Altoona City Council Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Altoona City Council met on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included approval of an ordinance modernizing the city budget process, extensive discussion and public testimony on a conceptual affordable housing development on lots adjacent to the closed landfill in Windsor Forest, and approval of purchasing three sculptures for River Prairie Park. No final action was taken on the housing plan; the council directed staff to schedule a neighborhood meeting and conduct soil testing before further consideration.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the June 25, 2026 Regular Council Meeting (motion by Councilperson Lima, second by Councilperson Rowe; all ayes, one abstention).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Marilyn Norton (552 Windsor Forest Drive) expressed concern that the proposed small-home development would devalue her property.
• Andrew DeWilde (719 Windsor Forest Drive) asked about environmental concerns from construction on landfill-adjacent land, school district impact, and whether the city would assume liability for contaminated soil.
• Nancy Walker (901 Woodglen Court) raised concerns about parking congestion on Saxonwood Road and suggested larger lots.
• Craig Johnson (local resident) questioned the wisdom of building next to a closed landfill and pointed to undeveloped land elsewhere (Cottagewood Lane) as an alternative.
• Brandon Cedar Blade (551 Saxonwood) requested a neighborhood meeting before any decision, noting many residents were unaware of the proposal. He asked about liability if contaminated soil is uncovered and suggested third-party soil verification.
• Mike Bell (535 Saxonwood) raised concerns about remediation costs, health/safety, water supply, and police presence at nearby apartments.
• Diane Kenudson (536 Saxonwood) worried about property value impacts and questioned the definition of "affordable."
• Dan Trankler (Windsor Forest area) cited an environmental expert's recommendation not to build within 1,000–1,500 feet of a dump, opposed the plan, and demanded better resident notification.
• Paul (1643 Old English Road) argued that 42-foot lots with 6-foot side setbacks create trailer-park-like density and lack storage space for boats/campers.
• Angela Krauss Kukda (1643 Old English Road) noted that the neighborhood was promised a park when she bought in 2004, which never materialized. She emphasized the value of the existing wooded space for wildlife and community interaction, and urged the city to prioritize a park over housing. She also requested early and clear notification of future meetings.
• Lauren Bach (512 Saxonwood) expressed confusion over the definition of affordable housing, noted that children in nearby apartments use the forest as a play area, and warned that college students could rent these small homes, creating parking and noise issues.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 7A-26 – Budget Process Amendment: City Administrator Michael Golott presented the ordinance to align the budget process with the city's practice of borrowing every two years for capital projects. The ordinance allows a two-year capital budget (starting in 2027) with amendments as needed. After brief questions, the council approved unanimously.
• Conceptual Plan for Lots Around the Landfill (Windsor Forest): Planning Director Taylor Greenwell presented a revised phase-one plan with 16 single-family homes on a woonerf (low-traffic shared street) off Saxonwood Road. Homes would have a maximum footprint of 1,200 square feet, front porches, and garages that cannot extend beyond the porch. Lot sizes about 42 feet wide by 70 feet deep. Infrastructure estimated at $263,000 (excluding stormwater). Lots would be sold directly to end-users (not developers) to keep costs low, with affordability achieved through smaller lots and homes, not income restrictions or land trusts. Council discussed parking (no on-street parking), visitor parking, garage size, basements, lot coverage, and covenant enforcement. Some council members favored consistency in design, while others wanted flexibility. Mayor Brendan Pratt and Councilperson Beeran highlighted the city's strategic goal to provide more affordable housing (not low-income) and noted the challenge for young families and seniors to find homes under $400,000. The consensus was to hold a neighborhood meeting and conduct soil boring tests before proceeding.
• Purchase of Three Sculptures for River Prairie Park: Mayor Pratt announced that artist Greg Johnson offered three remaining sculptures for $6,000 total. He noted the sculptures enhance the park's aesthetic and attract visitors. The council approved the purchase (motion by Councilperson Beeran, second by Councilperson Zilmer) and directed staff to prepare a budget amendment. Councilperson Stuart noted his 49th wedding anniversary, and the council celebrated Dale Stewart's 80th birthday.

Key Outcomes

• Ordinance 7A-26 approved unanimously (voice vote).
• Landfill housing plan: No vote; council directed staff to schedule a neighborhood meeting with ample notice (mailings, email lists) and to conduct soil boring tests on the site before any further action.
• Sculpture purchase: Approved (voice vote) with direction to prepare a budget amendment for $6,000.