OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Mason City Council Regular Meeting - February 20, 2024

City Council — Tuesday, February 20, 2024
BodyMason City, Iowa
SessionCity Council
DateTuesday, February 20, 2024
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:25:06

Transcript — Verbatim
2:23

Lee.

2:24

Present.

2:25

Adams.

2:25

Present Latham.

2:27

Yeshevsky.

2:28

Here.

2:30

Simmons.

2:30

Present.

2:31

Mayor Shickle is absent.

2:32

All right.

2:32

Let the record reflect Mayor Pro Tem is in the chair.

2:35

There is a quorum.

2:36

Uh we have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda.

2:40

So move.

2:42

Motion by Councilman Yeshewski, second by Councilman Latham discussion.

2:48

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

2:50

Aye.

2:51

All those opposed, same sign.

2:53

Motion carries.

2:54

The agenda is adopted.

3:20

Anyone seeking to be recognized via Zoom, please use the raise hand feature.

3:35

No public comment in the room.

3:46

Thank you.

3:47

Just a few things to update the the council on here.

3:51

Um obviously we're continuing to be in the middle of the legislative session uh with the uh uh General Assembly.

3:59

This year we've not seen quite as many bills uh uh directed at cities.

4:04

Uh I will just mention a few things of note that have been uh put out there.

4:09

We just got through funnel week uh down with the General Assembly, and so we've got a good idea of kind of what bills are still floating around, obviously ways and means and other bills are not subject to the funnel week, but um one of those that came through was a library bill.

4:26

Um the library bill that was proposed would have really kind of got the library board uh role and management of the library.

4:37

And um fortunately that bill was able to get modified to be um less impactful and and less uh detrimental to libraries.

4:47

However, it is still uh uh that bill is still out there.

4:50

Um I've voiced my opposition to it with the Iowa League of Cities.

5:08

So we continue to track that.

5:10

Is if that does continue to move, I'll continue to update the the council on that.

5:15

Additionally, there has been some talk about the property tax legislation.

5:20

If you remember um 718 that was passed last year has affected our budget and affected a lot of uh the city's positioning as far as finances go, and then also it has a continuing ratcheting mechanism that will continue to constrain cities to be able to provide the services that they need to.

5:43

Some of those bills do seek to re uh reinstate levies.

5:47

Uh there's been some conversation about it.

5:49

I don't believe that there'll be much action on that this year.

5:53

Um, but there has been some conversation about potential modifications to the property tax legislation from last year.

5:59

However, not a lot of appetite to really do anything with it.

6:03

So we'll continue to advocate for changes to make that bill less detrimental to cities, but um right now it's it's mainly just a lot of talk and and no real action on that front.

6:16

Um the economic development side, this is actually one point uh bright spot that we've seen is that the um quote mega bill.

6:26

It is a piece of legislation that will allow the Iowa Economic Development Authority to better uh seek out very large projects, one billion dollar plus projects uh that are uh seeking to locate within the state of Iowa and negotiate better and provide similar incentives that other cities or other states provide for those economic development projects.

6:48

That is moving, there is support for it.

6:51

I think we will see that passed.

6:53

And the reason that I bring that up is that these are the kind of projects that we could see out at the industrial park, very large, especially biofuels projects.

7:03

And um, you know, with the renewable fuels sector that we have in Mason City and North Iowa, this could be a uh a good piece of legislation for uh for the city should it move forward.

7:16

On the federal level, I just want to mention uh if you remember the City of Mason City was a recipient of uh request for a community project funding for um uh water main looping project to help uh uh continue development out at the industrial park.

7:34

That process has been stalled by uh the appropriations process at the federal level essentially not functioning.

7:41

And so we continue to see uh continuing resolutions at the federal level.

7:47

Uh I think it's debate it it's doubtful whether that project will get funded, knowing that uh we're sitting, you know, now in February and that federal um year started back in October.

8:02

We're well into the year and we're still under continuing resolutions.

8:05

So uh we'll advocate for that, but uh I don't have a lot of belief that that'll move forward.

8:13

If it does, it'll be fantastic because it will really help with uh providing utilities out to the industrial park.

8:19

So just uh a few things I wanted to update on the legislative side.

8:24

Um some exciting development continuing on the housing front.

8:28

Uh federal row homes development uh right next to City Hall is really taking shape.

8:34

Uh I think the um look of that building is starting to come together and people start to get a feel for you know how well that'll fit into that neighborhood and provide some great housing opportunities for folks downtown.

8:47

Uh River Two continues to be delayed by some electrical gear, and that has uh kept them from opening.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural███████████████████19%
Parks and Recreation█████████████13%
Arts And Culture█████████████13%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████████11%
Healthcare Benefits██████████10%
Pending Litigation██████████10%
Affordable Housing███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Public Safety█████5%
Summary of Proceedings

Mason City Council Regular Meeting - February 20, 2024

The Mason City Council held a regular meeting on February 20, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Public Library. Mayor Pro Tem presided in Mayor Shickle's absence. The council adopted the agenda, received the City Administrator's monthly report, and acted on 23 agenda items including consent agenda items, public hearings, and resolutions. All items were approved.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 2–8, 11–13, and 15 were approved unanimously by one motion. These included:
    • Minutes of February 6 and 8, 2024
    • Claims dated February 8 and 15, 2024
    • Permits
    • January 2024 Financial Report
    • Appointment/hire of Nicholas Kaufman as Transit Supervisor ($24.31/hour)
    • Appointment/hire of Luke Thompson as Internal Service Mechanic ($28.85/hour)
    • Resolution setting a public hearing date for Truth in Taxation preliminary hearing for FY25 Budget
    • Resolution authorizing acceptance of the 2023 Iowa Certified Local Government Annual Report
    • Resolution adopting the Cerro Gordo County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
    • Resolution granting preliminary approval for Urban Revitalization Tax Abatements for listed properties
    • Resolution providing for levy of taxes to pay General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2024A
    • Resolution authorizing notice for bids for the Willow Creek Riverwalk Project (note: this item was initially on consent but pulled for separate discussion; see below)

Public Comments & Testimony

  • No public comments were received either in person or via Zoom.

Discussion Items

  • City Administrator’s Monthly Report (Item 1): Administrator A. provided updates on:

    • Iowa legislative session: A library bill was modified to be less detrimental; property tax legislation (HF 718) continues to constrain city finances; a “mega bill” for large economic development projects (over $1 billion) is moving forward, potentially benefiting the industrial park.
    • Federal level: A community project funding request for a water main looping project at the industrial park is stalled due to continuing resolutions; funding is uncertain.
    • Housing developments: Federal Row Homes project near City Hall is progressing; River Two project delayed by electrical gear; a second workforce housing project (south of 3rd Street) is delayed due to state tax abatement changes, requiring TIF and a development agreement.
    • Finances: City finances remain strong despite new property tax legislation, with solid hotel/motel revenue and department spending.
    • Bike Park bid: Bid for Bike Park Building (Bid Package 3) came in higher than estimated, requiring reallocation of Destination Iowa funds; contract awarded to Henkel Construction (see Item 17).
    • Police wages: An interim 3.25% increase for Teamsters union was negotiated to maintain competitiveness.

  • Item 9 – 28E Agreement with NIACOG for Health Insurance: Council discussed risks and benefits of covering NIACOG employees under the city’s self-insured health plan. Staff explained that adding 20 employees to the existing pool of ~240 is a manageable risk with a stop-loss reinsurance cap of $100,000 per member per year. NIACOG will pay a prorated share of network fees, administration, stop-loss, plus a 3% administrative fee. Both parties can exit with notice by November 1 each year. Motion approved unanimously.

  • Item 10 – Iowa DOT Detour Agreement: Council clarified that the agreement covers closure of the eastbound bridge on IA 122 (from Lark Avenue to Eisenhower Avenue) for total replacement; the westbound bridge remains open. A crossover was considered but deemed too expensive (~$100,000). Motion approved unanimously.

  • Item 14 – Settlement Agreements with TD Young Properties, LLC: Two properties (424 South Carolina Avenue and 32 Sixth Street Northwest) were under nuisance abatement proceedings. The settlement requires the owner to complete renovations by November 1, 2024, or the city may pursue court-ordered title. Council expressed concerns about prior non-compliance, but staff noted work has begun on one property. Motion approved unanimously.

  • Item 16 – Willow Creek Riverwalk Project: Staff presented details of the project, funded by multiple grants (Great Places, T-Mobile Hometown, Wellmark Foundation, Jacobi Trust, Destination Iowa). The design includes an upper plaza with a gateway sculpture, middle plaza with play area, lower plaza near water, and a connection under Highway 65. The sculpture (by Group Creative Services) is a series of illuminated cylinders evoking music and water waves. The project is expected to be bid in February with construction starting spring 2024 and completion in early summer 2025. Estimated cost is $3.3 million. Motion approved unanimously.

  • Public Hearing Item 17 – Bike Park Building Bid Package 3: The engineer's estimate was ~$2.3 million; the low bid from Henkel Construction was $2.8 million (base) and $3.2 million with alternates. A second bid was significantly higher (~$1.5 million above Henkel’s). Staff attributed the difference to a competitive construction environment and Henkel’s efficiency. Motion to approve plans, specifications, and award contract to Henkel Construction passed unanimously.

  • Public Hearing Item 18 – Real Estate Agreement with Nicholsons: Resolution for sale of interest in real property within the Mason City Unified Urban Renewal Area. No public comment. Motion approved unanimously.

  • Public Hearing Item 19 – 2025-2029 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP): Adoption of the five-year CIP. Motion approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

  • Consent Agenda: Approved with items 9, 10, 14, and 16 pulled for separate discussion.
  • Item 9 (NIACOG Health Insurance): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 10 (Iowa DOT Detour): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 14 (Settlement with TD Young): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 16 (Willow Creek Riverwalk – Bid Authorization): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 17 (Bike Park Building – Plans, Specs, Award): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 18 (Real Estate Agreement – Nicholson): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 19 (2025-2029 CIP): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 20 (Fee Ordinance – Final Reading): Approved (unanimous). Effective upon approval; fees and insurance amounts specified in subsequent resolution.
  • Item 21 (City Labor & Equipment Charges): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 22 (Weight Limit Ordinance – First Reading): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 23 (Speed Regulation Ordinance – First Reading): Approved (unanimous).
  • Item 24 (Willow Creek Art Project Agreement with Group Creative Services): Approved (unanimous). Artwork is a standalone contract; artist is responsible for staying within budget.
  • Item 25 (Bike Park Trails – Contract and Bond): Approved (unanimous). Contract with the premier trail contractor was delayed due to insurance provisions near the river.

All council members were present except Mayor Shickle. Meetings adjourned after completion of all items.

Meeting Transcript

Lee. Present. Adams. Present Latham. Yeshevsky. Here. Simmons. Present. Mayor Shickle is absent. All right. Let the record reflect Mayor Pro Tem is in the chair. There is a quorum. Uh we have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda. So move. Motion by Councilman Yeshewski, second by Councilman Latham discussion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, same sign. Motion carries. The agenda is adopted. Anyone seeking to be recognized via Zoom, please use the raise hand feature. No public comment in the room. Thank you. Just a few things to update the the council on here. Um obviously we're continuing to be in the middle of the legislative session uh with the uh uh General Assembly. This year we've not seen quite as many bills uh uh directed at cities. Uh I will just mention a few things of note that have been uh put out there. We just got through funnel week uh down with the General Assembly, and so we've got a good idea of kind of what bills are still floating around, obviously ways and means and other bills are not subject to the funnel week, but um one of those that came through was a library bill. Um the library bill that was proposed would have really kind of got the library board uh role and management of the library. And um fortunately that bill was able to get modified to be um less impactful and and less uh detrimental to libraries. However, it is still uh uh that bill is still out there. Um I've voiced my opposition to it with the Iowa League of Cities. So we continue to track that. Is if that does continue to move, I'll continue to update the the council on that. Additionally, there has been some talk about the property tax legislation. If you remember um 718 that was passed last year has affected our budget and affected a lot of uh the city's positioning as far as finances go, and then also it has a continuing ratcheting mechanism that will continue to constrain cities to be able to provide the services that they need to. Some of those bills do seek to re uh reinstate levies. Uh there's been some conversation about it. I don't believe that there'll be much action on that this year. Um, but there has been some conversation about potential modifications to the property tax legislation from last year. However, not a lot of appetite to really do anything with it. So we'll continue to advocate for changes to make that bill less detrimental to cities, but um right now it's it's mainly just a lot of talk and and no real action on that front. Um the economic development side, this is actually one point uh bright spot that we've seen is that the um quote mega bill. It is a piece of legislation that will allow the Iowa Economic Development Authority to better uh seek out very large projects, one billion dollar plus projects uh that are uh seeking to locate within the state of Iowa and negotiate better and provide similar incentives that other cities or other states provide for those economic development projects. That is moving, there is support for it. I think we will see that passed. And the reason that I bring that up is that these are the kind of projects that we could see out at the industrial park, very large, especially biofuels projects. And um, you know, with the renewable fuels sector that we have in Mason City and North Iowa, this could be a uh a good piece of legislation for uh for the city should it move forward. On the federal level, I just want to mention uh if you remember the City of Mason City was a recipient of uh request for a community project funding for um uh water main looping project to help uh uh continue development out at the industrial park. That process has been stalled by uh the appropriations process at the federal level essentially not functioning.

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