Fort Dodge meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Fort Dodge boards to weigh $4.2M in bonds, pool and bridge contracts

This week, Fort Dodge city boards and commissions met to consider a range of items, including a $4.2 million bond award for downtown development, contracts for pool painting and trail bridge replacements, and a terminal design contract at the regional airport. All three meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final decisions are known.

City Council

The City Council met Aug. 10 and is scheduled to vote on several contracts and financial items. The most significant is a $4,200,000 award of Taxable General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds, Series 2026, to fund Corridor Plaza development. The council also will consider awarding a $195,000 contract to Jontz Painting, LLC for painting the pools at Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center, and a $267,900 contract to Custom Manufacturing, Inc. for replacing Nature Trail Bridges #7 and #8. Other items include a $1,226,164 property and casualty insurance renewal with Iowa Communities Assurance Pool, and a $302,655.72 expenditure for an Ultra Violet Disinfection System Replacement at the utility plant. A consent agenda includes liquor license renewals and other routine items.

Airport Commission

The Fort Dodge Regional Airport Commission met Aug. 10 and will consider a $240,596.89 task order with McClure Engineering for design and bidding services for the terminal renovation, pending FAA approval. The commission also will consider a $14,550 purchase of a v-plow for the F-250 from Hiway Truck & Equipment, a $221,411 FAA AIG grant for Hangar C Reconstruction (third and final year), a lease renewal for FOD AFSS for Oct. 1, 2026 through Sept. 30, 2036, and a private aircraft lease for Hangar B-3. Staff reports cover airline traffic data, runway and taxiway project status, and a hangar tenant termination.

Board of Adjustment

The Board of Adjustment met Aug. 4 and will decide on a special exception for Tom & Joan Tibbits to install 8-foot-tall black chain-link fencing in the rear yard at 1309 N 19th St. The current zoning allows up to 7 feet without exception. Staff recommends approval subject to public comment. The board also previously approved a 6-foot secondary front-yard fence at 2205 20th Ave N with a 10-foot utility gate on July 7.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days.

Fort Dodge City Council to weigh $4.2M in bonds, pool and bridge contracts

No decisions were made by Fort Dodge boards in the past two weeks, as all recent meetings were agenda-only with minutes not yet published. The most consequential items are set for the Aug. 10 City Council meeting, which includes $4.2 million in urban renewal bonds and two construction contracts.

City Council to consider $4.2M in bonds, construction contracts

The City Council will hold public hearings and vote on several spending items at its Aug. 10 meeting:

• Award a $195,000 contract to Jontz Painting, LLC for painting the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center pools.
• Award a $267,900 contract to Custom Manufacturing, Inc. for replacing Nature Trail Bridges #7 and #8.
• Award $4,200,000 in Taxable General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds, Series 2026, to fund Corridor Plaza development.
• Approve a $1,226,164 property and casualty insurance renewal with Iowa Communities Assurance Pool.
• Approve $302,655.72 for an Ultra Violet Disinfection System Replacement at the utility plant.

The consent agenda also includes liquor license renewals and other routine items.

Recent meetings were agenda-only

Three meetings took place in the past two weeks, all with agendas published but no minutes yet available:

• **City Council (July 27):** A workshop on the Capital Improvement Plan preceded a regular meeting. The council reviewed a $25,500 proposal from Baker Electric for N 15th Street Bridge street light pole replacement, a $47,439.79 pay estimate from Riley-Armstrong for demolition of 1801 1st Ave S and 605 S 14th St, a resolution to acquire property at 1518 5th Avenue South, a resolution to dispose of 1801 1st Avenue South (Parcel 0720415001), and liquor license renewals for two Casey's General Store locations.
• **Historic Preservation Commission (July 29):** The commission heard updates on the Downtown Pocket Park Grant, the Hydroelectric Dam storyboard, and the Sacred Heart project (including roof repairs and grant applications for an $8 million total rehabilitation). It also discussed a potential historical collaboration with the Chronicle Area, addressed a member vacancy, and received Main Street updates.
• **Board of Adjustment (Aug. 4):** The board considered Case #1194, a request from Tom & Joan Tibbits for an 8-foot rear-yard fence at 1309 N 19th St. The current zoning allows up to 7 feet without an exception; staff recommended approval subject to public comment. The board also noted the July 7 approval of a 6-foot secondary front-yard fence at 2205 20th Ave N with a 10-foot utility gate.

Coming up

Two meetings are scheduled for Aug. 10:

• **City Council** (as detailed above) will also hold public hearings on the pool painting and trail bridge contracts.
• **Fort Dodge Regional Airport Commission** will consider a $240,596.89 task order with McClure Engineering for terminal design and bidding (pending FAA approval), a $14,550 v-plow purchase from Hiway Truck & Equipment, a $221,411 FAA AIG grant for Hangar C Reconstruction (third and final year), a 10-year lease renewal for FOD AFSS (Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2036), and a private aircraft lease for Hangar B-3. Staff reports cover airline traffic, runway and taxiway projects, and a hangar tenant termination.

Fort Dodge boards weigh contracts, property moves, and public safety authority launch

Fort Dodge's advisory boards and City Council convened across five meetings in late July, taking up contracts totaling more than $72,000, property acquisitions and disposals, and the first organizational meeting of a new public safety authority. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the sessions, so outcomes listed below reflect what was on each agenda, not confirmed decisions.

City Council considers contracts and property actions

The City Council met July 27 for a Capital Improvement Plan workshop followed by a regular meeting. Agenda items included a proposal from Baker Electric for $25,500.00 for N 15th Street Bridge street light pole replacement, and a pay estimate of $47,439.79 from Riley-Armstrong for demolition of 1801 1st Ave S and 605 S 14th St.

The council was also scheduled to act on a resolution for acquisition of property at 1518 5th Avenue South and a resolution for disposal of 1801 1st Avenue South (Parcel 0720415001). Liquor license renewals for Casey's General Store at 2007 N 15th St and 3327 5th Ave S were on the agenda.

Webster County Public Safety Authority holds first meeting

The newly formed Webster County Public Safety Authority met July 23 for its first organizational session. The body was created to finance and operate a new public safety facility. The agenda called for election of a Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer; adoption of proposed bylaws and rules of procedure; and appointment of three commissioners: Ryan Gruenberg, Vicki Reeck, and Nick Carlson. An executive session to discuss land acquisition was also scheduled.

Airport Commission reviews lease amendment

The Fort Dodge Regional Airport Commission met July 22 to consider approval of Revision 1 of Supplemental Amendment No. 6 to Lease DA-25-066-ENG-4546. The session included time for public comments and questions.

Public Art Commission discusses sculptures and murals

The Public Art Commission met July 22 to discuss contracts, artist fees, and funding for the 2026-2027 Expo Park Sculptures. Additional agenda items included a proposed Chronicle Area mural, a proposed mural across from the Nature Center, and recruitment of one at-large voting member and one youth member.

Historic Preservation Commission hears project updates

The Historic Preservation Commission met July 29. Updates were scheduled on the Downtown Pocket Park Grant and related funding, the Hydroelectric Dam storyboard design and placement, and the Sacred Heart project, which involves roof repairs, grant applications, and $8M total rehabilitation. New business included discussion of a potential historical collaboration with the Chronicle Area. The commission also planned to address a member vacancy and receive Main Street updates.

Coming up

The Fort Dodge Board of Adjustment meets August 4 to vote on Case #1194, a request from Tom & Joan Tibbits to install 8-foot-tall black chain-link fencing in the rear yard at 1309 N 19th St. Current zoning allows up to 7 feet without exception, and staff recommends approval subject to public comment. The board will also review Case #1193 from July 7, in which a 6-foot secondary front-yard fence at 2205 20th Ave N with a 10-foot utility gate was approved.

Fort Dodge boards weigh street project, airport runway finish, fence request

Fort Dodge's recent government meetings centered on a $3 million street improvement contract, the completion of a runway rehabilitation project, and a privacy fence request tied to a new public trail. All three meetings were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published, so outcomes are not yet confirmed.

City Council — July 13

The City Council agenda included a contract award to Castor Construction LLC for the North 15th Street Corridor Improvements Project in the amount of $3,007,008.21. The council also was set to consider the disposal of city-owned property at 1801 1st Avenue South (Parcel 0720415001) and review a proposal for a General Obligation Urban Renewal Loan Agreement.

Other agenda items included the introduction of Police Officers Lestat Lesher and Blake Smith, and liquor license renewals for AppleBee's, O'Goodies Irish Pub, Salty Suz, AB, LLC, and Eagles Club.

Because minutes have not been published, the council's actions on these items are not yet on the record.

Fort Dodge Regional Airport Commission — July 13

The Airport Commission agenda called for votes to finalize the Runway 12/30 rehabilitation project. Items included approving Change Order #1 for -$13,524.75 to adjust contract quantities, approving a Statement of Completion for Runway 12/30, and authorizing final contractor payment.

The commission also was set to consider updating the hangar rental policy to allow prorated move-in rent with a $25 administrative fee and modified termination notice rules. A $5,500 independent fee estimate from KSA Engineering for the FAA ATP terminal renovation design task order was on the agenda.

A budget performance report showing 104% of the airport general revenue budget utilized year-to-date was listed for review. Minutes have not been published, so final actions are not confirmed.

Board of Adjustment — July 7

The Board of Adjustment was scheduled to review Case #1193, a request for a special exception to allow a 6-foot tall white vinyl privacy fence in a secondary front yard at 2205 20th Ave N. The fence is intended to separate the property from a new public trail in the N 22nd St right-of-way. Minutes are not yet published.

Coming up

July 22 — Public Art Commission: Discussion of contracts, artist fees, and funding for the 2026-2027 Expo Park Sculptures; proposed murals for the Chronicle Area and across from the Nature Center; and recruitment of one at-large voting member and one youth member.

July 23 — Webster County Public Safety Authority: First organizational meeting to elect officers (Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer), adopt proposed bylaws and rules of procedure, appoint commissioners Ryan Gruenberg, Vicki Reeck, and Nick Carlson, and hold an executive session to discuss land acquisition. The body is created to finance and operate a new public safety facility.

Fort Dodge roundup: Council acts on housing rehab, cameras, and joint public safety authority

Fort Dodge officials moved forward on neighborhood housing rehabilitation, approved technology contracts, and took steps toward a joint law enforcement center with Webster County in recent meetings. Minutes for all three meetings have not yet been published, so the following reflects agenda items as scheduled.

City Council — June 22

The City Council held a public hearing and voted on plans, specifications, and contracts for the CDBG Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Project. The council awarded two owner-occupied housing rehabilitation contracts totaling $54,978 to Factory Services: $22,580 for work at 210 2nd St NW and $32,398 for work at 1132 1st Ave NW.

The consent agenda included approvals for licenses, contracts, purchases, and resolutions covering property dispositions, a bridge grant application, and public hearings. Specific items listed:

• Third consideration of Ordinance 2415, amending Chapter 14.51 regarding Demolition and House Movers.
• Approval of a $34,000 camera system maintenance contract with Lumsden Technologies.
• Approval of a $332,093.02 payment to US Water Utility Group for work authorization.
• Setting public hearings for the N. 15th St Corridor Improvements and the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center Painting.

Fort Dodge Regional Special Airport Commission — June 26

The commission considered a $6,805.58 estimate from Lumsden Technologies for installing additional security cameras at the airport. Also on the agenda:

• Supplemental Amendment No. 6 to Lease DA-25-066-ENG-4546.
• Lease Amendment No. 2 to GSA Lease GS-06P-LIA31028.
• A request for military aerial support for the 1-194 Field Artillery BOSS Lift Event.

Public comments were invited.

City Council Special Meeting — June 30

The council voted on a resolution to approve the Articles of Incorporation for the Webster County Public Safety Authority. According to the agenda, this legal framework is intended to allow the City and County to jointly plan and construct a new law enforcement center to address current facility deficiencies. The authority would have the ability to select and acquire building sites and to construct, equip, and operate public buildings. Future actions were scheduled for July and August 2026.

Coming up

• **Board of Adjustment — July 7:** The board will review Case #1193, a request for a special exception to allow a 6-foot tall white vinyl privacy fence in a secondary front yard at 2205 20th Ave N. The fence is intended to separate the property from a new public trail in the N 22nd St right-of-way.

Note: Minutes for the June 22, June 26, and June 30 meetings had not been published as of this roundup. Items above reflect what was scheduled on each agenda; final vote outcomes may differ. Readers can consult the official city documents for authoritative records.

Fort Dodge Council Approves Joint Public Safety Authority for New Law Enforcement Center

The Fort Dodge City Council voted in a special session to establish a joint authority with Webster County for planning and building a new law enforcement center, advancing the most substantial public-safety infrastructure project on the city’s immediate horizon.

Special Council Session: Public Safety Authority

Meeting June 30, the council adopted a resolution approving the Articles of Incorporation for the Webster County Public Safety Authority. The body is designed to allow the city and county to jointly select building sites, acquire land, and construct, equip, and operate public buildings for law enforcement. According to the council agenda, future actions tied to the authority are expected in July and August.

June 22 City Council Meeting

The council awarded two owner-occupied housing rehabilitation contracts under the $1.5 million CDBG Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Project. Factory Services received a $22,580 contract for work at 210 2nd St NW and a $32,398 contract for 1132 1st Ave NW, for a combined $54,978.

In other business, the council moved forward with a third consideration of Ordinance 2415, which amends Chapter 14.51 of the city code governing demolition and house movers. The consent agenda included approval of a $34,000 camera system maintenance contract with Lumsden Technologies, a $332,093.02 payment to US Water Utility Group for a work authorization, and resolutions setting public hearings for the North 15th Street Corridor Improvements and the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center painting project. Dates for those hearings were not yet published.

Airport Commission: Cameras and Leases

The Fort Dodge Regional Airport Commission met June 26 and approved a $6,805.58 estimate from Lumsden Technologies to install additional security cameras. The commission also approved Supplemental Amendment No. 6 to Lease DA-25-066-ENG-4546 and Lease Amendment No. 2 to the GSA lease GS-06P-LIA31028. Members considered a request for military aerial support for a 1-194 Field Artillery BOSS Lift Event, though a decision was not specified in the agenda summary.

Coming up

The Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 7, to review Case #1193, a request for a special exception that would allow a 6-foot-tall white vinyl privacy fence at 2205 20th Ave N. The fence would separate the property from a new public trail in the N 22nd Street right-of-way. The meeting will be the only local government board session on the immediate calendar.