Mason City Council Regular Meeting - March 7, 2023

The Mason City Council met on March 7, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library. All seven council members were present. The meeting covered a consent agenda with multiple routine items, separate votes on hiring police officers and a facade grant, public hearings on bonding, a downtown row house development, property conveyance, and historic preservation ordinance changes, and final action on a vacant building registration ordinance. One member of the public spoke during the public forum and later during discussion on Item 22.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of February 21, 2023 (regular) and February 16, 2023 (work session).
• Approved claims dated February 23 and March 2, 2023.
• Approved permits.
• Accepted the January 2023 Financial Report, noting revenue ahead of pace midway through the fiscal year.
• Approved appointment of Brent Honken as Park Maintenance Worker.
• Approved resolution levying assessments for charges on certain properties to be collected with property taxes (later voted separately as Item 8).
• Approved resolution to purchase an upgraded SCDA System Software from Automatic Systems Co. ($89,000) for the Water Reclamation Facility.
• Approved resolution and bond for the High Line Trail Project ($641,000), funded by local option sales tax and a grant, completion by July 28, 2023.
• Approved resolution accepting work and ordering final payment for the Monroe Avenue Street and Utility Rehabilitation Project ($2.6 million, funded by road use tax and grant).
• Approved resolution authorizing notice to bidders for the 2023 Pavement Marking Program, with a public hearing set for April 4, 2023.
• Approved resolution authorizing an IDOT agreement for the Winnebago Way/12th Street NE Street and Utility Rehabilitation Project ($1.9 million, federal grant plus city funds).
• Approved resolution establishing the Building Renovation and Life Safety–Business Creation/Expansion Grant (BuRLS-BCE) program for downtown buildings, including assistance for Mason City Brewing expansion.
• Approved resolution authorizing bid process and public hearing for sale of 313 South Louisiana Avenue (hearing April 4, 2023).
• Approved resolution authorizing a Special Façade Grant for 13 and 15 North Federal Avenue (initially on consent, but later voted separately as Item 16).
• Approved resolution to accept and participate in a settlement of opioid epidemic claims.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Tierney (commercial property owner) spoke during the public forum on Item 22 (vacant building registration). He expressed concerns that the ordinance adds an unnecessary hurdle for property owners, who already pay taxes, insurance, and upkeep. He objected to the requirement that properties be listed for no more than 125% of assessed value (later corrected to 150%), argued the city cannot dictate sale or lease prices, and stated the ordinance discourages property investment and community growth.
• Later, during council discussion on Item 22, Councilman Mason yielded time to Mr. Tierney, who reiterated his objection to the valuation cap, stating commercial property values fluctuate based on tenants and that the city should not control pricing. He noted that only 1 of 12 commercial properties for sale currently falls under 152% of assessed value.

Discussion Items

• Item 7 – Hiring of Police Officers: The council approved hiring Jacob Beaulieu, Justin Lardy, and Boston Draper as police officers at $29.28/hour. Chief of Police stated that after this hire, the department would have 40 of 48 positions filled. Recruitment continues with two more candidates pending background checks; a new test cycle expected in April.
• Item 8 – Assessment Resolution: Councilman Yesheski asked about the process for unpaid assessments. Staff clarified the resolution certifies liens on properties, collected like property taxes, ensuring eventual payment. The council approved the resolution.
• Item 16 – Special Façade Grant: This grant supports restoration of facades at 13 North Federal Avenue (Denise Schupick) and 15 North Federal Avenue (Jason and Nicole Geving). Maximum city contribution is $70,000 (60% of cost). Council discussion: Councilman Adams questioned the value of cosmetic improvements for property valuation. Staff noted that such improvements often increase assessed value and that the grant is a one-time program, though future opportunities may arise. Councilman Lee recalled a past 90/10 CDBG grant that restored eight buildings. Councilman Yesheski noted the window exposure will enable future upper-story use. The council approved 6–1 (Adams opposed).
• Item 18 – Bonding for Capital Projects: Public hearing on resolutions A/B/C/D for General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds (Series 2023) totaling up to $9.4 million for police, fire, airport, street, and other capital improvements. No public comments. Councilman Adams asked about legislative impacts on tax increment financing (TIF). Staff discussed potential restrictions on urban renewal projects in the Iowa House but believed the bill would not advance or affect current plans. The council approved the resolutions unanimously.
• Item 19 – Downtown Row House Development: Public hearing on purchase, sale, and development agreement with Federal Ave Rowhomes, LLC for 12 row houses on a city parking lot (Second and Federal). Designed for workforce housing. No public comments. Approved unanimously.
• Item 20 – Property Conveyance: Resolution to convey previously vacated public property (Lot 10, Block 25, College Addition) to Deborah Schmidt as executor of the Larry P. Harrington Estate via quit claim deed. No public comments. Approved unanimously.
• Item 21 – Historic Preservation Ordinance (First Reading): Two ordinances: (a) amending Title 2, Chapter 12 (Historic Preservation Commission) to add a definition and clarify powers; (b) amending Title 12, Chapter 13 (Z5 Central Business District) to revise interpretation standards. The changes provide more flexibility for non-contributing buildings while protecting historically significant ones. Councilman Adams asked for a recap: the ordinance was prompted by controversies over painting historic buildings. Now, changes to contributing buildings, individually listed properties, and properties on Federal Avenue from the plaza to 4th Street must be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission; other buildings in the district have more freedom. Staff will inform property owners via Main Street newsletter and targeted mailings after adoption. Both ordinances passed first reading unanimously.
• Item 22 – Vacant Building Registration (Final Reading): Ordinance amending the Building Code (Title 10) to add Article K: Vacant Building Registration. Key provisions: Registration required for buildings vacant for 120 days that are not secured, code-compliant, or not marketed/rehabbed/demolished within specified timeframes. Exemptions are available if the property is listed for sale at or below 150% of assessed value (or with a realtor opinion/appraisal), under active rehabilitation (nine months for demo), or secured with inspections. Registration fees: $250 first year, $500 second year, $750 third year. Council debated concerns from the public and members about property rights and valuation caps. Staff clarified the cap only affects exemption eligibility, not sale price. Councilman Adams questioned legal challenges; staff confirmed ordinance was reviewed by an outside attorney. Councilman Simmons noted the ordinance targets blighted buildings, not all commercial properties. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance as final.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously (all items not separately voted).
• Item 7 – Police Hiring: Approved unanimously (voice vote).
• Item 8 – Assessment Resolution: Approved unanimously (roll call: all aye).
• Item 16 – Facade Grant: Approved 6–1 (Adams opposed).
• Item 18 – Bond Resolutions: Approved unanimously (roll call: all aye).
• Item 19 – Row House Agreement: Approved unanimously (roll call: all aye).
• Item 20 – Property Conveyance: Approved unanimously (roll call: all aye).
• Item 21 (a and b) – Historic Preservation Ordinances (First Reading): Both approved unanimously (roll call: all aye).
• Item 22 – Vacant Building Ordinance (Final Reading): Approved unanimously (roll call: all aye).
• All council members present voted; Mayor Bill Schickle presided.