Le Mars public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Le Mars City Council meeting will approve a consent agenda covering meeting minutes, bills, financial statements, board appointments, waste collection licenses, election canvass and staff assignments. Council members will discuss several action items, including the 2026 Business Highway 75 Reconstruction Project, service agreements for 7th Avenue SE development and an EPA Brownfields grant, and contracts and wage agreements for city employees. General discussion will include citizen comments and a “Thumbs Up” award.

• 2026 Business Highway 75 Reconstruction Project
• ISG Services Agreement — 7th Avenue SE Development
• Le Mars Employee Bargaining Unit Contract
• Police Department Employee Wages
• Eocene Services Agreement — EPA Brownfields Grant

The Le Mars City Council approved several items, including a $76,500 design agreement with ISG, the 2026 fee schedule, a two‑year employee contract, 3% wage increases for Police and Fire/Rescue staff, and a $397,500 EPA Brownfields Grant agreement. All motions passed with unanimous support from those present.

• Approved agenda and consent items (regular minutes, bills, financial statement, appointments, waste licenses, election canvass, staff assignments) – unanimous
• Approved Agreement with ISG for 7" Avenue SE Development conceptual design, not‑to‑exceed $76,500 – unanimous
• Adopted Resolution No. 25-59 approving 2026 List of Fees, Licenses, and Charges with amendments – unanimous
• Approved two‑year Le Mars Employee Bargaining Unit Contract for FY27‑FY28 – unanimous
• Approved FY27 3% hourly wage increase for non‑salaried Police Department personnel – unanimous
• Approved FY27 3% hourly wage increase for non‑salaried Fire/Rescue personnel, setting Volunteer Fire/Rescue call rate to $15.75 – unanimous
• Approved Agreement with Eocene for EPA Brownfields Grant implementation, not‑to‑exceed $397,500 – unanimous

Planning and Zoning

The Le Mars Planning & Zoning Commission will consider two actions: approving the final plat for the Crossroads Commons development at the northwest corner of Key Avenue and 24th Street SW, and approving the rezoning of 927 6th Ave SW from I‑2 (Industrial Business District) to B‑2 (General Business District). Both items would place the parcels in the B‑2 General Business District. The meeting also includes routine roll call and adjournment.

• Approve Final Plat of Crossroads Commons (35‑acre, 15‑lot commercial site) at Key Ave & 24th St SW, to be zoned B‑2
• Approve rezoning of 927 6th Ave SW (Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition, Lots 1‑14) from I‑2 to B‑2
• Discussion of traffic study for Key Ave & 24th St intersection related to the Crossroads Commons site

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the meeting minutes. It then approved the Final Plat of Crossroads Commons. Finally, it approved the request to rezone 927 6th Avenue SW from I-2 (General Industrial District) to B-2 (General Business District). All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Final Plat of Crossroads Commons (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 927 6th Avenue SW from I-2 to B-2 (unanimous)

Public Library Agendas

The Le Mars Public Library Board will review consent items and approve the meeting minutes. A finance report will be presented. The board will take action on a proposed Volunteer Policy. The director will give updates on the RTU and the ARSL Leadership Institute.

• Consent items and approval of meeting minutes
• Finance Report
• Volunteer Policy (Board action item)
• RTU Update (Director’s Report)
• ARSL Leadership Institute update by Nancy Ramirez

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a Sewer Revenue Loan Agreement for Phase II of the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project. The body will also consider rezoning for Dogwood Industrial Park and a services agreement amendment with Bolton & Menk, Inc.

• Public hearing for Sewer Revenue Bond not to exceed $45,700,000 for Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility
• Dogwood Industrial Park — First Addition Rezoning
• Bolton & Menk, Inc. Services Agreement — Amendment No. 2 Industrial Pretreatment Facility
• Federal Airport Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
• Liquor license renewals for 6 establishments and a new 5-day license for Plymouth County Historical Museum

The council adopted Resolution 25‑58, entering a sewer revenue loan agreement of up to $45,700,000 for the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project. It also approved Amendment No. 2 to the construction services contract with Bolton & Menk, Inc., limiting fees to $2,080,000. Ordinance 1000 changing the Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition from an Industrial Business District to a General Business District was adopted after a second‑reading approval and a waiver of the third reading. Additional items approved included the consent agenda, the Federal Airport Capital Improvement Program submittal, and related routine matters.

• Adopted Resolution 25‑58 for a sewer revenue loan up to $45.7 M (unanimous)
• Approved Amendment 2 to Bolton & Menk contract, fee capped at $2.08 M (unanimous)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 1000 changing Dogwood Park zoning to B‑2 (5‑0)
• Waived third reading of Ordinance 1000 (4‑1)
• Adopted Ordinance 1000 on second reading (5‑0)
• Approved consent agenda items (street closure, snowmobile trail, liquor license renewals) (unanimous)
• Approved submittal of Federal Airport Capital Improvement Program for FY27‑FY31 (unanimous)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council will hold a public hearing on the rezoning of the Dogwood Industrial Park – First Addition from an Industrial Business District (I‑2) to a General Business District (B‑2). The council will also consider several consent items, including a new five‑day liquor license for Baackers and various contract awards. Action items on the agenda list contract awards for the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility, the 18″ Street SE Drainage Repair project, and the Southwest Commercial Development project.

• Dogwood Industrial Park – First Addition rezoning from I‑2 to B‑2
• Award of contract for Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project
• Award of contract for 18″ Street SE Drainage Repair Project
• Award of contract for Southwest Commercial Development Project
• New five‑day liquor license to Baackers

Public Library Agendas

The Le Mars Public Library Board of Trustees will meet on November 10, 2025, to recognize volunteers. The agenda lists no items for board action, and the next meeting is scheduled for December 8, 2025.

• Volunteer Appreciation Event
• Next Board Meeting: December 8, 2025
• Library Board Officers: Jennifer Bahr (President), Allan Gates (Vice President), Kjersten Rathke (Secretary)

Public Library Agendas

The Le Mars Public Library Board of Trustees will meet on November 7, 2025 to discuss routine items such as consent agenda items, the finance report, and the director’s report. The primary action item is the review of RTU#4, a Plymouth County budget request. Additional agenda items include committee reports and public comments.

• RTU#4 Plymouth County Budget Request
• Consent items (agenda and minutes)
• Finance Report
• Director’s Report
• Committee Reports

City Council

The City Council will meet to decide on the Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition rezoning and award contracts for a wastewater pretreatment facility and street pavement replacement. The body will also review bills for the period ending October 31, 2025.

• Dogwood Industrial Park, First Addition Rezoning
• Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project contract award
• 12th Street SE (2nd Ave to 4th Ave) PCC Pavement Replacement Project contract award
• Temporary Premise Transfer of Liquor License to KC’s
• Approval of bills for period ending 10/31/25

The council adopted Resolution 25-51 awarding a $430,829.19 contract to Steve Harris Construction for the 12" Street SE to 4" Avenue pavement replacement. It also authorized renewal of the city’s property‑and‑casualty insurance at $582,411, set a public hearing for November 18 to reconsider rezoning Dogwood Industrial Park, and tabled the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project. Additional actions included adopting a no‑parking ordinance on the north side of 2™ Street SE, approving water‑meter policy changes, and approving the consent agenda items.

• Approved $430,829.19 contract for 12" Street SE–4" Ave pavement replacement (5-0)
• Authorized $582,411 property and casualty insurance renewal (5-0)
• Scheduled public hearing on Nov 18 to rezone Dogwood Industrial Park (5-0)
• Tabled Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project to Nov 18 meeting (5-0)
• Adopted no‑parking resolution for north side of 2™ Street SE (5-0)
• Approved changes to city water‑meter policy on outdoor usage (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (regular minutes, bills, liquor license transfer) (5-0)

Planning and Zoning

The Le Mars Planning & Zoning Commission will vote on two land‑use requests. One is a preliminary plat for Crossroads Commons at the northwest intersection of Key Avenue and 24th Street SW, proposed to be zoned B‑2 (General Business District). The other is a rezoning of Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition (lots 1‑14) at 6th Avenue SW and 12th Street SW, changing from I‑2 (Industrial Business District) to B‑2. Both items will be approved or denied at the Oct 28, 2025 meeting.

• Preliminary Plat of Crossroads Commons – northwest intersection of Key Avenue and 24th Street SW – proposed B‑2 zoning
• Rezoning Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition (lots 1‑14) – 6th Avenue SW and 12th Street SW – change from I‑2 to B‑2

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the September 9, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the preliminary plat for Crossroads Commons and designated the site as B-2 (General Business District). Additionally, the commission approved rezoning Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition (Lots 1‑14) from I-2 to B-2. All votes were recorded as "All present" in favor.

• Approved September 9, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Preliminary Plat for Crossroads Commons, zoning B-2 (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of Dogwood Industrial Park First Addition (Lots 1‑14) to B-2 (unanimous)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council will vote on a resolution adopting the plans, specifications, contract form, and estimated cost of the Southwest Commercial Development Project, estimated at $3,682,474. The meeting also includes hearings on the 18" Street SE Drainage Repair Project and discussions of rezoning for Floyd Valley Apartments, a contract award for a Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility, and a development agreement for Dogwood 5" Addition. Additional agenda items cover routine consent approvals and general discussion.

• Southwest Commercial Development Project – approval of plans, specifications, contract form, and $3,682,474 cost estimate
• 18" Street SE Drainage Repair Project – public hearing
• Floyd Valley Apartments – rezoning request
• Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility – award of contract
• Dogwood 5" Addition – development agreement

The council adopted the Southwest Commercial Development Project plan and the 18' Street SE Drainage Repair Project plan after hearings with no objections. It approved Ordinance No. 999, changing the Floyd Valley Apartments zoning from R-1 (single‑family) to R-2 (multi‑family). The council also approved a development agreement with Dogwood Properties and tabled the award of the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project to the next meeting.

• Adopted Resolution No. 25-49 for Southwest Commercial Development Project (all present)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25-50 for 18' Street SE Drainage Repair Project (all present)
• Approved Ordinance No. 999 rezoning Floyd Valley Apartments from R-1 to R-2 (all present)
• Approved Development Agreement with Dogwood Properties for Dogwood 5* Addition (all present)
• Tabled award of Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project to Nov 4, 2025 (all present)
• Approved consent agenda items: meeting minutes, bills, September 2025 financial statement, and street closures for Christmas event (all present)

Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission

The Le Mars Historic Preservation Commission will meet on Oct. 16, 2025 to review its financial report, plan activities for the May 2026 Historic Preservation Month, and consider the Façade Grant Program. The agenda also includes general discussion, correspondence, announcements, and workshop updates. No decisions are listed beyond discussion items.

• Financials
• May 2026 HP Month Activities
• Façade Grant Program
• General Discussion
• Correspondence, Announcements, Workshops, Meetings

Public Library Agendas

The Library Board of Trustees will meet to review a finance report and address several action items. The board is scheduled to discuss a Direct State Aide Project regarding hotspots and the annual survey.

• Direct State Aide Project (hotspots)
• Annual Survey
• Volunteer Recognition Event
• RTU#4

City Council

The Le Mars City Council will hold a public hearing on the rezoning request for Floyd Valley Apartments at 110 6th Avenue NE, changing the zoning from R‑1 (single‑family) to R‑2 (multi‑family). The council will also vote on a consent agenda that includes approval of the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes, the list of bills for the period ending 09/30/25, an urban revitalization tax exemption request for 1455 Redfox Crossing, and several service contracts. General discussion items will feature citizen comments and a “Thumbs Up” award.

• Rezoning of Floyd Valley Apartments (110 6th Avenue NE) from R‑1 to R‑2
• Approval of September 16, 2025 regular meeting minutes
• Approval of list of bills for period ending 09/30/25
• Urban Revitalization Tax Exemption request for 1455 Redfox Crossing
• Award of contract for Centennial Building Demolition Project

The council approved the rezoning of Floyd Valley Apartments at 110 6" Avenue NE from R‑1 (single‑family) to R‑2 (multi‑family) after a hearing with no objections. They also approved a series of consent‑agenda items, including two urban revitalization tax exemption requests and a new liquor license. Contracts were approved for solid waste collection, the Central Avenue Extension ($127,710), the Municipal Park Project ($525,000), and a $197,275 demolition contract for the Centennial Building. Dates for public hearings and bid openings were set for the Southwest Commercial Development Project and the 18th Street SE Drainage Repair Project.

• Approved rezoning of Floyd Valley Apartments to R‑2 (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (urban revitalization tax exemptions, liquor license) (unanimous)
• Approved three‑year Solid Waste Collection contract with Van's Sanitation, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved ISG agreement for Central Avenue Extension, not‑to‑exceed $127,710 (4‑1)
• Approved ISG agreement for Municipal Park Project, not‑to‑exceed $525,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 25‑48 awarding $197,275 demolition contract to DeCarlo Demolition Company (unanimous)
• Set public hearing (Oct 21, 2025) and bid opening (Nov 12, 2025) for Southwest Commercial Development Project (unanimous)
• Set public hearing (Oct 21, 2025) and bid opening (Nov 6, 2025) for 18th Street SE Drainage Repair Project (unanimous)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council will convene a special meeting on October 6, 2025. After a call to order, roll call, and a motion to approve the agenda, council members will discuss the Le Mars Community Development Planning Session. No formal actions or votes are listed for this agenda.

• Discussion of Le Mars Community Development Planning Session

The Le Mars City Council approved the meeting agenda with all members present voting aye. No other actions were taken, and the council adjourned the meeting at 2:55 PM with unanimous approval.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:55 PM (unanimous)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council adopted a resolution approving the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Highway 75 Bypass area, which adds the demolition of the Centennial Building. The Council also authorized an internal advance of up to $500,000 from the General Fund to finance the demolition, environmental remediation, and site preparation at 1140 3rd Avenue SE. In addition, the Council approved the plans, specifications, contract form, and estimated costs for the Centennial Building Demolition Project. Other action items included rezoning Floyd Valley Apartments and awarding the Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization contract.

• Approval of Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Highway 75 Bypass Urban Renewal Area
• Authorization of internal advance not exceeding $500,000 to fund the demolition project
• Adoption of plans, specifications, contract form, and estimated costs for the Centennial Building Demolition Project
• Floyd Valley Apartments rezoning
• Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project – award of contract

The council adopted an amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan that adds demolition of the Centennial Building and authorized internal funding for the project. It approved the plans, specifications, contract form, and cost estimate for the demolition. A public hearing was set for rezoning 110 6th Avenue NE, and the Base Bid for the Downtown Traffic Signal Modification Project was awarded to Nystrom Electric Co. Inc. The consent agenda items, including minutes, bills, and street‑closure approvals, were also adopted.

• Agenda approved (5-0)
• Urban Renewal Plan Amendment adopted (5-0)
• Funding advance for Centennial Building demolition authorized (5-0)
• Demolition project plans, specifications, contract, and cost estimate adopted (5-0)
• Consent agenda items approved (5-0)
• Public hearing on rezoning 110 6th Ave NE scheduled (5-0)
• Base Bid awarded to Nystrom Electric Co. Inc. $221,465.94 (5-0)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council will hold a special town hall meeting at the Willow Creek Golf Course banquet hall. The agenda consists of a call to order, a pledge of allegiance, roll call, a motion to approve the agenda, and a general discussion period for citizens. No specific ordinances, contracts, or votes are scheduled.

The council voted to approve the meeting agenda with all members in favor. After discussion, the council voted to adjourn the meeting, again with unanimous support. No other actions or votes were recorded.

• Agenda approved (all present, no nays)
• Meeting adjourned (all present, no nays)

Planning and Zoning

The Planning and Zoning Commission will consider a request to rezone parcel 12-09-484-007 at 110 6th Avenue NE. The proposal seeks to change the designation from R-1 (Residential Single-Family) to R-2 (Residential Multi-Family) to align the zoning with the existing use of the Floyd Valley Apartments.

• Rezoning request for parcel 12-09-484-007 at 110 6th Avenue NE from R-1 to R-2

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 10, 2025 meeting. It also approved rezoning parcel 12-09-484-007 (110 6th Avene NE) from R‑1 residential single‑family to R‑2 residential multi‑family. The meeting was adjourned at 4:21 P.M. with all present voting in favor.

• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of parcel 12-09-484-007 (110 6th Avene NE) to R‑2 (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 4:21 P.M. (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing on plans and costs for the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project. The body will also consider contracts for park improvements and industrial park amendments.

• Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project estimated at $34,760,000
• O'Toole Park Improvements Project contract award
• MidAmerican request for easement
• Liquor license renewal for La Fiesta and transfer to Habitue Coffeehouse & Bakery
• Le Mars Industrial Park 5" Addition Amendment

The council adopted the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility plan and granted a ten‑foot utility easement to MidAmerican Energy. It approved the $2,395,742.20 O’Toole Park Improvements contract, set dates for the Centennial Building demolition hearing and bid process, and approved several service‑agreement amendments.

• Adopted Resolution No. 25-40 for Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility (approved 5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25-41 granting utility easement to MidAmerican Energy (approved 5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items (approved 5-0)
• Awarded O'Toole Park Improvements contract to Graves Construction Co. for $2,395,742.20 (approved 5-0)
• Approved ISG construction administrative services agreement for $126,510 (approved 5-0)
• Established hearing (Sept 16) and bid dates (Oct 1) for Centennial Building demolition (approved 5-0)
• Approved amendment to ISG services agreement (not to exceed $27,080) (approved 5-0)
• Approved amendment No. 1 to Bolton & Menk professional services agreement (not to exceed $119,000) (approved 5-0)

Board of Zoning Adjustment

The Board of Zoning Adjustment will review four variance requests regarding accessory buildings. These include requests to exceed size limits and place structures in front of main homes or within required setbacks.

• Plymouth Life Inc. request to increase accessory building size from 1,500 to 3,200 sq. ft. at 248 14th Ave NE
• Plymouth Life Inc. request to place an accessory building in front of the main home at 248 14th Ave NE
• Scott Taylor request to place an accessory building in front of the main home at 901 3rd St SW
• Scott Taylor request to reduce front yard setback from 25 feet to 10 feet for a 40’x34’ garage at 901 3rd St SW

The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved four variance requests, all with unanimous votes. Plymouth Life Inc. received variances to enlarge an accessory building to 3,200 SF and to place it in front of the main house. Scott Taylor received variances to place an accessory building in front of his main house and to reduce the front‑yard setback to 10 ft. All motions passed with all present members voting aye.

• Approved variance for Plymouth Life Inc., 248 14th Ave NE, to increase accessory building size to 3,200 SF (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Plymouth Life Inc., 248 14th Ave NE, to place accessory building in front of main home (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Scott Taylor, 901 3rd St SW, to place accessory building in front of main home (unanimous)
• Approved variance for Scott Taylor, 901 3rd St SW, to reduce front‑yard setback from 25 ft to 10 ft (unanimous)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council approved plans and a contract for the Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project, with an estimated cost of $1,127,500. The project is scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026.

• Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project ($1,127,500)
• Resolution No. 25-
• Bid opening scheduled for September 9, 2025
• Completion scheduled for November 30, 2026
• Liquidated damages of $800/day for late substantial completion

The council adopted the Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project and approved a consent agenda that included temporary liquor‑license transfers and a street closure for the Oktoberfest celebration. It set public hearing dates for a utility easement to MidAmerican and for the Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project, and approved the use of Economic Development funds for the Facade Program. Finally, the council adopted a resolution to hold an election on borrowing up to $16,000,000 via a General Obligation Loan Agreement.

• Adopted Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda items including liquor‑license transfers and street closure (5-0)
• Set public hearing for utility easement to MidAmerican (5-0)
• Set public hearing for Wastewater Industrial Pretreatment Facility Project (5-0)
• Approved Economic Development funds for Facade Program (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑39 to hold election on $16 M General Obligation Loan (5-0)

Public Library Agendas

The Le Mars Public Library Board of Trustees will meet to review a finance report and the director's report. The board is scheduled to take action regarding ILA attendance.

• Action item: ILA Attendance

City Council

The Le Mars City Council adopted Resolution 25‑31 to annex 37.55 acres south of the current city limits. It also approved resolutions for the O'Toole Park Improvements, a 12" street pavement replacement, and the final plat for Parkview Terrace Addition. Agreements were approved for the Highway 75 reconstruction, a drainage project on Central Avenue, and schedules were set for a downtown traffic‑signal modernization bid and an urban‑renewal hearing.

• Adopted Resolution 25‑31 annexing 37.55 acres (ayes: Bruns, Sturgeon, Goodchild, Pick, Wick)
• Adopted Resolution 25‑32 for O'Toole Park Improvements (ayes: Pick, Goodchild, Bruns, Wick, Sturgeon)
• Adopted Resolution 25‑33 for 12" Street SE pavement replacement (ayes: Wick, Pick, Goodchild, Sturgeon, Bruns)
• Approved $1,695,258 agreement with DGR Engineering for 2026 Highway 75 reconstruction (ayes: all present)
• Approved final plat for Parkview Terrace Addition Third Filing (ayes: Goodchild, Wick, Pick, Bruns, Sturgeon)
• Approved not‑to‑exceed $18,500 agreement with Civil Engineers & Constructors, LLC for Central Avenue drainage (ayes: all present)
• Set public hearing Aug 19 2025 and bid schedule Sep 9 2025 for Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization (ayes: all present)
• Adopted Resolution 25‑35 establishing Sep 16 2025 hearing on Highway 75 Bypass Urban Renewal Plan (ayes: Sturgeon, Wick, Goodchild, Pick, Bruns)

City Council

The council adopted Resolution No. 25-30 assigning the Floyd Valley Apartments land lease from Weinberg Investments, Inc. to THR‑Floyd, LLC. It approved a consent agenda covering minutes, bills, financial statements, alley closure, surplus equipment, liquor licenses, and an industrial park rail extension change order. Public hearings and bid dates were set for the O’Toole Park Improvements and a street pavement replacement project. The STBG funding agreement was authorized and a closed‑session motion was approved before adjourning.

• Approved Resolution No. 25-30 assigning Floyd Valley Apartments land lease (all present, no nays)
• Approved consent agenda items including industrial park rail extension change order ($27,810 increase) (all present)
• Established public hearing for O’Toole Park Improvements Project on Aug 5 2025, 12:00 PM and bid opening on Aug 26 2025, 2:00 PM (all present)
• Established public hearing for 12" Street SE – 2™ Avenue to 4° Avenue PCC Pavement Replacement Project on Aug 5 2025, 12:00 PM (all present)
• Authorized STBG funding agreement (all present)
• Approved motion to enter Closed Session under Iowa Code §21.5(1)(j) (Goodchild, Bruns, Pick, Sturgeon, Wick; no nays)
• Approved motion to return to Open Session (all present)
• Adjourned meeting at 12:58 PM (all present)

Planning and Zoning

The commission approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes with all present voting aye. It also approved the Final Plat and Restrictive Covenants for the Parkview Terrace Third Filing, noting a correction to Section 4, with all present voting aye. No other matters were decided.

• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (all present voted aye)
• Approved Final Plat and Restrictive Covenants for Parkview Terrace Third Filing with Section 4 correction (all present voted aye)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included renewing two liquor licenses, adopting utility rate resolution 25‑29, reappointing members of the Library Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission, and granting two urban revitalization tax exemptions. It also approved a change order for the Industrial Road sanitary sewer extension, a memorandum of understanding with the Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation, and appointed Brad Pick to the foundation board. Public hearing dates were set for the Floyd Valley Apartments lease assignment (July 15, 2025) and voluntary annexation of land south of city limits (August 5, 2025). Finally, the council approved a $13,500 agreement with Eocene Environmental Group for demolition of the Centennial Building and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved consent agenda items (liquor license renewals, utility rates, reappointments, tax exemptions, sewer change order) – unanimous
• Approved Memorandum of Understanding with Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation – unanimous
• Approved appointment of Brad Pick to the Heritage Foundation board – unanimous
• Set public hearing for Floyd Valley Apartments lease assignment on July 15, 2025 – unanimous
• Set public hearing for voluntary annexation on August 5, 2025 – unanimous
• Approved $13,500 demolition contract with Eocene Environmental Group for Centennial Building – unanimous
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑29 certifying municipal utility rates – unanimous
• Approved two urban revitalization tax exemption requests – unanimous

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and adopted Resolution No. 25-26 to annex 35 acres west of the current city limits. A consent agenda covering items such as interfund transfers, liquor license renewals, and other routine matters was approved unanimously. The council also adopted Resolution No. 25-28 to call an election on increasing the hotel and motel tax from 5% to 7%, approved a $24,200 supplement agreement for the downtown traffic signal modernization project, and approved an $8,000 increase to the City Administrator’s salary for FY 2025‑2026. A closed session was entered and then exited, and the meeting was adjourned at 1:41 p.m.

• Agenda approved (4-0)
• Resolution No. 25-26 annexation of 35 acres adopted (4-0)
• Consent agenda items approved, including interfund transfers and liquor license renewals (4-0)
• Resolution No. 25-28 election on hotel/motel tax increase adopted (4-0)
• Supplement Agreement No. 2 for traffic signal project approved $24,200 (4-0)
• Closed session entered per Iowa Code 21.5i (4-0)
• Closed session exited (4-0)
• $8,000 increase to City Administrator’s salary approved (4-0)

City Council

The council approved the meeting agenda and a package of consent‑agenda items that included meeting minutes, budget bills, fire‑rescue salaries, a tobacco permit resolution, a tax‑exemption request and several liquor‑license authorizations. Three zoning ordinances (Nos. 996, 997 and 998) were each approved and adopted on their second readings. An Economic Development Agreement providing a grant equal to interest payments on an LBIC‑secured loan for commercial‑park development was also approved.

• Agenda approved (all present)
• Consent agenda items approved (minutes, budgets, permits, tax exemption, liquor licenses) (all present)
• Ordinance No. 996 (Dogwood 4" Addition) approved and adopted on second reading (all present)
• Ordinance No. 997 (Dogwood 5" Addition) approved and adopted on second reading (all present)
• Ordinance No. 998 (PT Lot 3, Holton’s Subdivision, Parcel A) approved and adopted on second reading (all present)
• Economic Development Agreement grant (interest payments on LBIC loan) approved (all present)
• Meeting adjourned (all present)

Planning and Zoning

The Le Mars Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the meeting minutes. It also approved the preliminary plat for the Parkview Terrace Third Filing at 76 16th Ave NW, a 26‑lot development along Highway 3. All present voted yes on both actions.

• Approved meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved preliminary plat for Parkview Terrace Third Filing (unanimous)

City Council

Council members approved rezoning of 31 lots in Dogwood 4" Addition, 22 lots in Dogwood 5" Addition, and a parcel at 12‑17‑401‑036 from agricultural to residential or business districts. They also approved a 20‑year lease for an airport hangar with C & D Aviation, amended the FY 2024‑2025 budget, and awarded a $163,000 asbestos‑abatement contract. Additionally, the council rejected all bids for the downtown traffic‑signal modernization project and adopted three Workforce Housing Tax Credit applications for multi‑family development. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 996 rezoning Dogwood 4" Addition to R‑1 (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 997 rezoning Dogwood 5" Addition to R‑1A (unanimous)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 998 rezoning Parcel 12‑17‑401‑036 to B‑2 (unanimous)
• Approved 20‑year Airport Hangar Lease with C & D Aviation, LLC (unanimous)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑20 amending FY 2024‑2025 budget (unanimous)
• Awarded Centennial Asbestos Abatement Project contract to Environmental Property Solutions for $163,000 (unanimous)
• Rejected all bids for Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project (unanimous)
• Approved three Workforce Housing Tax Credit Program applications (JG1, Deluxury Real Estate, Axis Capital) (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. An open quarterly town hall was held at Fire Station #1, where Fire Chief Dave Schipper updated the public on the firehouse site concept. The council then unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 6:23 P.M.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Adjustment

The Board approved the minutes of the March 25, 2025 meeting unanimously. Two variance requests from Plymouth County Emergency Management were tabled, each passing 3‑1. A variance for Daniel and Ashley Swalve to build a detached garage with a reduced front‑yard setback was approved unanimously.

• Approved March 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Tabled EMA side‑yard setback variance (3‑1)
• Tabled EMA front‑yard setback variance (3‑1)
• Granted variance for Swalve garage front‑yard setback (unanimous)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council approved final plats and restrictive covenants for the Dogwood 4 and Dogwood 5 additions and authorized corresponding development agreements. It set several public hearings for rezoning, a budget amendment, an airport hangar lease, and voluntary annexation. The council also approved a $43,500 addendum for PlyWood Phase 1b construction services and authorized design work for Business Highway 75 reconstruction. Finally, Resolution 25‑19 to submit the Airport State Funding Application was adopted.

• Approved Final Plat and Restrictive Covenants for Dogwood 4 Addition (5-0)
• Approved Development Agreement for Dogwood 4 Addition (5-0)
• Approved Final Plat and Restrictive Covenants for Dogwood 5 Addition (5-0)
• Approved Development Agreement for Dogwood 5 Addition (5-0)
• Approved $43,500 Addendum to Construction Services Agreement for PlyWood Phase 1b (5-0)
• Authorized staff to engage engineer for Business Highway 75 reconstruction design (5-0)
• Established public hearing for twenty‑year Airport Hangar Lease with C & D Aviation, LLC (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 25‑19 to submit Airport State Funding Application (5-0)

Planning and Zoning

The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved the rezoning of an 8.44‑acre parcel (12-17-401-036) from I‑3 Heavy Industrial to B‑2 General Business. It also approved the final plats, covenants, and rezoning of Dogwood 4th Addition to R‑1 single‑family residential and Dogwood 5th Addition to R‑1A medium‑density residential. The March 4, 2025 meeting minutes were approved as well.

• Approved rezoning of Parcel A (12-17-401-036) from I‑3 Heavy Industrial to B‑2 General Business (all present)
• Approved Dogwood 4th Addition final plat and rezoning to R‑1 single‑family residential (all present)
• Approved Dogwood 5th Addition final plat, covenants, and rezoning to R‑1A medium‑density residential (all present)
• Approved March 4, 2025 meeting minutes (all present)

City Council

The Le Mars City Council approved the FY 2025‑26 annual budget and the Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project. It also adopted new landfill rates, authorized staff to prepare fire station bond documents, and approved an asbestos‑removal agreement and event funding. All items were adopted unanimously.

• Approved Agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑14 for Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑15 for FY 2025‑26 Annual Budget (5-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items including minutes, bills, financial statement, liquor licenses, and street closures (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑16 approving Landfill Rates and amending List of Fees (5-0)
• Authorized staff to prepare documents for Fire Station General Obligation Bond issue (5-0)
• Approved Agreement with Eocene Environmental Group for asbestos removal from Centennial Building (5-0)
• Approved $7,500 request to assist Bulldog Battle of the Bands event (5-0)

City Council

The council unanimously approved the meeting agenda. A public hearing on the FY ’26 Property Tax Levy was held with no comments received. The council then unanimously moved to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the agenda and consent items unanimously. It adopted Resolution No. 25‑13 awarding a $349,527.80 contract to Hulstein Excavating for the 2025 Industrial Park rail extension. The council also approved a special use permit for a 109‑foot Verizon Wireless tower, adopted park‑regulation amendments, set dates for a traffic‑signal project hearing and bid opening, approved fire‑rescue wage adjustments, and accepted the FY 2025‑2026 budget with an $11.87050 levy rate.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items (unanimous)
• Set public hearing (Apr 15) and bid schedule for Downtown Traffic Signal Modernization Project
• Adopted Resolution No. 25‑13 awarding $349,527.80 contract to Hulstein Excavating for rail extension (unanimous)
• Approved Special Use Permit for 109‑ft Verizon tower at 660 8" Street SW (unanimous)
• Adopted Ordinance No. 995 amending Chapter 46 Park Regulations (second reading adopted, third reading waived; Goodchild dissent on waiver)
• Approved wage adjustments and stepped pay scale for Fire/Rescue personnel effective July 1 2025 (unanimous)
• Accepted FY 2025‑2026 budget with levy rate $11.87050 and set public hearing date (unanimous)

Board of Zoning Adjustment

The Board approved the minutes from the August 27, 2024 meeting. It granted a variance to increase the fence height to eight feet with nine‑foot columns at 121 22nd St SE. It also granted a variance to allow an accessory building in front of the main residence at the same address. Finally, it approved a variance to increase the accessory building size to 2,580 square feet, all with unanimous approval.

• Approved minutes of the August 27, 2024 meeting (all present)
• Granted fence height variance (6' to 8' with 9' columns) at 121 22nd St SE (all present)
• Granted accessory building front‑placement variance at 121 22nd St SE (all present)
• Granted accessory building size variance to 2,580 SF at 121 22nd St SE (all present)