Mason City Council Regular Meeting - March 4, 2025

The Mason City Council held a regular meeting on March 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered consent agenda items, public hearings, and action items including a contentious zone change and denial of liquor license renewals for three Malik's stores. All council members were present.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of February 18, 2025; claims dated February 20 and 27, 2025; permits; and the January financial report showing strong local option sales tax receipts (over budget on income, under budget on expenses).
• Item 6: Resolution setting April 1, 2025 for a public hearing on $8.4 million General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan for capital improvements (streets, aerial fire truck, sanitation equipment).
• Items 7 & 8: Resolutions setting April 15, 2025 public hearings for disposition of two properties (430 1st Street NE and 626 North Delaware Avenue) to the North Iowa Corridor Housing Development Corporation for affordable workforce housing.
• Item 9: Resolution setting April 15, 2025 public hearing on sale of land for the downtown hotel project.
• Item 10: Resolution for 2025 Pavement Marking Program (estimate $206,000, funded by local option sales tax).
• All consent items approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Abdul Owan (owner of Malik's #1, #2, #3) spoke on item 16, stating most issues had been addressed and requested a second chance.
• Ann Scarcello (207 6th Street NE) suggested a 30-day denial of the liquor license instead of permanent denial.
• Kelly Gertis (CG Public Health, 2570 4th Street SW) opposed renewal of the liquor license, citing failures in permits, notices, and compliance checks; urged council to uphold community standards.
• Penny McCastlin (CG Public Health and North Iowa Addiction Prevention Alliance) urged council to consider the broader implications for youth substance use prevention and community health.
• Mickey Baker (1828 South Harding) opposed the zone change (item 13) for 2708 19th Street SW from Z2 to Z3, preferring housing or commercial use at the existing corner property.
• Gary Buffington (1811 South Harding) also opposed the zone change, citing concerns about traffic, parking, and desire for housing; noted missing neighbors.
• Michael Munt (2045 South Wilson Avenue, applicant) supported the zone change, explaining he needs a larger building (50x100 ft) for a fireplace showroom and barbecue supply store, will provide off-street parking and ensure aesthetic compatibility.

Discussion Items

• City Administrator's Monthly Report: Reported increases in transit ridership and airport employment, police/fire department updates, deer management (48 tags filled), arena activity, and ongoing downtown housing project at Delaware Avenue with precast placement.
• Zone Change – 2708 19th Street SW (Item 13, First Reading): Applicant Michael Munt seeks to rezone from Z2 Sub-Urban to Z3 General Urban for a fireplace and barbecue supply business. Council discussed property rights, comprehensive plan classification (low intensity allowing limited non-residential), and neighbor opposition. Councilman Adams noted this is first of three readings; Councilman Lee cited property rights and lack of red flags. A supermajority (5 of 6 votes) was required due to a petition. The first reading passed 5-0 (Councilman Massan did not vote).
• Denial of Liquor License Renewal for Malik's #1, #2, #3 (Item 16): City Chief and staff outlined extensive non-compliance: open store without final fire inspection, unattended fuel pumping, building permit/sign violations, food license issues (Kratom, THC vapes/edibles), and court judgments. Council expressed concern over pattern of noncompliance. The motion to deny passed 5-0. The owner may appeal to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division for an administrative law judge hearing.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: All items approved unanimously.
• Item 11 – East Park Redevelopment Project: Plans, specifications, and bid tabulation approved; contract awarded to Bob McKiness Excavating & Grading, Inc. for $196,000 (below estimate).
• Item 12 – 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan: Adopted unanimously.
• Item 13 – Zone Change 2708 19th Street SW: First reading approved (5-0). Second reading set for March 18, 2025; third/final reading on April 1, 2025.
• Item 14 – Final Reading Zone Change (100-200 block 2nd Street SE, Z5 to Z3): Approved (5-0).
• Item 15 – Final Reading Zone Change (4th Street SW & Lark, Z1 to Z4): Approved (6-0).
• Item 16 – Denial of Liquor License Renewal for Malik's #1, #2, #3: Approved (5-0). Appellant may appeal to ABD.
• Item 17 – Denial of New Liquor License for GEO Prime, Inc.: Not discussed or voted on; appears deferred or not moved.