The Council Bluffs City Council met on August 25, 2025, to discuss the city's credit rating, approve bond sales, address a civil service hiring waiver, and advance the East Manoa phase one housing project. A presentation on a proposed OHV park was also given. The meeting included multiple public hearings and resolutions. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda as presented. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were offered during the public hearings. All hearings were opened and closed with no testimony. Discussion Items - Moody's Credit Rating & Bond Sale: Financial advisor John presented the city's Moody's credit rating analysis. The city holds a double A2 rating, with a scorecard indicating double A1, suggesting upward pressure. The city's strong fund balances, low debt burden, and rapid debt repayment were highlighted. The bond sale for Series A (GO bonds, $5.205 million to Robert W. Baird at 3.0933% TIC) and Series B (GO bonds, $2.21 million to Piper Sandler at 4.1865% TIC) received nine bids each, with broad geographic interest. - Civil Service Waiver (Resolution 25-215): Staff requested a one-year renewal of a waiver for civil service hiring procedures for the utility worker position. Council members expressed concern about watering down civil service but noted the waiver expedites hiring when lists are quickly exhausted. The waiver was approved with the understanding that it will be reevaluated. - RFP Disqualification Language (Resolution 5G): Discussion centered on adding language to RFPs prohibiting communication with bidders outside the formal process. The city attorney clarified that this protects the integrity of the process and prevents improper influence. Council members discussed the need for transparency and the ability to receive public concerns. The language was adopted as part of the RFP. - Background Screening Amendment: Councilmember Jill proposed an amendment to Resolution 25-219 requiring contractors to use an employment background screening service. The amendment failed for lack of a second. The original motion was then approved. - OHV Park Proposal: A representative from River Valley Trail Riders, along with Butch, presented a plan to reopen the former OHV park on the wet side of the levee, with potential expansion onto city-owned land. The proposal is in three phases, with no cost to the city, and Pottawatomie County would manage the site. The council received the presentation and asked questions; a councilmember requested a follow-up meeting. Key Outcomes - Approved: Resolution 25-209 (alley sewer reconstruction), 25-210 (pump station generator), 25-211A (Series A bond sale to Robert W. Baird), 25-211B (Series B bond sale to Piper Sandler), 25-212 (East Manoa subdivision final plat), 25-213 (development agreement with OER LLC), 25-214 (water/sewer lien schedule), 25-215 (civil service waiver), 25-216 (Trolley Park playground improvements contract), 25-217 (PR1 planned residential development plan), 25-218 (reject all submissions for East Manoa phase one), 25-219 (minimum development requirements and RFP for East Manoa phase one), and 25-180 (deny reconsideration of Sedback Homes). - Failed: Amendment to Resolution 25-219 requiring background screening (no second). - Next Steps: The East Manoa phase one RFP will be issued with a public hearing set for October 6, 2025. The OHV park proposal will be further discussed with the county and state agencies.