Grinnell City Council Regular Session Meeting - October 19, 2026

The Grinnell City Council held its regular session meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers and via Zoom. Mayor Cox presided with Councilmembers Carter, Cox, Hueftle-Worley, Hart, and Smith present; Councilmember Wray was absent. The meeting lasted 21 minutes, adjourning at 7:21 PM. All votes were unanimous (5-0). The council conducted a public hearing, approved multiple resolutions and agreements, and reviewed financial and planning reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the October 5, 2026 regular session meeting.
• Reviewed Campbell Fund requests.

Public Hearings

• Proposal to enter into a Development Agreement with 4th Avenue LLC: The Mayor opened the public hearing at 7:00 PM. No written or oral objections were filed. The public hearing was closed unanimously (5-0).

Discussion Items

• Amended payment schedule for Karma Hospitality/Holiday Inn Development Agreement: The council discussed a request to adjust the payment schedule (seeking 50% upfront instead of four incremental payments). No formal action was taken; staff was directed to keep the original four incremental payments as recommended by the City Manager.
• September Financial, Investment and Treasurers Reports: The reports were reviewed. Councilmember Smith asked for clarification on approximately $27,000 in library furnishings (funded by a gift), and requested more detailed coding for future reports. No action was taken.
• Rough draft of Fiscal Year 2028 Tax Increment Financing Indebtedness Certification: The draft was reviewed. Staff explained that due to state property tax growth caps, the certification will be set close to the previous year’s amount to ensure the city achieves the allowed two percent growth. The certification covers bond payments, capital projects, and development obligations. No action was taken; further review will occur at upcoming meetings.
• First draft of Fiscal Year 2028-2034 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): The council reviewed the seven-year plan. Staff noted it is heavily focused on streets and parks (particularly Arbor Lake and Lake Nianza work) and estimated 90–95% completion given current staffing and financial capacity. The first two years are fully funded. No action was taken.
• List of abandoned and dilapidated properties: The Planning Committee reviewed 37 properties identified by the code enforcement officer. Discussion emphasized early intervention and the challenges of condemnation. Councilmembers expressed support for the enforcement efforts. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-149 – Approved a Development Agreement between the City of Grinnell and 4th Avenue LLC (5-0).
• Resolution 2026-150 – Approved a Second Amendment to the Agreement for Private Development with Langhals Enterprises LLC and K&M Tire, Inc. (5-0).
• Engagement for Labor and Employment Legal Services – Approved an agreement with Ahler and Cooney (5-0).
• Tree Inventory/Data Collection and Management Plan – Approved an agreement with JEO Consulting for professional services on City-owned property (5-0). The service is fully grant-funded.
• Sidewalk Repair/Replacement Bid – Approved a bid from Pour Boy in the amount of $19,655.25 for qualified Campbell Fund recipients (5-0).
• Right-of-Way Agreement with Kinetic – Approved for work on Zimmerman Drive (5-0).
• Resolution 2026-151 – Approved an intergovernmental transfer of public funds agreement with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (5-0).
• Resolution 2026-152 – Approved a provider participation agreement with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Iowa Medical Enterprise Ground Emergency Medical Transportation (GEMT) uncompensated cost prospective payment program (5-0).