Altoona City Council Meeting - May 28, 2026

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting included a citizen participation period, approval of minutes, departmental reports, and four new business items. All actions were approved unanimously.

Public Comments

• Randall Walmer addressed the council regarding tax assessment errors at the apartment complex on 11th Street and North Hillcrest Parkway (Cottagewood Lane properties). He reported that after his initial concerns in March, he contacted Accurate Assessors and discovered that the second story of the properties had not been included in assessments, leading to all 18 units being underassessed. He estimated that the city missed approximately $35,000–$40,000 in property taxes in the last year. The second assessor acknowledged the mistake and noted that it would be up to the city to pursue back taxes under state statute. Mayor Pratt responded that the city had contacted assessor Megan Bickford, who was helpful. Walmer expressed satisfaction with the resolution and acknowledged that mistakes happen.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes (May 14, 2026): Approved unanimously.

• Departmental Reports:

  • Public Works reported on the cleanup and tent setup at the park yard, successful grand opening (second busiest day), and events like Salsa Night and Cinco de Mayo.
  • The solar array at Public Safety went online, producing about $50/day at 10 cents/kWh, offsetting roughly 50% of the building's electricity usage.
  • Third Street bike trail concrete curb cuts to be installed the week of June 8, with asphalt paving the week of June 15. Street construction (Gloaty) pavement removal next week, binder by end of June, project completion by July.
  • Seal coating and crack sealing underway.

• New Business #1: Ordinance 5B-26 – Salaries of Mayor and City Council: The ordinance amends Section 2.08.045 of the Altoona Municipal Code. Currently the mayor receives $7,200/year and council members $3,000/year; the ordinance raises both by $1,500. Increases take effect after the next election (mayor not running again). Staff noted the raise is overdue and compares favorably to other municipalities. The ordinance passed unanimously.

• New Business #2: Contract with Chippewa Habitat for Humanity for Safe Steps Home Improvements: Julian Emerson (Grant and Housing Program Manager) presented the contract. Habitat will provide critical home repairs (saving homeowners 40–50% on average due to reduced labor) and yard cleanup (up to $500 per property after police notification of noncompliance). Habitat waived an operations fee. The contract designates Habitat as the preferred contractor. Council discussed how noncompliance is determined (based on existing ordinance regarding junk) and potential challenges in outreach. The contract was approved unanimously. Executive Director Phil (of Habitat) expressed excitement and noted they have volunteers ready.

• New Business #3: Awarding Bid for Multi-Building Hailstorm Repairs: The low bidder was CNA Custom Contractors at $287,000, well under insurance estimates. All costs are 100% reimbursable by insurance minus a $1,000 deductible. The project includes multiple buildings (including a salt dome). Work will be phased, with completion expected this year. Bid awarded unanimously (Councilperson Beeren abstained).

• New Business #4: Acceptance of TAP Grant and Approval of Design/Planning Costs for Spooner Ave Pedestrian Bridge Replacement: The city was selected for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. Design fees (estimated ~$200,000) are not reimbursable. City Engineer Christian Hubert plans to pursue a design-bid approach to save costs. The grant covers 80% of construction (estimated $891,000 total, local share $178,000). The project is in the two-year capital budget with $100,000 in 2027 and $100,000 in 2028 for design/environmental review, and construction anticipated in 2029–2030. Council directed staff to accept the grant and adjust the capital improvement budget. Motion approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of May 14, 2026 (unanimous).
• Approved Ordinance 5B-26 raising mayor and council salaries by $1,500 each (unanimous).
• Approved contract with Chippewa Habitat for Humanity for Safe Steps Home Improvements (unanimous).
• Awarded hailstorm repair bid to CNA Custom Contractors for $287,000 (unanimous with one abstention).
• Accepted TAP grant and adjusted capital budget for Spooner Ave Pedestrian Bridge design and planning (unanimous).

Miscellaneous Business

• Mayor Pratt reported attending a meeting about data center development in Menominee, noting concerns about transparency and the need for full community information. He mentioned that Momentum West has launched an informational page, and a regional discussion may occur in August. City Administrator Taylor will begin work on specific zoning for data centers. The council briefly discussed energy usage, water usage, and diesel generator pollution, but the discussion was curtailed as not on the agenda.
• Public Works was commended for cleaning up Edgewood after the last meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:39 PM.