North Liberty City Council Regular Session - September 8, 2026

The North Liberty City Council met on September 8, 2026, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments on cemetery governance and neighborhood safety, reports on infrastructure projects, and the adoption of several ordinances. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM.

Consent Calendar

• The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda. Items explicitly listed in the official motion included the August 25, 2026, minutes; the Five Day Liquor License for the Grave Rave Event at the Hy-Vee Centennial Center; a Liquor License Application for Winestyles; Change Order Number 3 for the Forevergreen Road & Jasper Avenue Project ($4,675.00); Pay Application Number 5 for the Forevergreen Road & Jasper Avenue Project ($731,308.84); and the attached list of Claims. Note: The agenda also listed a 14-Day Liquor License Application for an event at the Hy-Vee Centennial Center (Item E), which was part of the approved Consent Agenda but not explicitly detailed in the motion's description in the minutes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Erika Wade (Cemetery Board member) thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve. Following the adoption of Ordinance 2026-13 dissolving the Joint Cemetery Board (formed in 1980), she reported that the board members have been appointed as advisors to the Penn Township Trustees and will continue maintaining Ridgewood and Ault Cemeteries.
• Carl Nelson (Golfview resident) addressed ongoing issues of golf balls from the adjacent course landing on his property, crossing the four-lane road. He expressed severe safety concerns for his dog and passing motorists, stating he had contacted law enforcement and the golf course without resolution, and requested the City take action to install protective netting or fencing.

Discussion Items

• Engineer Report: City Engineer Josiah Bilskemper provided updates on the Centennial Park splash pad (foundation poured, completion April 2027) and the Forevergreen Road/Jasper Avenue roundabout (paving, sidewalks, water main, lighting; completion mid-November). He also explained that black ropes seen across town are from the DOT conducting routine traffic counts.
• City Administrator Report: Ryan Heiar reported the start of Division 1 of the Water Treatment Plant upgrades, involving underground boring from the ASR well to the plant with traffic control on Front Street for about six weeks. He also announced a community information meeting regarding the police department's use of FLOCK cameras, scheduled for the week of September 21.
• Mayor Report: Mayor Hoffman noted the library's Summer Lunch and Fun program set attendance records. He swore in three new officers and welcomed two who completed the Iowa Law Enforcement Police Academy (named in the transcript as Officer Hitler and Officer Stinson). He attended a Johnson County Jail and Sheriff's Office presentation. He participated in the first of five regional discussions on data centers. He proclaimed September 10-19, 2026, as Welcoming Week in North Liberty.
• Council Reports: Councilors reported on a September 11 preparedness event at the University of Iowa (Wayson), outreach to potential board and commission members (Smith), progress on the Arts and Culture Plan's wayfinding concept (Park), an affordable housing Zoom meeting and upcoming Hy-Vee Center concerts (Fortney), and the digital infrastructure work group (Leibold).
• Public Safety and Micromobility: During discussion of the Electric Personal Assistive Devices Ordinance and in Old Business, multiple Council members expressed concerns about electric scooters and bikes on park playgrounds, riders with multiple passengers traveling to and from school, and lack of helmet use. Parents were encouraged to educate children on safe operation and to contact the Police Department when necessary.
• Urban Renewal Loan Agreement: Mayor Hoffman opened the public hearing at 6:24 PM. No oral comments were received, and the hearing was closed. City Administrator Heiar explained the resolution authorizes the City to take next steps towards borrowing funds for the Cherry Street Firehouse project. He noted it will be funded primarily by local option sales tax and a portion from water utility revenue.
• West Forevergreen Road Trail Project: Council members requested that the design team consider preserving existing trees in the median near the proposed turn lane on Covered Bridge Boulevard. Staff indicated the design team would work to preserve trees where possible and identify appropriate locations for replacement trees if necessary.
• Cemetery Board Ordinance Repeal: Council members expressed appreciation to Erika Wade for her service on the Joint Cemetery Board and her efforts to maintain the history of the cemeteries.

Key Outcomes

• The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, which included routine approvals and project payments.
• Ordinance 2026-13 was adopted on third consideration (5-0), repealing Chapter 26 and dissolving the Joint Cemetery Board.
• Ordinance 2026-14 was adopted on third consideration (5-0), amending Chapter 76 regarding electric personal assistive devices and micromobility devices.
• Ordinance 2026-15 passed on second consideration (5-0), amending zoning standards for dimensional standards, parking, landscaping, and temporary signs.
• Resolution 2026-108 was approved (5-0), taking additional action on the Urban Renewal Loan Agreement for the Cherry Street Firehouse project.
• Resolution 2026-109 was approved (5-0), approving the design agreement with Shive-Hattery, Inc. for the West Forevergreen Road Trail Project.
• Resolution 2026-110 was approved (5-0), approving the design agreement with Shive-Hattery, Inc. for the Aquatic Center Renovations Project.
• Directive: Council requested the design team for the Forevergreen Road trail project work to preserve existing trees in the median near Covered Bridge Boulevard, with replacement trees identified if necessary.
• Upcoming: The Police Department will host a community information meeting on FLOCK cameras the week of September 21, with Lieutenant Ruben Ross presenting.