Pleasant Hill, IA

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council held a work session on August 18, 2026, with all members present. City Manager Ben Champ and Assistant City Manager Madeline Sturms presented on legislative changes from the 2026 session affecting city operations, including administrative processes, community development, building requirements, and property tax. No formal decisions or votes were made; the session was informational only.

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Pleasant Hill Parks and Recreation Commission will receive updates on park projects and a presentation on July 2026 flooding impacts. The flood update covers response efforts and potential effects on park infrastructure and planning. The meeting also includes the oath of office for new members, approval of minutes, and public comment.

• Oath of office for new commissioners Jessica Hugill and Amanda Barlow
• Park projects update: Doanes Park Playground completion, Meacham Place Park/Sunrise Restrooms, Hickory Glen Park Phase 4, Youth Center tech upgrades, sports facility feasibility study, trail crossing improvements
• Flood update: July 14, 2026 event, Fourmile Creek second-highest level, road closures, voluntary evacuation of 20 units at Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park
• Cemetery clean-up scheduled October 15-31
• Monthly report: 126 shelter/facility rentals, $1,615 revenue, 721 event attendance

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council will hold public hearings and consider resolutions to dispose of portions of NE 12th Avenue and NE 52nd Court to Elder Properties II, LLC for a total of $64,790.73, and to vacate a portion of NE 12th Avenue in the 5100 block. They will also consider awarding General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026, approving the Brugioni Estates preliminary plat, and other routine items. A closed session is scheduled to discuss a real estate purchase.

• Resolution #081126-01: Dispose of NE 12th Ave (4900 block) and NE 52nd Ct rights-of-way to Elder Properties II, LLC for $22,557.15 and $42,233.58 respectively
• Ordinance #974: First reading to vacate a portion of NE 12th Ave in the 5100 block
• Resolution #081126-03: Award General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026 (approx. $1.6M for fire department vehicles/equipment)
• Resolution #081126-04: Approve Brugioni Estates Preliminary Plat and Development Agreement
• Resolution #081126-06: Approve Payment Application No. 3 and Change Order No. 4 for University Ave and Shadyview Blvd Improvements

The council awarded a $1.68M bond to BOK Financial Securities for fire department vehicles and equipment, approved the purchase of 5042 Maple Drive for $344,000, and approved several resolutions including street right-of-way dispositions, a preliminary plat, and a job description update. All votes were 4-0 with one member absent.

• Awarded $1,683,177.75 bond to BOK Financial Securities for fire equipment (4-0)
• Approved purchase of 5042 Maple Drive for $344,000 from Mullen Enterprises (4-0)
• Approved disposal of NE 12th Ave portion and NE 52nd Ct (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #974 for vacation of NE 12th Ave (4-0)
• Approved Brugioni Estates preliminary plat and development agreement (4-0)
• Approved updated Economic Development Specialist job description (4-0)
• Approved payment application and change order for University Ave/Shadyview project (4-0)
• Approved updated mitigation strategies for Polk County Hazard Mitigation Plan (4-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a preliminary plat and site plan for a Journey Credit Union branch at 4915 Maple Drive, a preliminary plat for Immanuel Senior Living on 23.82 acres near Morning Star Court, a right-of-way vacation in the 5100 block of NE 12th Avenue, and several zoning ordinance amendments. The commission will also nominate a chair and vice chair.

• Preliminary plat and site plan for Journey Credit Union at 4915 Maple Drive (new address 770 N. Hickory Blvd.) – 0.89-acre lot, single-story building, 15 parking spaces
• Preliminary plat for Immanuel Senior Living on 23.82 acres south of Morning Star Court – phased project with senior multifamily units and a PACE Center
• Right-of-way vacation in the 5100 block of NE 12th Avenue
• Zoning ordinance amendments: updates per Senate Files 2285 and 2369, additional visitor parking for multifamily developments, accessory structure and fence/wall regulations

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council will consider resolutions approving a $64,800 crack seal machine purchase, a $245,758 payment for the University Ave/Shadyview Blvd intersection project, and authorizing the sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds. Other business items include a special event application for a Sept. 19 charity event, a payment and retainage release for Doanes Park Playground, and a payment and change order for Spring Creek Stream Stabilization. The meeting also includes consent items such as minutes, claims totaling $918,014.82, and routine reports.

• Resolution #072826-03 – Approval of Payment Application No. 4 and Release of Retainage for Doanes Park Playground
• Resolution #072826-04 – Approval of Payment Application No. 4 and Change Order No. 1 – Spring Creek Stream Stabilization
• Resolution #072826-06 – Resolution setting the date for the sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026
• Special Event Application – Together for Good & the Table Project Event – Sept. 19
• Resolution #072826-07 – Approval of Renewal Agreement with the Iowa Department of Public Safety

The council approved a resolution setting August 11, 2026 as the date for selling approximately $1.6 million in general obligation bonds to fund fire department vehicles and equipment. They also approved a renewal agreement with the Iowa Department of Public Safety for DEA task force participation, which reimburses the city about $97,359 annually. Other actions included approving final payment for the Doanes Park Playground, a change order for Spring Creek Stream Stabilization, and authorizing grant applications for transportation projects.

• Approved Resolution #072826-06 setting bond sale date for $1.6M fire equipment (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #072826-07 renewing DEA task force agreement with Iowa DPS (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #072826-03 final payment and retainage release for Doanes Park Playground (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #072826-04 payment application and change order for Spring Creek Stream Stabilization (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #072826-05 authorizing STBG grant applications for three transportation projects (5-0)
• Approved special event application for Together for Good & the Table Project on Sept. 19 (5-0)
• Approved consent items including minutes, claims, reports, and liquor license renewal (5-0)
• Removed item 6g (Resolution #072826-08) from agenda (5-0)

Library Board

The Pleasant Hill Public Library Board will vote on submitting a Pizza Hut Foundation Slice of Literacy Community Grant application for a Books for Babies early literacy initiative. The board will also hold elections for board officers (President, Vice-President, Secretary). The meeting includes approval of consent items and informational reports.

• Vote on submitting Pizza Hut Foundation Slice of Literacy Community Grant application for Books for Babies program
• Election of board officers: President, Vice-President, Secretary
• Approval of June 25, 2026 meeting minutes and upcoming meeting dates (9/24/26, 10/22/26)
• Library Director reports $45,994.48 Prairie Meadows grant awarded to Friends of the Library for Future-Ready Library Upgrade
• Library suspended privileges of four unaccompanied minors for conduct policy violations

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council will consider several resolutions including setting public hearings for a street right-of-way vacation and two dispositions, approving a mural contract, a public safety camera pilot program at Sunrise Park, and payments for infrastructure projects. The meeting also includes an update on July 3-5 flooding.

• Resolution #071426-01: Set public hearing for vacation of NE 12th Avenue right-of-way in the 5100 block
• Resolution #071426-02: Set public hearings for disposition of NE 12th Avenue right-of-way in the 4900 block and NE 52nd Court
• Resolution #071426-04: Approval of mural contract with DiBari & Associates and Feed Energy Group
• Resolution #071426-05: Approval of public safety camera pilot program at Sunrise Park
• Resolution #071426-07: Approve payment applications and change orders for University Ave and Shadyview Blvd intersection project

The council unanimously approved four resolutions: a mural contract with DiBari & Associates and Feed Energy Group for a mural at 4400 E University Ave, a public safety camera pilot program at Sunrise Park using Flock PTZ and LPR cameras, the purchase of a Super Shot 125D crack seal machine from Logan Contractors Supply, and payment applications and change orders for the University Ave/Shadyview Blvd intersection and Parkridge Avenue culvert projects. A special event application for a pickleball tournament fundraiser at Hickory Glen Park was also approved. The council received an update on July 3-5 flooding and discussed ongoing projects.

• Approved mural contract with DiBari & Associates and Feed Energy Group (4-0)
• Approved special event application for Dorothy's House pickleball tournament at Hickory Glen Park on Sept 26, 2026 (4-0)
• Approved public safety camera pilot program at Sunrise Park using Flock PTZ and LPR cameras (4-0)
• Approved purchase of Super Shot 125D crack seal machine from Logan Contractors Supply (4-0)
• Approved Payment Application No. 2 and Change Orders 1-3 for University Ave/Shadyview Blvd intersection project (4-0)
• Approved Payment Application No. 11, Change Order 13, and final acceptance of Parkridge Avenue culvert replacement project (4-0)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The July 9, 2026 regular meeting of the Pleasant Hill Parks and Recreation Commission has been cancelled. No business will be conducted.

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council will hold a work session to receive two consultant presentations. The first covers a hotel market study. The second covers a study of the intersection of Copper Creek Drive, Lower Fourmile Creek Drive, and the Gay Lea Wilson Trail, as well as a pedestrian crossing on Fourmile Creek between Williams Street and Copper Creek Lake Park. No votes or formal decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion-only session.

• Presentation on Hotel Market Study
• Study of Copper Creek Drive/Lower Fourmile Creek Drive/Gay Lea Wilson Trail intersection
• Study of pedestrian crossing on Fourmile Creek between Williams Street and Copper Creek Lake Park

The council held a work session with no formal votes or decisions. Presentations were given on a hotel market study and on intersection and pedestrian bridge studies. No actions were taken.

Planning & Zoning Commission

Library Board

The Pleasant Hill Library Board of Trustees will meet to approve the May 21, 2026 agenda and minutes, authorize payments for April and May 2026, and receive informational reports on revenue, expenditures, and monthly statistics. The board will also hold a closed session under Iowa Code to evaluate the professional competency of an individual. The meeting includes public comment and trustee reports.

• Closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5.1(i) to evaluate professional competency of an individual
• Approval of authorized payments for April and May 2026 (Library Expenditure Detail Report)
• Revenue and donations report for April and May 2026
• FY26 expenditures report to date
• Monthly statistics report

City Council

The City Council approved multiple ordinances to increase sewer, solid waste, recycling, and stormwater fees effective July 1, 2026. The Council also amended the Urban Revitalization Plan to cease acceptance of new tax abatement applications due to state legislative changes.

• Sewer rate increase from $8.92 to $9.57 per 1,000 gallons
• Solid waste fee increase for 96-gallon containers from $12.52 to $13.17 per month
• Recycling fee increase from $4.91 to $5.18 per month
• Stormwater utility fee increase of $0.55 effective July 1, 2026
• Amendment to the Urban Revitalization Plan to cease new tax abatement applications

The council approved a resolution accepting a Carbon Reduction Program grant for traffic signal improvements on University Avenue aimed at reducing emissions. They also renewed a five-year animal control services agreement with Polk County, approved a lease agreement with the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce, and appointed members to the Park and Recreation Commission and Library Board. All votes were 4-0.

• Approved Resolution #062326-06 accepting Carbon Reduction Program grant for University Ave corridor improvements (4-0)
• Approved Resolution #062326-07 renewing animal control services agreement with Polk County for five years (4-0)
• Approved Resolution #062326-05 lease agreement with Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce (4-0)
• Approved appointments to Park and Recreation Commission (Amanda Barlow, Jessica Hugill) and Library Board (Amanda Michael, Jonathan Leyen) (4-0)
• Approved consent items including minutes, claims, reports, and resolutions (4-0)
• Removed item 3b (Boards and Commission Awards) from agenda per city manager request (4-0)
• Held three closed sessions to discuss litigation, real estate purchase, and personnel evaluation; no action taken in closed session

Public Arts Advisory Commission

The Public Arts Advisory Commission will hear presentations from the two final artists competing for a mural project at 4400 E University Avenue. This is a work session to discuss the proposals.

• Presentations from final 2 artists for mural at 4400 E University Avenue

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will consider a preliminary plat application for LDL Estates Plat 2, a 2.63-acre property at 5415 E. Oakwood Drive. The proposal would divide the land into two buildable lots in the R-2 zoning district, with no new public infrastructure required. Staff recommends approval, subject to remaining comments being addressed before final approval.

• Preliminary plat for LDL Estates Plat 2 at 5415 E. Oakwood Dr.
• Property split into two lots; no public infrastructure improvements proposed
• Lot 2 will require soil quality restoration for stormwater management
• New driveway approaches and utility connections (sanitary sewer, water) planned
• Public access easement for existing sidewalk to be reserved at final plat

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss a pilot security camera program and policy development in response to recent vandalism trends in the park system. Staff will also provide a legislative update on the 2026 Iowa Legislative Session's impacts on municipal finances and operations. The meeting includes approval of prior minutes and a monthly report on park activities and rentals.

• Park security review: discussion of vandalism incidents, costs, and a pilot camera program at select park locations
• Legislative update on 2026 Iowa Legislative Session affecting municipal finances and property tax revenues
• Monthly report: $6,040 revenue collected, 139 shelter/facility rentals, 65 total volunteer hours in May 2026
• Cemetery clean-up scheduled for July 15–31, 2026

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on a resolution to amend the Urban Revitalization Plan, suspending new applications for property tax exemptions starting June 12, 2026. This is an urgent response to Iowa's SF 2472, which changes how tax increment financing and abatement valuations count for the city's general fund. The council will also hold third readings on ordinances increasing sewer, solid waste, recycling, and stormwater fees, effective July 1, 2026. Other business includes grant applications, a labor agreement, and appointments for interim city clerk and finance director.

• Public hearing and vote on Resolution #060926-01 to suspend new Urban Revitalization tax abatement applications after June 12, 2026
• Third reading of Ordinance #969 increasing sewer service charges by 7.25% (approx. $1.74/month for average resident)
• Third reading of Ordinance #970 increasing solid waste fees ($0.65/month) and Ordinance #971 increasing recycling fees ($0.27/month)
• Third reading of Ordinance #972 increasing stormwater management fees with multiple future increases planned
• Resolution #060926-07 supporting a Workforce Housing Tax Credit application for Trail's Edge Apartments

The council approved a 7.25% increase in sewer service charges, raising the average residential bill by $1.74 per month, along with increases in solid waste, recycling, and stormwater fees, all effective July 1, 2026. It also passed an amendment to the Urban Revitalization Plan to stop accepting new tax abatement applications after June 12, 2026, in response to state law changes. Other actions included approving a grant application for a regional sports facility feasibility study, a SAFER grant for three firefighters, support for a workforce housing tax credit application, and a new union contract with Teamsters Local 238.

• Approved 7.25% sewer rate increase (5-0)
• Approved solid waste fee increase of $0.65/month (5-0)
• Approved recycling fee increase of $0.27/month (5-0)
• Approved stormwater fee increase with phased hikes through 2029 (5-0)
• Approved amendment to Urban Revitalization Plan ceasing new tax abatement applications after June 12 (5-0)
• Approved application for $80,000 Polk County grant for regional sports facility feasibility study (5-0)
• Approved SAFER grant application for three full-time firefighters (5-0)
• Approved four-year union contract with Teamsters Local 238 (5-0)

Planning & Zoning Commission

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council will hold second readings of five ordinances that would increase fees for sewer service, solid waste collection, recycling collection, and stormwater management, all effective July 1, 2026. The council will also consider resolutions to hire a firefighter/medic, approve a sanitary sewer easement for the Spring Creek Stabilization project, and set a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the Urban Revitalization Plan. The meeting includes a presentation from Des Moines Water Works and approval of numerous routine consent items, including fund transfers and payment applications.

• Second reading of Ordinance #969: Amending sewer service charges (7.25% increase, raising base rate from $8.92 to $9.57 per 1,000 gallons).
• Second reading of Ordinance #970: Amending solid waste collection fees (96-gallon container from $12.52 to $13.17 per month).
• Second reading of Ordinance #971: Amending recycling collection fees (from $4.91 to $5.18 per month).
• Second reading of Ordinance #972: Amending stormwater management fees ($0.55 increase on July 1, 2026, with further increases planned through 2029).
• Resolution #052626-12: Hiring a side-by-side Firefighter Medic position.

The council approved second readings of ordinances raising sewer service charges by 7.25%, solid waste fees by 2.7%, recycling fees by 3.1%, and stormwater fees with phased increases through 2029, all effective July 1, 2026. It also approved a temporary firefighter/medic position to cover a staffing gap, and set a June 9 hearing on amending the Urban Revitalization Plan to stop accepting tax abatement applications due to new state law. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance #969 raising sewer rates 7.25% (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance #970 raising solid waste fees 2.7% (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance #971 raising recycling fees 3.1% (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance #972 raising stormwater fees with phased increases (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance #973 on parking regulations, with staff to review comments before third reading (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #052626-12 hiring a temporary side-by-side firefighter/medic (5-0)
• Approved Resolution #052626-13 setting June 9 hearing on Urban Revitalization Plan amendment to stop accepting applications (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including multiple fund transfers and easements (5-0)

Library Board

The Library Board will vote on purchasing two self-check hardware stations and a package of Envisionware CloudNine services for public computer reservations and printing, totaling about $8,336. The director recommends delaying the self-check software purchase to wait for a new cloud-based platform expected soon. The proposed spending would exceed the remaining FY26 computer hardware budget by roughly $336, which staff say can be absorbed by year-end funds. The board will also approve minutes from April and set future meeting dates.

• Approval of $2,906 for two self-check hardware stations using library-supplied equipment
• Approval of $5,430 for Envisionware CloudNine Reservation Service and Print Service powered by Princh
• Combined FY26 project total of ~$8,336 exceeds remaining computer hardware budget by ~$336
• Director recommends delaying self-check software purchase to await new CloudNine platform rollout
• Approval of April 23, 2026 meeting minutes and upcoming meeting dates (July 16, August 27)

The Pleasant Hill Library Board of Trustees approved purchases for self-checkout, PC reservations, and patron print management systems. The board also approved the consent agenda including meeting minutes and future meeting dates. No other substantive decisions were made; informational items and reports were noted but not finalized.

• Approved self-checkout, PC reservations, and patron print management purchases (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including April 23, 2026 meeting minutes and June 25, July 16, August 27, 2026 meeting dates (unanimous)

Parks and Recreation Commission

The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss and potentially recommend transferring city property to Polk County Conservation to expand the Fourmile Greenway trail system and improve connectivity to Sleepy Hollow Sports Park. The meeting also includes a presentation on a community survey, approval of March 2026 minutes, and a monthly report on park activities and rentals.

• Discussion of property transfers to Polk County Conservation for regional trail connectivity
• Presentation on a community survey
• Approval of minutes from the March 12, 2026 regular meeting
• Monthly report including 68 shelter rentals and $7,580 in revenue for April 2026
• Cemetery clean-up scheduled for July 15–31, 2026

The commission discussed proposed property transfers to Polk County Conservation for regional trail connectivity and shared recreational goals, but took no formal vote. They also reviewed results of the 2026 Community Survey and heard a monthly report on upcoming events.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved March 12, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed Polk County Conservation property transfers (no vote taken)
• Discussed 2026 Community Survey results (no vote taken)

City Council

The Pleasant Hill City Council will hold first readings of four ordinances raising fees for sewer service, solid waste collection, recycling collection, and stormwater management. They will also consider approving salary matrices for non-union city staff and the fire department for fiscal year 2027, final plat approval for Elizabeth Gillotti Acres, and site plans for two developments on NE 12th Avenue.

• First reading of Ordinance #969 amending Chapter 98 Sewer Service Charges
• First reading of Ordinance #970 amending Chapter 106 Solid Waste Collection Fees
• First reading of Ordinance #971 amending Chapter 108 Recycling Collection Fees
• First reading of Ordinance #972 amending Chapter 103 Stormwater Management Fees
• Resolution #051226-08 approving site plan for Fourmile Landing at 5614 NE 12th Avenue

The council unanimously approved first readings of ordinances increasing sewer service charges by 7.25%, solid waste collection fees by 2.7%, recycling fees by 3.1%, and stormwater management fees with phased increases through 2029, all effective July 1, 2026. They also approved salary matrices for non-union staff and fire department personnel with a 3.15% cost-of-living adjustment, a final plat for the Elizabeth Gillotti Acres subdivision, site plans for two industrial developments at 5614 and 5620 NE 12th Avenue, a revised vehicle use policy, and health insurance renewals for FY27. The council heard a presentation from the Greater Des Moines Partnership and a legislative update on property tax changes.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance #969 increasing sewer service charges by 7.25% (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #970 increasing solid waste collection fees by 2.7% (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #971 increasing recycling fees by 3.1% (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance #972 increasing stormwater management fees with phased increases (4-0)
• Approved Resolution #051226-05 and #051226-06 for non-union and fire department salary matrices with 3.15% COLA (4-0)
• Approved final plat for Elizabeth Gillotti Acres subdivision (4-0)
• Approved site plans for Fourmile Landing and Fourmile Collective industrial developments (4-0)
• Approved revised vehicle use policy (3-0-1, Konrad abstained)