Mason City Council Meeting and State of the City Address – January 6, 2026

The Mason City City Council held its first meeting of 2026 on January 6, 2026, beginning with a State of the City address by the Mayor, followed by a public forum, a consent agenda with several items pulled for separate discussion, and action on resolutions, ordinances, and a major infrastructure presentation. Key actions included calling a special election to fill a vacant Ward 1 council seat, authorizing an EPA brownfield grant application for the old high school, approving a collective bargaining agreement, and initiating the bidding process for a $34 million nutrient reduction project at the wastewater treatment plant.

Consent Calendar

• The consent agenda was adopted unanimously, except for items 10, 13, 14, and 16, which were pulled for individual consideration. Items approved on consent included: minutes, claims, permits, November financials, reappointment of Brent Henson and appointment of Jim Collins to the Landfill of North Iowa Board of Directors, resolutions for tree removal assessments, temporary closure of public ways for 2026, adoption of the debt management policy, adoption of the 2026-27 policy agenda, acceptance of a quit claim deed for property along the Winnebago River, and other routine items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robbie Sliger spoke on agenda item 10, the resolution calling for a special election to fill the vacant first ward council seat. He expressed support for an alternative appointment rather than a special election, citing potential costs to taxpayers (approximately $7,100–$10,000), historically low voter turnout in such elections, and Iowa Code provision (372.13) allowing appointments until the next regular election. He asked the council to consider this option.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s State of the City Address: The Mayor delivered a 14-year retrospective, highlighting recovery from the 2008 flood, downtown revitalization (200+ housing units, sculpture walk, hotel opening), partnerships with citizens and businesses (e.g., McNider family contributions to parks), and priorities for 2026: public safety, expanding social and economic opportunities (including downtown redevelopment and the mall), and civic pride. He challenged citizens to become more involved and emphasized the importance of partnerships.
• Item 10 – Special Election for Ward 1 Vacancy: Council debated whether to call a special election (cost ~$7,100) or appoint a replacement. Councilman Yusheski supported the election due to the two-year remaining term, saying citizens should decide. Councilman Adams agreed, noting an appointment could still be challenged by a petition. Councilman Latham opposed, advocating for cost savings by appointing. The vote was 4-1 (Latham dissenting).
• Item 13 – EPA Brownfield Grant for 2020 East State Street (Mohawk Square/old high school): Public Works Director Jim Collins and staff explained the property is still under litigation but the city has ownership. The grant (city match $125,000 contingent on receiving grant) would cover hazardous material abatement (asbestos) to reduce demolition costs. Councilman Adams clarified the $125,000 is only for hazardous materials, not full demolition (estimated over $1 million). The council approved the resolution to authorize submission of the grant application.
• Item 14 – Assignment Agreement for Private Development (Old Navy/Five Below): Staff explained the assignment is a formality due to restructuring of the developer’s LLCs, with the same principals. The city’s incentive agreement remains enforceable. Approved unanimously.
• Item 16 – Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSME Local 1367: City staff reported a one-year agreement at 2.8% COLA, plus additions like paternal/maternal leave and a swing worker position. The short term reflects uncertainty due to potential state property tax reform. Council commended the union for collaboration. Approved unanimously.
• Item 17 – Rezoning from Z1 to Z2 and Z4 (First Reading): Jason Petersburg (WHKS) and developer Garrett McKinnis (Tahoe Development) presented a plan to rezone approximately 31 lots south of Stone Pillar from agricultural (Z1) to single-family residential (Z2), and rezone 21 acres at the corner of 19th Street and Kentucky Avenue to mixed-use (Z4). Developer stated the Z2 and Z4 requests were submitted as a package (all or nothing). Council expressed some concern about Z4 but noted traffic will be reviewed at site plan stage. No public opposition beyond two speakers at planning and zoning. Motion to approve first reading passed unanimously.
• Item 18 – Ordinance Repealing Title 10 (Final Reading): Passed unanimously.
• Item 19 – Ordinance Amending Title 12 Zoning Regulations (Final Reading): Passed unanimously.
• Item 20 – Ordinance on Garbage, Refuse, Recyclables, and Yard Waste (Second Reading): Staff reported no negative public comments; rollout planned for July 2026. Approved unanimously.
• Item 21 – Presentation on WHRF Nutrient Reduction Project: Bill Angerman (WHKS) and Kevin Graves presented plans for a mandated upgrade to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus to meet Gulf of Mexico standards. The project, culminating a 10-year planning effort, has an estimated cost of $34 million (engineering and contingencies ~$37.5 million). Bidding opens February 18, 2026, with construction expected spring 2026 and completion in 2028. Funding via State Revolving Loan Fund. The permit was received on January 5, 2026. Council approved the plans and specifications to initiate bidding.

Key Outcomes

• Special Election for Ward 1 Vacancy: Resolution calling for a special election passed 4-1 (Councilman Latham opposed). Filing deadline for candidates is January 30, 2026; absentee voting begins February 4, 2026.
• EPA Brownfield Grant Application: Resolution authorizing submission for asbestos abatement at 2020 East State Street passed unanimously, with a $125,000 city match contingent on grant award.
• Assignment Agreement for Private Development: Resolution authorizing execution of assignment agreement (Old Navy/Five Below) passed unanimously.
• Collective Bargaining Agreement: Resolution approving one-year agreement with AFSME Local 1367 (2.8% COLA) passed unanimously.
• Rezoning (First Reading): Ordinance for rezoning from Z1 to Z2 and Z4 (21 acres) passed unanimously. Two more readings required for final adoption.
• Ordinance Repealing Title 10 (Final): Passed unanimously.
• Ordinance Amending Title 12 (Final): Passed unanimously.
• Garbage Collection Ordinance (Second Reading): Passed unanimously; final reading to follow.
• Nutrient Reduction Project Plans and Specifications: Resolution approving plans and specifications for the water reclamation facility upgrade passed unanimously. Bids to be opened February 18, 2026, with a public hearing in March 2026.