Independence, IA

City Council

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and consider a request for a variance submitted by Postel.

• Request for Variance_Postel

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

Library Board

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

City Council

Library Board

City Council

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

Library Board

City Council

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

Library Board

City Council

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

Library Board

City Council

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

Library Board

City Council

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

City Council

Library Board

City Council

Planning and Zoning Commission

Airport Board

Library Board

The Library Board will discuss several items including a sex offender policy and a capital improvement proposal for FY28. The meeting also includes discussions regarding software and social media changes.

• Sex Offender Policy discussion
• Capital Improvement Proposal FY28
• Capital Improvement 10-Year Plan
• Library Director Evaluation
• Software and Social Media Changes

City Council

The City Council will discuss ordinances regarding property tax increment financing and property mowing. The body is also setting public hearing dates for zoning amendments and urban renewal area expansions.

• Ordinance to delete property from the Tax Increment Financing District
• First reading of ordinance amending mowing and street maintenance codes
• Proposed vacation and conveyance of portions of 10th Street NE Right-Of-Way
• Preliminary approval for voluntary annexation by BCM Development, LLC and BCM Real Estate, LLC
• Pay Application #2 for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modification Project

Airport Board

The Independence Airport Board is holding its regular meeting on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Airport Terminal Meeting Room at 1684 230th Street. The board will approve the agenda and minutes, take public comment, and hear updates from the engineer, the chairman/city manager, and the airport manager. Members will also review revenues and expenses to date. The agenda lists no specific action items, contracts, or public hearings.

• Public comment allowed with a 5-minute limit per speaker; the board cannot respond or take action at that time
• Engineer update
• Chairman/City Manager update
• Airport Manager update
• Revenues and expenses to date

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Independence Planning and Zoning Commission meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 8:30 AM in Council Chambers at 331 First Street East. The agenda lists roll call, approval of minutes from the September 22, 2026 meeting, and a bulk requirement update. No specific properties, contracts, or dollar amounts are listed in the agenda text.

• Approval of previous minutes from September 22, 2026
• Bulk Requirement update

City Council

The Independence City Council holds a work session on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM at 331 First Street East. The agenda is mostly discussion items, including an executive briefing on economic development financing, urban renewal areas, and tax increment financing. Other topics include a solid waste contract fuel surcharge, RAGBRAI, a potential sale of city property near Triangle Pond, and draft ordinance amendments on mowing fines and grass clippings in rights-of-way. The council will also discuss the previously approved parking enforcement moratorium (Resolution No. 2026-55), a managed print services and cloud fax RFP, Starlight Theater, a City Hall closure on Oct. 22-23, and a 2026 legislative code update. The agenda notes workshops are not public hearings and the public has no right to speak on items under consideration.

• Executive briefing and discussion on economic development financing, urban renewal areas, and tax increment financing
• Solid Waste Contract - fuel surcharge
• Potential sale of City property near Triangle Pond
• Draft ordinance amendments: mowing fines, repeat offenders, and grass clippings in rights-of-way
• Discussion of previously approved parking enforcement moratorium (Resolution No. 2026-55)

The City Council met for a work session to receive updates and discuss various city topics. No formal votes or substantive decisions were recorded during this meeting.

City Council

The Independence City Council meets Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:30 PM at 331 First Street East. Routine business includes approving the consent agenda, claims, and three FY2026 financial reports. The council will also consider a curb cut request at 117 7th Ave NE and two Commercial Restoration Rehab Grant applications for 219 and 223 1st St W. The meeting ends with a closed session on real estate strategy under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j), with possible action afterward.

• Consent agenda includes a bowhunting request from Daniel Young for the October 1, 2026 to January 10, 2027 season
• Hartig Drug Class E retail alcohol license renewal, tentatively November 12, 2026 through November 11, 2027
• Curb cut request at 117 7th Ave NE
• Commercial Restoration Rehab Grant applications for 219 1st St W and 223 1st St W
• Closed session on real estate strategy under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(j), with possible action after

The City Council adopted three resolutions to authorize the submission of Fiscal Year 2026 financial, street, and urban renewal reports. The council also approved several commercial restoration grants and a new curb cut.

• Approved FY2026 Street Finance Report (7-0)
• Approved FY2026 Annual Financial Report (7-0)
• Approved FY2026 Annual Urban Renewal Report (7-0)
• Approved 12-foot wide curb cut at 115 7 Avenue NE (5-2)
• Approved $1,268.84 restoration grant for Modern Woodmen of America (7-0)
• Approved $940.34 restoration grant for Wendy J. Troutman, D.D.S., P.C. (7-0)
• Approved $395,844.81 in total claims for payment (7-0)
• Approved bowhunting request for Daniel Young and Hartig Drug alcohol license renewal (7-0)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Independence Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to consider vacating a right-of-way for Wapsie Valley Creamery. The agenda also includes approval of the previous meeting's minutes and roll call.

• Vacate right-of-way for Wapsie Valley Creamery
• Approval of minutes from September 1, 2026

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend that the City Council approve the vacation of a portion of the public right-of-way along the north side of 10th Street NE. The recommendation is subject to the City attorney preparing a public utility easement.

• Approved September 1, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Recommended City Council approve vacation of right-of-way along 10th Street NE (6-0)

Library Board

The Independence Library Board is meeting to approve routine items (agenda, minutes, bills) and review the FY2027 budget proposal. The board will also discuss technology recycling, a Library Foundation board member appointment, the IPL strategic plan, and the behavior policy.

• FY2027 Budget Proposal
• Technology Recycling
• Library Foundation Board Member
• IPL Strategic Plan
• Behavior Policy

City Council

The Independence City Council will consider approving a payment for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modification Project, five Homeowner/Agency Repair Program projects under the TIF LMI Set-Aside Plan, and an amendment to an agreement with Strand Associates. They will also discuss a sewer main relocation on 17th Street SE and consider pausing Urban Renewal and TIF actions related to annexation pending legal review. The consent agenda includes bowhunting requests and liquor license ownership amendments for three Casey's locations.

• Resolution to approve Pay Application #1 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modification Project and transfer funds from Sewer Utility Fund
• Five resolutions to approve Homeowner/Agency Repair Program projects under TIF LMI Set-Aside Administrative Plan
• Amendment No. 1 to agreement with Strand Associates for bidding and construction-related services
• Sewer main relocation on 17th Street SE
• Consider pausing Urban Renewal and TIF action related to annexation pending legal review

The City Council approved a significant payment for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modification Project and authorized several home repair projects. The council also approved a $160,000 limit for a main line relocation and denied a motion to pause annexation actions.

• Approved $528,650 payment to Woodruff Construction for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modification Project (6-1)
• Approved home repair projects for 214 5th Ave SW, 511 2nd Ave NE, 812 8th Ave SW, and 808 8th St NE (various votes)
• Approved home repair project for 205 5th St NE (7-0)
• Approved Amendment No. 1 to Strand Associates bidding and construction services agreement (7-0)
• Authorized partnership with Larson Construction for 30” main relocation not to exceed $160,000 (7-0)
• Denied motion to pause urban renewal and TIF action related to annexation (2-5)
• Approved $1,027,191.08 in total claims for payment (7-0)
• Approved consent agenda including three bowhunting requests and liquor/tobacco permit amendments (7-0)

City Council

The Independence City Council is holding a work session to discuss and debate items intended for formal consideration at a future meeting. Topics include contract revisions, a fire department expansion education effort, floodplain leases, right-of-way encroachments, wastewater rates, mowing fines, a house demolition, staffing, a sewer main relocation, annexation updates, and a strategy for establishing urban renewal (TIF) areas. No formal action is expected unless an item is listed as a potential action item.

• Strand Engineering contract revisions
• Modification of MHI wastewater rates
• Demolition of house at 306 2nd St. SE
• Sewer main relocation on 17th Street SE
• Annexation update: areas north and south of Bland Blvd and west of Sixth Ave. SW

The Independence City Council met for a work session and heard updates from the Fire Department, Public Library, Parks & Recreation, and Police Department. Council discussed a range of topics including Strand Engineering contract revisions, floodplain remnant lot leases, MHI wastewater rates, and an annexation update, but took no formal votes or decisions.

General

The Independence City Council issued a notice of a potential quorum for a groundbreaking event. No official action will be taken at this gathering.

• Groundbreaking for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project at 2018 Three Elms Park Road

Airport Board

The Airport Board will meet to receive updates from the engineer, chairman, city manager, and airport manager. The board will also review mechanic RFPs and current revenues and expenses.

• Mechanic RFPs
• Engineer update
• Chairman/City Manager update
• Airport Manager update
• Revenues and expenses to date

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Independence Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a brief meeting to approve the minutes from August 4, 2026, and review a right-of-way request for the Wapsie Valley Creamery. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Approval of previous minutes from 8/4/2026
• Right-of-way (ROW) request for Wapsie Valley Creamery

The Independence Planning & Zoning Commission approved the minutes from the August 4, 2026 meeting with a 6-0 vote. The Commission tabled a request by Wapsie Valley Creamery to abandon and vacate a portion of the right-of-way along the north side of 10th Street NE, to be discussed at the next City Council work session. Consideration will also be given to a possible permanent right-of-way encroachment permit as an alternative.

• Approved minutes from August 4, 2026 meeting (6-0)
• Tabled Wapsie Valley Creamery right-of-way vacation request (6-0)

City Council

The Independence City Council is meeting to consider multiple ordinance amendments, including a final reading on fines and fees, and second readings on parking, load limits, airport board powers, and various building codes. They will also hold a public hearing on a rezoning request from R-2 Residential to C-1 Commercial, and consider resolutions for a lot combination agreement and a geotechnical engineering proposal for the wastewater treatment plant. The agenda includes consent items, claims approval, and a presentation from the Buchanan County Health Trust.

• Third reading of ordinance amendment to Code Section 1.15 (Fines and Fees Schedule)
• Public hearing for rezoning R-2 Residential to C-1 Commercial
• Resolution to approve lot combination agreement for Pries Enterprises LLC
• Resolution to approve Geotechnical Engineering Proposal for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project
• Consent agenda includes Casey's ownership amendments and Heartland Acres alcohol license renewal

The Independence City Council adopted 16 ordinances on August 24, 2026, including a rezoning from R-2 to C-1 and updates to parking, load limits, airport board powers, and multiple international building and property codes. The council also approved a lot combination agreement, a geotechnical engineering proposal for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project, and a one-year lease for the Airport Electrical Vault Building. Bills totaling $491,180.11 were approved for payment. Council Member Appleby voted no on several ordinances and resolutions.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-641 amending fines and fees schedule (6-1, Appleby nay)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-642 amending Chapter 69-Parking Regulations (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-643 amending Section 66.03-Load Limits upon Certain Streets (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-644 amending Section 24.04-Airport Board Powers and Duties (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-656 rezoning from R-2 to C-1 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-74 for lot combination agreement (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-75 for geotechnical engineering proposal from Team Services for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project (6-1, Appleby nay)
• Authorized City Manager to execute one-year lease for Airport Electrical Vault Building (7-0)

Library Board

The Independence Library Board will meet to approve the agenda, minutes, and bills, and receive a statistics report. New business includes electing officers, discussing an infectious disease policy, and considering a November closure for staff development. The board will also receive updates on programming, the Iowa Library Association Conference, and board training.

• Election of officers
• Infectious Disease Policy discussion
• November Closure/Staff Development Change
• Approval of bills
• Statistics report

City Council

The Independence City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution on a Sewer Revenue Loan for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project. They will also take first readings on numerous ordinance amendments updating building, plumbing, and other codes, and consider resolutions on annexations, a rezoning notice, and a police services agreement template. Several consent agenda items include alcohol license renewal, bowhunting requests, and a special event application.

• Public hearing and resolution on Sewer Revenue Loan for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications
• First readings of ordinance amendments to Chapters 155-166 (building, plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, fire, electric, residential, property maintenance, existing building, energy conservation, pool/spa codes)
• Resolution to set hearing on rezoning from R-2 Residential to C-1 Commercial
• Resolution preliminarily approving pre-annexation agreement and voluntary annexations
• Commercial Restoration Rehab Grant applications for 119 and 121 1st St E

The Independence City Council approved a modified resolution for a pre-annexation agreement and set a public hearing for October 12, 2026. The council also approved claims totaling $380,412.15, passed numerous municipal code amendments on first readings, and approved two commercial restoration rehab grants for Wapsie Realty.

• Approved claims totaling $380,412.15 (6-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance amending Section 1.15 Fines and Fees Schedule (5-1, Appleby nay)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending Chapter 69 Parking Regulations (5-1, Appleby nay)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending Section 66.03 Load Limits upon Certain Streets (6-0)
• Approved first reading and suspended rules for ordinance amending Section 24.04 Airport Board Powers and Duties (5-1, Appleby nay on suspension)
• Approved first readings for multiple building code and safety ordinances, Chapters 155 through 166 (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2026-68 taking additional action on Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement (5-1, Appleby nay)
• Adopted Resolution No. 2026-73 preliminarily approving Pre-Annexation Agreement with modifications and setting public hearing for October 12, 2026 (4-2, Hanna and Appleby nays)

Airport Board

The Airport Board will discuss a temporary lease of Hangar #2 at the Independence Airport. The meeting also includes routine items such as approving the agenda and minutes, along with updates from the Chairman, City Manager, and Airport Manager.

• Temporary lease of Hangar #2

The Independence Airport Board approved a temporary month-to-month lease of Hangar #2 (the Vault Hangar) to a mechanic for no longer than three months, contingent on the aircraft fitting inside the hangar. The board also approved the agenda and the previous meeting's minutes with an amendment correcting the vote tally. No public comment was received, and no other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved agenda (all in favor)
• Approved previous minutes with amendment correcting vote tally (all in favor)
• Approved temporary month-to-month lease of Hangar #2 to mechanic for up to 3 months, contingent on aircraft fit (all in favor)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission will meet to discuss land use changes and lot agreements. The body is reviewing a rezoning request for the Buchanan County Senior Center and platting items for Downs.

• Rezoning of parcels for Buchanan County Senior Center
• Buchanan County Lot Combination Agreement
• Plat of Survey - Downs
• Lot Combination Agreement - Downs

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to recommend the City Council set a public hearing on rezoning parcels 0634476005 and 0634476001 from R-2 Residential to C-1 Commercial, and also recommended approval of a lot combination for those parcels. The commission additionally recommended approval of a plat of survey and a lot combination agreement for properties owned by William E. and Deborah L. Downs. All votes were unanimous.

• Recommended City Council set public hearing for rezoning two parcels to C-1 Commercial (5-0)
• Recommended approval of lot combination for parcels 0634476005 and 0634476001 (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Plat of Survey for Parcel BB (5-0)
• Recommended approval of Agreement Regarding Lot Combination for three parcels (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss and debate items for future formal consideration. The meeting includes department reports and discussions on local infrastructure and ordinances.

• Right of Way Abandonment for 10th Street NE
• Parking and load limits for 17th Street SE
• Police Department extra duty contract
• Library Park Project fundraising discussion
• Building Code of Ordinances amendments

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings and first readings on rezoning two properties from R-2 Residential to M-2 Heavy Manufacturing (LARD LLC and Pries Enterprises, INC). They will also consider a resolution setting a public hearing for a $56,658,000 Sewer Revenue Loan for wastewater treatment plant modifications. Other business includes third reading of an ordinance amending traffic code enforcement procedures and first reading of an ordinance amending fines and fees schedule.

• Public hearing and first reading for rezoning LARD LLC property from R-2 Residential to M-2 Heavy Manufacturing
• Public hearing and first reading for rezoning Pries Enterprises, INC property from R-2 Residential to M-2 Heavy Manufacturing
• Resolution to fix a date for a public hearing on a $56,658,000 Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement for wastewater treatment plant modifications
• Resolution approving contract and performance/payment bonds for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project
• Third reading of an ordinance amendment to Chapter 70 - Traffic Code Enforcement Procedures

The Independence City Council approved four ordinances, including final adoption of traffic code enforcement changes (No. 2026-637) and rezoning requests for LARD LLC (No. 2026-638) and Pries Enterprises, Inc. (No. 2026-639), plus removal of traffic camera references from Section 70.02 (No. 2026-640). The Council also approved a resolution (No. 2026-66) for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project contract and bonds, and set a public hearing for August 10, 2026, on a sewer revenue loan not to exceed $56,658,000 (Resolution No. 2026-67). All votes were 6-1 with Council Member Appleby dissenting on the wastewater-related items.

• Adopted Ordinance 2026-637 amending Chapter 70 Traffic Code Enforcement Procedures (7-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-638 rezoning for LARD LLC (6-1, Hanna opposed)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-639 rezoning for Pries Enterprises, Inc. (6-1, Hanna opposed)
• Adopted Ordinance 2026-640 removing traffic camera references from Section 70.02 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-66 for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications contract and bonds (6-1, Appleby opposed)
• Approved Resolution 2026-67 setting Aug. 10, 2026 public hearing for sewer revenue loan up to $56,658,000 (6-1, Appleby opposed)
• Approved consent agenda including July 13, 2026 minutes (all ayes)
• Approved bills totaling $374,571.60 (all ayes)

Library Board

The Independence Library Board will review and vote on several policy updates, including the Prize and Incentives Policy and the Fines and Fees Policy. The board will receive a Strategic Plan Update and a Programming Update. A Budget Forecast will be presented for discussion. Additional items include a Park Project update and a review of the website revision.

• Prize and Incentives Policy
• Fines and Fees Policy
• Strategic Plan Update
• Budget Forecast
• Park Project

City Council

The Independence City Council will approve a consent agenda that includes a RAGBRAI special Class C retail alcohol license and a Sip N Zip retail tobacco permit. They will consider ordinance amendments to the traffic code and set a public hearing on fee schedule changes. The council will further review bids and award a contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project, and they will call an election on a proposed General Obligation Loan Agreement. Additional resolutions address preliminary plats, rezoning notices, and official posting locations.

• Approve consent agenda items: June 22 minutes, RAGBRAI Class C retail alcohol license (July 20‑24, 2026), Sip N Zip retail tobacco permit for FY 2027
• Second reading of ordinance amendment to Chapter 70 – Traffic Code Enforcement Procedures
• Award contract for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project after further bid consideration
• Resolution to provide notice of hearing on rezoning R‑2 to M‑2 for LARD LLC
• Resolution calling an election on a proposal to enter into a General Obligation Loan Agreement

The City Council awarded a $58,176,300 contract to Woodruff Construction for wastewater treatment plant modifications. Council also approved a ballot measure for a fire protection facilities loan and repealed the automated traffic enforcement chapter.

• Awarded Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications contract to Woodruff Construction for $58,176,300 (5-1)
• Approved ballot measure for general obligation bonds up to $14.5M for fire protection facilities (7-0)
• Repealed Chapter 71 — Automated Traffic Enforcement (7-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance amending Chapter 70 — Traffic Code Enforcement Procedures (7-0)
• Approved preliminary plat of survey for Pines Fourth Addition (7-0)
• Approved plat of survey for LARD LLC parcel for Pries expansion (7-0)
• Scheduled public hearings for July 27 regarding fines/fees and two rezoning requests to M-2 Heavy Manufacturing (7-0)
• Approved $1,862,319.43 in bills for payment (7-0)

Airport Board

The Airport Board will discuss two lease requests for Hangar No. 2 (Vault Hangar) and a request for proposals for mechanic services. Routine items include roll call, agenda approval, minutes approval, and public comment.

• RFP for Mechanic Services
• Hangar No. 2 (Vault Hangar) Lease Request
• Hangar No. 2 (Vault Hangar) Lease Request (2)

The Independence Airport Board approved its agenda and previous minutes, then agreed unanimously to re-advertise the Request for Proposals for airport mechanic services, with proposals due August 24, 2026. A motion to lease Hangar No. 2 (the vault hangar) to Merritt at $325 per month failed, with Merritt abstaining and Jeff voting no. The board also agreed that anyone wanting to lease the main hangar for mechanic operations, including Steve Streeter, must go through the RFP process with no exceptions.

• Approved agenda
• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion Merritt, second Jeff)
• Agreed unanimously to re-advertise the airport mechanic services RFP; questions due Aug 1, proposals due Aug 24, 2026
• Motion to lease Hangar No. 2 (vault hangar) to Merritt at $325/month failed (Merritt abstained, Jeff no)
• Agreed that if Hangar No. 2 were leased this way, the mechanic services RFP would be revised to offer the main hangar instead
• Agreed that Steve Streeter or anyone else seeking the main hangar for mechanic operations must submit a proposal through the RFP process, no exceptions
• Adjourned at 6:10 (motion Merritt, second Jeff)

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Independence Planning and Zoning Commission will meet on July 7, 2026 to review several development items. Items include approval of previous minutes, appointment of a chair, and the consideration of preliminary plats for The Pines Fourth Addition and Pries Enterprises. The commission will also discuss rezoning requests from LARD LLC, Pries Enterprises Inc., and Buchanan County for a senior center, as well as a lot combination agreement with Pries.

• Preliminary Plat of Survey – The Pines Fourth Addition to the City of Independence
• Plat of Survey – Pries Enterprises
• Rezoning of parcels – LARD LLC
• Rezoning of parcels – Pries Enterprises Inc.
• Lot Combination Agreement – Pries

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended the City Council approve two plats of survey and a lot combination. The commission also recommended that the City Council hold public hearings for three separate rezoning requests.

• Approved May 19, 2026 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Appointed Bill Lake as Chairperson (6-0)
• Recommended City Council approve Preliminary Plat of Survey for The Pines Fourth Addition (6-0)
• Recommended City Council approve Plat of Survey for Parcel Y (6-0)
• Recommended City Council set public hearing for LARD LLC rezoning from R-2 to M-2 (6-0)
• Recommended City Council set public hearing for Pries Enterprises, Inc. rezoning from R-2 to M-2 (6-0)
• Recommended approval of Pries Enterprises, Inc. lot combination subject to Parcel Y transfer (6-0)
• Recommended City Council set public hearing for Buchanan County rezoning from R-2 to C-1 (6-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss funding for the Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement and Fire Department Expansion projects. The body will also review a right-of-way abandonment and potential ordinance changes. This session is for discussion and debate prior to formal consideration at a future meeting.

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Project funding discussion
• Fire Department Expansion Project funding discussion
• Right of Way Abandonment at 10th Street NE
• Ordinance Amendment to repeal Chapter 71 regarding Automated Traffic Enforcement
• Discussion on Chapter 76 Bicycle Regulations and visibility at 2nd St NE and Highway 150 North

The City Council held a work session to hear updates from several city departments. Discussion included funding for the wastewater treatment plant and fire department expansion, as well as street and ordinance matters.

• No substantive decisions were made during this work session

Airport Board

City Council

The City Council will consider a first reading of an ordinance amendment to Chapter 70, which updates traffic code enforcement procedures. Resolutions include approving Geater Machining & Manufacturing's application to the Iowa BIG program and accepting work on the 8th Avenue NW stormwater improvements project. The council will also consider an engineering services agreement for the Enterprise Drive Trail Extension Phase 2. Consent items include several alcohol license renewals and a street closure request.

• First reading of Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 70 – Traffic Code Enforcement Procedures
• Resolution approving Geater Machining & Manufacturing's application to the Iowa BIG program
• Resolution accepting work on the Independence 8th Avenue NW - IPF Area Stormwater Improvements Project
• Consideration of Engineering Services Agreement with Crawford Engineering & Surveying for Enterprise Drive Trail Extension - Phase 2
• Renewal of Del Rio Class C retail alcohol license and Chuong Garden Special Class C retail alcohol license

The council approved the agenda, consent agenda and a series of payment bills. It adopted the first reading of a traffic‑code amendment and suspended the two‑meeting rule for that ordinance. It also approved a resolution supporting Geater Machining’s application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority BIG Program, a storm‑water improvements project on 8th Avenue NW, and an engineering services agreement for the Enterprise Drive Trail Extension Phase 2.

• Approved agenda (all members ayes)
• Approved consent agenda items (all members ayes)
• Approved payment bills totaling $736,686.40 (all members ayes)
• Approved first reading of traffic‑code amendment (ayes: Hanna, Moore, Prusator, Mayner, O’Loughlin, Appleby, Weber)
• Suspended two‑meeting rule for ordinance (ayes: Moore, Prusator, Mayner, O’Loughlin, Weber; nays: Appleby, Hanna)
• Approved resolution supporting Geater Machining BIG Program application (ayes: Mayner, O’Loughlin, Appleby, Weber, Hanna, Moore, Prusator)
• Approved resolution accepting 8" Avenue NW storm‑water improvements project (ayes: O’Loughlin, Appleby, Weber, Hanna, Moore, Prusator, Mayner)
• Approved Engineering Services Agreement for Enterprise Drive Trail Extension Phase 2 (ayes: Weber, Hanna, Moore, Prusator, Mayner, O’Loughlin; nays: Appleby)

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to discuss and potentially approve policies regarding prizes and incentives for patrons and fines and fees. Other business includes approval of bills, a statistics report, staff and park updates, and library board training.

• Consideration of Prizes and Incentives Policy
• Consideration of Fines and Fees Policy
• Approval of bills and financial reports
• Staff and park updates
• Library Board training

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding a snow removal project at the Independence Municipal Airport and modifications to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The body will also consider the sale of real property and updates to solid waste collection fees.

• Public hearing and contract award for Snow Removal Acquisition Improvements Project at Independence Municipal Airport
• Public hearing and resolution for the sale of real property at 416 9th Ave SE
• Public hearing and bid consideration for Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications Project
• Resolution to replace and repeal Resolution 2025-52 regarding Solid Waste Collection and Environmental Impact Fee Rates
• Resolution approving Pries Enterprises' application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority BIG Program

The Council approved an airport snow removal project, the sale of real property at 416 9th Avenue SE, and updated wastewater treatment plant specifications. Additional actions included updating solid waste collection fees and establishing a temporary parking moratorium.

• Approved $457,378.64 airport snow removal contract to Bodensteiner Implement Company (7-0)
• Approved sale of 416 9th Avenue SE to Jared Donnelly for $1,500 (6-1)
• Approved Wastewater Treatment Plant Modifications plans and specifications (7-0)
• Approved updated Solid Waste Collection Fees and Environmental Impact Fee Rates (7-0)
• Approved parking moratorium on south side of 12th Street NE through end of 2026 (7-0)
• Approved support for Pries Enterprises application to Iowa Economic Development Authority BIG Program (7-0)

Airport Board

The Airport Board will receive updates from the engineer, chairman, city manager, and airport manager. Key discussion items include commercial building findings and research, as well as commercial building requirements for 2026. Revenues and expenses to date will be presented for information only.

• Commercial Building Findings and Research
• Commercial building requirements 2026
• Revenues and Expenses to date – Information Only
• Engineer Update
• Chairman/City Manager Update