Mason City Council Meeting: Rezoning Fails, Logo Approved, Urban Renewal Amendments Passed - June 3, 2025
Mason City Council Regular Meeting – June 3, 2025
The Mason City Council met on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Room of the Public Library. The meeting included several special presentations, public comments on a controversial rezoning proposal, and a consent agenda covering routine business. Key actions included approval of a new city logo, adoption of urban renewal amendments for a hotel project, and a failed motion to rezone property for a proposed apartment development.
Special Presentations
- Can-Do Spirit of Mason City Award: Presented to Troy Elwood for saving a life during a North Iowa leadership trip to Washington, D.C. Elwood, a U.S. Army veteran and member of Mason City's 1133 Transportation Company, was recognized for his quick action when a patron collapsed at a restaurant.
- Proclamation Celebrating the 250th Birthday of the United States Army: Mayor Bill Schickle declared June 14, 2025, as United States Army Day in Mason City, honoring all current and former service members.
Consent Calendar
- Approved as a block (motion carried 7-0): Minutes of May 20, 2025; claims dated May 22 and 29, 2025; permits; reappointment of Jennifer Lee to the Library Board; wage increases (3.25% for non-bargaining employees and appointed officials); contract award to WHKS & Co. for sanitary sewer repairs; purchase of three smart hydrants; contracts and bonds for downtown pedestrian ramp compliance and 2025 street rehabilitation; acceptance of work for Winnebago Way 12th Street NE Street and Utility Rehabilitation Project; and permanent placement of three public sculptures.
Discussion Item: New City Logo (Item 8)
- Pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion. The logo incorporates architectural heritage (prairie school, stained glass), waterways (blue/green), and the letters "M" and "C." It aligns with broader rebranding efforts for Visit Mason City and Main Street Mason City.
- Motion to approve carried unanimously on a voice vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Margaret Tarklson (2057 Augusta Drive) opposed rezoning (Item 18), arguing that the land should remain in Zone 2 to preserve residential character. She expressed concern that rezoning would open the area to non-residential uses and that the landowner's plans could change or the property could be sold.
- Susan Rebidow (2260 Country Club Drive) supported the rezoning, praising the Pritchard family's work on the Legacy Golf Course and stating their commitment to the neighborhood. She noted the apartment complex would have a small footprint and provide needed amenities.
- Liz Boyer (2209 Augusta Drive) reiterated concerns that the rezoning could lead to industrial uses, citing the SHOP CO building as an example where intended plans changed after approval.
- Matt Boer (2209 Augusta Drive) urged the council to delay the vote until traffic issues at the intersection of South 19th and Taft were fully studied and addressed. He argued that once rezoned, there would be no going back.
- Wade Kent (2336 Callaway Court) spoke in favor, noting the development would bring amenity-rich living (pickleball courts, dog park, green space) and that the Pritchards had a track record of integrity. He urged the council to look past rumors and support the project.
Discussion Items
- City Administrator's Monthly Report: Aaron Burnett provided updates on the Washington, D.C. fly-in for federal relations; road construction progress on Highway 122 and other detours; strategic planning with the Corridor economic development group; the upcoming summer concert and event lineup at the Mason City Arena (including Uncle Cracker, Skillet, comedy shows, MMA fights); and progress on the Prairie Rock Trail projects (Murphy Park Bridge, Prairie Land Connector Trail, River Walk scheduled to open June 19).
- Urban Renewal Amendments (Item 16): Two resolutions to amend the Mason City Downtown Reinvestment Urban Renewal Area (Amendment No. 8) and the Forest Park Economic Development Area (Amendment No. 5) were presented. These amendments are necessary to utilize tax increment financing for the proposed hotel project. The hotel developer (Kinseth) is aiming for August construction start. Both resolutions passed unanimously on roll call votes.
- Ordinance Amendment (Item 17): Final consideration of an ordinance amending the Mason City Combined, Amended and Restated Urban Revitalization Area (Amendment #4). Passed unanimously.
- Rezoning Proposal (Item 18): Second consideration of an ordinance to rezone property generally located south of 19th Street SW between South Harding Avenue and Augusta Drive from Z2 Sub-Urban District to Z3 General Urban District. The proposal is intended to allow development of the “Legacy 19” apartment complex. Council debated the lack of a conditional use permit, potential for future uses if the landowner sold, traffic and stormwater concerns, and the developer’s track record.
Key Outcomes
- Consent Agenda (minus Item 8) approved unanimously.
- New City Logo (Item 8) approved on a voice vote.
- Urban Renewal Amendment No. 8 (Item 16a) passed 7-0.
- Urban Renewal Amendment No. 5 (Item 16b) passed 7-0.
- Ordinance Amendment (Item 17) passed 7-0.
- Rezoning (Item 18): Motion to approve failed with a vote of 4 in favor (Councilmembers Masan, Lee, Yasheski, Adams) and 2 opposed (Councilmembers Simmons, Latham). The supermajority requirement was not met, so the motion failed. The property remains zoned Z2. No further action was taken.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, everyone. Welcome to the regular meeting of the Mason City City Council. Mayor Bill Schickle, we're delighted to have you with us this evening. The first order of business is the roll call. Diana, would you call the roll? Lee. Present. Adams. Present. Simmons. Present. Latham. President. Yeski. Here. Let the record reflect that all members are present. Next on the agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Is there a motion to adopt the agenda? So moved. Second. Motion by Councilman Nassan, the second by Councilman Yasheski. Discussion. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed, same sign. The motion carries. We have two very special items right now. At this time, I'd like to ask Troy Elwood to please step forward. It's an honor to present this proclamation recognizing Troy Elwood. Troy, good evening. Welcome. Great to have you with us this evening. And I'd like to read this proclamation to you at this time. Whereas the spirit of the North Iowa leadership team that visited Washington was vividly demonstrated in a split second with a quick decision and reaction by one of our team members when he saved the life of a stranger. Whereas after a long day discussing with uh the local implications of the new tariffs and the vital role of United Express uh flying out of Mason City and the support for that, our group of 17 leaders from Mason City and Clear Lake gathered at a local restaurant. During the gathering, a patron collapsed unconscious on the floor. Without a moment's hesitation, one of our members, a U.S. Army veteran, a member of Mason City's eleven thirty-third transportation company, sprang into action. He quickly assessed the situation, checked for a pulse, and found none. This same spirit was echoed during our discussions with lawmakers, who expressed cautious optimism about continuing essential air air service in Mason City at the airport. Now, therefore, I bill Shickle, Mayor of Mason City, to hereby present Troy Elwood with a can do Spirit of Mason City Award as an expression of our grateful appreciation for his life-saving action and for asking you to join us in saluting Troy for his community community-minded spirit. We also salute David Sims, our Mason City Airport manager who assisted. Troy, would you step forward to receive this proclamation? Can we show our appreciation? Thank you, Troy. At this time, I'd like to ask Major General Gary Watnum and any other Army veterans we have with us tonight to please step forward for a special proclamation. Please step forward at this time, and it's an honor veterans to present this proclamation celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Whereas the residents of Mason City, both past and present, have served with honorable distinction in the United States Army, and whereas on June 14th of 1775, the Second Continental Congress established the United States Army, making the birth of America's military and the commandments, commencement of its fighting for freedom and independence. Whereas that proud tradition continues among the soldiers of Mason City's distinguished 1133 Transportation Company, as well as members of the American Leisure and the Veterans of Foreign War, Post 733 in Mason City. And whereas for 250 years, the brave men and women of the U.S.
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