the Christmas in Kalona event, approval of a pay application for the Vista Park Project, an ordinance adding stop signs at certain intersections, review of annual reports, and consideration of a $400,000 sewer revenue loan. The agenda also includes standard items like minutes, bills, and a public forum.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $125K Vista Park payment, TIF certification

The Kalona City Council approved Pay App #5 for CJ Moyna & Sons LLC in the amount of $125,359.26 for the Vista Park Project, and approved the 2025-2026 Tax Increment Finance (TIF) Certification of $304,857.63 to Washington County. The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance adding stop signs at two intersections, approved the 2023-2024 Urban Renewal Report and Annual Finance Report, and set a public hearing for a sewer revenue loan. All votes were unanimous with G Schmidt absent.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Thu Nov 7, 2024

Council

✓ Decided: Council approves Incline Grove Phase 2 preliminary plat and waivers

The Kalona City Council approved the preliminary plat, construction plans, and site plan waiver for Incline Grove Phase 2 (lots 9-14), including storm sewer connections via septic and modified sidewalk requirements. The council also approved the sale of Sharon Hill Cemetery deeds to two individuals, allowed a list of bills, and recognized the YMCA annual report with a roughly 9% rate increase for Kalona residents.

Minutes
Mon Nov 4, 2024

Council

Council to consider Incline Grove Phase 2 plat and cemetery deed sales

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on November 4, 2024, with no old business on the agenda. New business includes considering the sale of Sharon Hill Cemetery deeds to two individuals, reviewing construction plans and specifications for Incline Grove Phase 2 (Lots 9-14), considering a subdivision site plan waiver for the same lots, and approving a preliminary plat for that phase. The council will also hear an annual presentation from the CEO of the YMCA of Washington County.

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Agenda (official) · cached copy
Mon Oct 21, 2024

Council

Kalona Council to sell city property, extend USPS lease, seek wastewater funds

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on October 21, 2024, with several items of old and new business. They will consider second readings of ordinances on publication of minutes, electronic meetings, and fiscal management. New business includes selling city-owned property at 209 5th Street, approving a pay application for the Vista Park Project, adopting municipal securities disclosure policies, considering a grant-writing agreement, authorizing debt service transfers, approving a USPS lease extension, and applying for wastewater treatment plant planning funds.

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✓ Decided: Council approves sale of city property at 209 5th Street for $20,000

The Kalona City Council approved the sale of city-owned property at 209 5th Street to Solidam Petram for $20,000, with the agreement to be signed by the Mayor and City Clerk. The council also passed three ordinances (2024-355, 2024-356, 2024-357) on final reading, approved a $497,874.39 payment for the Vista Park Project, and authorized several resolutions including a post office lease renewal and a grant writing agreement. All votes were unanimous.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Oct 7, 2024

Council

Kalona Council to sell city property, extend 5th Street closure

The Kalona City Council will consider selling property at 209 5th Street, extending the 5th Street closure to the B Avenue intersection, and accepting dedications for Valley Industrial Park. They will also discuss utility pole banners for veterans, recognize riverboat funds, and consider three ordinance amendments. A public forum is scheduled for resident input.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Valley Industrial Park dedication and improvements

The Kalona City Council approved Resolution 2024-CC accepting the Valley Industrial Park Part 1 and 2 dedication and improvements, with all members voting yes. They also approved the agenda with the tabling of the resolution to sell property at 209 5th Street, and approved the consent agenda including minutes and bills. Several ordinances were advanced to first reading, and the council directed staff to prepare a speed ordinance for 133rd based on a sheriff's office study.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Oct 1, 2024

Council

Council to discuss water line and easement agreements with Kwik Star

The Kalona City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss two agreements with Kwik Star: a water service line developers agreement and an access easement for a community welcome sign and flagpole. No final decisions are scheduled; the items are listed for discussion only.

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✓ Decided: Council approves water line and easement agreements with Kwik Star

The Kalona City Council held a special meeting and approved two agreements with Kwik Star/Kwik Trip. The first authorizes the city to install a 2-inch water service line and 6-inch conduit to connect the new development to the city main, in lieu of a TIF or tax-abatement. The second grants the city easement rights for a welcome sign and flagpole, and allows Kwik Star to install ingress/egress at no cost to the city. Both motions passed unanimously.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Sep 16, 2024

Council

Council to discuss sewer, water, roads; hear public on selling 209 5th St.

The Kalona City Council will hold a work session with the city engineer to discuss updates on sewer, water plant, and roads. The regular meeting includes a public hearing on the intent to sell property at 209 5th Street, a presentation from Pleasantview Home, and consideration of agreements for financial planning and building inspection services.

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✓ Decided: Council directs sewer lagoon upgrade to meet 2027 DNR rules

The Kalona City Council directed staff to proceed with an aerated lagoon with supplemental treatment, estimated at $6,733,900, to meet DNR requirements by April 2027. They also directed exploring water plant connectivity and capital improvements, approved a $60,000 LMI fund commitment for Pleasantview Home's Post Acute Care Units, and approved a financial planning agreement with Northland Securities. The council approved the agenda, minutes, and bills as listed.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Sep 3, 2024

Council

Council to consider $818,832.88 payment for Vista Park project

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on September 3, 2024, with new business including a presentation on apartment complex improvements, chicken permit applications, a liquor license renewal, and a large payment approval for the Vista Park project. The council will also set a public hearing to sell property at 209 5th Street and consider accepting grant funds from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation.

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✓ Decided: Council commits up to $19,000 for low-income housing improvements

The Kalona City Council approved committing up to $19,000 from LMI funds and Washington County Riverboat funds for improvements at the Kalona Valley North and South complexes, with a 3-1 vote (one abstention). They also approved a chicken application for three addresses, renewed a liquor license, and approved a pay application of $818,832.88 for the Vista Park Project. Resolutions were passed to set a public hearing for selling property at 209 5th Street and to apply for $85,000 in grant funds for a job trailer and food pantry.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Aug 19, 2024

Council

Kalona Council to vote on parking ban, chicken permits, liquor licenses

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 19, 2024, covering old and new business. Key actions include a second reading (with possible final vote) of an ordinance banning parking on the south side of H Avenue, consideration of chicken applications for two addresses, review of the street finance report, renewal of alcohol licenses for two businesses, a grant application to the Iowa DNR, and a proposed meeting date change for September due to Labor Day.

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✓ Decided: Council passes no-parking ordinance, approves alcohol licenses and grants

The Kalona City Council passed Ordinance No. 2024-354 adding a no-parking restriction on H Avenue, approved a chicken application for 502 7th Street, renewed alcohol licenses for Tequila Grill and Tequila Wine & Spirits, and authorized a grant application to the Iowa DNR for tree planting. The council also moved the September 2 meeting to September 3 due to Labor Day. All votes were unanimous among the three members present (Bender, Spitzer, G Schmidt); J Schmidt and Beisheim were absent.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Aug 5, 2024

Council

Council to consider $100K grant for Kalona Bakery renovation

The Kalona City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 5, 2024, covering routine items like minutes and bills, plus a public forum. New business includes a presentation on a bike race, hiring a public works laborer, changing the chicken permit limit, a parking ordinance, a cemetery columbarium discussion, a $100,000 grant for renovating the former Kalona Bakery, utility work, a temporary street closing for a car show, and establishing a food pantry.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $100K grant for Kalona Bakery renovation

The Kalona City Council approved a $100,000 Iowa Economic Development Authority grant for renovating the former Kalona Bakery property at 209 5th Street. They also hired Nicholas Hull as a general laborer, amended the chicken permit to allow six chickens, and passed a no-parking ordinance on H Avenue. The council discussed but did not decide on a cemetery columbarium and a city food pantry, directing staff to continue planning.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Jul 15, 2024

Council

✓ Decided: Council approves bills, permits, audit letter, cemetery deed

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda with three items tabled, including a bike race presentation, a chicken permit change, and a cemetery savings CD discussion. The council approved the consent agenda for bills, a door-to-door sales permit for Paulius Bareisis, the 2023-2024 audit letter of understanding, and a cemetery deed for Aubrey Green. All votes were unanimous.

Minutes
Mon Jul 1, 2024

Council

Council to discuss chicken permit, pay $368K for Vista Park work

The Kalona City Council is meeting to handle routine business and several notable items. They will discuss a chicken application for 727 1st Street, consider a $368,253.30 payment and a $50,337.75 change order for the Vista Park Project, and review proposed changes to the 28-E agreement for building inspector services with Riverside. They will also consider a library board appointment and discuss speed limits with Washington County.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $368K Vista Park pay app and $50K change order

The Kalona City Council approved Pay App #2 for CJ Moyna & Sons LLC in the amount of $368,253.30 and Change Order #1 for $50,337.75 for the Vista Park Project. The council also permitted Kim Droz to keep up to 16 chickens at 727 1st Street, with the condition they be enclosed. Staff were directed to continue work with the City of Riverside on the 28-E agreement and with Washington County on a speed study for 133rd and Nutmeg Avenue. The Library Board Trustees recommendation to renew Karen Stalter's term was approved.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Jun 17, 2024

Council

Council driving tour to review recreation, flood mitigation, streets

The Kalona City Council is holding a work session in the form of a driving tour to visit three sites: the Southtown Recreation Area, a flood mitigation location for the Yoder property, and a general streets review. No formal decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and information-gathering session.

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✓ Decided: Council passes fence and hedge permit ordinance

The Kalona City Council held a work session and regular meeting on June 17, 2024. The council approved the final reading of Ordinance No. 2024-353, which amends fence and hedge regulations to require a permit with a $25 fee. They also approved a $261,840.90 pay application for the Vista Park Project, renewed a Class B retail alcohol license for Dollar General (4-1), and approved a resolution on tax compliance for the Local Option Sales Tax Bond. The meeting included a driving tour of the Southtown Recreational Area, a proposed flood mitigation retention pond location, and a prioritized street list.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Jun 3, 2024

Council

Council to consider bond sale, fence rules, and hiring laborer

The Kalona City Council will consider hiring a general laborer, approve a bond purchase agreement for Local Option Sales and Services Tax Revenue Bonds (Series 2024A), and hold the first reading of an ordinance amending fence and hedge regulations. They will also discuss a flagpole donation at B Avenue Park, a work session date, a summer meals program, and an Alliant Energy permit for underground electric work at 3rd and Highway 22.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bond purchase agreement for sales tax revenue bonds

The Kalona City Council approved Resolution No. 2024-V, authorizing the issuance of Local Option Sales and Service Tax Revenue Bonds, series 2024A, with all members voting yes. The council also passed the first reading of an ordinance amending fence and hedge regulations to require permits with a $25 fee. Several other items were approved, including bills, a permit for Alliant Energy, and a work session date.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon May 20, 2024

Council

Council to hold public hearings on budget amendment and sales tax revenue bonds

The Kalona City Council is meeting to consider a budget amendment for 2023-2024, including a public hearing and resolution, and to hold a public hearing on a proposal to issue Local Option Sales and Services Tax Revenue Bonds. They will also discuss the 2024-2025 law enforcement contract, alcohol and cigarette permit renewals, a job description change, the payroll matrix, and selling cemetery plots.

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✓ Decided: Council approves $296,568 law enforcement contract with Washington County

The Kalona City Council approved the 2024-2025 law enforcement contract with Washington County at $296,568, to be paid quarterly. They also approved the 2023-2024 budget amendment, a bond resolution for local option sales tax revenue, and several other items including alcohol and cigarette permits, a job change, and library staff wages.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon May 6, 2024

Council

Council sets hearings on budget amendment and sales tax loan

The Kalona City Council will consider several resolutions and items, including setting public hearings for a budget amendment and a sales tax revenue loan agreement, approving budgeted fund transfers and payments to non-profit groups, and discussing a $400,000 grant for the Southtown Recreational project. The agenda also includes items on street closures for a car show, an overhead electric cable for street lights, a chicken permit, a plat review waiver, appointing a new city attorney, and a speed sign feedback grant.

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✓ Decided: Council approves bills, resolutions, and new city attorney

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills. It set public hearings for a budget amendment and a loan agreement, passed several resolutions including temporary street closures for a car show and budget transfers, approved a chicken application, waived review of a farmland split, appointed Lynch Dallas, PC as the new city attorney, and approved a speed sign feedback grant.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Apr 15, 2024

Council

Council to hold public hearing and vote on 2024-2025 budget

The Kalona City Council will hold a public hearing on the 2024-2025 budget and consider a resolution to approve it. They will also discuss two grant awards: $400,000 from Enhance Iowa for the Southtown Recreational Grant and $186,926.05 from the Iowa Department of Homeland Security for flood mitigation on Yoder Property. Other items include renewing a liquor license, discussing a water treatment plant master plan, accepting the city attorney's resignation, and considering a 28-E agreement with Washington County for bridge design services.

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✓ Decided: Kalona Council approves 2024-25 budget with $10.36 levy

The Kalona City Council approved the 2024-2025 budget with a tax levy of $10.36 per $1,000, unchanged from last year. They also approved several grants and contracts, including a $400,000 Enhance Iowa grant for the Southtown Recreational Area and a $26,000 water treatment facility master plan with Garden & Associates. The council accepted the resignation of City Attorney Bill Sueppel and directed staff to proceed with a 28-E agreement for bridge design. All votes were unanimous except for the liquor license renewal, which passed 3-1.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Apr 1, 2024

Council

Public hearing on proposed property tax levy for 2024-2025 budget

The Kalona City Council is holding a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for the 2024-2025 budget year. This is the only item on the agenda, and no other business is listed.

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✓ Decided: Council approves chicken coop application at 914 10th Street

The Kalona City Council approved a chicken coop application for 914 10th Street after directing the applicant to place the coop away from a neighbor who did not consent. The council also approved a 4-1 renewal of the Kalona Brewing Company's liquor license, set a public hearing for the 2024-2025 budget, and passed resolutions for temporary street closures and a parcel split waiver.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Mar 18, 2024

Council

Council to consider cemetery plot sale, Yoder property RFP, street closings

The Kalona City Council is meeting to handle routine business and several concrete items. They will consider selling cemetery plots, review water quality reports and the fiscal year audit, and discuss a request for proposals for the city-owned Yoder Property. The council will also vote on resolutions for temporary street closings for Kalona Days, Farmers Markets, and the Fall Festival, and hear a proclamation for Junior Achievement Day.

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✓ Decided: Council approves pool rate hike to $5, 2024 season dates

The Kalona City Council approved a $1 increase in daily pool admission to $5 and set the 2024 season from May 30 to around August 19, with the Washington YMCA managing staffing. They also approved the sale of a Sharon Hill Cemetery plot, recognized the 2023 Water Quality Report, and passed resolutions for temporary street closures for the Farmers Market, Kalona Days, and Fall Festival. All votes were unanimous.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Mar 12, 2024

Council

Council to discuss wastewater and water treatment plans, city properties

The Kalona City Council is holding a work session to discuss preliminary plans for wastewater facilities with the Iowa DNR, a facilities plan for water treatment plants, and updates on city-owned properties and potential development options. These are discussion items only, with no formal votes scheduled.

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✓ Decided: Council directs staff to pursue DNR wastewater compliance plan

The Kalona City Council held a work session and discussed the Iowa DNR's new wastewater requirements, with a preliminary cost of $4 million to $4.5 million. Council directed staff to continue working with the city engineer to meet the requirements and to investigate an SFR loan, grant opportunities, and potential sewer rate increases. Council also directed the engineer to explore options for water treatment plant updates. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only action was approving the agenda.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Mar 4, 2024

Council

Kalona Council to vote on building code ordinance, cemetery plot sales, EMS grant support

The Kalona City Council is holding its regular meeting on March 4, 2024, with several action items. They will consider a second (with option for third) reading of an ordinance amending building codes, set a public hearing for property taxes, and vote on selling cemetery plots. They will also consider a resolution waiving review of a conditional use permit for a church, a letter of support for an EMS siren grant, and equipment purchases for public works.

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✓ Decided: Council passes building code ordinance, approves equipment lease

The Kalona City Council approved the final reading of Ordinance No. 2024-352 amending building codes, and authorized a $163,637 lease for public works equipment. They also set a public hearing for property taxes, approved selling cemetery plots, waived review of a county permit, and supported a $15,000 emergency siren grant.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Tue Feb 20, 2024

Council

Council holds 2024-2025 budget workshop

The Kalona City Council is holding a work session to discuss the 2024-2025 budget. This is a workshop, so no formal decisions are expected, but it is the main item on the agenda.

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✓ Decided: Council awards $2.09M Vista Park Phase 1 construction contract

The Kalona City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2024-352 amending building codes, adopted Resolution 2024-E adjusting building permit fees, and accepted plans and awarded a $2,092,604.35 construction contract to C.J. Moyna & Sons LLC for Vista Park Phase 1. The council also approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills, and set a work session for March 12, 2024. No substantive decisions were made on the preliminary budget or the Mid-Prairie parking proposal, which were only discussed.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Feb 5, 2024

Council

Council to consider liquor license, personnel manual, street closure, and new library director

The Kalona City Council will hold a regular meeting to approve minutes and bills, and hear public comments. New business includes renewing a liquor license for the Kalona Historical Village, adopting a resolution to change the personnel manual, closing streets for the Kalona Home Show, updating the Southtown Recreational Area, moving the February 19 meeting due to President's Day, and hiring a new Library Board Director.

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✓ Decided: Council approves Olivia Kahler as new library director

The Kalona City Council approved the Library Board's recommendation to hire Olivia Kahler as the new library director starting March 1, 2024, at a starting wage of $52,964.00, with all members voting yes. The council also approved Resolution 2024-C, amending the personnel manual to add Presidents Day, a half-day on New Year's Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as observed holidays, with a 4-1 vote (G Schmidt dissenting). Additionally, Resolution 2024-D was approved to close D Avenue for the Kalona Home Show on March 22-23, and the council discussed the Vista Ridge recreational area bid letting and a possible meeting date change.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Mon Jan 15, 2024

Council

Council to consider liquor license renewals and cemetery deed

The Kalona City Council is holding its regular meeting with a public forum, a city administrator report, and new business items. The council will consider alcohol license renewals for two local businesses and a cemetery deed transfer, and receive an update on the comprehensive plan schedule.

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✓ Decided: Council approves liquor license renewals and cemetery deed

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and a list of bills. It approved liquor license renewals for Kalona General Store and Los Amigos Taquería with a 4-1 vote, and approved a cemetery deed for Derald Bender unanimously. Staff also updated the council on the tentative schedule for the new Comprehensive Plan with Impact-7G and Confluence, targeting a February 2024 start.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes
Wed Jan 3, 2024

Council

Kalona City Council meets January 3 to discuss park bids and city appointments

The Kalona City Council will hold a regular meeting to address administrative business. Items include recognizing foundation funds and setting a bid opening date for Vista Ridge Park.

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✓ Decided: Kalona Council sets bid hearing for Vista Ridge Park project

The Kalona City Council approved the agenda, minutes, and bills, and set a bid hearing for the Vista Ridge Park project on January 31, 2024. They also recognized $52,631.03 in Riverboat funds and passed resolutions for official publication and appointments.

Agenda (official) · cached copy · Minutes