Mason City Council Regular Meeting and State of the City Address - January 2, 2024

The City Council met on January 2, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Public Library. The meeting began with roll call, adoption of the agenda, and the Mayor's State of the City address, followed by regular business including consent agenda items, a public hearing, and action items.

Mayor's State of the City Address

• Mayor Bill Schickle reported on economic growth, including the opening of Chick-fil-A (construction starts spring 2024), Old Navy, Five Below, and Ross Dress for Less. A $125 million five-year capital improvement plan includes reconstruction of Highway 122 West and Highway 65 South. Sales tax revenues are at record levels.
• New Energy Freedom is partnering with Dow to build a $350 million biofuel refinery, creating 100 jobs, with groundbreaking in early 2024 and operations in 2025.
• Property taxes decreased by nearly 2% on average. The city's $82 million budget is down $14 million from the previous year, with average annual budget increases of 2% below the Midwest CPI.
• A local coalition raised $1 million for a $2/hour wage increase for child care workers, addressing the 44% unfilled child care positions in Cerro Gordo County.
• Crime decreased 9% over the last year with an 8% increase in arrests, despite police shortages. A five-year trend shows decreasing crime.
• New recreation: The Highline Trail was named one of the five best new trails in the U.S. Construction begins spring 2024 on Destination Iowa Park bike park and the Riverwalk. A new kayak launch and historic Scripro Trail opened in 2023.
• Renovations to police and fire headquarters are underway. A new $13 million airport terminal (mostly FAA-grant funded) will open in summer 2024.
• National recognition for the Historic Park Inn and Music Man Square, featured in PBS documentaries.
• Mayor highlighted the importance of community partnerships and the "River City way" of dialogue.

Consent Calendar

• The council approved the consent agenda (items 2-11) with the exception of items 7, 10, and 11, which were discussed separately. The consent agenda included: approval of December 19, 2023 minutes; claims for December 21 and 28, 2024; permits; appointment of Matthew Smith as Code Enforcement Officer (Grade I, Step 6, $29.79/hour); resolution for temporary closure of public ways for block parties; resolution adopting the City Council Final Policy Agenda Work Plan for 2024-2025 (item 7); resolution approving property owner application under the 2023 Downtown West HOME Pilot Program; resolution accepting work for 2022-2023 Sanitary Sewer Repairs; resolution for competitive disposition of property (item 10); and resolution approving a license agreement with Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board (item 11). Motion carried unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During the public forum (for agenda items), no members of the public sought to speak.
• During the public hearing on item 12 (zoning change), Jacqueline Arthur (Laird Law Firm, representing the applicant) spoke in support of rezoning from Z4 Multi-Use to Z6-R Restricted Industry for property at 43rd Street SW and South Washington Avenue. She stated the request aligns with the comprehensive plan and smart growth principles, and was unanimously recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
• Chad Shrek (North Iowa Corridor Economic Development) also expressed support, noting the project would bring jobs and investment. The end user is confidential, but the use is a 50,000 sq ft warehouse facility that will not produce noise, light, or odor issues.

Discussion Items

• Item 7 – Resolution adopting City Council Final Policy Agenda Work Plan for 2024-2025: Councilman Latham highlighted the need to focus on housing, noting that while apartments are doing well, more housing built through contractor involvement is needed. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Item 10 – Resolution for disposition of property in Urban Renewal Area (50-foot lot on Central Heights): Councilman Yasheski asked about alternative uses for the lot. City staff explained the lot could potentially be used for housing but the likelihood of building a house is low due to size. The bidding process allows the city to accept bids deemed in the public interest, not necessarily the highest. Staff noted ongoing efforts to reactivate lots for housing through partnerships. The council approved the resolution authorizing competitive bidding, with Tracy D. Nicholson and Charity N. Nicholson as the initial applicants.
• Item 11 – License agreement with Cerro Gordo County Conservation Board for trail connection through Pruess Nature Area: Councilman Simmons expressed concern about trail alignment crossing Illinois Avenue, fearing bikers might go straight across the hill rather than using the designated crossing. Staff explained the alignment was chosen to preserve trees and prairie, in consultation with county conservation, and similar crossings are installed elsewhere. The council approved the agreement unanimously.
• Item 12 – Ordinance amending zoning to Z6-R Restricted Industry (first reading): The public hearing was held with testimony in support. Councilman Adams asked about the confidentiality of the end user; Jacqueline Arthur confirmed they cannot yet disclose the user but the project will not generate nuisances. The council passed the first reading unanimously.
• Item 13 – Ordinance for zoning change to Z6-O Open Industry for annexed land (final reading): Councilman Yasheski asked if there were any public objections; staff reported none. The final reading was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved with items 7, 10, 11 voted separately.
• Resolution adopting the 2024-2025 Policy Agenda Work Plan passed unanimously.
• Resolution for property disposition (competitive bidding process) passed unanimously with discussion on the lot size and potential uses.
• License agreement with county conservation board for trail crossing approved unanimously.
• First reading of zoning change to Z6-R Restricted Industry approved unanimously.
• Final reading of zoning change to Z6-O Open Industry approved unanimously.
• The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items.