Independence public meetings in 2023

Library Board

The Library Board will meet to review the FY25 budget proposal and a behavior policy. The session will also cover the Long Term Capital Improvement Plan and IPL Foundation financial processes.

• FY25 Budget Proposal
• Behavior Policy
• Long Term Capital Improvement Plan
• IPL Foundation Financial Processes

The Board approved the FY25 Budget Proposal #2 and a revised behavior policy. The November bills and the meeting agenda and minutes were also approved. The April board meeting date was rescheduled to April 22, 2024.

• Approved FY25 Budget Proposal #2 (unanimous)
• Approved behavior policy with suggested changes (unanimous)
• Approved November bills (unanimous)
• Changed April board meeting date to April 22, 2024
• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes as written (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions and preliminary plans for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project. The body will also vote on several board appointments and change orders for the Independence Façade COVID Project.

• 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project preliminary plans, specifications, and cost estimates
• Preliminary Plat-Maryville
• Amended Bridge Agreement with Buchanan County
• Change Orders #10, #11, and #12 for the Independence Façade COVID Project
• Appointments for Independence Light & Power, Planning & Zoning Commission, and Airport Board

The City Council approved preliminary plans and resolutions for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project, including setting a public hearing for January 22, 2024. The council also approved $874,104.03 in bills for payment and re-appointed several members to city boards and commissions.

• Approved preliminary resolution and plans for 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project (7-0)
• Set public hearing for Street Rehabilitation Project for Jan 22, 2024 (7-0)
• Approved plat of Maryville development (7-0)
• Approved amended bridge agreement with Buchanan County (7-0)
• Approved $874,104.03 in bills for payment (7-0)
• Re-appointed members to Light and Power Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Airport Board (7-0)
• Approved three contract decreases for Independence Facade COVID Project totaling $21,638 (7-0)
• Canceled Dec 26, 2023 meeting (6-1)

Airport Board

The Airport Board will meet to receive updates from the engineer, airport manager, and FBO. The board will also review the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and current revenues and expenses.

• Engineer update
• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) review
• Revenues and expenses to date
• FBO update

The board approved the Capital Improvement Plan to be sent to the city council. Members also voted to cancel the January 2024 meeting. The board received updates on apron work, fencing, and electrical projects.

• Approved CIP to go to the council
• Approved Nov 1, 2023 meeting minutes
• Voted to forgo the January 2024 meeting

Planning and Zoning Commission

The Planning and Zoning Commission is meeting to discuss the commission's meeting time and a preliminary plat located within two miles of city limits.

• Discussion of Planning & Zoning meeting time
• Review of a preliminary plat within 2 miles of City Limits

The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the City Council approve a preliminary plat requested by John Marner with MMS Consultants. The plat is located within two miles of the Independence City Limits. The commission also reviewed its meeting schedule and decided not to change it.

• Recommended approval of preliminary plat for MMS Consultants to City Council

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss items intended for future formal consideration. The meeting includes a Q&A with Independence Premium Foods and a review of financial options for the WWTP project.

• Q&A with Independence Premium Foods
• WWTP Project financial options
• City Insurance RFP
• Council training on roles, responsibilities, and liability
• Nuisance property updates

The City Council met for a work session to receive department updates and hold general discussions. No substantive decisions were recorded during this meeting.

City Council

The Independence City Council will discuss updating public health and safety codes regarding the discharging of weapons. The body is also reviewing a police lieutenant position promotion and updates to building permit fees.

• Ordinance amending provisions for discharging weapons (First Reading)
• Resolution promoting Sergeant Isley to Police Lieutenant
• Resolution updating building permit fees
• Application for Independence Foods LLC to the IEDA High Quality Jobs Program
• Change Orders #20 and #22 for the Independence Façade Phase 1 Project

The City Council promoted Sergeant Isley to Police Lieutenant and updated building permit fees. The Council also approved an application for Independence Foods LLC to join the Iowa Economic Development Authority High Quality Jobs Program.

• Created Police Lieutenant position and promoted Sergeant Isley (7-0)
• Approved updated building permit fees (7-0)
• Approved Independence Foods LLC application to IEDA High Quality Jobs Program (7-0)
• Awarded Airport Farm Lease to Leon Bachman at $320.00/acre (6-1)
• Approved Change Order #20 for Independence Facade Phase 1 with no cost change (7-0)
• Approved Change Order #22 for Independence Facade Phase 1 with no cost change (7-0)
• Approved $674,187.49 in bills for payment (7-0)
• Tabled Public Health and Safety-Discharging Weapons provisions until January (7-0)

City Council

The City Council, County, and School District are meeting to discuss anticipated projects for 2023/2024. The group will also review budget challenges and legislative concerns for 2024.

• Discussion of 2023/2024 City projects
• Discussion of 2023/2024 County projects
• Discussion of 2023/2024 School District projects
• Review of budget issues for the County, School District, and City
• Review of 2024 legislative concerns for the School District, City, and County

Library Board

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and determine the New Year holiday closing schedule. The board will also receive updates on the roof and the Sesquicentennial Celebration.

• Fiscal Year 2024-25 Proposed Budget
• Stanley and Hazelton Library Service Contracts
• Roof Update
• Eagle Scout Project
• Mill & Depot Artwork

The Library Board of Trustees approved the 2024-25 budget proposal and set holiday closures for the New Year. The board also approved November bills and the previous meeting's minutes.

• Approved Budget #2 '25 budget proposal (unanimous)
• Approved library closure on December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024 (unanimous)
• Approved November bills (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes as written (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider resolutions regarding the Highway 150 Reconstruction Project and property mowing assessments. The body will also discuss a potential catalyst grant for 107 2nd Ave. NE and several change orders for the Independence Façade Phase 1 Project.

• Resolution to accept Division 2 work for the Highway 150 Reconstruction Project
• Potential Catalyst Grant for 107 2nd Ave. NE
• Four change orders (#16, #17.1, #17.2, #18) for the Independence Façade Phase 1 Project
• Authorization to order a Dump Truck for the Streets Department
• Retail alcohol licenses for El Mazatlan Authentic Mexican Restaurant and The Brick Kitchen

The City Council approved partnering with a property owner to apply for a Catalyst Grant for storefront and housing renovations. The council also passed several resolutions regarding property mowing, TIF indebtedness, and utility status.

• Approved City match up to $100,000 for Catalyst Grant housing and storefront project (6-1)
• Approved resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 Mowing failures (7-0)
• Approved FY 2025 Tax Increment Financing Indebtedness Certification (7-0)
• Approved resolution affirming the existence and status of utilities (7-0)
• Approved acceptance of Division 2 work for Highway 150 Reconstruction (7-0)
• Authorized Independence FFA to keep up to 30 poultry on school property (6-1)
• Approved $4,400 payment to Northeast Iowa RC&D for coordinator position (6-1)
• Approved four change orders for Independence Facade Phase 1 Project (7-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to discuss items intended for future formal consideration. Topics include infrastructure projects, city code revisions, and department updates.

• Potential Catalyst Grant for 107 2nd Ave. NE
• 1st Street West Reconstruction engineering services
• Building permit fee update
• Revisions to City Code regarding hunting
• Wapsi Watershed contribution

The City Council met for a work session to receive updates from city departments and discuss several pending items. No formal votes or decisions were recorded during this meeting.

Airport Board

The Airport Board will meet to receive updates from the engineer, city manager, and airport manager. The board will also review the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and current revenues and expenses.

• Engineer update
• CIP review
• Review of revenues and expenses to date
• FBO update
• Discussion of rules and regulations

The board approved the presented Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the coming year, with a window for changes open until Christmas before FAA submission. The board also reviewed airport rules and regulations for wording clarifications.

• Approved the Capital Improvement Plan as presented (All Ayes)
• Approved September 6, 2023 meeting minutes (All Ayes)
• Accepted Airport Manager's report

City Council

The City Council will discuss the final assessment schedule for the 2023 Street Rehabilitation Project. The body is also considering a zoning code amendment and a mutual aid agreement with the Oelwein Police Department.

• First reading of Ordinance Amendment Article 17 of Zoning Code
• Resolution adopting final assessment schedule for the 2023 Street Rehabilitation Project
• Mutual Aid Agreement with Oelwein Police Department
• Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 Mowing of Properties
• Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 90 Water Service System

The City Council adopted an ordinance amending the Zoning Code regarding signs and approved several resolutions related to property assessments and public safety. The council also voted to apply to be a 2024 RAGBRAI Host Town.

• Adopted Ordinance 2023-580 amending Zoning Code Article 17 Signs (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-94 to assess property owners for Chapter 52 Mowing failures (6-0)
• Approved Mutual Aid Agreement with Oelwein Police Department via Resolution 2023-95 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-96 accepting 2023 Street Rehabilitation Project work (6-0)
• Adopted Resolution 2023-97 levying special assessments at 4% interest (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2023-98 to assess property owners for Chapter 90 Water Service System (6-0)
• Approved submittal of 2024 RAGBRAI Host Town Application (5-1)
• Approved $951,450.36 in bills for payment (6-0)

Library Board

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review September statistics and approve bills. The board is discussing facility closures for carpet installation and Christmas, as well as an infectious disease policy.

• Closure for carpet installation
• Infectious Disease Policy
• IPLF Board Member Appointment
• Art Donation
• Budget Committee Meeting

The Board approved the appointment of Mike Ruffcorn to the IPLF Board and accepted a donation of three art pieces. The library will close December 10-11 for carpet installation and December 24-25 for Christmas. An updated Infectious Disease Policy was also approved.

• Approved Mike Ruffcorn as IPLF Board member (unanimous)
• Approved donation of three P. Buckley Moss art pieces (unanimous)
• Approved library closure Dec. 10-11 for carpet installation (unanimous)
• Approved library closure Dec. 24-25 for Christmas (unanimous)
• Approved Infectious Disease Policy with minor wording changes (unanimous)
• Approved October bills (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is meeting for a groundbreaking ceremony regarding the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project. The event is located at Three Elms Park Road.

• Groundbreaking for the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing regarding changes to the sign section of the zoning ordinance. The body is also considering a budget amendment and a fee increase for environmental impacts.

• Public hearing for an ordinance amending Article 17 “Signs” of the Zoning Ordinance
• Resolution to increase the Environmental Impact Fee
• Contract and bonds for the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project
• Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendment #1
• Alcohol license renewals for Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh, Wal-Mart Supercenter #750, Wee Willy's Checkered Flag, and The Sanity Room

The City Council approved a resolution to authorize the contract and bonds for the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project, funded by bonds, ARPA funds, and grants. They also passed a resolution increasing the Environmental Impact Fee to $2.50 per home per month starting January 2024. Additionally, the council approved a $200,000 economic development incentive for a business purchasing property on contract and amended the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget.

• Approved Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project contract and bonds (6-0)
• Increased Environmental Impact Fee to $2.50/home/month effective Jan 2024 (5-1)
• Amended Fiscal Year 2024 Budget (6-0)
• Approved $200,000 economic development incentive for business property purchase (6-0)
• Approved transfer of drone ownership (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including liquor license renewals and event permits (6-0)
• Approved payment of bills totaling $324,792.97 (6-0)
• Approved resolution to assess property owners for mowing non-compliance (6-0)

Airport Board

The October 4, 2023, meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. No actions were taken.

City Council

The City Council will hold a work session to receive department updates and discuss new business. The council may take action on liquor license renewals and amendments for Hartig Drug.

• Hartig Drug Liquor License Renewal
• Hartig Drug Liquor License Amendment
• Wapsi Watershed Contribution
• Transfer of Drone ownership

The Independence City Council approved the renewal and amendment of the Class E Retail Alcohol License for Hartig Drug #14. The council also reviewed department reports and discussed the Fiscal Year 2024 Wapsi Watershed contribution and a drone ownership transfer.

• Approved Hartig Drug #14 Class E Retail Alcohol License renewal (7-0)
• Approved Hartig Drug #14 Class E Retail Alcohol License amendment (7-0)

City Council

The City Council is meeting to conduct a grant presentation. The meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2023, at the Independence Baseball/Softball Complex.

• Grant presentation

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the Fiscal Year 2024 Amendment #1 and the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project. The body will also consider awarding a contract for the turf project and review several annual financial reports.

• Public hearing and bid consideration for the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project
• Public hearing for Fiscal Year 2024 Amendment #1
• Retail alcohol licenses for Fareway Stores, Inc. #479 and Allerton Brewing Company
• Agreement with Buchanan County for Bridge Inspection and Load Rating Services
• Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 Mowing of Properties

The City Council approved plans and awarded a contract to Eastern Iowa Excavating and Concrete for the Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project. The council also approved various fiscal reports and a bridge inspection agreement with Buchanan County.

• Awarded Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project contract to Eastern Iowa Excavating and Concrete for $733,368.30 (7-0)
• Approved plans and cost estimates for Baseball/Softball Complex Field Turf Project (7-0)
• Approved agreement with Buchanan County for Bridge Inspection and Load Rating services (7-0)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2023 Street Finance Report (7-0)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Urban Renewal Report (7-0)
• Approved Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Financial Report (7-0)
• Authorized no-parking area from Bland Blvd. North along east side of 6th Avenue SW (7-0)
• Approved request to remove and replace house at 814 5th Avenue NE (7-0)

Library Board

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review August statistics and approve bills. The board is scheduled to discuss metal roof repairs and an update to the IPL Strategic Plan.

• Metal roof repair
• IPL Strategic Plan update
• IPL Sesquicentennial Celebration
• Municode agenda management
• August statistics

The Board approved a $10,895 estimate for metal roof repairs and adopted the IPL Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2024-2026. September bills were also approved. The board discussed the upcoming Sesquicentennial Celebration and a new credit card expenditure form.

• Approved September bills (unanimous)
• Approved $10,895 metal roof repair with $3,000 from Library Foundation (unanimous)
• Approved IPL Strategic Plan for fiscal years 2024-2026 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss a budget amendment for Fiscal Year 2024 and review an engineering agreement for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project. The body is also considering ordinance amendments and the acceptance of work for airport and police station projects.

• Public hearing setting for Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendment #1
• Engineering Services Agreement for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project
• Acceptance of work for the Airport AWOS Project and Independence Police Station Remodel Project
• Agreement for Feral Cat Sterilization and Rabies Vaccination Services
• Resolution to assess property owners for Chapter 52 Mowing of Properties

The City Council adopted an ordinance amending nuisance abatement and junk vehicle procedures. The council also approved engineering services for the 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project and accepted completed work for the airport and police station projects.

• Adopted Ordinance 2023-579 amending nuisance abatement and junk vehicle procedures
• Approved agreement with Crawford Engineering for 2024 Street Rehabilitation Project (Resolution 2023-74)
• Accepted work for Airport AWOS Project (Resolution 2023-75)
• Accepted work for Independence Police Station Remodel Project (Resolution 2023-76)
• Approved agreement with Premier Animal Wellness and Surgery for feral cat services (6-1)
• Approved property owner assessment for Chapter 52 Mowing failure to comply (Resolution 2023-78)
• Approved sale of current Police Dog to Jessica Honey for $1.00
• Approved $3,149.31 Commercial Restoration Rehabilitation Grant for 117 1st Street East