Palo public meetings in 2023

Meeting

The City Council will discuss updates to parking and floodplain regulations. The body is also reviewing infrastructure bonds and plat approvals for Harvest View Meadows.

• Ordinance 66-2023 to amend Chapter 69 Parking Regulation
• Ordinance 68-2023 to amend Chapter 160 Floodplain Regulations
• Final plat approval and performance bond for Harvest View Meadows
• Iowa Pump Works quotes for $8,887 (rebuilt) or $15,672 (new)
• Keystone quote for $5,163

Meeting

The City Council will consider an ordinance to amend Chapter 69 regarding parking regulations. The meeting also includes discussions on solar updates, debt transfers, and hydraulic modeling for a disc golf course.

• Ordinance 66-2023 amending Chapter 69 'Parking Regulation'
• Duane Arnold Solar I & II update
• Annual Urban Renewal Report AURR FY23 (Resolution 112023B)
• Hydraulic Modeling of Dry Creek for Disc Golf Course (Resolution 112023E)
• Renewal of Brogans Liquor License

Meeting

The City Council will consider several ordinances regarding zoning, parking regulations, and floodplain rules. The meeting also includes discussions on water tower maintenance quotes and urban renewal area updates.

• Rezoning of 703 2nd St. (Ordinance 63-2023)
• Water tower mixer quotes: Viking Industrial Painting ($19,000) and Steward Tank Consulting ($37,576)
• Amending Chapter 165 regarding Zero Lot-Line zoning regulations
• Amending Chapter 69 regarding parking regulations
• Amending Chapter 160 regarding floodplain regulations

Meeting

The Palo City Council will discuss and potentially vote on several items, including a budget amendment, a rezoning public hearing for 703 2nd St, a development agreement with Forrest Ridge, LLC, and ordinances on liquor licenses and fiscal management. They will also receive updates on the Duane Arnold Solar project and a hydraulic modeling study for a disc golf course.

• Budget Amendment #1 (Resolution 091823A)
• Setting public hearing for rezoning 703 2nd St (Resolution 091823C)
• Development agreement with Forrest Ridge, LLC, including tax increment payments (Resolution 091823I)
• Ordinance 61-2023 amending liquor license and tobacco permit provisions
• Ordinance 62-2023 amending fiscal management provisions

Meeting

The Palo City Council will discuss and possibly vote on several items, including the Prairie Vista Phase II housing urban renewal area, a zoning matter at 703 2nd St, and a utility payment agreement. They will also consider a rental housing inspection fee and a $28,307.78 future line quote. Public hearings are scheduled for a budget amendment and the urban renewal area designation.

• Prairie Vista Phase II Housing Urban Renewal Area designation and tax division (Ordinance 60-2023)
• 703 2nd St zoning discussion and possible motion
• Utility payment agreement discussion and possible motion
• Rental housing inspection fee discussion and possible motion
• Future line quote of $28,307.78

The City Council approved the establishment of the Prairie Vista Phase II Housing Urban Renewal Area and adopted an ordinance for the division of taxes within that area. The council also adopted the city's official Code of Ordinances and appointed Chris Philipp as Zoning Administrator.

• Established Prairie Vista Phase II Housing Urban Renewal Area (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 60-2023 for tax division in Prairie Vista Phase II (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 59-2023 adopting the City of Palo Code of Ordinances (5-0)
• Appointed Chris Philipp as Zoning Administrator via Resolution 082123B (5-0)
• Approved American Legion parking spot and curb grinding, waiving permit fee (5-0)
• Waived permit fee for non-conforming building at 703 2nd St (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 082123A setting budget amendment #1 public hearing for Sept 18 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 082123D to set a meeting date for Forrest Ridge, LLC Development Agreement (5-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council is meeting to discuss and potentially act on several items, including adopting a new Code of Ordinances, receiving updates on the Duane Arnold Solar project and waste disposal services, and setting a public hearing for a housing urban renewal area. The agenda also includes routine approvals, reports, and appointments.

• Consider Ordinance 59-2023 adopting the Code of Ordinances of the City of Palo
• Discussion and possible motion on Duane Arnold Solar I & II update
• Discussion and possible motion on ABC Disposal Systems
• Setting date for public hearing on Prairie Vista Phase 2 Housing Urban Renewal Area
• Appoint two open seats on Planning & Zoning Commission

The City Council approved the first reading of a new consolidated Code of Ordinances and authorized the 2023 Annual Celebrations. The council also approved a retroactive 3% rate increase for ABC Disposal Systems and appointed two members to the Planning and Zoning commission.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 59-2023 adopting the Code of Ordinances (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 071723A for 2023 Annual Celebrations (5-0)
• Approved 3% retroactive rate increase for ABC Disposal Systems to July 2022 (5-0)
• Appointed Brayn Busch and Olivia Smith to Planning and Zoning (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 071723B to participate in State of Iowa Offset Program (5-0)
• Waived $25 food vendor fee for WLCG events (5-0)
• Approved $320 annual payment for American Legion Avenues of the Flags (5-0)
• Approved American Legion Veteran Flag at Memorial Park (5-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council will discuss and possibly vote on several items, including updates on the Duane Arnold Solar project, 2023 sealcoating contracts, and multiple resolutions for fund transfers. They will also consider setting public hearings for zoning changes and adopting a new code of ordinances, as well as approving employee salary increases and various other agenda requests.

• 2023 Sealcoat: LL Pelling Chip $17,787.30, Pea Rock $19,004.90; Gee Asphalt not to exceed $10,000
• Ordinance 57-2023: Rezone Central Business District properties from C2 to C3
• Ordinance 58-2023: Amend Chapter 165 (Official Zoning Map)
• IA Codification Online Ordinance: $1,200
• US Geological Survey Annual Agreement: $3,250

The Council approved several infrastructure contracts, including chip sealcoating and drainage work. They also passed an ordinance changing zoning boundaries in the Central Business District from C2 to C3 and authorized several fund transfers.

• Approved LL Pelling Co for chip sealcoat for $17,787.30 (4-0)
• Approved Gee Asphalt contract not to exceed $10,000 (4-0)
• Approved Ralston Construction quote for Dry Creek Dr drainage for $11,501.87 (4-0)
• Waived community center rental fee for Kurt Odekirk fundraiser (4-0)
• Denied Packingham refund request for recording fees (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 57-2023 changing Central Business District zoning from C2 to C3 (4-0)
• Approved Iowa Codification Online Ordinance for $1,200 (4-0)
• Approved fund transfers for sewer sinking, water/sewer reserves, and debt service (4-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council is holding a special meeting to consider final adoption of three ordinances that overhaul local regulations. Ordinance 54-2023 replaces building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire codes; Ordinance 55-2023 replaces rental housing regulations; and Ordinance 56-2023 adds a new property maintenance chapter. The council will discuss each, then vote on second reading and final passage.

• Ordinance 54-2023: Repeals and replaces Chapter 155 (Building Regulations) and repeals Chapters 156-159 (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire)
• Ordinance 55-2023: Repeals and replaces Chapter 147 (Rental Housing Regulations)
• Ordinance 56-2023: Adopts new Chapter 156 (Property Maintenance)
• Public comment period (5 minutes) before adjournment

The City Council approved three ordinances updating the city code. These changes replace existing regulations for buildings, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire safety, as well as rental housing and property maintenance.

• Adopted Ordinance 54-2023 replacing building regulations and repealing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire regulations (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 55-2023 replacing rental housing regulations, which changes the inspection cycle from 5 years to 2 years (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 56-2023 adding a new chapter on property maintenance (5-0)

Meeting

The City Council approved agreements to have Linn County handle building and rental inspections. The council also adopted ordinances updating building and rental housing regulations and approved an annexation agreement with Cedar Rapids.

• Approved Resolution 051523A for annexation agreement and sewer service with Cedar Rapids (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 051523B 28E Agreement for Linn County building inspections (4-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 54-2023 updating building regulations and repealing electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire regulations (3-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 55-2023 updating rental housing regulations (3-1)
• Approved Resolution 051523C 28E Agreement for Linn County rental inspections (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 051523D setting a June 19, 2023 public hearing for zoning changes (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 051523E joint agreement with City of Center Point regarding Urban Renewal Tax Revenue Fund (4-0)
• Approved $9,015 EP Electric Pump quote (3-1)

Meeting

The Palo City Council will consider multiple ordinances and resolutions, including repealing and replacing several building and rental housing regulations, adopting a new property maintenance chapter, and entering into agreements with Linn County for building and rental inspections. The council will also discuss updates on the Duane Arnold Solar project, drainage issues at Dry Creek, and various expenditures for equipment and services.

• Ordinance No. 54-2023: Repealing and replacing Chapter 155 (Building Regulations) and repealing Chapters 156-159 (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire Regulations)
• Ordinance No. 55-2023: Repealing and replacing Chapter 147 (Rental Housing Regulations)
• Ordinance No. 56-2023: Adopting new Chapter 156 (Property Maintenance)
• Resolution 051523A: Annexation agreement and sewer service with Cedar Rapids
• Expenditures: EP Electric Pump ($9,015), Fire Department Concrete Pad ($7,800), SmartCover System renewal ($3,117.98), IA Codification Online Ordinance ($1,200)

Meeting

The Palo City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and possibly vote on council training provided by Lynch Dallas. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda, consent agenda, public comment periods, and new or old council business. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the training discussion.

• Discussion and possible motion on council training by Lynch Dallas
• Approval of the agenda
• Consent agenda
• Public comment periods (agenda-related and general)
• New/old council business

The City Council participated in a workshop covering open records, open meetings, and workplace conduct. No new business or old business was discussed, and no substantive policy decisions were made.

• Approved the meeting agenda (3-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council is meeting to consider the FY24 budget and a budget amendment for FY23, both with public hearings and possible resolutions. The council will also vote on three ordinances: one amending animal control rules (third reading), and two amending zoning regulations for exterior wall requirements and new trees in new developments (first reading with possible suspension of three readings). Other agenda items include water tower maintenance, Memorial Park restrooms, portable toilets, parking tickets, city-wide garage sales, a splash pad, and a Shoes 4 Souls program.

• FY24 Budget public hearing and possible Resolution 041723A
• Budget Amendment #2 FY23 public hearing and possible Resolution 041723B
• Ordinance 51-2023 amending Chapter 55 (Animal Protection and Control) - third reading and final adoption
• Ordinance 52-2023 amending Chapter 165 (Minimum Exterior Wall Requirements) - first reading and possible suspension of three readings
• Ordinance 53-2023 amending Chapter 165 (New Trees in New Development) - first reading and possible suspension of three readings

The City Council approved the FY2024 budget and the FY2023 #2 budget amendment. Several ordinances were passed regarding animal protection, residential exterior wall requirements, and tree requirements for new developments. The council also voted to open the splash pad for the season.

• Approved FY2024 Budget (Resolution 041723A) (5-0)
• Approved FY2023 #2 Budget Amendment (Resolution 041723B) (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 51-2023 amending animal protection and control (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 52-2023 amending residential exterior wall requirements (4-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 53-2023 requiring two trees in new developments (5-0)
• Approved City Wide Garage Sales One-Way Resolution 041723C for May 5-7 (5-0)
• Approved opening the splash pad for the year (4-1)
• Approved Shoes 4 Souls shoe donation box at City Hall (5-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council will hold public hearings on the revised FY24 budget and a Casey's utility easement, and set hearings for the FY24 budget, a FY23 budget amendment, an annexation agreement with Cedar Rapids, and zoning changes. They will also consider second reading of an animal control ordinance and various agreements, including a dump truck purchase and Cintas contract.

• Public hearing on Max Levy revised FY24 budget
• Set public hearing for FY24 budget and FY23 budget amendment #2
• Casey's utility easement agreement public hearing
• Set public hearing on annexation agreement and sewer service with Cedar Rapids
• Consider second reading of Ordinance No 51-2023 amending animal control chapter

The City Council approved revised maximum tax dollars for the FY 2023-2024 budget and authorized the purchase of a public works dump truck. The council also approved a utility easement with Casey's Marketing Company and a five-year contract with Cintas. Several public hearings were scheduled for April and May 2023.

• Approved revised maximum tax dollars for FY 2023-2024 budget (4-0)
• Approved purchase of public works dump truck not to exceed $76,000 (4-0)
• Approved utility easement agreement with Casey's Marketing Company (4-0)
• Approved five-year contract with Cintas (4-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance No. 51-2023 regarding animal protection and control (4-0)
• Approved $2,300 in-kind donation from CR Reds and waived monthly shed fee (3-0-1)
• Approved Amnesty Day for May 13, 2023 (4-0)
• Tabled splash pad discussion until April 17, 2023 (4-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council will meet to discuss and possibly vote on several items, including setting a revised public hearing for the FY24 budget, renewing a preliminary plat for Harvest View Meadows, entering a 28E agreement with Fairfax, and approving multiple resolutions. The council will also consider final adoption of an ordinance amending SUDAS specifications and first reading of an animal control ordinance.

• Set revised public hearing for Max Levy FY24 budget (Resolution 022023A)
• Harvest View Meadows First Addition Preliminary Plat renewal (Resolution 022023B)
• 28E Agreement with Fairfax (Resolution 022023C)
• Ordinance No. 49-2022 amending Chapter 161.02 Supplementary Specifications to SUDAS (third reading)
• Ordinance No. 51-2023 amending Chapter 55 Animal Protection and Control (first reading)

The City Council approved a 28E Agreement for building official services with the City of Fairfax and a law enforcement contract with the Linn County Sheriff. Council also approved the preliminary plat for Harvest View Meadows First Addition and appointed a new member to the Park & Recreation Board.

• Approved 28E Agreement for building official services with City of Fairfax (3-0)
• Approved law enforcement contract with Linn County Sheriff for 87 hours per month (3-0)
• Approved Preliminary Plat for Harvest View Meadows First Addition (3-0)
• Appointed Ann Mitchell to the Park & Recreation Board (3-0)
• Approved $317.50 community center rental for Ducks Unlimited (3-0)
• Approved Resolution 022023G to transfer funds to water and sewer reserve accounts (3-0)
• Tabled Resolution 022023K regarding the purchase of a dump truck (3-0)
• Approved final passage of Ordinance 49-2022 regarding public improvement standards (3-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council is holding a special budget meeting to discuss and potentially approve $1,800 for a Fire Department EMT position, and to discuss the FY24 budget. The agenda also includes approval of the agenda and new/old council business, but no discussion is listed for the latter.

• Discussion and possible motion for $1,800 Fire Department EMT
• Discussion of FY24 budget

The City Council reviewed revenue and expense projections for the FY24 budget. The City Clerk will revise figures and present forecasted fund balances at the February 20, 2023 meeting.

• Approved the meeting agenda (5-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council is holding a workshop meeting to discuss possible changes to the proof ordinance. The agenda includes a discussion and possible motion on this topic, with no other substantive business listed.

• Discussion and possible motion on proof ordinance changes

The City Council approved changes to the City of Palo Ordinances following a review of Iowa Codification questions. The council also discussed water treatment testing and the source of resin in resident tanks.

• Approved changes to the City of Palo Ordinances (5-0)

Meeting

The Palo City Council will discuss and potentially act on several items, including a NextEra Solar project, the FY24 maximum levy, two ordinance amendments, and various contracts and bids. The agenda includes public hearings, department reports, and routine consent items.

• NextEra Solar discussion with Craig Schoenfeld
• FY24 Max Levy public hearing and resolution
• Ordinance No. 49-2022 second reading (SUDAS amendments)
• Maintenance Department heaters: Brecke $15,043, Colony $16,400, Edwards Plumbing Heating $11,795
• Seal coat bids: L.L. Pelling $3.85/sy, Prairie Road Builders $3.05/sy

The Council adopted new Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy guidelines and amended the city's water service code. A public hearing for the FY24 Max Levy was scheduled for February 20, 2023. The Council also approved several infrastructure and maintenance contracts.

• Approved TIF Policy Guidelines via Resolution 011623B (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance 50-2023 amending Chapter 90 Water Service (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 011623D setting rates for secondary outside water meters (5-0)
• Approved $11,589 for maintenance department heaters from Bowker (5-0)
• Approved $970 bid from Matt Swehla for cleanup at 98 Dale Lee Dr (5-0)
• Approved seal coat pricing for LL Pelling and Prairie Road Builders (5-0)
• Appointed Lynch Dallas, P.C. as City Attorney via Resolution 011623E (5-0)
• Tabled Resolution 011623G regarding the purchase of a dump truck (5-0)