The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Ely, Iowa

Ely public meetings in 2025

30 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 15, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Council will approve a FY27 contract renewal with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

The council will consider routine consent items, including minutes, financial reports, and an alcohol license renewal. Department heads will give updates, and the public may comment. The meeting will also include presentations and discussions on a communication improvement initiative, the FY27 budget calendar, a library expansion, a sidewalk‑app design for the GIS system, and a contract renewal with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office.

city-councilbudgetpublic-safetyinfrastructurelibrarytechnology
✓ Decided: Council approved FY27 contract renewal with Linn County Sheriff’s Office

The council approved the consent agenda, including November minutes, $156,912.10 in bills payable, the Treasurer’s Report, and an alcohol license renewal (4-0). A resolution to create a sidewalk app for the city’s GIS platform was approved (4-0). The FY27 contract renewal with the Linn County Sheriff’s Office for services was approved (4-0). The meeting was adjourned (4-0).

Mon Dec 1, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Council to vote on a long‑term lease agreement with AT&T for city property

The Ely City Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on a long‑term lease agreement with AT&T. It will also consider resolutions to extend the Preliminary Plat for Founders Grove and to authorize the Deputy Clerk to sign checks. A discussion on short‑term rentals and bed‑and‑breakfast operations will be included.

leasetelecomzoninghousingfinance
✓ Decided: Council approved long-term lease agreement with AT&T

The council voted 4-0 to approve a long‑term lease agreement with AT&T and to close the public hearing on that lease. They also approved the extension of the preliminary plat for Founders Grove and authorized the Deputy Clerk to sign checks. The consent agenda, including $138,607.88 in bills payable, was approved unanimously.

Mon Nov 17, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Council to approve TIF debt certification and multiple service contracts

The Ely City Council will consider several resolutions, including approval of a general electrical services agreement, a general excavating services agreement, and certification of TIF debt/AURR. Council members will also discuss implementing a sidewalk inspection program. A closed session may be held to evaluate the City Administrator's professional competency.

financeinfrastructurepersonnelcity-government
✓ Decided: Council approved TIF Indebtedness Certification resolution (5-0)

The City Council approved the TIF Indebtedness Certification/AURR resolution with a unanimous vote. It also approved a general electrical services agreement, a general excavating services agreement, and a closed‑section motion to begin the city administrator’s performance review. The consent agenda covering $74,097.95 in bills payable was adopted, and the meeting was adjourned.

Mon Nov 3, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Ely council to consider rezoning and administrative code changes

The Ely City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on rezoning a 0.84-acre parcel south of 110 Deborah Anne Lane. The council will also discuss a partnership with the Southeast Linn Community Center and approve the purchase of equipment for the wastewater treatment plant.

zoningpublic-hearingcity-administratorwastewatercommunity-partnership
✓ Decided: Council approved rezoning of a 0.84‑acre parcel south of 110 Deborah Anne Lane

The council closed the public hearing on the rezoning request, then approved the rezoning by waiving the second and third readings. The city also approved a code amendment to add the City Administrator role, adopted the TIF Indebtedness certification, and authorized purchase of a blower and motor for the wastewater treatment plant. All motions passed unanimously.

Mon Oct 20, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Council will vote on annexing 295 Jappa Road property into Ely

The Ely City Council will hold a public hearing and then vote on a voluntary annexation request for the property at 295 Jappa Road. The meeting also includes a presentation of draft preliminary engineering plans for Phase 2 of the Downtown Infrastructure Project, a first reading of an ordinance to add the City Administrator role to the code, and a resolution to set a public hearing on a lease agreement with AT&T. Additional items are the FY25 Complete Financial Report and routine department updates.

annexationinfrastructureordinancetelecomfinance
✓ Decided: Council set Dec 1 2025 hearing on AT&T water‑tower lease extension

The council approved the consent agenda and $80,052.12 in bills payable. It closed the public hearing on the voluntary annexation request for 295 Jappa Road and tabled the related annexation resolution. The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 317 to add the City Administrator role. It also set a Dec. 1, 2025 public hearing date for the AT&T water‑tower lease extension.

Wed Oct 15, 2025

Parks & Recreation

Park Board members set for two-year re-appointments

The commission will consider re-appointing three park board members for two-year terms. It will also discuss adding new basketball and volleyball programs, consider a request to approve a baseball lime order, and review the fall festival wrap‑up. The date for the next meeting will be set later based on the FY27 budget timeline.

parksrecreationappointmentsprogramsbudget
Tue Oct 14, 2025

Planning & Zoning

Commission will consider rezoning 0.84 acres south of 110 Deborah Lane.

The Ely Planning and Zoning Commission will approve the meeting agenda and minutes from the September 8, 2025 meeting. It will review a rezoning request for 0.84 acres directly south of 110 Deborah Lane (formerly part of 395 Jappa Road). The commission will also discuss a future land‑use map and the property at 2525 State Street.

rezoningland-use-mapplanningzoningcommunity
Mon Oct 6, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Council to set public hearing date for rezoning 110 Deborah Anne Lane

The Ely City Council will consider several resolutions, including setting a public hearing date for rezoning a portion of 110 Deborah Anne Lane from P‑1 to R‑1. The council will also discuss an ordinance amendment to add the City Administrator role, traffic control measures on Banner Valley Road, and approvals for sewer line repairs, holiday ornaments, hydrant replacement, and a salary increase for the City Clerk. Additional items include an annual discussion with Speer Financial about city debt and a tree‑trimming discussion. The meeting will also include routine reports, consent agenda items, and community comments.

zoningcity-administrationinfrastructurefinancepublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council sets public hearing for rezoning 110 Deborah Anne Lane

The council approved the consent agenda and a series of resolutions, each passing 5‑0. It tabled a proposed ordinance amendment to add the City Administrator role. It also set a public hearing date for rezoning a portion of 110 Deborah Anne Lane from P‑1 to R‑1.

Mon Sep 15, 2025

Mayor & City Council

Council to approve contracts and bonds for the Well 3 Project

The Ely City Council will consider several resolutions, including approving a contract and performance/payment bonds for the Well 3 Project and approving construction services with MSA for that project. The council will also discuss converting Banner Valley and Parkland Drive to a four-way stop and will vote on an interfund transfer. Additional items include a consent agenda with routine items and a discussion of Christmas decoration updates.

waterinfrastructurecontractstrafficbudget
✓ Decided: Council approved Well 3 project contracts and bonds, plus budget items

The council approved the consent agenda covering September 2 minutes and $161,067.17 in bills payable (3‑0). It also approved contract and performance/payment bonds for the Well 3 Project and a construction services contract with MSA for the same project (both 3‑0). An interfund transfer was approved (3‑0) and the meeting was adjourned (3‑0).

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Planning & Zoning

✓ Decided: Board recommended annexing 295 Jappa Road into the City of Ely

The Planning & Zoning Board approved the agenda and June meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. It unanimously (6‑0) recommended annexing the property at 295 Jappa Road for future single‑family housing. The board adopted a series of revisions to the fence ordinance, though no vote tally was recorded. The meeting was adjourned by a 6‑0 vote.

Tue Sep 2, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council awarded $266,450 Well #3 contract to Northway (5‑0 vote)

The council approved two consent agendas covering August minutes and bills totaling $149,397.69 and $133,274.50, each by a 5‑0 vote. It awarded the Well #3 project to Northway for $266,450, modified the Public Works Pole Building size, approved $21,500 soil testing at 295 Jappa Road, and scheduled a public hearing on annexing that property. A bank transfer for the Parks and Rec Department was also approved.

Wed Aug 27, 2025

Parks & Recreation

✓ Decided: Board unanimously approves replacement of Schulte Park playground stairs

The commission unanimously approved replacing the deteriorated stairs at Schulte Park and approved a memorial bench location near the horseshoe pits. It also approved installing disc golf baskets at Vavra Park, selected the Fall Fest concession menu, and assigned volunteer duties and pumpkin‑patch oversight to the Friends Group. The board voted not to move forward with a bocce ball pit at Pocket Park and set no September meeting, with the next meeting date to be determined.

Mon Aug 18, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved the Well 3 Project plans and contract specifications

The council voted unanimously to close the public hearing and adopt the resolution for the Well 3 Project, approving its plans, specifications, contract forms, and cost estimate. They also approved a three‑year cloud services agreement with Traffic Logix for radar signs. No consent agenda was adopted, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.

Mon Aug 11, 2025

Planning & Zoning

✓ Decided: Board approved agenda/minutes and adjourned the meeting

The board approved the agenda and minutes from the June meeting by a 6‑0 vote. The meeting was then adjourned by a 6‑0 vote. No other substantive actions or decisions were taken.

Mon Aug 4, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved multiple contracts and property deals, including a $165K storage building

The Ely City Council adopted the consent agenda, approving $143,571.12 in bills payable. It closed public hearings and approved a lease agreement with Main Street Legacy LLC, as well as the sale of a one‑acre property at 370 Jappa Road. The council also authorized a $165,000 Public Works dry‑storage building, $47,835.45 for manhole repairs, and a $33,595 purchase of a new skid loader. All motions passed unanimously.

Mon Jul 21, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved annexation moratorium agreement with Cedar Rapids

The council unanimously approved the annexation moratorium agreement with Cedar Rapids. It also closed public hearings for CDBG Generator Project Well #1 and Well #2 and adopted several resolutions for the Downtown Infrastructure Project, including change order #6 and a revised pay application #11. Additional actions included approving a parking lease with Main Street Legacy LLC, fixing the September council meeting date, and adopting the consent agenda and bills payable totaling $197,547.58.

Tue Jul 8, 2025

Parks & Recreation

✓ Decided: Commission accepted $2,360 roofing contract for Pocket Park Pavilion

The commission agreed to hire a local Amish crew to install the metal roof on the Pocket Park Pavilion for $2,360, deciding not to seek additional bids. Volunteers will complete remaining lumber work when available. The board also requested moving $19,024.58 of FY25 fundraising into the reserve fund, and set the next meeting for August (date to be determined).

Mon Jul 7, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved a closed session to discuss sale of city-owned property

The council approved a closed session to discuss the sale of a specific city property, then set a public hearing date for that sale. It also fixed a July 21 hearing for the CDBG Generator Project, approved a $10,000 marketing analysis for a daycare, and updated the city credit‑card policy. All motions passed unanimously.

Mon Jun 16, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council unanimously approved FY25 Budget Amendment #2

The council approved the consent agenda, including June 2 minutes, $165,831.36 in bills payable, an alcohol license renewal for Casey’s, and a road closure for the Fourth of July parade. It also adopted FY25 Budget Amendment #2 and closed the related public hearing. Additional actions included setting a hearing date for the Annexation Moratorium with Cedar Rapids, approving a Public Works seasonal wage rate, a $19,024.58 Park & Rec reserve transfer, an SS$A grant application, and a $14,114.94 final payment to Triple B Construction for the Main Street Parking Lot project.

Mon Jun 9, 2025

Planning & Zoning

✓ Decided: Board approved agenda and minutes from April meeting

The Planning & Zoning Board approved the agenda and minutes from the April meeting by a 5-0 vote. The board then adjourned the meeting, also by a 5-0 vote. No other actions were decided.

Mon Jun 2, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approves switch to Edmonds financial software system

The Ely City Council approved a resolution to change the city's financial software provider from Simple City to Edmonds. It also adopted resolutions for FY26 employee compensation, a GIS migration with MSA Engineering, and set public‑hearing dates for the FY25 Budget Amendment #2 and the Annexation Moratorium Agreement. The consent agenda, including $360,880.02 in bills payable, was approved unanimously.

Mon May 19, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: City Council adopts Vision Zero traffic safety policy

The council approved a Vision Zero resolution to work toward zero traffic deaths and severe injuries. It also adopted the consent agenda covering $66,941.14 in bills payable and approved several financial actions, including a $5,976 cost share for the Main and Dows paver project and a $5,000 transfer to the Pocket Park Project. Troy Scott was confirmed as the new Water/Wastewater Operator. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

Wed May 14, 2025

Parks & Recreation

✓ Decided: Commission approved pavilion material list and set June 14 build date

The commission unanimously approved the final material list for the Pocket Park pavilion and accepted a $9,670 donation from Friends of Ely Parks & Recreation. Volunteer residents and local contractors will provide labor. Five 8‑foot picnic tables and two 32‑gallon garbage cans were ordered. The pavilion build is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 7:00 am.

Mon May 5, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved FY25 Budget Amendment and $105,000 downtown project engineering

The council approved the FY25 Budget Amendment and a resolution to pay $105,000 for preliminary engineering of the downtown Phase 2 project. It also passed Ordinance 315 on animal production, hired a summer aide for Parks & Rec, approved a wastewater facility task order, and authorized a $10,000 grant application payment. All votes were unanimous where recorded.

Mon Apr 21, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: City Council approved the proposed FY26 budget

The council adopted the proposed FY26 budget with a unanimous vote. It also approved the purchase of a 2025 Ford F‑150 for the Public Works Department at $48,070. Ordinance 314 (Well Protection) and Ordinance 315 (Animal Production & Husbandry) were each approved in their respective readings. Additional resolutions on hearing dates, fencing, and a Showalter Frist addition were also passed.

Mon Apr 21, 2025

Parks & Recreation

✓ Decided: Commission approves pavilion construction plans and sets May 10 build date

The Ely Parks & Recreation Commission approved the discounted footing quote from MJ Concrete, authorized a licensed engineer review of the build plans, and accepted the updated material list and roofing color scheme. The board also set the construction start date for Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 7:00 a.m. All votes were unanimous.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Planning & Zoning

✓ Decided: Board approves agenda, minutes and recommends Showalter First Addition plat

The Planning & Zoning Board approved the agenda and the minutes from the January meeting by a 5‑0 vote. The board recommended approval of the Showalter First Addition plat and directed staff to place it on the next council agenda, also by a 5‑0 vote. The board instructed staff to investigate updates to the fence ordinance, with discussion to continue at the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned by a 5‑0 vote.

Wed Apr 9, 2025

Parks & Recreation

✓ Decided: Commission approves new board members and several park improvements

The commission approved Lee Symonds and Andrew Davis as board members. It tabled the basketball‑hoop upgrade at Community Center Park and approved a dog‑waste station and two horseshoe pits at Schulte Park. A tentative build date of May 10, 2025 was set for the pocket‑park pavilion and a follow‑up meeting was scheduled, with the next commission meeting set for May 14, 2025.

Mon Apr 7, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: Council approved FY26 property tax levy and several key ordinances

The council approved the FY26 property tax levy unanimously. It also approved the second reading of Ordinance 314 (well protection) and the first reading of Ordinance 315 (animal production). The council waived the second and third readings of Ordinance 316 on accessory buildings with a 4‑1 vote. Additional resolutions were adopted for a budget hearing date, a demolition contract, and a sweeper attachment purchase.

Mon Apr 7, 2025

Mayor & City Council

✓ Decided: City Council adjourns property tax rate public hearing

The council held a public hearing on the property tax rate. A motion to adjourn the hearing was made by Councilmember Wery, seconded by Whitaker, and passed unanimously (5-0). No other decisions were made.