October 9, 2026
City Council Updates & Correspondence
- Council approved the appointment of City Manager Lee Geertz as Interim City Clerk while the city conducts a search for a permanent replacement.
- Council approved several annual notices that are required by state regulations or city code, including:
-
- Fall Cemetery Cleanup Notice
- Open Burning Regulations
- Mobile Home Water Meter Winterization Notice
- Project Share Program Notice
- Grain Bin Safety Notice
-
- City Engineer Lenny Larson provided a detailed update on the East 6th Street & Water utility projects. Recent progress include:
-
-
Water main installation from Spencer Street to Columbus Street has been completed and is now in service.
- Crews are continuing service line work and preparing to extend installation farther east.
- Several lead service lines have been identified and may need replacement under updated Iowa DNR regulations.
- Boring operations will be used between Columbus and Miller Streets to avoid conflicts with newly installed gas and electric infrastructure.
- Utility work is expected to continue over the next 6 to 8 weeks.
- Street paving is planned for spring 2027 rather than late fall to avoid weather-related issues and unnecessary disruption. Residents should also be aware that portions of the south sidewalk along East 6th Street will remain closed through the winter while utility and grading work continues.
- Design plans for the West Main Water Loop project will be submitted to city staff this week for review. Final plans are expected to be submitted to the Iowa DNR later this fall, with bidding anticipated in early 2027. The project will improve water system reliability and help prepare for future growth.
- As part of a citywide water system analysis, hydrant testing will take place over the coming weeks as engineers calibrate the city’s water model and evaluate future infrastructure needs.
- The city’s lead service line inventory project is nearly complete. With new federal and state requirements, the city plans to conduct verification work next summer and will continue exploring future funding opportunities that could help offset the cost of replacing any remaining lead service lines.
- Recent heavy rains have highlighted ongoing challenges within the sanitary sewer system. Larson discussed a long-term study that would help identify areas where stormwater and groundwater are entering the sewer system and develop a 10-year improvement strategy.
-
-
- Councilmember Shiltz provided an update from the Personnel Committee regarding the search for a new City Clerk. More than 150 applications were received, with five local candidates being identified for initial interviews scheduled later this month. Council members emphasized the importance of finding a long-term candidate who is willing to pursue municipal clerk certification.
- City Manager Lee Geertz shared information from the Iowa League of Cities Conference, with topics including data center development, tax reform legislation, and urban renewal and TIF changes. Geertz noted that communities are evaluating ordinances to prepare for future development opportunities and regulatory changes.
- Residents were reminded that the University of Iowa Mobile Health Clinic will be held on October 17 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM.
- Early voting opportunities will be available at the West Liberty Public Library on October 18 and October 25 with voter registration assistance available through community partners.
What the Council Approved
- Council approved the Beer & Liquor Licenses for:
-
- Ownership updates for Casey’s Alcohol License and Tobacco Permit
- Wink’s Bar & Grill
-
- Council approved event assistance and street closure requests for:
-
- West Liberty Community School District’s Comet Classic – October 10
- West Liberty Chamber of Commerce Holiday Open House – November 21-22
-
- Council approved a proposal from Crawford Company to replace a rooftop HVAC unit serving City Administration.
- Council approved temporary public hours for City Administration during October due to staffing shortages and training needs. City Manager Lee Geertz emphasized that City Staff will continue to be available by phone and email during regular business hours to assist residents, process utility payments, and perform other administrative duties. The change is temporary and will be reevaluated as staffing levels improve. Council also discussed improving phone accessibility and promoting the City’s online utility portal for easier access.
Looking Ahead…
- October 20th, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. Work Session
- October 20th, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. Council Meeting
For more information, check out:
City Council Meeting – City Council Video