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Altoona, IA

Altoona public meetings in 2023

24 substantive meetings from 2023, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 18, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss zoning changes and infrastructure payments

The Altoona City Council will consider several development plans and zoning amendments, including requests for Honda of Altoona and Newblood Development LLC. The meeting also includes approval of various construction payments for sewer and road projects.

zoningdevelopmentinfrastructurepublic-hearingconstruction
✓ Decided: Council denies rezoning for Christian Brothers Automotive at 1250 1st Ave N

The Altoona City Council denied a rezoning request for 1250 1st Ave N that would have allowed an automotive service station, effectively blocking Christian Brothers Automotive's proposed 5,100 SF shop. The motion to deny passed 5-0 after residents raised concerns about traffic, noise, and pollution. The council also approved a development plan for Honda of Altoona's larger signage at 950 Bass Pro Drive and approved the consent agenda, including multiple pay applications and public hearing dates.

Mon Dec 4, 2023

City Council

Altoona Council to discuss property sales, plat approvals, and infrastructure payments

The City Council will consider selling 0.31 acres of road right-of-way in Anderson Estates and approving plats for Eagle Knoll Estates. The meeting includes several payment applications for local construction projects and requests for alcohol licenses.

zoninginfrastructurepublic-workspropertyutilitiesalcohol-permits
✓ Decided: Council approves sale of road right-of-way for warehouse project

The City Council authorized the vacation and sale of 0.31 acres of road right-of-way to the Graham Group for a warehouse project. Council also re-approved plats for Eagle Knoll Estates Plat 2 and denied a resident's request for utility bill relief. A consent agenda was passed covering various infrastructure payments and public hearing schedules.

Mon Nov 20, 2023

City Council

Altoona Council to discuss code amendments and infrastructure payments

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding code amendments and the sale of road right-of-way. The meeting also includes several resolutions for urban renewal fund obligations and various construction payment applications.

zoninginfrastructureordinancesbudgeturban-renewalpublic-works
✓ Decided: Council approves Prairie Crossing Plat 9 preliminary plat and site plan

The Altoona City Council approved the preliminary plat for Prairie Crossing Plat 9 and the site plan for Lot P, both subject to deficiencies being met. The council also denied a utility bill relief request for $2,735.74, approved an ordinance amending Chapter 55 (sections 55.06 and 55.10) on first reading, and waived the second and third readings. The consent agenda, including multiple pay applications and resolutions obligating urban renewal tax funds, was approved unanimously.

Mon Nov 6, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss urban renewal amendments and Graham Group development agreement

The Altoona City Council will hold public hearings regarding amendments to the Urban Renewal Area and a proposed development agreement with Graham Group, Inc. The meeting also includes approvals for various site plans, platting, and several construction payment applications.

urban renewaldevelopmentzoninginfrastructurepublic hearing
✓ Decided: Altoona City Council approves urban renewal amendment and Graham Group agreement

The Altoona City Council approved an amendment to expand the Altoona Urban Renewal Area and a development agreement with Graham Group, Inc. for a new warehouse with up to $4.3 million in tax abatements. The council also approved final plats, site plans, sewer fee relief for a resident, and various consent agenda items, while deferring a site plan for Prairie Crossing Plat 6 Lot P and denying a reimbursement request from Prairie Crossing Investment, Inc.

Mon Oct 16, 2023

City Council

Council to consider rezoning requests for industrial and residential use

The Altoona City Council will hold public hearings regarding two rezoning requests. One request involves changing 13.58 acres to light industrial use, and another involves changing 5.23 acres to single-family residential use.

zoningpublic-hearinginfrastructuredevelopmentalcohol-permits
✓ Decided: Council approves two rezoning requests and site plan for church

The Altoona City Council approved two rezoning requests: 13.548 acres from A-1 to M-1 for JDH Investments/Signature Commercial Real Estate, and 5.23 acres from A-1 to R-1 for High Pointe Church. It also approved a site plan for High Pointe Church, subject to deficiencies. The consent agenda, including payments, a change order, and various permits, was approved unanimously.

Mon Oct 2, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss Haines Park Splashpad and several rezoning requests

The Altoona City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on contracts for the Haines Park Splashpad Project. The meeting also includes discussions on bike trail expansion and several rezoning requests for industrial and residential use.

parkszoninginfrastructurepublic-hearingdevelopment
✓ Decided: Council awards Haines Park splash pad contract to Henley Group

The council approved plans, contract, and award for the Haines Park Splash Pad project, with the lowest bid of $187,000 from The Henley Group. It also approved several plats, including splits in Eagle Knoll Estates and Ziegler Industrial Park, and denied a sewer fee waiver request. All votes were 5-0.

Mon Sep 18, 2023

City Council

Council discusses sewer, road widening, and school platting projects

The Altoona City Council will hold public hearings regarding property acquisition for the Muchikinock Creek Trunk Sewer and Adventureland Drive NW widening projects. The agenda also includes approving plats for Southeast Polk Middle School and reviewing several construction payment applications.

sewerroadszoninginfrastructurepublic-worksdevelopment
✓ Decided: Council approves sewer, road projects with possible land acquisition

The Altoona City Council approved resolutions authorizing public improvements for the Muchikinock Creek Trunk Sewer Phase 2 and the Adventureland Drive NW Widening Project, which may require acquisition of agricultural land. The council also approved preliminary and final plats for Southeast Polk Middle School, a plat of survey for a 4.344-acre parcel, and the consent agenda. All votes were 4-0.

Tue Sep 5, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss compensation changes and various infrastructure payments

The Altoona City Council will hold public hearings regarding amendments to the city code for Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Council compensation. The meeting also includes several pay applications for local construction projects and discussions on regional fire department agreements.

compensationinfrastructurepublic-hearingconstructiongovernment-agreements
✓ Decided: City Council approves pay increases for Mayor and Council members

The City Council approved ordinances to raise annual compensation for the Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem, and Council members effective January 1, 2024. The Council also approved a plat of survey for High Pointe Church and passed a consent agenda including several infrastructure pay applications.

Mon Aug 21, 2023

City Council

Council to consider industrial rezoning and residential development plans

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding land use amendments and rezoning for 73.3 acres of industrial/office park land and 20 acres of residential development. The meeting also includes the consideration of several infrastructure payment applications and community development grants.

zoningdevelopmentinfrastructurepublic-hearingbudget
✓ Decided: Council approves land use change and rezoning for 73.3-acre industrial park

The City Council approved a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning of 73.3 acres from agricultural to limited industrial for the Graham Group, Inc. Council also approved participation in the Polk County community development block grant program and passed a consent agenda including several infrastructure payments.

Mon Aug 7, 2023

City Council

Council discusses sports complex renovations, road projects, and a $5.2 million bond

The Altoona City Council will consider several infrastructure projects, including renovations to the Sam Wise Sports Complex and the Spring Creek Park South Pond. The meeting also includes discussions on road widening, land rezoning requests, and the issuance of a $5,265,000 urban renewal bond.

infrastructurezoningparksroadsbudgetdevelopment
✓ Decided: Altoona City Council approves $5.2M in bonds for road improvements

The City Council authorized $5,265,000 in General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds for road projects. The council also awarded contracts for sports complex renovations and a park boat ramp, and approved plats for new residential and commercial developments.

Mon Jul 17, 2023

City Council

Council to appoint Michelle Sloan and consider urban renewal bonds and rezoning

The City Council will meet to appoint Michelle Sloan to a vacant council seat and hold a public hearing regarding the sale of General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds, Series 2023. The agenda also includes a rezoning request for 1.43 acres from ASI Holdings and several payment approvals for city projects.

zoningbondsappointmentsutilitiesinfrastructurepublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council appoints Michelle Sloan to vacant seat, awards $5.265M bonds

The Altoona City Council appointed Michelle Sloan to fill a vacant council seat and awarded $5,265,000 in General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds to FHN Capital Financial Markets for road projects. The council also approved a rezoning request from ASI Holdings for 1.43 acres from C-2 to M-1, denied a sewer fee waiver, and approved the consent agenda. All votes were unanimous (4-0) with Mayor O'Connor and Councilmember Dunwoody absent.

Wed Jul 5, 2023

City Council

Altoona Council to set garbage and recycling rates and discuss rezoning

The City Council will vote on residential garbage and recycling rates effective July 1, 2023. The meeting includes several plat approvals, pay applications for infrastructure projects, and a public hearing request for a rezoning of 1.43 acres.

utilitieszoninginfrastructurepublic-worksdevelopment
✓ Decided: Altoona Council approves 33-lot Spring Creek Ridge North Plat 3

The council approved the final plat for Spring Creek Ridge North Plat 3, a 33-lot single-family residential subdivision, subject to deficiencies and attorney resolution of boundary issues. It also approved final plats for Atherton-Brown Estates and I-80 Business Park Plat 3, and a preliminary plat for I-80 Business Park Plat 3. Garbage and recycling rates were increased effective July 1, 2023, and the consent agenda was approved.

Mon Jun 19, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss road widening, land annexation, and industrial rezoning

The Altoona City Council will consider several infrastructure projects, including the 8th Street SE Widening Project and a Public Works entrance driveway. The meeting includes public hearings regarding flood plain management, a voluntary annexation of 72.377 acres, and a rezoning request for 78.48 acres.

zoninginfrastructureannexationpublic-worksroadsflood-plain
✓ Decided: Council approves 8th Street SE widening project contracts

The Altoona City Council approved plans, contracts, and awards for the 8th Street SE Widening Project and the Public Works Entrance Driveway Project, all subject to City Attorney review. The council also approved a $5.5M urban renewal loan agreement, a 72.377-acre voluntary annexation, and a rezoning of 78.48 acres for industrial use. Several other items were approved, including plats, site plans, and utility billing ordinance amendments.

Mon Jun 5, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss utility billing changes and development agreements

The Altoona City Council will consider ordinances to amend utility billing deposits and delinquent bill red tag fees. The meeting also includes public hearings for development agreements with Gateway East Business Center, LLC and I-80 Business Park, LLC.

utilitiesdevelopmenttax-increment-financingordinancespublic-hearings
✓ Decided: Council approves utility deposit increase and development agreements

The Altoona City Council approved several ordinances and resolutions, including increasing utility deposits from $100 to $200 for new customers without a Social Security number, raising delinquent red tag fees from $10 to $35, and approving development agreements with Gateway East Business Center and I-80 Business Park. The council also approved preliminary and final plats for the Otter Mountain Apartments and a plat of survey for Brown Family Farm. All votes were 4-0 with Councilmember Willey absent.

Mon May 15, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss urban renewal, RAGBRAI regulations, and budget amendments

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding amendments to the Altoona Urban Renewal Area and the Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The meeting also includes discussions on temporary regulations for RAGBRAI 2023 and a federal grant application for the Sam Wise Youth Complex.

budgeturban-renewalordinancesinfrastructurepublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Altoona Council expands urban renewal area, approves budget amendment

The Altoona City Council unanimously approved expanding the urban renewal area to include a warehouse project, adopted an amended FY2023 budget with a tax rate of 10.75369, and approved a $142,078.50 concrete paving contract for the fire station. The council also denied a resolution to submit an EV charging station grant application, and approved a RAGBRAI 2023 ordinance. All votes were 5-0.

Mon May 1, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss mobile food vendor rules and several infrastructure projects

The Altoona City Council will hold public hearings regarding mobile food vendor regulations and a C-7 zoning amendment. The meeting also includes several resolutions for road and sewer reconstruction projects and various payment applications.

zoningfood vendorsinfrastructuresewerroadsbudget
✓ Decided: Altoona Council denies C-7 zoning change for auto repair

The Altoona City Council voted 5-0 to deny a request to amend the C-7 Regional Commercial District to allow automotive repair services as a permitted use, following a 4-1 denial recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The council also approved a new mobile food vending ordinance, approved a preliminary plat for the Atherton-Brown Family Trust, accepted an administrative settlement for the Muchikinock Creek Trunk Sewer project, and denied a request to waive $856.93 in late charges for Altoona Nursing and Rehab. A citizen complaint about the April 17 meeting minutes was acknowledged, with the city attorney to follow up.

Mon Apr 17, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss 1st Ave reconstruction and new sewer connection fees

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the 1st Ave Reconstruction Project and the establishment of a Muchikinock Creek sanitary sewer connection fee district. The agenda also includes site plan re-approvals for Facebook data centers and the potential sale of city-owned land near 10th Ave SE.

infrastructuresewerzoningpublic-hearingreal-estateutilities
✓ Decided: Council awards $4.94M contract for 1st Ave Reconstruction Phase 3

The council approved plans, contract, and bond for the 1st Ave Reconstruction Phase 3 project, awarding the contract to Absolute Group for $4,936,982.50. It also established the Muchikinock Creek Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee District with a $5,100 per acre fee, and approved the sale of 0.64 acres of city land south of Edwin W Skinner Parkway. All votes were 5-0.

Mon Apr 3, 2023

City Council

Altoona City Council to hold public hearing on FY24 budget and rezoning request

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the FY24 Budget and a resolution to adopt the annual budget with a tax rate of 10.75369. The council will also consider a third reading for a 36.04-acre conditional rezoning request and several land use resolutions.

budgetzoninghousinginfrastructurepublic-hearingutilities
✓ Decided: Altoona Council adopts FY24 budget with tax rate 10.75369

The Altoona City Council unanimously approved the FY24 annual budget with a tax rate of 10.75369, and approved the third reading of an ordinance rezoning about 36.04 acres from A-1 to M-2 with conditions. The council also approved preliminary plats, site plans, a water tank painting contract, an aquatic park management agreement, and a library event, all by 5-0 votes. A consent agenda covering bills, pay applications, fund transfers, public hearing dates, and other items was approved unanimously.

Mon Mar 20, 2023

City Council

Council to consider multiple large-scale industrial rezonings and land use changes

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding several rezoning requests for industrial and manufacturing use. The meeting also includes discussions on amending the Altoona Comprehensive Plan and the Revitalization Area Plan.

zoningland-useindustrialordinancesplanning
✓ Decided: City Council approves multiple rezoning requests and land use amendments

The City Council approved several rezoning requests for industrial use and amended the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map. The council also extended the Altoona Revitalization Area Plan through 2032 and approved plats for the Gateway East Business Center.

Mon Mar 6, 2023

City Council

Council discusses land use changes, event funding, and infrastructure payments

The Altoona City Council will consider several rezoning requests and land use map amendments. The meeting also includes discussions on funding for corn sculptures and approval for various community special events.

zoningbudgetinfrastructurecommunity-eventsland-use
✓ Decided: Altoona City Council approves Cornival event and $26,700 for art sculptures

The City Council approved a contract for turf mowing services and authorized the upcoming "Cornival" celebration at Haines Park, including $26,700 in funding for corn sculptures. Several land-use items related to the Gateway East Business Center were deferred for two weeks. The council also approved a consent agenda covering various public hearings, recurring events, and alcohol permits.

Mon Feb 20, 2023

City Council

Altoona City Council discusses infrastructure projects and local permits

The Council will consider several professional services agreements for utility and road projects. The meeting also includes discussions on the Brush Pile Program and various local permits.

infrastructureutilitiespublic-workspermitsroads
✓ Decided: Council approves Shive-Hattery design contract for Public Works access road

The Altoona City Council approved a professional services agreement with Shive-Hattery to design the access road and utility extensions for the new Public Works facility, including paving and a waterline to the Fire Training Pad. The council also approved several other items, including a proposal for Cornival Celebration assistance, a waiver of sewer fees for a property owner, and a consent agenda with contracts and permits. No decision was made on committee co-chairs for a summer event.

Mon Feb 6, 2023

City Council

Altoona Council to consider property tax levy and park stabilization project

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding the maximum proposed property tax levy and an amendment to Chapter 24. The council is also reviewing plans, contracts, and costs for the Spring Creek Park South Pond Bank Stabilization Project.

taxesparksinfrastructurezoningpublic-hearingbudget
✓ Decided: Altoona City Council approves maximum property tax levy for FY 23/24

The City Council established the maximum property tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year and approved several land development plats. The council also awarded a pond stabilization contract and approved a water hydrant project.

Mon Jan 16, 2023

City Council

Council to discuss rezoning for industrial and townhome developments

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding rezoning requests for 78.36 acres of agricultural land to industrial and 5.38 acres for a townhome development. The meeting also includes the consideration of several grant applications and infrastructure payments.

zoningdevelopmentinfrastructuregrantspublic-hearing
✓ Decided: Council denies townhome development and approves industrial rezoning

The City Council denied three requests to allow a medium-density townhome development on 5.38 acres. The Council approved a request to rezone 78.36 acres from agricultural to limited industrial use.

Tue Jan 3, 2023

City Council

Council to consider water and wastewater rate changes and various appointments

The Altoona City Council will hold public hearings regarding changes to water and wastewater service charge rates. The meeting also includes several appointments to city commissions and the approval of various construction payments and easements.

utilitieswaterwastewaterappointmentsinfrastructurebudget
✓ Decided: Altoona City Council approves water and wastewater rate increases

The City Council approved ordinances to raise water and wastewater service rates. The council also confirmed several mayoral and council appointments and approved a consent agenda including construction payments and liquor permits.