Altoona City Council Regular Meeting - July 10, 2025

The Altoona City Council held a regular meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 5:00 PM. The Council approved the establishment of a Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), authorized a contract amendment for the River Prairie Townhome Project, accepted the 2024 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, and granted initial approval for liquor licenses for a new downtown business.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A representative of Fairway Capital addressed the Council during the Citizens Participation period. He expressed concern over the classification of his promotional banners under the city's temporary signage rules, which he noted usually have a 60-day limit. He argued these signs are an integral part of his business for marketing short-term housing and should be treated similarly to real estate signs, which are permitted. He asked the Council to consider allowing exceptions for business promotion in the ongoing ordinance rewrite, stating the banners led to a "tremendous influx and uptick" in revenue.

Discussion Items

• Reports and Container Park Update: City Administrator Michael Golot reported the Container Park opening date of July 26. He discussed budget struggles, noting a surprise $20,000 cost for electrical hookups of air handling units, leaving the project approximately $40,000 under budget. Shade structures for the concrete space have been ordered. The July 24 Council meeting time was moved to 5:00 PM.
• Resolution 7A-25 (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report): Dan from CLA presented the audit, stating it was completed a month earlier than the prior year. The review covered fund performances, the closure of ARPA funds in 2024, status of TIDs 3 and 4, and utility rate increases. The Council approved the resolution to close the books of account for 2024 and accept the report.
• Tom Toy Contract Amendment (River Prairie Townhomes Phase 2): The Council approved an amendment to the sales agreement to reduce the total units from 12 to 10. The units will be single-story, senior-focused, and accessible. The developer required this written approval before proceeding with full engineering and the approval process (GIB SIP). A condition of the approval requires the developer to provide a solution to the parking overflow issue.
• Ordinance 7A-25 (Downtown Outdoor Refreshment Area - DORA): City staff presented the ordinance to establish a DORA district in downtown Altoona to enhance community engagement, particularly for the Container Park. The district permits consumption of fermented malt beverages, wine, and liquor within designated boundaries from 11 AM to 10 PM daily. Carry-ins are prohibited. Council members raised concerns about enforcement of boundaries and potential public safety issues. Staff responded they will take a permissive approach initially, utilizing signage and police presence, and will rescind the district if it creates significant problems. The ordinance was approved.
• Liquor Licenses (Iron Horse Pub): The Council approved the Class "B" Retailer's license (fermented malt beverages) and Class "C" Retailer's license (wine) for Iron Horse Pub, represented by Mark Anderson. The approval is contingent on the Plan Commission approving a Conditional Use Permit.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes of the June 26, 2025, regular meeting. (Councilmember Leopold abstained).
• Approved the Consent Agenda (Library Board appointments).
• Approved Resolution 7A-25 (2024 Audit).
• Approved the Tom Toy contract amendment for Phase 2 River Prairie Townhomes.
• Approved Ordinance 7A-25 establishing a DORA District.
• Approved the Iron Horse Pub liquor licenses (contingent on CUP approval).
• Adjourned at 6:37 PM.