Mason City City Council Regular Meeting - March 18, 2025

The Mason City City Council held its regular meeting on March 18, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Public Library. The meeting included a proclamation celebrating the 20th anniversary of Wright on the Park, a city administrator's report, approval of a consent agenda, public hearings on urban renewal plan amendments, and action on a zoning change and ward boundary adjustments. One public comment was received regarding the zoning item. Item 17 was removed from the consent agenda for later consideration.

Proclamation

• Mayor Bill Schickle read a proclamation honoring the 20th anniversary of Wright on the Park, declaring March 20, 2025 as "Wright on the Park Day" in Mason City. The historic Park Inn hotel, restored by the organization, has drawn visitors from 50 states and 60 countries and contributed to Mason City being recognized as one of the 20 best cities in the world for architecture lovers.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: Approved the regular minutes of March 4, 2025.
• Claims: Approved claims dated March 6 and 13, 2025.
• Permits: Approved.
• Reappointments: Mayor recommended and Council approved reappointments of Daniel Worden, Tim Coffee, and Reed Wessman to the Planning and Zoning Commission; Tracey Cram to Active Living and Transportation; Jodi Korth to Civil Service; and Abe Hackman to the Housing Authority Board.
• Transit Grant Resolution: Approved publication of notice and hearing for a consolidated Federal Transit Administration and State Operating Assistance grant totaling approximately $1.2 million for the city's transit system. Hearing set for May 6, 2025.
• Roundabout Design Contract: Awarded a $140,000 contract to WHKS & Co. of Mason City for professional services on the N Pierce Avenue and 12th Street NW roundabout project, funded by grants and bonds. Construction expected to begin in spring 2026.
• East Park Redevelopment: Approved contract and bond for the East Park Redevelopment Project No. 24-1019, including modular embankment, curb, and demolition work.
• Street Panel and Curb Replacement: Authorized notice to bidders for the 2025 Street Panel and Curb Replacement Program, with a public hearing set for April 15, 2025.
• Fire Department Dormitory Change Orders: Approved change orders #36 and #37 with Henkel Construction Company for the Mason City Fire Department Dormitory Addition and Remodel project, totaling approximately $9,000 to reduce future maintenance costs. Interior completion targeted for May 2025, with full completion in June.
• Development Agreement Amendment: Approved a First Amendment to the Development Agreement between the City and North Iowa Corridor Housing Development Corporation for 537 4th Street NE (clerical change from prior action).
• Minimum Assessment Agreement: Approved an agreement with X Storage, LLC for property at 810 12th Street NW.
• Community Project Funding Application: Approved submission of a $5 million Community Project Funding request to Congresswoman Ashley Hinson for the Wastewater Reclamation Plant Nutrient Reduction Project (voted separately from consent agenda, see below).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Buffington (1811 South Harding) spoke against item 18 (rezoning at 2708 19th Street SW). He expressed opposition to a 100x50 foot building in a residential district, citing potential flooding from increased impervious surface, concerns about the lack of a site plan, and the availability of commercial properties in the 9th Street SW corridor. He noted that a similar request by Ressler Landscaping was denied years ago and questioned why moving one block made the zoning change appropriate.

Discussion Items

• City Administrator's Report: Aaron reported record-breaking passenger numbers at the Mason City Airport, continued improvements, and the mailing of a Citizens Guide to the Budget to all residents. He also mentioned Main Street Mason City's recent rebranding and plans for a work session on co-branding opportunities. Councilmembers asked about the South Federal 65 road closure project: a two-season reconstruction from 6th Street South to 19th Street South, with full closure of both lanes north of 19th Street in 2025 (expected to last until November), and a detour using 19th Street, Monroe, and North Monroe. The project will add a fifth lane (turn lane) between 15th and 19th Streets.
• Item 14 – Community Project Funding (Nutrient Reduction): Council discussed the $5 million grant request for the wastewater nutrient reduction project. Deputy City Administrator Brent Henson confirmed the project is at 60% design, construction anticipated to start in late 2026 with an 18-month build. The current cost estimate is $29.5 million, up from $11 million. The city has a five-year rate plan but would need additional increases to fully fund the project without grants. Councilman Adams noted the project is a federal and state mandate, and that the city has secured similar funding before (e.g., $1 million for the Taft Waterman Loop). The resolution was approved.
• Item 18 – Zoning Change (2708 19th Street SW): This was the second reading of an ordinance to rezone from Z2 (Sub-Urban) to Z3 (General Urban) for a property at 2708 19th Street SW. The applicant, Mr. Munt, plans a 5,000 sq ft commercial building (e.g., for fireplaces and grills). Director of Community Development Trish Hallock explained that the rezoning is not limited to the applicant's use; Z3 allows a mix of residential and low-impact commercial uses. She distinguished the current request from a prior denial of Ressler's request (which was for Z4, a more intense zoning). She noted that if rezoned, a full development review process (major site plan, P1 site plan) with public hearings would follow, including stormwater management review. Councilman Yasheski opposed due to flooding concerns and the availability of existing commercial buildings. Councilman Latham and Lee supported advancing to final reading, emphasizing that the role is to evaluate the zone change, not the specific project. The vote was 5-1 (Yasheski opposed).
• Item 19 – Ward Boundary Changes: First reading of an ordinance amending election wards and precincts due to two voluntary annexations (240 acres west of Golden Green and Highway 122 west by Clark Avenue). The changes affect the 2nd and 4th wards. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Item 14 (Community Project Funding): Approved unanimously.
• Item 15 (Urban Renewal Plan Amendment No. 4, Forest Park): Approved unanimously.
• Item 16 (Urban Renewal Plan Amendment No. 7, Downtown Reinvestment): Approved unanimously.
• Item 18 (Zoning Change – 2nd Reading): Approved 5-1 (Councilman Yasheski voted no). Final reading scheduled for the next regular meeting.
• Item 19 (Ward Boundaries – 1st Reading): Approved unanimously. Second reading to follow.
• Item 17 (Development Agreement with ES 2024 Mason City Hotel Associates): Removed from the consent agenda for later consideration; no action taken.
• The meeting adjourned after completing all agenda items.