March 4, 2026
City Council Updates & Correspondence
- City Manager Geertz gave Council an update on the ongoing efforts to re-establish its TIF district. This enables continued funding for key programs such as downtown revitalization grants, WeLead support, and administrative costs tied to urban renewal. The City hopes to complete reauthorization within the next few months due to potential legislative changes at the state level.
- The Wastewater Treatment department advised that UV treatment will be scheduled to start the 15th. Additionally, Council was able to congratulate employee Jerry Kruse for achieving his Grade 4 Certification, which is significant for future staffing transitions.
- The Parks & Recreation Board reviewed the current Kimberly Park pool facility updates needed, past facility studies, and input from staff and City engineers on the 2026 Pool season.
- Individual Council Member updates included:
- Meeting with WeLead Director Phil Wiese to discuss city development ideas
- Outreach to West Liberty Foods regarding their emergency protocols
- Muscatine County Emergency Management memo regarding recent legislative issues
- Resident concerns about increased speeding on 3rd & 8th Street, with encouragement for more police visibility throughout town
- Several business complaints about late utility bill notices due to postal service delays, with a recommendation that citizens use drop boxes or online payments
- A resident complaint about weeds and streetlights that was relayed to the City Manager
What the Council Approved
- Council accepted the official resignation of Police Chief Houser with praise for his leadership and service to the community. Chief stated that he would like to thank his officers, the community, and City staff for their support during his time here and he believes the department will be in good hands.
- Council approved a recommendation by both City staff and engineers to temporarily close Kimberly Park Pool for the 2026 season. Council reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing this quality-of-life amenity for the community with an emphasis on ongoing communication with residents. (More information will be provided in a following announcement)
- Council approved the conditions for transferring an ambulance title so the new EMS/fire agency can qualify for Medicare/Medicaid billing. Federal certifiers require at least one ambulance to be under agency ownership prior to approval.
Project & Service Updates
- Council approved setting the bid process for Phase 1 of baseline improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant. With a focus on compliancy and reliability, the project includes pump replacements, aeration upgrades, and rectifying bottlenecks. The bid opening with be April 9th with a projected completion date of November 2027.
- Council approved the bid from Triple B Construction for the full reconstruction of 6th Street from Columbus to Corn Street. Underground utilities (water, sewer) are included with electric relocation handled separately in a later bid. City Manager Geertz praised the high local interest, stating that there were 7 bidders on this project.
- Council accepted BHMG’s preliminary design for the East 6th Street electrical upgrade and set a future public hearing.
Looking Ahead…
- March 7, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. Work Session on Upcoming City Budget
- March 17, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. Council Meeting
- Downtown banner design review and cost quotes in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce
- Budget amendments
- Library roof repair funding
- Additional public hearings for wastewater and electric projects
For more information, check out the City Council Meeting video here: City Council Video.