Ottumwa public meetings in 2024

Mayor City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on the 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan, property conveyance to Wash King, Inc., and two zoning changes. The body will also consider contracts for condemned property demolition and the purchase of traffic detection systems.

• Resolution No. 279-2024: FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan
• Resolution No. 285-2024: $55,600 for video detection systems and cameras from TATPL
• Demolition contracts: 516 Gladstone ($11,300), 320 North Holt ($13,700), and 625 Morris Street ($9,700)
• Ordinance No. 3236-2025: Zoning change for 102 North Hancock and 103 North James to R-5 High Density
• Ordinance No. 3237-2025: Zoning change for 2411 and 2415 North Court to C-2 Community Commercial

The Ottumwa City Council held public hearings and approved the FY26-30 Capital Improvement Plan, conveyed property to Wash King Inc. for a Westgate development project, and rezoned two properties (102 N. Hancock/103 N. James to R-5, and 2411/2415 N. Court to C-2). They also passed ordinances to discontinue the Public Safety Advisory Committee and approved several resolutions including contracts for asbestos abatement and demolition, a development agreement with CBC Financial Corp., and a pedestrian crossing resolution. The consent agenda was approved 4-1 with Council Member Reid voting no.

• Approved FY26-30 Capital Improvement Plan (Res. 279-2024) (all ayes)
• Approved conveyance of real property to Wash King, Inc. for Westgate URA project (Res. 280-2024) (all ayes)
• Rezoned 102 N. Hancock and 103 N. James from R-4 to R-5 (Ord. 3236-2024) (all ayes)
• Rezoned 2411 and 2415 N. Court to C-2 Community Commercial (Ord. 3237-2025) (all ayes)
• Discontinued Public Safety Advisory Committee (Ord. 3234-2024) (all ayes)
• Approved compensation handbook changes (Res. 275-2024) (all ayes)
• Awarded asbestos abatement/demolition contracts: 516 Gladstone ($11,300), 320 N. Holt ($13,700), 625 Morris St. ($9,700) (all ayes)
• Approved support for CBC Financial Corp. development agreement (Res. 281-2024) (all ayes)

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on Resolution 274-2024 to convey real property interests to the Iowa Department of Transportation and approve a related temporary easement purchase agreement. The council will also award the police department towing contract to Deran's Towing, approve the 2025 budget for the Ottumwa Water Works Board, and adopt a $201,155.46 demolition assessment for ten properties. An ordinance will amend the municipal code to revise the Airport Director title and board meeting times.

• Resolution 274-2024: approve conveyance of real property to Iowa DOT and temporary easement purchase agreement (public hearing)
• Award towing contract to Deran's Towing for the Ottumwa Police Department
• Resolution 271-2024: approve the 2025 budget for the Ottumwa Water Works Board
• Resolution 272-2024: approve $201,155.46 demolition assessment for ten properties
• Ordinance 3235-2024: amend municipal code sections 8-2(e) and (f) to revise Airport Director title and board meeting times

Board of Health

The Ottumwa Board of Health will approve minutes from the October meeting and hold public hearings on condemning structures at 424 Waverly, 642 S. Milner, and 1550 Mable. For each property the board may order demolition, removal, leveling, and cost assessment against the owners. The decisions will be recorded at the meeting on November 19, 2024.

• Approve minutes from Meeting No. 5 (October 1, 2024).
• Condemn structures at 424 Waverly, order demolition and cost recovery.
• Condemn structures at 642 S. Milner, order demolition and cost recovery.
• Condemn structures at 1550 Mable, order demolition and cost recovery.

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will hold a special work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget goals. Staff presented that revenues are projected to fall short of expenditures, with a modest 1% increase in values and an average increase target of 1.75%. The discussion includes a proposed approximately $0.18 reduction in the Consolidated General Fund Levy for FY26 and a decision to keep the debt levy unchanged. Additional topics are the Road Use Tax Fund shortfall and financing of the Capital Improvement Program.

• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026 City Council Budget Goals
• Proposed approx. $0.18 reduction in Consolidated General Fund Levy for FY26
• No new debt planned for FY26; debt levy to remain constant
• Review of Road Use Tax Fund revenue shortfall
• Review of Capital Improvement Program financing

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes minutes, a claims list, and several board appointments. It will vote on multiple resolutions covering contracts for demolition, asbestos abatement, and policy updates, as well as a public hearing on a cemetery building project. Additional items include a lease of airport land to Central Cable Contractors and the purchase of two police interceptor vehicles. The meeting also sets a public hearing date for a proposed lease of 200 acres at the regional airport.

• Approve purchase of two 2025 Ford Police Interceptor Utility AWD vehicles for $99,978 total
• Authorize lease agreement with Central Cable Contractors for land at Ottumwa Regional Airport for about two months
• Resolution 242-2024 approving the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Urban Renewal Report
• Public hearing to approve plans, specifications, and contract for the Cemetery Office and Maintenance Building Project
• Resolution 259-2024 approving competitive bidding and public hearing for conveyance of property in Westgate Economic Development Urban Renewal Area to Wash King, Inc.

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will consider Ordinance No. 3232-2024, which adds Article XVI to Chapter 23 of the municipal code to set registration, equipment, and operating rules for golf carts. The council will also discuss a feasibility study for commercial flights at Ottumwa Airport, a fountain and lighting project at Greater Ottumwa Park, the creation of a Grants Administrator staff position, and the growing homeless population. All agenda items are subject to discussion and/or action.

• Ordinance No. 3232-2024 – new Article XVI regulating golf carts, including permits and safety requirements
• Ottumwa Airport feasibility study for commercial flights
• Fountain, lagoon, campground pump and lighting system at Greater Ottumwa Park
• Proposal to add a Grants Administrator position to city staff
• Discussion of the increased homeless population in Ottumwa

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will hold public hearings and vote on several resolutions, including a lease agreement for a 6,000‑square‑foot building at the Ottumwa Regional Airport. Other items include property conveyances, sewer‑project contracts, and equipment purchases. The council will also consider a consent agenda covering minutes, financial statements, and the purchase of six galvanized light poles for $26,298.

• Approve lease of Building No. 34 (6,000 sq ft) at the Ottumwa Regional Airport (Resolution 227‑2024)
• Convey real property at 1229 Brentwood to Weston McKee for $81,200 (Resolution 232‑2024)
• Award construction contract for Blake’s Branch Sewer Separation, Phase 8, Division 3 (Resolution 236‑2024)
• Purchase six galvanized light poles for $26,298 for the Electrical Department (Consent agenda item 4)
• Purchase a 2024 Magnum Patcher for $68,000 for the Streets Department (Resolution 238‑2024)

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council and Wapello County Supervisors will hold a joint work session with an economic development panel. The panel, featuring specialists and legal counsel from Ahlers & Cooney, will present and discuss incentive tools such as tax abatements and tax‑increment financing. No formal actions are listed; the meeting is for discussion and public Q&A.

• Economic Development Discussion panel with specialists and Ahlers & Cooney legal representation
• Presentation by Mike Macri, Vice President, CBRE on economic incentive packages (20 min)
• Presentation by Nathan Overberg, Ahlers & Cooney on tax abatements and TIF (15 min)
• Introduction by Marc Roe, Executive Director, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress (5 min)
• Panel Q&A session

Board of Health

The Ottumwa Board of Health will hold public hearings and vote on condemning structures at six city addresses. For each property, the board will order prompt demolition, removal, and leveling of the lot, with all associated costs assessed against the property owners. The agenda lists the specific sites and the recommended actions for each.

• Condemnation of structures at 144 N. Willard – order demolition, removal, leveling, costs to owner
• Condemnation of structures at 320 N. Holt – order demolition, removal, leveling, costs to owner
• Condemnation of structures at 516 Gladstone – order demolition, removal, leveling, costs to owner
• Condemnation of structures at 625 Morris – order demolition, removal, leveling, costs to owner
• Condemnation of structures at 814 Wabash – order demolition, removal, leveling, costs to owner

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes minutes, a claims list, and a reappointment recommendation. It will consider multiple resolutions authorizing purchases for the fire department, equipment upgrades, and a $755,000 General Obligation Capital Loan. Additional items include a new golf‑cart registration fee and a public hearing date for Justice Assistance Grant spending.

• Approve purchase of a 2024 Dodge Ram 3500 Tradesman Crew Cab 4x4 for the Fire Dept/HazMat ($63,000).
• Approve purchase of equipment for the 2024 Sutphen Fire Apparatus ($16,711.10).
• Approve replacement of a Hydromatic 60RDP Load‑out Pump for WPCF ($14,518).
• Approve $755,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, Series 2024B (Resolution 204‑2024).
• Establish a permit fee for golf‑cart registration (Resolution 202‑2024).

Mayor City Council

The City Council held a public hearing and approved proceedings to issue up to $800,000 in general obligation capital loan notes. These funds will be used to purchase a new landfill compactor for the Ottumwa/Wapello County Landfill.

• Resolution No. 189-2024: Authorization of General Obligation Capital Loan Notes not to exceed $800,000
• Resolution No. 198-2024: Purchase of an Aljon Series 500 Landfill Compactor for $733,756
• Discussion regarding Humana Group Medicare Advantage Plan renewal
• Resolution No. 147-2024: Agreement with McMahon Associates, Inc. for Professional Consulting Services (Tabled item)

The council held a public hearing and approved two resolutions to finance and buy a new landfill compactor, a needed replacement for operations. The purchase of an Aljon Series 500 compactor for $733,756 was approved, along with issuing up to $800,000 in general obligation loan notes. Council also discussed a Humana Medicare Advantage plan renewal and reached consensus to proceed with Option No. 2, with action scheduled for the next meeting. A previously tabled resolution (No. 147-2024) remains tabled.

• Approved Resolution 189-2024 authorizing up to $800,000 GO loan notes for landfill compactor (4-1)
• Approved Resolution 198-2024 to purchase Aljon Series 500 landfill compactor for $733,756 (4-1)
• Closed public hearing on loan agreement and note issuance (4-1)
• Reached consensus to proceed with Option No. 2 for Humana Medicare Advantage plan renewal; action deferred to next meeting
• Kept Resolution 147-2024 on the table

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will hold a public hearing to authorize a loan agreement and issue up to $16,000,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes. The council will also consider resolutions for additional loan notes, equipment purchases, and ordinance changes. Several items are on the consent agenda, including purchases for the Sewer Department and reappointment of a planning commission member.

• Approve purchase of a CaseMini Excavator for $101,274.08 for the Sewer Department
• Approve purchase of a Vacall (Sewer Cleaning/VacTruck) for $586,453.04 for the Sewer Department
• Public hearing to authorize a Loan Disbursement Agreement and issue Notes not to exceed $16,000,000 (Resolution No. 182-2024)
• Ordinance No. 3232-2024 adding Article XVI for golf cart regulation within city limits
• Ordinance No. 3233-2024 changing zoning of 1014 North Elm Street from R‑2 to R‑4 Multifamily Residential

The Ottumwa City Council approved a new ordinance regulating golf carts within city limits (3-2) and rezoned 1014 N. Elm St. from R-2 to R-4 multifamily (4-1). It also approved purchases for a mini excavator ($101,274.08) and a sewer vacuum truck ($586,453.04), and authorized up to $16 million in sewer project debt.

• Adopted golf cart ordinance (3-2)
• Rezoned 1014 N. Elm St. to R-4 multifamily (4-1)
• Approved $101,274.08 mini excavator purchase
• Approved $586,453.04 sewer vacuum truck purchase
• Authorized $16M GO loan for sewer separation project
• Approved Wapello Street Extension Trail project plans
• Approved Church Street Crosswalks project plans
• Approved street patch and crack repair program plans

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold public hearings to consider the condemnation and demolition of four structures. If approved, costs for demolition and leveling will be assessed against the properties or owners.

• Condemnation hearing for 1309 Castle
• Condemnation hearing for 103 South Adams
• Condemnation hearing for 225 Paris Street
• Condemnation hearing for 714 North Cooper

Board of Health

The Board of Health will hold public hearings to consider the condemnation and demolition of three structures. If approved, demolition and leveling costs will be assessed against the properties or owners.

• Condemnation hearing for 851 S. Davis
• Condemnation hearing for 1515 West Main
• Condemnation hearing for 120 North Davis

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will meet July 16 at Bridge View Center to act on routine claims, approve purchases totaling over $282k, sell city property for $35k, and consider a fire code amendment allowing alternatives to sprinkler systems in certain housing.

• Approve purchase of two 2.5-ton trucks for $227,021 each from O’Halloran International
• Amend fire code to allow performance-based sprinkler alternatives in Group R occupancies via Ordinance 3231-2024
• Sell 109 E. Woodland Ave. to Manny Martinez for $35,000 via Resolution 158-2024
• Approve $41,488.20 purchase of a half-ton pickup with amber strobe lights and inverter for Traffic Department
• Authorize $6.86 million general obligation capital loan notes via Resolution 150-2024

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will vote on a resolution to approve a professional consulting contract with McMahon Associates, Inc. to provide administrative support for the Fire Department, which has operated without a permanent fire chief since September 2023.

• Vote on Resolution 147-2024 to approve agreement with McMahon Associates, Inc. for Professional Consulting Services
• Discussion on draft ordinance regulating golf cart usage on authorized streets
• Closed session to review confidential records under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(a)

Mayor City Council

The council will consider amending the municipal code to revise city purchasing policies and procedures. The agenda also includes decisions on janitorial service contracts, vehicle purchases, and property sales.

• Ordinance No. 3226-2024 regarding city purchasing policies
• Janitorial services contract for the Law Enforcement Center
• Purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer for $24,671
• Demolition and disposal at 903 Silk for $7,490
• Sale of 109 E. Woodland Avenue for $35,000

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a land lease for the city landfill at 13277 165th Ave. The council is also considering several ordinances to revise terms and membership for various city boards. Other business includes reviewing $6,860,000 in loan notes and a fireworks agreement for RAGBRAI.

• Public hearing on landfill lease agreement with Vespene Energy, Inc.
• Distribution of Preliminary Official Statement for $6,860,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes
• Purchase of sewer overflow samplers from Onsite for $24,465
• Ordinances to revise terms for the Inspection Board of Review and Cemetery Trustees
• Fireworks display agreement with J&M Displays, Inc. for RAGBRAI on July 25, 2024

Mayor City Council

The City Council is reviewing potential amendments to the 2021 International Fire Code, specifically regarding sprinkler requirements for mixed-use buildings. The session also includes a discussion on establishing regulations for the use of golf carts and utility terrain vehicles on city streets.

• Amendments to fire sprinkler requirements for Group R occupancies
• Regulations for the use of golf carts and utility terrain vehicles
• Updates to the 2021 International Fire Code

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council is reviewing several collective bargaining agreements for municipal, public works, and fire department employees. The agenda also includes updates to city purchasing policies and various infrastructure projects. Additionally, the council will consider several business permit applications.

• Purchase of a John Deere Wheell Excavator for $299,450
• Collective bargaining agreements for Teamsters Local 238 and Firefighters Local 395
• Ordinance No. 3226-2024 to revise city purchasing policies and procedures
• Agreement with JCG Land Services for the Mary Street Reconstruction Project
• Lease proposal for landfill property to Vespene Energy, Inc.

Mayor City Council

The Council will hold public hearings on a $350,000 urban renewal loan and the sale of city-owned properties. The agenda also includes approving repairs to a storm pump and reviewing various permit applications.

• $350,000 Urban Renewal Capital Loan Notes
• Sale of 535 Elma for $8,777.77
• Sale of 508 S. Moore for $7,300
• $13,675.60 repair to Finley Storm Pump #1
• 2024 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program grant application

Board of Health

The Ottumwa Board of Health will consider the condemnation and demolition of structures at five different locations. The board is reviewing proposals to order the removal and leveling of lots, with costs assessed to the property owners. These include properties on Summit Street, West Third Street, Spring Street, Branham, and Clinton.

• Condemnation of 538 Summit Street
• Condemnation of 932 W. Third Street
• Condemnation of 606 Spring Street
• Condemnation of 2721 Branham
• Condemnation of 506 Clinton

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will receive the independent FY2023 audit report prepared by BerganKDV, Ltd. and authorize the finance director to submit it to the State of Iowa. State law requires municipalities over 2,000 residents to file audited financial statements annually. This agenda contains no other substantive items or public hearings.

• - Receive FY2023 independent audit report from BerganKDV, Ltd.

Mayor City Council

The City Council will consider a resolution to issue debt for software acquisition costs totaling $110,275. Members will also discuss changing the distribution of Local Option Sales & Services Tax (LOSST) revenue. This follows projected property tax revenue losses of $472,213.

• Resolution No. 102-2024 for software acquisition costs totaling $110,275
• Discussion on changing Local Option Sales & Services Tax (LOSST) ballot language
• Proposed redistribution of LOSST revenue from a 90/10 split to alternatives such as 80/20

Mayor City Council

The Council will hold a public hearing regarding the certification of taxes and the FY 24/25 annual city budget. The agenda also includes proposals for selling city-owned properties and requesting a special election for a new one percent local sales tax.

• Public hearing on the FY 24/25 Annual City Budget and tax certification
• Proposed sale of 413 North Birch to David Osorio for $18,000
• Proposed sale of 1140 North Elm Street to David Osorio for $18,000
• Requesting a special election for a new one percent Local Option Sales and Services Tax
• Termination payment of $74,245.50 to Integrity Golf Group, LLC

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This hearing is for informational purposes only, and no official action will be taken during this session. The city is not proposing an increase in the property tax rate for this period.

• Public hearing on proposed property tax levy for Fiscal Year 24/25

Mayor City Council

The council will hold public hearings regarding property conveyances and a ground lease for an indoor sports facility. They are also reviewing several collective bargaining agreements and infrastructure contracts for street and roundabout construction.

• $1,534,812.50 contract for the 2024 Asphalt Street Repair Project
• $887,685.30 South Milner Street Reconstruction Project
• $777,949.30 Albia Road North Quincy Avenue Roundabout Project
• Ground Lease Agreement with Southeast Iowa Sports Commission for an Indoor Sports Facility
• Collective bargaining agreements for Teamsters Local 238 and Firefighters Local 395

Mayor City Council

The Council will hold a public hearing on transferring property at 508 North Court to Indian Hills Community College for $1. The agenda also includes a contract award for sewer repairs and setting a date for the FY25 property tax levy hearing. Additionally, the council will consider ordinances regarding municipal fees and electrician permits.

• Property conveyance to Indian Hills Community College for $1
• $39,196 contract award for Sanitary Sewer Spot Repair Project
• Public hearing date set for FY25 Proposed Property Tax Levy
• Amendment to Albia Road-Quincy Avenue Roundabout project agreement
• Ordinance regarding Class B Master Electricians

Mayor City Council

The Ottumwa City Council scheduled a special meeting for February 26, 2024. The agenda includes a motion to enter a closed session to discuss the City Administrator's performance goals related to his evaluation and employment contract.

• Closed session regarding City Administrator performance goals and employment contract

Mayor City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on several infrastructure projects, including sewer separation and street repairs. The agenda also includes the authorization of $7,400,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes. Additionally, the council will consider re-establishing the Downtown Ottumwa Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District.

• Authorization of $7,400,000 in General Obligation Capital Loan Notes
• South Milner Street Reconstruction project plans and contracts
• 2024 Asphalt Street Repair Program plans and costs
• Albia Road North Quincy Avenue Roundabout Project plans and easements
• Re-establishment of the Downtown Ottumwa Self-Supporting Municipal Improvement District

Mayor City Council

The City Council is conducting a preliminary budget workshop to review the proposed FY25 General Fund. The interim finance director reports a projected deficit of $289,362 due to rising costs and decreased property tax revenue.

• Projected General Fund deficit of $289,362
• Proposed 3.2% cost of living adjustment for wages
• Reduction in property tax levies from $8.775 to $8.52 due to CGFL
• Transfer of Engineering wages and benefits to the Road Use Tax Fund
• Budgeted addition of a Utility Worker in the Parks Department

Mayor City Council

The City Council will consider a ten-year lease for Cedar Creek Golf Course and several public hearing items regarding playground equipment, sewer repairs, and loan note reallocations. The agenda also includes discussions on tax abatements totaling over $1.4 million and various city fund transfers.

• Ten-year municipal lease and operating agreement for Cedar Creek Golf Course
• Ottumwa Park Playground Equipment Project plans and costs
• Sanitary Sewer Spot Repair Project plans and costs
• Tax abatement applications totaling $1,437,306.14
• Loan agreements and notes not to exceed $6,000,000, $700,000, and $700,000

Mayor City Council

The City Council will participate in a work session featuring a legal presentation on open meetings and records. The council will also conduct a preliminary budget workshop covering debt service, borrowing, and various capital funds.

• Legal refresher on city government, best practices, and open records
• Preliminary Budget Workshop led by Interim Finance Director Jessica Kinser
• Discussion of 301 Street Projects Fund
• Discussion of 303 Airport Projects Fund
• Discussion of 307 Sidewalk & Curb Projects Fund

Mayor City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a ten-year municipal lease and operating agreement with A.A.W. Golf Group, LLC for Cedar Creek Golf Course. The agenda also includes discussions on fire code amendments, potential changes to the mayoral term, and various equipment and service contracts.

• Ten-year lease and operating agreement for Cedar Creek Golf Course with A.A.W. Golf Group, LLC
• Purchase of a Four-post Lift from Bend Pak for $36,765
• Purchase of a Sokkia iX-605 Robotic Total Station Kit for $27,898
• Purchase agreement with Sutphen for a new Fire Apparatus
• Agreement with Piper Sandler & Co. for Phase 8 Sewer Separation projects

Mayor City Council

The City Council work session will include discussions regarding amendments to the 2021 International Fire Code and a proposal to change the mayoral term from four years to two years. The council will also discuss Iowa Code provisions for boards and commissions and election proceeding provisions.

• Discussion of amendments to the 2021 International Fire Code
• Proposal to change Mayoral term from four-year to two-year
• Discussion of City Council representation on Boards and Commissions
• Review of Iowa Code provisions for boards and commissions

Mayor City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss several major infrastructure contracts, including a large-scale sewer separation project and the purchase of a new fire truck. The agenda also includes confirming a new council appointment and reviewing a proposal for the Bird e-scooter program.

• Contract award for Blake's Branch Phase 8 sewer separation project to J&K Contracting, LLC for $5,716,345
• Authorization of new fire apparatus purchase from Sutphen Corporation for $869,400.34
• Purchase of a 2024 2% Ton Truck from O'Halloran for the Streets Department totaling $221,971
• Confirmation of Cyan Bossou to fill the vacant council seat previously held by Kinyotta Pope
• Public hearing for a ten-year municipal lease and operating agreement with A.A.W. Golf Group, LLC