Mason City Council Meeting – February 17, 2026

The Mason City Council met on February 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Mason City Public Library. The meeting covered routine approvals, the City Administrator’s monthly report, and several action items including zoning code amendments, repeal of taxi regulations, and a title change. All council members were present. The agenda was adopted unanimously. No public comments were made during the public forum.

Consent Calendar

• Items 2–15 (with the exception of items 11, 14, and 15) were approved en bloc by a single motion and unanimous vote. These included:
  • Minutes of February 3, 2026
  • Claims dated February 5 and 12, 2026
  • January Financials
  • Promotion of Brandon Van Horn to Police Sergeant ($45.16/hour)
  • Appointment of Terry Boehmer as Engineering Associate (Pay Grade I, Step 9 – $34.44/hour)
  • Resolution setting a public hearing date for the “Truth in Taxation” preliminary hearing for the FY27 Budget
  • Resolution setting a hearing date for the proposed 2027–2031 Capital Improvements Plan
  • Change Order #1 with Summers’ Enterprise, Inc. for the Taft Avenue Water Main Loop Project
  • Amendment No. 1 with Short Elliott, Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) for Water Works Plant Upgrades
  • Resolution granting preliminary approval for Urban Revitalization Tax Abatements (item 11 was pulled for separate vote)
  • Amendment No. 2 to the Economic Development Grant Agreement with Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (renovation of three rental houses into single-family homes)
  • Resolution setting a public hearing date for Urban Renewal Plan Amendment No. 2 (Southside Gateway)
  • Resolution setting a meeting date for a proposed Development Agreement with Golden Grain Energy, LLC (item 14 pulled)
  • Authorization to order traffic signal poles and mast arms for the 19th Street SW Improvements project at an estimated $90,000 (item 15 pulled)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the council.

Discussion Items

• City Administrator’s Monthly Report (Aaron):
  • Budget process is progressing; required notices and public hearings are being set. The administrator noted uncertainty due to legislative proposals, but praised department heads for a financially responsible budget that maintains services.
  • The automated sanitation initiative (“smart cart”) is being publicized; sample carts will be available at City Hall and Southbridge Mall for residents to choose sizes.
  • The administrator expressed concern about proposed state legislation imposing a 2% hard cap on property tax increases without including employee benefits or insurance levies, warning this could threaten city services.
  • The movie theater renovation is nearing completion; seating, audio/video equipment, cabinets, and flooring are being finalized. An opening date will be announced soon.
  • Mohawk Square update: The Iowa Supreme Court denied the city’s appeal, clearing the way for demolition. The city will seek EPA grants to reduce costs. Councilman Adams asked about an ETA for grant decisions; the administrator noted federal grant timelines are uncertain, citing a Safe Streets for All grant that has been pending for nearly two years.
• Item 11 (Urban Revitalization Tax Abatement Program): Councilman Yusheski moved approval. No discussion; passed unanimously.
• Item 14 (Golden Grain Energy Development Agreement): Councilman Adams moved approval. Discussion: The agreement supports fire protection improvements at Golden Grain Energy, including a deluge system requiring a large water tank. The administrator noted the investment will support future growth and the city is providing tax increment financing (TIF) to offset some of the tax impact. Passed unanimously.
• Item 15 (Traffic Signal Poles – 19th Street SW): Councilman Yusheski moved approval. Discussion: Councilman Yusheski questioned the $90,000 cost for four light poles and mast arms. The administrator explained that the total cost of replacing signals at that intersection is $325,000, and these prices reflect market rates. The separate procurement is intended to expedite the project by 2–3 months; any savings from avoiding contractor markup are incidental. Passed unanimously.
• Item 16 (Zoning Regulations Amendments – Title 12, Chapters 10, 11, 13, 20): Second reading. Councilman Latham moved approval. No discussion. Passed unanimously.
• Item 17 (Repeal of Taxi/Limousine Regulations – Title 3, Chapter 10): Second reading. Councilman Adams moved approval. No discussion. Passed unanimously.
• Item 18 (Name Change: Operations and Maintenance Manager to Public Works Director): Councilman Simmons moved to waive second and third readings and go to final passage. Councilman Simmons asked about the cost of implementation. The administrator replied that changes to documents and vehicle stickers will be phased in with no significant cost; the change clarifies the department’s role for the public. The motion to waive readings passed unanimously, followed by a unanimous final approval.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (items 2–10, 12–13): Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Item 11: Resolution granting preliminary approval for Urban Revitalization Tax Abatements – Approved unanimously.
• Item 14: Resolution setting a meeting date for the Golden Grain Energy Development Agreement – Approved unanimously.
• Item 15: Authorization to order traffic signal poles and mast arms for $90,000 – Approved unanimously.
• Item 16: Ordinance amending Zoning Regulations (second reading) – Approved unanimously.
• Item 17: Ordinance repealing Taxi/Limousine Regulations (second reading) – Approved unanimously.
• Item 18: Ordinance changing title to Public Works Director – Waiver of second/third readings and final passage approved unanimously.