May 9, 2025
Your up-to-date news source on City Council meetings!
- Council approved the Beer & Liquor Licenses for the following establishments:
- Three B’s Floral
- Arty’s Sunny Side Café
- Council heard a presentation from Staci Griffin from Iowa Municipalities Workers’ Compensation Association (IMWCA) regarding major improvements made to the City’s safety culture. The City previously had high-level safety concerns but has spent the last two years implementing policies and training programs to reduce risk and foster a safe working environment. Griffin emphasized that “safety does not have a finish line” and encouraged continued efforts, while giving kudos to the digitization of the City’s Incident Reporting System. Mayor Pro-Tem McFerren and Mayor Smith also expressed appreciation for the Safety Committee’s work.
- City Engineer Leo Foley gave updates on the Evans Avenue Sewer project as well as the ongoing Well #2 project. In addition, he reported that the Water and Sewer Rate Study has been completed and will move to the City for implementation.
- The Building & Grounds committee, comprised of Mayor Pro-Tem McFerren and Councilmember Martinez, shared updates on their recent meeting concerning the new City Administration Building. Roof repairs are currently being prioritized, and the committee seeks community input on renting classrooms for meetings and public use. Councilmember Martinez proposed a possible Open House in June for community engagement and staff introductions.
- Council heard public comments including:
- Phil Wiese, introducing himself as the new executive director of WELEAD. He reported working on multiple grants for the downtown area, and encouraged community members to visit his office anytime.
- Councilmember Martinez reported families’ concerns about speeding near the 4-way stop by Friendship Park, with Police Chief Houser agreeing to increase patrols in the area.
- Councilmember Josh Shiltz discussed Smart Utilities with community member Joshua Jackson.
- Council approved the Event Assistance applications for the following organizations:
- Goshen Gladiators 4-H Club Fun Run (July 13, 2025)
- Latinos Unidos Festival (September 13, 2025)
- Council approved the staggered term limits for the Fire Agency Board for the following members:
- Bob Dewar for a 1-year term
- Melody Russell for a 2-year term
- Councilmember Tim Parizek for a 3-year term
- Council supported staff’s recommendation to select ISG as the new engineering firm for the City.
- Council approved the following Resolutions:
- Amendments to the City’s Rules of Procedure and Conduct.
- Amendments to the Fee Appendix Schedule (Fire Department – 28e, effective July 1, 2025)
- Amendments to the Fee Appendix Schedule (Library)
- Authorizing the City to use the debt levy balance for expenditures
- Approving a new Administration Policy for Parks and Recreation Fee Refunds and Reimbursements
- Mayor Smith distributed evaluation documents for the City Manager, due by May 31, 2025
Looking Ahead…
- Honoring a City employee for years of service.
- Discussing bond information related to the term sheet approved this meeting.
- Approving a Library Board appointee.
- Holding a Work Session to present the Water and Sewer Rate Study information.