Mason City City Council Regular Meeting - July 18, 2023

The Mason City City Council held its regular meeting on July 18, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Public Library. Mayor Bill Schickle presided with Councilmembers Adams, Simmons, Yusheski, and Toma present (Councilmember Lee absent, quorum present). The meeting included a special award presentation, the city administrator's monthly report, multiple consent agenda items, and public hearings. All actions were approved unanimously.

Special Presentation

• John Fishbeck of the Jefferson Highway Association presented the Outstanding City Award to the Mayor and City Council for hosting the association's tenth annual conference in Mason City. The award recognized the city's warm welcome, use of the Historic Park Inn, Music Man Square, and the Public Library, as well as Mayor Schickle's proclamation of June 10 as "Drive the Jefferson Highway Day."

Consent Calendar (Items 3–7, 10–17)

• Minutes of the July 5, 2023 meeting approved.
• Claims dated July 6 and 13, 2023 approved.
• Permits approved.
• Reappointment of Patty Holmgaard-Ott to the Civil Service Commission approved.
• Appointment/hire of John Barlow as Water Distribution Operator approved.
• Job description for Mason City Police Department Community Service Officer (CSO) – pulled for separate vote (see Discussion Items).
• Resolution authorizing notice to bidders for remodeling of the Mason City Police Department – pulled for separate vote (see Discussion Items).
• Resolution awarding contract to WHKS & Co. for Sanitary Sewer CCTV Inspection – Phase 5 approved.
• Resolution awarding contract to Visu-Sewer, Inc. for Sanitary Sewer CCTV Phase 5 Project approved.
• Resolution awarding contract to Heartland Asphalt for East Park Band Shell Area Walking Trails repairs ($14,000 in capital improvement budget) approved.
• Resolution approving purchase of one Ironworker Fabrication Press from NAPA Auto Parts for Internal Service Division approved.
• Resolution approving standard specifications for Water and Sewer projects approved.
• Resolution approving contract with IEDA for Community Catalyst Building Remediation Program ($100,000 emergency grant) for 2 Artists, LLC at 2 South Adams Avenue (former YWCA) – includes development agreement approved.
• Resolution setting date for sale of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2023A, and General Obligation Local Option Sales Tax Bonds, Series 2023B (set for August 1, 2023, moved up from August 18) approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were offered during the public forum or the public hearing on the Highline Trail project. No attendees via Zoom or written comments were received.

Discussion Items

• Item 8 – Community Service Officer (CSO)
  • Chief Brinkley explained that the CSO position will replace the retired parking enforcement officer and serve as a "force multiplier" by handling traffic control, animal enforcement, parking enforcement, etc., freeing sworn officers for patrol. The position can also be offered as a part-time internship to NIAC criminal justice students as a recruitment tool. Councilmember Adams asked about pay for interns; Chief Brinkley noted negotiations with NIAC for possible differential hourly rates. The item was approved unanimously on a roll call vote (4-0).
• Item 9 – Police Department Remodel of Existing Facilities
  • Mayor Schickle noted the building has not had a major remodel in 45 years. Chief Brinkley described phases: upgrading locker rooms (including female officer facilities), evidence suite relocation, penthouse HVAC access improvements, briefing room, basement lift station equipment removal, conference room, fitness space, and restroom updates with new pex plumbing. Dana Thomas of Bergland Cram estimated a 12–15 month construction timeline starting fall 2023, with bids awarded September 5. Councilmember Yusheski asked about the "penthouse" term; it was clarified as the metal-paneled HVAC enclosure on the roof. Approved unanimously (4-0).
• Item 18 – Highline Trail Project
  • Public hearing held with no comments. The project includes adopting plans, specifications, and contract, and awarding to Bob McKiness Excavating & Grading, Inc. for $749,000 (funded by Destination Iowa grant and Local Option Sales Tax). City Administrator Aaron Roush said the project starts at 19th SE and connects to Phase 1 at 1st SE and from 4th NE to the new bike park. Completion date is October 27, 2023. Councilmember Adams asked for timeline; Mark (staff) noted Phase 1 grading done, bridge contractors starting footings, steel fabrications for railings have lead times of 8–10 weeks, and Phase 2 will pave Phase 1 surface – both expected to finish by end of October. Approved unanimously (4-0).
• Item 19 – Ordinance amending division of taxes for Forest Park Economic Development Area (Final) – Approved unanimously.
• Item 20 – Ordinance amending City Code Title 5, Chapter 3, Section 17 on charges for abating nuisance (2nd/Final) – Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items, separated items, and ordinances were approved with unanimous roll call votes (4-0). No motions failed or were amended.
• The City Administrator reported on several developments:
  • Two voluntary annexations: one for a new retail store near Lark Avenue and another for New Energy Blue and adjacent land in the industrial park.
  • Development review plans increased from 32 (year-to-date 2022) to 43 (2023), attributed to smaller projects and continued regional attractiveness.
  • Fireworks calls for 2023 totaled 109 as of July 18, the second lowest year on record; 13 warnings and 1 citation were issued.
  • The Eastbrook mitigation project held well during heavy rain (3–4 inches) in late June, with no complaints.
  • National Night Out is scheduled for August 1, 2023, from 5–8 PM at the arena, in partnership with Friends of the Family and Community Health Center.
  • A housing grant for the downtown west pilot program (downtown west neighborhood) is continuing, with applications available for owner-occupied and rental housing improvements.
• The Iowa DOT Commission will meet in North Iowa; staff will present on Highway 122 projects (Mercy and West sections) and advocate for Interstate 35 investment.
• Future work sessions: Highway 122 (August) and Destination Iowa (to brief council on significant expenditures/developments).