HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.21.2026 Council Regular Session Minutes Affidavit (246843)*** Proof of Publication ***
State of Nebraska
Lancaster County
Waterloo, City of - Legals
Accounts Payable
715 MULBERRY ST.
WATERLOO IA 50703
ORDER NUMBER 246843
The undersigned, being duly sworn, on oath, do depose and say that I
am an authorized employee of the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, that
The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier is a weekly newspaper regularly
published and printed in the English language in the City of Waterloo,
Black Hawk County, Iowa, and has a general circulation in the said
city and county; and that I personally know that the notice, a true copy
of which is hereto affixed, was published in the Waterloo Cedar Falls
Courier on the following days, to -wit:
Section: Legals
Category: 950 Legal Notice
PUBLISHED ON: 10/22/2026
TOTAL AD COST: 787.20
FILED ON: 10/23/2026
That the issues of said paper containing said notice were duly
circulated in the regular manner.
General Notary - State of Nebraska
UVA K. BOONE
My Comm. Exp. Jan. 31, 2029
Notary Public
September 21, 2026
The City Council of the City of Waterloo,
Iowa, met in Regular Session at Harold E.
GettyCouncilChambers,Waterloo,Iowa,at
5:30 PM, on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Pre-Meeting Items
Roll Call.
Mayor Dave Boesen in the chair.
Mr. Schmitt, Mr. Morrow,
Ms. Creighton-Smith, Ms. Berry,
Mr. Salamanca, Mr. Martin and Mr. Simon.
Prayer or Moment of Silence.
Pledge of Allegiance, Kelly Martin,
At-Large Council Member.
Approval of Agenda as proposed or amended.
Simon/Salamanca
thattheagenda,asproposed,beapproved.
Voice vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Approval of minutes of the September 8, 2026,
Council Regular Session, as proposed
or amended.
Simon/Salamanca
that the minutes of the September 8, 2026,
Council Regular Session, as proposed,
be approved. Voice vote-Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Simon/Martin
that the following items on the consent
agenda be approved, except for items
3, 4, and 6, 20, 21 and 22, being removed
for separate discussion, including the
payment of bills for September 14, 2026,
in the amount of $1,900,524.82, and
September 21, 2026, in the amount
of $3,960,304.11, be received and
placed on file. Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Bills Payment, Finance Committee Invoice
Summary Report, a copy of which is on file
in the office of the City Clerk.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-493.
Resolution determining the necessity and
setting date of public hearing as October
19, 2026, to approve the 2026 Amended
and Restated East Waterloo Unified Urban
Renewal and Redevelopment Plan, 2026
Amendment, and update projects and
project budgets to be included in the Plan,
and other general updates to the Plan, and
setting date of consultation with taxing
entities as October 2, 2026, and instruct
the City Clerk to publish notice.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-494.
Resolution determining the necessity and
setting date of public hearing as October
19, 2026, to approve Amendment No. 1 to
the South Waterloo Unified Urban Renewal
and Redevelopment Plan, to remove
property from the TIF area, and setting
date of consultation with taxing entities as
October 2, 2026, and instruct the City Clerk
to publish notice.
This item was removed to be
discussed separately.
Resolution determining the necessity and
setting date of public hearing as October
19, 2026, to approve Amendment No. 2 to
the South Waterloo Unified Urban Renewal
and Redevelopment Plan, to add property
to the Plan Area and TIF Area and update
projects and project budgets to be included
in the Plan, and other general updates to
the Plan, and setting date of consultation
with taxing entities as October 2, 2026, and
instruct the City Clerk to publish notice.
This item was removed to be
discussed separately.
Resolution determining the necessity and
setting date of public hearing as October
19, 2026, to approve the Castle Hill
Urban Renewal Plan, and setting date of
consultation with taxing entities as October
2, 2026, and instruct the City Clerk to
publish notice.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-495.
Resolution determining the necessity
and setting date of public hearing as
October 19, 2026, to approve the 2026
Project Amendment to the Crossroads
Waterloo Urban Renewal and
Redevelopment Plan to reduce the area
subject to the division of taxes and to
update projects and project budges to be
included in the Plan, and other general
updates to the Plan, and setting date
of consultation with taxing entities as
October 2, 2026, and instruct the City Clerk
to publish notice.
This item was removed to be
discussed separately.
Resolution approving preliminary plans,
specifications, form of contract, etc., setting
date of bid opening as October 8, 2026,
and date of public hearing as
October 19, 2026, in conjunction with
the FY 2027 Storm Sewer Disconnects -
400 BLK Kern Street, Contract No. 1167,
and instruct the City Clerk to publish notice.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-496.
Resolution setting date of public hearing as
October 5, 2026, to approve a request by
Mikhal Ambrose to rezone approximately
0.17 acres from “M-1” Light Industrial
District to “R-3” Multiple Residence District
to construct a single-family home located
adjacent to 213 Park Road, and instruct the
City Clerk to publish notice.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-497.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 552 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-498.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 554 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-499.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 556 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-500.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 558 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-501.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 602 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-502.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 604 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-503.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 606 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-504.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 608 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-505.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 610 Grindstone Circle and located
in the City Limits Urban Revitalization
Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-506.
Resolution approving the request by
Robson Homes Inc., for tax exemptions on
the construction of a new twin home unit
valued at $200,000.00, for property located
at 4181 Mystic Drive and located in the City
Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-507.
Resolution approving the request by
Pray Du, for tax exemptions on the
construction of a new single family home
valued at $324,500.00, for property
located at 1219 W. 7th Street and located
in the Consolidated Urban Revitalization
Area (CURA).
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-508.
Motion to approve the hiring of
Rhodes Dolan from the current
Civil Service List to the position of
Facilities Specialist in the Leisure
Services Sportsplex, effective after
September 21, 2026.
This item was removed to be
discussed separately.
Motion to approve the hiring of
Andrew Peverill from the current Civil
Service List to the position of solid Waste
Technician in the Sanitation Department,
effective after September 21, 2026.
This item was removed to be
discussed separately.
Motion approving the hiring of
Lyndzy Rozmus to the position of
Administrative Support Professional in the
Clerk's Office and the Human Resources
Department, effective October 1, 2026.
This item was removed to be
discussed separately.
Andrea Gordon,Board/Commission:
Housing Authority Board, Expiration Date:
April 16, 2027, New appointment.
Communication from the Library
Department on the notice of the conclusion
of employment of Lori Petersen,
Youth Services Manager, effective
August 19, 2026, with recommendation
of approval of payout of $10,711.62 for
unused benefits.
Communication from the Waste
Management Department on the notice
of the conclusion of employment of
Michael McDonald, Maintenance
Mechanic, effective October 1, 2026, with
recommendation of approval of payout of
$1,782.32 for unused benefits.
Liquor Licenses
African Restaurant & Bar, 1010 E.
Mitchell Avenue, Class C w/Sunday Sales
(Renewal) Exp: 07/24/2027.
Bamboo Ridge Campground, 4550
La Porte Road, Class C w/Sunday Sales
(Renewal) Exp: 09/18/2027.
Dollar General #20548, 1650 Idaho Street,
Class B w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 11/06/2026.
Friendship Village/Friends of Faith
Retirement Home, 600 Park Lane,
Class F w/Sunday Sales (Ownership Updates)
Exp: 10/18/2026.
Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh #3, 1512 Flammang
Drive, Class B w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 08/26/2027.
Izumi Sushi and Hibachi, 941 E.
San Marnan Drive, Class C w/Sunday
Sales (Renewal) Exp: 08/13/2027.
Kwik Star #569, 875 Fisher Drive,
Class B w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 08/27/2027.
Kwik Star #1004, 111 E. RidgewayAvenue,
Class B w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 10/21/2027.
LockeAtTower Park, 4140 KimballAvenue,
Class B w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 09/20/2027.
Mama Nick's Circle Pizzeria, Class C w/
Sunday Sales (Renewal) Exp: 09/09/2027.
The Brown Bottle, 209 W. 5th Street,
Class C w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 10/21/2027.
Three Amigos Family Restaurant,
Class C w/Sunday Sales (Renewal)
Exp: 08/24/2027.
Walgreens #03950, 3910 University
Avenue, Class E w/Sunday Sales
(Renewal) Exp: 06/16/2027.
Item #3
Morrow/Schmitt
Resolution determining the necessity and
setting date of public hearing as October
19, 2026, to approve Amendment No. 1 to
the South Waterloo Unified Urban Renewal
and Redevelopment Plan, to remove
property from the TIF area, and setting
date of consultation with taxing entities
as October 2, 2026, and instruct the City
Clerk to publish notice. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted
and upon approval by Mayor assigned
No. 2026-509.
Mr. Morrow requested an overview of
consent agenda items 3, 4, and 6.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and
Development Director, explained that we
are required by the state code to amend our
Urban Renewal Plan on an annual basis
when there are new projects that need to
be added to the Plan and this allows us
to legally pay the bills for infrastructure,
etc. He further explained the reason and
process for adding and removing parcels.
Mr. Morrow questioned how the TIF is
being impacted.
Noel Anderson provided an overview of
how TIF districts are affected.
MayorBoesenaddedadditionalclarification.
Item #4
Morrow/Schmitt
Resolution determining the necessity and
setting date of public hearing as October
19, 2026, to approve Amendment No. 2 to
the South Waterloo Unified Urban Renewal
and Redevelopment Plan, to add property
to the Plan Area and TIF Area and update
projects and project budgets to be included
in the Plan, and other general updates to
the Plan, and setting date of consultation
with taxing entities as October 2, 2026, and
instruct the City Clerk to publish notice.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-510.
Item #6
Morrow/Schmitt
Resolution determining the necessity
and setting date of public hearing as
October 19, 2026, to approve the 2026
Project Amendment to the Crossroads
Waterloo Urban Renewal and
Redevelopment Plan to reduce the area
subjecttothedivisionoftaxesandtoupdate
projects and project budges to be included
in the Plan, and other general updates to
the Plan, and setting date of consultation
with taxing entities as October 2, 2026, and
instruct the City Clerk to publish notice.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-511.
Item #20
Schmitt/Berry
Motion to approve the hiring of
Rhodes Dolan from the current
Civil Service List to the position of
Facilities Specialist in the Leisure
Services SportsPlex, effective after
September 21, 2026. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Six. Nays: One (Schmitt). Motion carried.
Mr. Schmitt commented that he did not vote
to approve the budget, so he will be voting
no on the item.
Mr. Martin questioned if the vacancy was
due to a retirement.
Todd Derifield, Leisure Services Director,
confirmed this is an internal hire and
explained that following a retirement
at Young Arena, an employee at the
SportsPlex transferred to that position,
leaving a vacancy at the SportsPlex.
Ms. Berry questioned if the position already
exists within the budget and this is just
replacing an individual.
Todd Derifield confirmed.
Item #21
Schmitt/Simon
Motion to approve the hiring of
Andrew Peverill from the current Civil
Service List to the position of solid Waste
Technician in the Sanitation Department,
effective after September 21, 2026.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Mr. Schmitt commented that he has the
same questions and the same vote on this
item as item #20.
Randy Bennett, Public Works Division
Manager, commented that this position is
in the sanitation department and will be
paid with Proprietary Funds, not through
the General Fund.
Mr. Salamanca questioned what the
impact would be on his department and
the citizens of Waterloo if this position was
not filled.
Randy Bennett explained that this is
replacing an existing position and if it
were not filled it would take longer to
complete the route for yard waste and
garbage collection and maintenance of the
compost site.
Item #22
Schmitt/Morrow
Motion approving the hiring of
Lyndzy Rozmus to the position of
Administrative Support Professional in the
Clerk's Office and the Human Resources
Department, effective October 1, 2026.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Six. Nays: One
(Schmitt). Motion carried.
Mr. Schmitt commented that he has the
same question and the same response as
item #20.
Ms. Creighton-Smith commented that this
is a new position.
Missy Gearhart, Assistant Human
Resources Director, commented that
this is a shared position between HR
and the Clerk's office. She explained that
the Clerk's office has two positions that
are unfilled and one of those will remain
unfilled to pay for this position.
Mr. Salamanca questioned how there
could be a new position yet replacing a
vacant position.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, explained that
this is reconfiguring dollars that have
already been allocated to adjust how our
department operates. With the upcoming
move to the new City Hall, implementation
of new software to help improve services
to the community, and the expectation that
there will be a reduction in the amount
of foot traffic, we believe this position
will be well suited to partnering with
Human Resources and helping them with
all that they do, because they also run
extremely lean.
Missy Gearhart shared that they did
an extensive needs analysis with the
Clerk's department and found that this is
what their needs are.
Mr. Martin commented that this position
has been vacant for nearly a year and
a half.
Kelley Felchle explained that rather than fill
the position right away, we chose to take a
year and focus on increased cross-training
and studying what we are doing and how
we are doing it. With the move to the new
building, we feel this would be a better use
of the dollars that have been allocated.
Mr. Schmitt reiterated his reasons for
voting against filling vacant positions, citing
high taxes and the importance of becoming
more competitive with other cities.
Mr. Simon shared that he also believes
Waterloo needs to be competitive, but not
at the expense of departments not being
able to operate efficiently. He commented
that the City Clerk explained very well all
their efforts to cross-train staff for efficiency
and if this position makes us more efficient
or competitive, he thinks this is a good hire.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Request by Yashpal Saini to rezone
approximately 5.29 acres from “A-1”
Agricultural District to “R-2” One and
Two Family Residence District in order to
split the lots to allow for the construction
of single-family homes located south of
1220 BishopAvenue to 1304 BishopAvenue.
Schmitt/Berry
to receive and file proof of publication of
notice of public hearing. Voice vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
This being the time and place of the public
hearing, the Mayor called for written and
oral comments and there were none.
Schmitt/Berry
to close the hearing and receive and
file recommendation of approval of the
Planning, Programming and Zoning
Commission. Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Schmitt/Martin
to receive, file, consider, and pass for
the first time an ordinance amending
Ordinance No. 5079, as amended, City of
Waterloo Zoning Ordinance, by amending
the Official Zoning Map referred to in
Section 10-4-4, approving a request by
Yashpal Saini to rezone approximately
5.29 acres from “A-1” Agricultural District
to “R-2” One and Two Family Residence
District in order to split the lots to allow for
the construction of single-family homes
located south of 1220 Bishop Avenue to
1304 Bishop Avenue. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Schmitt/Morrow
to suspend the rules. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Mr. Schmitt questioned the urgency of
moving the ordinance forward.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and
Development Director, shared that he
is unaware of any timing issues and that
there has been no opposition.
Schmitt/Creighton-Smith
to consider and pass for the second and
third times and adopt the ordinance.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 5847.
FY 2026 South Business Park - Phase I,
Contract No. 1129, RM-8155(789)--9D-07
Morrow/Schmitt
to receive and file proof of publication of
notice of public hearing. Voice vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
This being the time and place of the public
hearing, the Mayor called for written and
oral comments.
David Dreyer, 3145 W. 4th Street,
questioned the purpose of the project
and how it relates to Resolution No. 4 on
the agenda.
Jamie Knutson, City Engineer, provided an
overview of the project, how it relates to
item No. 4 and the grants helping to fund
the project.
Morrow/Schmitt
to close hearing and receive and file oral
comments. Voice vote-Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Morrow/Schmitt
Resolution confirming approval of plans,
specifications, form of contract, etc., and
authorizing to proceed. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted
and upon approval by Mayor assigned
No. 2026-512.
Morrow/Martin
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk
to read bids. Voice vote-Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Engineer's Estimate: $14,000,000.00
Reilly Construction Co., Inc., Ossian,
IA - 5% - $16,509,896.83
C.J. Moyna & Sons, Elkader,
IA - 5% - $12,833,468.72
McAninch Corporation, Des Moines,
IA - 5% - $13,695,180.26
Peterson Contractors, Inc., Reinbeck,
IA - 5% - $12,644,650.02
Boomerang Corp., Anamosa,
IA - 5% - $13,600,970.85
Morrow/Salamanca
Resolution approving award of bid to
Peterson Contractors, Inc., of Reinbeck,
Iowa, in the amount of $12,644,650.02,
approving the contract, bond and
certificate of insurance, in conjunction
with the FY 2026 South Business
Park - Phase I Project, Contract No.
1129, RM-8155(789)--9D-07, and
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute said document. Roll Call
vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-513.
RESOLUTIONS
Resolution approving an Amendment to
the Development Agreement with Iowa
Heartland Habitat for Humanity for 408
Vermont Street, to allow for the demolition
of the existing home and the construction
of a new single-family home, and to extend
the completion deadline to July 31, 2029,
and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk
to execute said documents.
Creighton-Smith/Berry
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-514.
David Dreyer, 3145 W. 4th Street,
questioned who is paying for
the demolition.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning
and Development Director, shared that
Habitat for Humanity will be paying for
the demolition.
Mr. Simon questioned how work is
progressing on the project.
Noel Anderson shared that they were
initially going to rehabilitate it, but
later determined that demolition and
reconstruction would work best for the
site, so we are adding months to meet
their timeline.
Mr. Salamanca questioned if they had
substantially completed work.
NoelAnderson explained there are multiple
development agreements with Habitat,
and they are making very good process on
all of them.
Resolution approving an Amendment to
the Development Agreement with Dhani
RE Waterloo, LLC to increase the number
of residential dwellings from twenty-six to
twenty-eight and provide $10,000.00 in
additional Housing Infill incentives for two
new units, amend the completion date
to March 31, 2027, and an Amendment
to the Minimum Assessment Agreement
to have a minimum assessed value of
$2,550,000.00, located at 722 Water Street
(aka 20 E. 5th Street), and authorizing
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
said document.
Creighton-Smith/Berry
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-515.
Mr. Salamanca questioned where the
developer is on this project.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and
Development Director, shared that they are
making great progress.
Arp Patel, Dahni RE Waterloo, LLC
and 20 E. 5th Street, explained that the
mechanicals are done and most of the
inspections have now been passed and he
has no doubt they will meet the deadline.
Resolution approving an Amendment to a
Site Lease Agreement for the City-Owned
Property Agreement with Croell, Inc., in
the amount of $7,500.00, to extend the
termination date to November 30, 2026, for
continued operation of a portable concrete
batch plant, and authorizing the Mayor and
City Clerk to execute said document.
Creighton-Smith/Berry
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-516.
Resolution approving Supplemental
Agreement No. 4 to the Professional
Services Agreement with AECOM, Inc., of
Waterloo, Iowa, in an amount not to exceed
$1,599,100.00 for construction-related
services, in conjunction with the FY 2026
South Business Park - Phase I Project,
Contract No. 1129, and authorizing the
Mayor to execute said document.
Berry/Salamanca
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-517.
Mr. Morrow requested an overview of the
agenda item.
Jamie Knutson, City Engineer, explained
AECOM's role in overseeing the project.
Resolution approving a Street Lighting
Agreement with MidAmerican Energy
Company, of Des Moines, Iowa, in the
estimated amount of $13,342.64, to install
streetlights in conjunction with the FY
2026 Parkview Manor and W. 3rd Street
Detention Basin Project, Contract No.
1137, and authorizing the Mayor to execute
said document.
Berry/Salamanca
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-518.
Resolution approving an agreement with
MidAmerican Energy Company, of Des
Moines, Iowa, in the estimated amount
of $50,806.54, to install underground
electric distribution facilities in conjunction
with the FY 2026 Parkview Manor and
W. 3rd Street Detention Basin Project,
Contract No. 1137, and authorizing the
Mayor to execute said document.
Berry/Salamanca
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-519.
Resolution approving award of bid to Brock
Even Construction, LLC, of Jesup, Iowa,
in the amount of $104,440.83, approving
the contract, bonds, and certificate of
insurance, in conjunction with the FY 2027
Sidewalk Repair Assessment Program -
Zone 5B Project, Contract No. 1156, and
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute said documents.
Martin/Salamanca
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-520.
Mr. Morrow questioned how many locations
are included in the agreement and if the
city receives reimbursement for the work.
Jamie Knutson, City Engineer, explained
that there are over 500 locations and that
residents will receive an invoice which
they can choose to pay in part or in full.
Any remaining amount due would be sent
to the county and collected through their
property taxes.
Mayor Boesen commented that his
neighbor chose to have this company
do the work on their sidewalk because
the estimate to complete the work was
much less than if they were to hire a
contractor themselves.
Resolution approving a Professional
ServicesAgreement with ePlus Technology
Inc., in the amount of $1,788,288.62 in
conjunction with the Enterprise Network
Equipment and Services project as part of
the fiber backbone project, and authorizing
the Mayor to execute said document.
Martin/Salamanca
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-521.
David Dreyer, 3145 W. 4th Street,
requested an overview of the agenda item.
Chris Youngblut, IT Director, provided an
overview of the project and spoke about
the benefits of entering into this agreement.
Bridgett Wood, Finance Director, provided
an update on the $20 million bond funding
the city received.
Resolution approving the installation of two
speed humps to be placed at Longfellow
Avenue by Lincoln School.
Martin/Salamanca
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-522.
Resolution approving Acknowledgment/
Settlement Agreement for Tobacco
Violation -2nd Offense with Neighborhood
Mart, 2100 Lafayette Street, Waterloo,
Iowa 50703,and acceptance of a civil
penalty in the amount of $1,500.00, and
authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to
execute said document.
Salamanca/Martin
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-523.
David Dryer, 3145 W. 4th Street,
questioned if these establishments were
to continue, could they be deemed a
chronic nuisance and revoke their ability to
sell tobacco.
Mayor Boesen commented that he is
unsure if they could be deemed a chronic
nuisance, but when the fees go from $300
for a first violation to $1,500 for the second
offense, we would hope that things change.
Resolution approving Acknowledgment/
Settlement Agreement for Tobacco
Violation - Second Offense with Kwik
Stop 3, 1140 Washington St. Waterloo,
IA 50702, and acceptance of a civil penalty
in the amount of $1,500.00, and authorizing
the Mayor and City Clerk to execute
said document.
Salamanca/Martin
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-524.
Resolution approving the Pre-Employment
Reimbursement Agreement, and
authorizing the Fire Chief to execute said
agreements on an ongoing basis.
Salamanca/Martin
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-525.
David Dryer, 3145 W. 4th Street, asked
for an explanation of the purpose of
the agreement.
Bill Beck, Fire Chief, provided an overview
of the item.
Mr. Simon questioned if the policy is similar
to the policies of other communities.
Bill Beck explained that he is not aware
of other Fire Departments having this
agreement in place.
Mayor Boesen asked for the cost of tuition
for training new recruits.
Bill Beck provided an overview of the costs.
ResolutionoftheCityofWaterlooapproving
an application to the Iowa Department
of Transportation seeking funding
through the Iowa Clean Air Attainment
Program to establish a Microtransit Pilot
Program within the cities of Waterloo and
Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Salamanca/Martin
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 2026-526.
ORDINANCES
1. An ordinance amending the City
of Waterloo Code of Ordinances by
amending Chapter 5 Chronic Nuisance
Properties, of Title 5, Police Regulations,
Section 1, Definitions.
Motion to receive, file, consider, and pass
for the first time an ordinance amending
the City of Waterloo Code of Ordinances
by amending the City of Waterloo Code
of Ordinances by amending Chapter 5
Chronic Nuisance Properties, of Title 5,
Police Regulations, Section 1, Definitions.
Motion to suspend the rules.
Motion to consider and pass for the
second and third times and adopt
said ordinance.
Morrow/ Martin
to receive, file, consider, and pass for the
first time an ordinance amending the City of
Waterloo Code of Ordinances by amending
the City of Waterloo Code of Ordinances
by amending Chapter 5 Chronic Nuisance
Properties, of Title 5, Police Regulations,
Section 1, Definitions. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Morrow/Martin
to suspend the rules. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Mr. Schmitt requested an overview of
the item.
Chief Duncan provided an overview of
the ordinance.
Morrow/Martin
to consider and pass for the second and
third times and adopt said ordinance.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 5848.
2. An ordinance amending the City
of Waterloo Code of Ordinances by
amending Chapter 1, Building Code,
Article A, Building Contractors, of Title
9 Building Regulations.
Motion to receive, file, consider, and
pass for the first time an ordinance
amending the City of Waterloo Code
of Ordinances by amending Chapter 1,
Building Code, Sections 1-10 Article
A, Building Contractors, of Title
9 Building Regulations.
Motion to suspend the rules.
Motion to consider and pass for the
second and third times and adopt
said ordinance.
Schmitt/Simon
to receive, file, consider, and pass for
the first time an ordinance amending the
City of Waterloo Code of Ordinances by
amending Chapter 1, Building Code,
Sections 1-10 Article A, Building
Contractors, of Title 9 Building Regulations.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Mr. Martin questioned if this is a
state ordinance.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and
Development Director, explained that this
is in reference to the 28E Agreement we
had with INRCOG that was rescinded
because they are no longer handling the
licensing, so this amendment is changing
the code to reflect that.
Mayor Boesen clarified that contractors
used to have to apply for licensing through
INRCOG, and now they will need to apply
through us.
Schmitt/Simon
to suspend the rules. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Schmitt/Morrow
to consider and pass for the second and
third times and adopt said ordinance.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by
Mayor assigned No. 5849.
3. An ordinance amending the City of
Waterloo Code of Ordinances by creating
a City Manager position.
Motion to receive, file, consider, and pass
for the first time an ordinance amending
the City of Waterloo Code of Ordinances
by adding a new Article E, City Manager, to
Title 1,Administration, Chapter 5, Municipal
Officials and adding a new Section 3,
Removal, to Title 1, Administration,
Chapter 5, Municipal Officials.
Motion to suspend the rules.
Motion to consider and pass for the
second and third times and adopt
said ordinance.
Simon/Morrow
to receive, file, consider, and pass for
the first time an ordinance amending the
City of Waterloo Code of Ordinances by
adding a new Article E, City Manager, to
Title 1,Administration, Chapter 5, Municipal
Officials and adding a new Section 3,
Removal, to Title 1, Administration,
Chapter 5, Municipal Officials.
LaTonya Graves, 607 E. Donald Street,
questioned where the funding would come
from, why we need a city manager and
whose job is going to be eliminated.
Mayor Boesen commented that the
position will not be replacing the mayor.
He explained that the city manager would
be hired and fired by the city council
and would also answer to the council.
He shared that Mayor Hart had money
in his budget for the last five to six years
for a position like this. With other salary
savings that we have made with staffing
changes, there is money in the budget
to fully fund this position for salary and
benefits. The position will oversee all city
departments and said that the success
of Waterloo cannot be based on the
next election cycle. We need a constant
person in this position through election
cycles with expertise and a proven track
record to manage cities similar to our size.
He explained that out of the top 15 largest
cities in Iowa, only two cities are without
a city manager or city administrator,
those being Council Bluffs and Waterloo.
Out of all the cities, Waterloo has the
highest tax rate and Council Bluffs is next.
Ms. Berry commented that she was
on the council back in 2000 with
John Rooff as mayor. Tim Hurly was mayor
for 6 years, then Quentin Hart for 10 years
and said that Waterloo has operated
with full-time elected mayors since the
beginning of the City. She read from a
prepared statement, including several
points from the proposed ordinance and
stated that this is a significant change
in how Waterloo's government would
operate. Ms. Berry shared her concern that
Waterloo should not be making a historic
shift in operational authority without a
proper process in place. She shared
several questions that were not answered
by the amendment and asked that we
slow down this process until complete
information is shared, and a public hearing
is held for the citizens.
Mayor Boesen addressed Ms. Berry's
questions and commented that he works
50–60 hours a week and still, 55 percent
of his duties are outside of running the
day-to-day operations of the City.
He explained that he will not be reducing
the number of hours he works and plans
to engage in more of those day-to-day
duties when a city manager is in place.
He further commented that he would take
a substantial cut in pay since a lot of his
duties would be taken on by the city
manager. Mayor Boesen reiterated that the
powers of the city manager will be directed
by the city council.
Ms. Berry commented that by hiring a city
manager we are adding another layer
of bureaucracy.
Mr. Salamanca provided several examples
of how having a city manager would benefit
the city and its residents and compared the
position to a chief operations officer who
would be held accountable to the council
for the success and efficiency of the city
and its daily operations.
Ms. Creighton-Smith shared her comments
and concerns on the importance of such a
drastic change to how we run our current
government. She called for the council
and the public to receive a clear written
explanation, opportunities to ask questions
and receive answers. She commented that
two 20-minute work sessions is not enough
time for such a drastic change.
Mr. Morrow commented on the similarities
of bringing on a city manager to that of
adding a new management team at a
business, stating that it can take a little
time to make the business successful.
He agrees that having a city manager
keeps the operations of Waterloo from
being susceptible to election cycles
and provides consistency. In addition,
this position would not raise taxes as
funds are already in place, so that should
be a positive.
Mayor Boesen added that it takes politics
out of the decisions that come out of the
mayor's office and that a mayor should not
be making decisions on the day-to-day
operations or the direction the city is going,
worrying whether it will cost him votes in
the next election.
Mr. Schmitt shared that he and a few
others had spent a couple of years looking
into a city manager and that he has since
become much more open to the idea.
He further shared that he thinks we
should be talking to Dubuque, Davenport,
Cedar Rapids and Sioux City because
those are cities that we compete with.
He would like to form a committee with
Mr. Salamanca and Ms. Berry and said
that they would visit those cities and return
with specific information to address the
questions asked tonight.
Schmitt/Martin
to table the item for 30 days and form
an ad-hoc committee comprised of
Mr. Schmitt, Mr. Salamanca and
Ms. Berry. Schmitt. Roll Call vote-Ayes:
Four.Ayes: Four. Nays: Three (Salamanca,
Martin and Simon). Motion carried.
Ms. Creighton-Smith requested the item be
tabled for longer than 30 days.
Mr. Salamanca requested clarification of an
ad-hoc committee.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, explained that
when the council establishes an ad-hoc
committee, it becomes its own government
entity. Meetings are open to the public and
any votes must be recorded as minutes
and recommended that one committee
member be the clerk. In addition,
the minutes need to be published in the
paper. So all the rules that pertain to the
council will pertain to this committee.
Martin/Salamanca
to recess at 7:14 p.m. for 5 minutes.
Roll Call vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Martin/Salamanca
to reconvene at 7:21 p.m. Roll Call
vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals commented on
various subjects:
Blake Smith, 221 Gilbert / Jeff Grill,
4422 Harvard Drive / Odell Sallis, 2613
Odaho / Renae Carson, 1108 Vine Street
/ Aaron Stacey Roberts, 411 Almond
/ LaTonya Graves, 607 E. Donald /
Chad Faichney 1216 Leavitt Street /
George Meeks, 609 E. Donald Street
Simon/Salamanca
to close public comments. Voice
vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Mr. Morrow provided an update on data
center information and announced his next
ward meeting.
Mr. Salamanca commented on the
importance of exemplifying the best our
city has to offer. He further shared his
personal perspective on serving as a
council member.
Ms. Creighton-Smith shared that she will
always listen to the community and will
not give up the issues that are important
to them.
Ms. Berry thanked the audience for their
comments tonight. She shared that it is not
an easy job to serve as a council member.
She commented that though we may not
always agree, we do all want what is best
for the city.
Mr. Simon concurred with the previous
comments and said that the council are all
trying their best to do what is right for the
city of Waterloo and thanked the public for
their patience.
Mr. Martin commented that he witnessed
things today that he didn't like, but
sometimes we have to make hard
decisions and fight for what we think is
right for Waterloo so we can move forward.
Simon/Martin
that the council adjourn at 7:51 p.m.
Voice vote-Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
that the council adjourn at ____ p.m.
Voice vote-Ayes: ____. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk
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C10 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 THE COURIER