Council - Regular Meeting

Calling me to order. Please join me for the pledge of allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Okay, welcome everybody. This is our regular city council meeting for Monday, May the 11th of 2026. Um, start with the roll call, please. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Present. Maynor, present. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Um, I need a motion to approve the agenda as presented. Second. I have a motion in a second. All in favor? I

oppose. Passes 70. Uh, next we move to public comment. Keninger there start like one at a time and look throw them first or there's one for each. Okay. We're all the same picture. Just wait. Don't start the time the clock until he's ready. Let me know when you're ready cuz I don't want I don't steal any of your time. Just when you guys get the pictures so you all can see what I'm talking about.

Oops. Okay, go ahead.

Tonight, I'm here because the pattern continues. After speaking publicly at this council meeting and criticizing actions taken by this city, I suddenly began receiving enforcement attention for conduct that had openly occurred for years without issue. And now we have something even more concerning. We have photographs directly from my home phone security system, date and timestamped showing my truck parked in the same location while the officer's blue unmarked vehicle visible just feet away from my truck. Yet, no citation was issued at that time. No warning, no concern, no public safety issue. Now, I know you guys don't have a date and time stamp, but this one does. This is 97 of 2024 at 9:27 in the morning.

Did you Did you mean um April or April or May? You said 9 or July 9th of 2020. Okay. July 9th. Okay. Thank you. I 2024.

2024. Okay. This is 2026. I have since gotten two two parking tickets on my vehicle. So, no warning, no concern, no public safety issue. But after protective speech at this council meeting and discussion of federal litigation, enforcement suddenly begins. The timing matters. We have photographs from months and even days before my first speech referencing litigation to this council showing the same situation without enforcement action being taken. This photograph is dated just days after the arrest that is now the subject of the pett pending federal litigation. At the same time, the same officer I previously referenced, which is now the chief of police, watching my home, is visibly near my property in the same blue vehicle I spoke about earlier. That officer was also referenced in the arrest report as allegedly witnessing conduct outside the home that we possess evidence did not occur as described. The officer is now the chief of police. To be clear, he did not personally issue the parking citations, but after those citations were issued, I then received a letter under his authority warning that the t if the tickets had not been paid and that my vehicle that if the tickets had not been paid, my vehicle could potentially be subject to impound. I then received the second ticket after my truck remained parked overnight in the same easement area. While the vehicle may have remained there overnight on that occasion, situations like this has h like this had occurred before without enforcement action. But now suddenly repeated enforcement

appears only after public criticism and federal litigation that raises serious concerns regarding selective enforcement and retaliation following protected speech. This is not about asking for special treatment. It's about equal treatment because the first amendment protects the right of citizens to criticize government officials without fear of escalating enforcement afterwards. Based on these continuing events, I am now evaluating amending amendment of pending federal litigation to include claims relating to selective enforcement and retaliation following protected speech. Because if each if citizens begin fearing retaliation for speaking publicly publicly against their government, then every rights become vulnerable. Thank you. And I'll leave this for you so you can see the date on this. So you can see that my truck is parked right there. So you can see right here is the unmarked squad car. So you can see right there is the chief of police and you can go back in the records and see if there was any parking tickets issued in my name from 2024 until now. Thank you, sir.

Okay, let's move to proclamations. We'll start with the with the Poppy proclamation. Would you pass that photo around to us? Who wants time stamp, please? Susie can keep it. Okay, this seems like we just did this. September.

Okay. Whereas America is the land of freedom um preserved and protected willingly and freely by citizen soldiers. Whereas millions who have answered the call to arms have died in the field of battle. Whereas a nation at peace must be reminded of the price of war and the debt owed to those who have died in war. Whereas the red poppy has been designated as a symbol of sacrifice of lives in all wars. And whereas the American Legion Auxiliary has pledged to remind America annually of this debt through the distribution of the memorial flower. Therefore, I, Brad Bler, mayor of Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa, do hereby proclaim that the 4th, 15th, sorry, the 14th, 15th, and 16th days of May, 2026 as Poppy Days and ask that all citizens pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom by wearing and displaying the memorial poppy on this on this day. Um, and then I will sign this And today is May the 11th.

Sure. Absolutely. Oh, good.

Today go to seed yet.

So they go to you, not yourself. Mhm.

Thank you. A little bit further away. Didn't even hear anybody yell cheese.

Thank you. Do you have your hours covered? Do you have your hours covered? Um, you'll have to do you have any hours you need? Do you have your hours covered? I've got some hours available fairway on Friday or Saturday. Wait. Let me text you. Yeah. Thank you. I know. Zero. Thank you. Yeah. Thank you. support. Thank you for all you guys do for our vets. Thank you. Okay. Thank you. Thank you.

Okay. The second proclamation that we have is um National Police Week. Um to recognize the National Police Week 2026 and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. Whereas there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including those dedicated members of the Independence Police Department. Whereas since the first recorded death in 1786, there are currently more than 24,500 off law enforcement officers in the United States that have made the ultimate sacrifice and been killed in the line of duty, including two members of the Independence Police Department. Whereas the names of those dedicated and public servants are engraved on the walls of the of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. Whereas 363 new names of fallen heroes have been added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this spring including 111 sorry yeah 111 officers killed in 2025 and 24,67 officers killed in the previous years. Whereas the service and sacrifice of all officers killed in the line of duty will be honored during the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund's 38th candlelight vigil on the evening of May 13, 2026. Whereas the candlelight vigil is part of the National Police Week, which will be observed this year May 11 through 16th. Whereas May 15th is designated as peace officers memorial day in honor of all fallen officers and their families and the United and the US flags will be flown at half staff. Therefore, be it resolved that the city of independence will observe May 11th through 16th as National Police Week in Independence Iowa and publicly salutes the service of law enforcement officers in our community and in communities across the nation.

Thank you, Brian. Sir, thank you. Thank you. Okay, let's move to the consent agenda. Uh, I need a motion to accept and approve the con the consent agenda that it reads as follows. The minutes of the April 11, sorry, it should be the 27th. I mistyped that. There's no 271st. Combination of April 27th and May 11th.

Got it. The minutes of the April 27, 2026 regular meeting. The Crowbar Class C retail alcohol license renewal that includes outdoor service with the tenative effective date of May 15, 2026. The Dollar General class B retail alcohol license ownership amendment. The MiniArk class E retail alcohol license ownership amendment. Um the Los Maria's class C retail alcohol license renewal with effective tenative effective dates of May 5, 2026. So moved. Second. I have a motion and a second. All in favor? I oppose. Passes 70. Next we move to the financials. Um item number seven. Need a motion to approve the claims for payment. So moved. Second.

I have a motion and a second. All in favor? I oppose. Passes 70. Next we move to item number eight, which is the bank reconciliation. This is for information only. Does anybody have any questions or comments with regard to that? Okay. Thanks Susie. Moving on to item number nine, which is the revenues and expenses to date. Again, this is for information only. Anybody have any comments with regard to that? Okay. Moving then to to item number 10. Um, pursuant to the the agenda, I'll now convene a public hearing for the fiscal year 2026 budget amendment number two. Um, anybody from the public? No. Nobody signed in. Anybody? I did not receive anything regarding it.

Okay. I will now close the public hearing. Let's move to item number 10. Sorry, 11. Let's do 10 again. Um, item number 11. Um, this is the third and final reading of the ordinance amendment to chapter 65, stop required. I need a motion to approve the third and final reading of the ordinance amending provisions pertaining to chapter 65, stop required, and to authorize the mayor to sign the ordinance. So move. Second.

Um, we had our first reading on April 13th. our second reading on April 27th. Um, this involves the vehicle uh that within the Steve G property. Um, anybody have anything further that we wanted to talk about with regard to that? Okay. Hearing none, this will be a roll call vote. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. That passes 70. Next, we move to item number 12, um, which is the second reading of an ordinance amendment to chapter 170 of the zoning regulations. I need a motion to approve the second reading of an ordinance that amends provisions pertaining to chapter 170 zoning regulations.

So, move second. I have a motion and a second. This is the McDonald property. Um, we had the original request was made March the 18th. planning and zoning uh request or reviewed this um recommended um it be sent to council for approval on April 7th. Um our public hearing on this was held on April 26th and the first reading was on that date. So this is our second reading. Um this is a where we're they're changing the um the property um zoning from agriculture to C2. Is that right? It's from M2 to C2. Oh, M2 to to C2. Any further discussion with regard to that hearing? None. This will be a roll call vote then. Moore, yes. Brolder, yes.

Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Hannah, yes. That passes 70. Also, does anybody want to make a motion to suspend the statutory rule and have um the final um um decision made tonight as opposed to the following meeting? So, I'll I'll second it. Okay. I have a motion and a second. Um, this is again a roll call vote and I need six out of seven votes to to proceed with that. Perser, yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, no. Weber, yes. Anna, no. Moore, yes.

Okay. Next, we move to item number um under resolutions item number 13. Uh, I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a resol resolution reappointing Jake Bass to the library board of trustees. So move second. Um Mr. Bass um has indicated that he'd like to continue. Um the Laura and the president of the library board have both indicated a willingness to have him continue. So this would be a term that would end now end June the 30th of 2030. Um any discussion with regard to that hearing? None. This will be a roll call vote. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Brolder, yes. Maynor, yes.

Okay, that passes 70. Also, I'll move item number 14. Um, this is the same issue. Um, Nancy Dodge has um is interested in being reappointed. Again, spoken to Laura, spoken to the president of the library board. They're both um want them to continue. Again, the term would would end uh end June 30th, 2030. So, I need I need I didn't do the motion yet, right? So, I need the motion motion first to authorize. Second. Um, then this will be any discussion on that. That'd be a roll call vote then. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes.

Okay, that also passes 70. Uh, next we move to item number 15. Um, Emily Owenby is currently um serving um on on the library board. Um, she's not able to continue to move forward. Um Kay Rei, who most of you know was previously on the library board and is a principal over at East at East um she's indicated a willingness to be there to to take over that role again. Um both Laura and the president of the library board, my wife have indicated that they're interested in having her do that. So I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a resolution appointing K Rei on the library board of trustees. second.

Um any discussion with regard to this? So this would be effective um July July 1st. Um roll call vote. Weber. Yes. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebe, yes.

Also passes 70. Next, we moved to item number number 16. Um Matt Rick Rickers is currently um on the board on the library board. um he's going to be moving out of town. He's indicated um that that we want to fill his position. Um Andy Hudson um who is the son-in-law of Lance Fricky who we all met when he brought the check-in from the um triumphant church has indicated he'd like to fill that role. I've spoken to both Laura and and the library board president. They're both um satisfied with him being the the appointee. Um so this this would um he'd be fulfilling the rest of the term of Matt. Um, Ridkers. So, he would this would be through June 30th of 2028. Um, I need Did I get the motion first? I need a motion first.

So, move second. I have a motion in a second. This would then be a roll call vote. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Bradder, yes. Maynor, yes. Laughlin, yes. Apple, yes. Weber, yes. This also passes 70. Next, we move to the item number 17. Uh, I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a resolution appointing Rick Wolfcool to the planning and zoning commission. So move. Second.

Okay. Nathan Hansen um has vacated his position on plan on planning and zoning. Um I've spoken with Mr. Wolfcool and he's indicated a willingness to serve um with the understanding that if he is elected um in November that he would then not be able to serve any longer on the planning and zoning and and we would have a new appointee at that time. So I need the motion first. I already have. Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, then it would be any discussion on this. Uh, this would be through um Nathan's term um ends December 31st of 2027. So, that's the term itself in the event that he's able to to do more than just till the end of this year. Okay. Um, I I have Okay, this will be a roll call vote then.

Moore, yes. Yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Hannah. Yes. It passes 70. Next moved item number 18. Uh this is a uh ordering bids and setting a public hearing um on snow removal acquisition improvement project for the municipal airport. Um we had previously um discussed um this particular project. Um, the time for the bids is May is May the 27th at 2 p.m. The public hearing would be set on June the 8th at 5:30 p.m. So, this would then be a roll call vote on We need a motion. Oh, I need a motion first to approve.

I have a motion and a second. This would be a roll call vote on just setting the the date for the u the public hearing. Yes. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. more. Yes, that passes 70. Next, we'll move to item number uh 19. I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a resolution that approves the plat of survey with regard to the Tyrion and Christine Jewel JL property. Have a motion first. So, move second.

Have a motion second. Um I can't remember whether we talked about this or not already. This is 514th Avenue Southeast. He has two parcels that are side by side, parcel Y and parcel A. Um this was approved by planning and zoning um re with a recommendation to approve for us to approve it as well on May the 5th. Um he wants to divide the two parcels um with possibly having two um single family um residences on one on each of the of the parcels. So they're both buildable lots. They're certainly buildable lots. They're they're sizable as far as acreage. Yes. You're going have to cut some trees down. Yeah.

Few. So, um, further discussion with regard to this. Okay. Hearing none, this will be a roll call vote. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Also passes 70. Next, we move to item number 20. Um this is a um a resolution to approve a lot combination agreement for lots two and three in the grief grief gr subdivision. So I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor sign a resolution approving the lot um combination agreement and to add uh recording fees to the previously approved claims listing.

Some move second. Okay. I have a motion and a second. Um this is a Michel um m I shle e r. It's 8 810 3rd Avenue Southwest. Uh they want to allow um construction of an auxiliary building. Um but that would require the combination of the two parcels that they have in order to do that for um setback purposes primarily as I understand it. And the lot that they're going to join is that a buildable lot without anything on it? I believe it's a buildable lot. It is within is it in the flood plane floodway? There's there's some flood issues there with thing. Any questions for They own both of the lots

and they can build the building there in the flood zone or have special construction and they may be able to get that if they want to build even. Yeah. If they stay closer to Third Avenue, you can get you can get out of it pretty good. But yeah, further discussion with regard to that. Only thing this is is we could have had a house on there with a and gotten more property taxes and now it's just going to have a shed or whatever it is they're going to build. Beans that it's in the flood plan if it's a buildable lot. I mean being that it's in the flood plan, I don't know that anyone's going to take on that venture being able to raise Well, what flood plane is that in because that's up pretty high. 100 years.

Yeah, that's just a comment. What's it? 810 810 Thirdr Avenue Southwest. Dead end street. It's at the south end of Third Avenue Southwest. Yeah, where all those newer houses are done. Yeah, I think it's any further disc. Sorry. Okay. Try and keep your your voice up. Keep your voice up if you're going to talk. Oh, I couldn't hear what you're No, I was just explaining to him that it was the former Gary Crawford House. Okay. Any further discussion with regard to this hearing? None. This will be a roll call vote then. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Mayor. Yes, that passes 70. Also, next what? Michel

Bishler. Which one? Uh Kevin and Wendy. Don't matter. Uh next move to item number 21. Um I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a resolution that descertifies certain assessments that were sent to the Buchanan County Treasurer. First, I need a motion. Second.

I have a motion, a second. This is 416 9th Avenue Southeast. Um, this was a 657A property. Um, there was a mowing nuisance uh fee that was charged uh for $250 back in July of 2025 um in order to have the property and be able to transfer the title to us. We need to descertify the lean that we've placed on it for the $250. So, that's the purpose of this. Any questions about it? Hearing none, then um we would have a roll call vote on this. Apple, yes. Weber, yes. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes.

It also passes 70. Next, we moved item number 22. Uh, I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign the resolution adopting the coin acceptance policy. So, moved. Second. Have a motion, a second. We talked about this at the May 4th work session. Um, it's in um it's on page 212 of your packet itself. If anybody wants to look at the actual res include Bitcoin, I know. Um, any further discussion with respect to this hearing? None. This will then be a roll call vote. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Brolder, yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, no.

This passes 61. Next, we move to item number 23. Um, I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign a resolution authorizing salary increases for salaried and non-bargaining employees excluding the city manager effective at the beginning of the pay period including July 1, 2026. So moved. Second. I have a motion and a second. Um, we talked about the salary increase itself on February the 2nd of 2026. This um would involve a base salary of a 2% salary increase for full-time, hourly, and salaried employees. Any further discussion with regard to this? Well, we see the breakdown of what what percent each officer got.

I mean, is that public? It's not officers. This is the regular Oh, this is employees. We can provide that if you'd like it to be provided. Yes. Typically, I think in January is when we publish those. Okay. Is that right? the first of the year we publish that. Are you asking about how much they make or what each individual person is going to get for a raise? That percentage like percentage each receives. So that would be a a what they got before and what they're getting now. Yeah. I mean it's based off what their review is, right? It's all calculated based off I just think just that's all public knowledge, isn't it?

Sure. What what we what we do um at this time of year or usually before this time of year is we approve the base percentage of increase which is the 2% increase and that's really what you're voting on is the 2% increase. We can certainly provide all the information that you're requesting but the motion that you have in front of you is just to it's the 2% base but it also increases the aspect as well based on the score that they receive. They'll then be placed in either a two and a half, three, three and a half, or 4% raise depending on where they fall in that scoring system. Right. We can provide that if you'd like. Yes. Any further discussion with regard to this? You're going to send it out to everybody or just

to the council? Anybody have any further discussions regarding this? Okay. Hearing none, this would then be a roll call vote. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Pader, yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Pass 70. Next, we have a similar resolution, but this one is for the city manager. Um, so I need a motion to approve and authorize the mayor to sign the resolution authorizing the salary increase for the city manager to be effective at the beginning of the pay period, which includes July 1, 2026. Again, this is the 2% base with for the city manager, which is the same as what the other um city employees have. So, move second. Have

a motion in a second. Any further discussion regarding this? This will then be a roll call vote. Moore, yes. Presser, yes. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Hannah, yes. I pass a 70. also moved to item number 25, which is a um uh this is a resolution authorizing the a bid process and setting a public hearing for the proposed sale of the property at 204 3rd Street Northeast. So, I need a motion. So, moved. Second. I have a motion, a second. The hearing date would actually be May 26th at 5:30 p.m. for the um the um public hearing.

For the public hearing. And I want to clarify this resol or this RFP is already out there for people to look at and get. Um, as we went back and reviewed processes and how we had done this before when we did A12, we realized that we needed to do a resolution also and hold a public hearing and that's why we've started this put this on the agenda for tonight so that we place. One thing on this that I don't like and it should be changed. I think you're allowing them saying they have to tear the house down within 90 days. You're saying they can keep the garage up to a year and and put a house there. It's on a buildable lot. They would have to enter into a development agreement to do that. And it is if they if the council wants to approve a small home, then they would do that. That's all

there may not be nothing in writing, but Tom Crawford, the the property owner of this, wanted to leave the garage and tear the house down and do something different. And we talked to him about and was told he couldn't he couldn't do it. I don't believe that's accurate. We told him he could do a development agreement and do that. And he did not want to do that. That's my recollection. Matt, do you Yeah, we're getting we're getting kind of far a field because because the issue here is just setting the public hearing. So, we can talk about this at a later meeting when when there's actually an issue before us, but right now the only thing we're voting on is can we set a public hearing for May the 26th, 2026, right? It's only the language in there. So,

the language is you're not voting on the language tonight. Okay. Um this in by the way this is in the packet two page 219 to 220 to 237 and the um the bid opening pro uh date is May the 19th at 11:00 a.m. Okay. So this would then be a roll call vote. Persider yes. Mayor yes. Olaflin yes. Applebee no. Weber yes. Hannah yes. Moore

yes. Pass the 61. Next we move to item number 26. Um, again, this is a um bid process, public hearing. So, this is setting a public hearing and a bid process for the um for the property located at 416 9th Avenue Southeast. Um, the bid, this is another um 657A property. The the bid would uh be June the 8th, 11:00 a.m. The public hearing would be Sorry, the public hearing is June 8th at 5:30. Uh, do you remember when the bid is? Uh, 11 a.m. on June 2nd.

June 2nd. Okay. So, June 2nd for the bid opening um at 11:00 a.m. public hearing being June the 8th at 5:30. And this is on pages 238 and 230 and to 259 on your packet itself. Did I do the motion already? I know. I need a motion. Okay. First, I need a motion. So, move. Second. Have a motion and a second. Any further discussion regarding this? Okay. Hearing none. This would be a roll call vote. Also, Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, no. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Also passes 61.

Real quick before we move on, I want to point out to the council suit too, so everybody understands when, you know, whatever bid we get, you guys are going to get to review that and decide whether it's acceptable to you or not. So, if they're going to tear the barn, the garage down, leave the garage, whatever the case may be, when we bring that bid back for approval by the council, you'll get to decide, do you want to allow that or not allow that? I just want to make sure that's out there so everybody understands. I just don't know why it was there for because the next property doesn't say anything. Everything's got to be tore down the next property. The next property has flood implications, I think, was the reason why we had everything had to be removed off the bed. Okay, let's let's then move on to item numbers.

We'll move on to item number 27. Um let's we talked about this. Um I can't I can't do the motion yet, so just give me a second. Um no, we didn't talk about this. So, um the city ordinance chapter 5202 um from was at was was um is from September the 26th of 2022. We do allow exemptions for um backyard areas or portions of the house um for what would we call it? um

pollinator for pollinator gardens and um Carla Kula has requested um having a pollinator garden at her house. Um she had one last year. So, um, the motion that I'm that I'm requesting at this point in time is a motion to approve the request for a, um, exemption request for a pollinator garden for the address 3124th Avenue Northwest. So, I need I need a motion. So, move second.

I have a motion in a second. Any discussion with regard to this? This is on page 260. I got a couple things on that one too. Uh I think it once the same what is the length 8 in your yard can be I think at 8 in it needs to be mowed because like we don't have that no mow in May but there's a sign that says no mo in May. So, if you don't plan to mow your yard till June 1st, you're going to be the 8 in. And and I think if we consider doing this these again for her or anyone else, they should get uh the neighbors that have to look at it to agree to they don't care if it's done or not. I think we should also, my opinion now, that we should also consider putting this on a work session and deciding whether we want to allow the the um a yearly exemption on the thing for for people or whether you still want each individual person to come each individual time. Apparently, she she Miss Cooler was upset that she had to do this multiple times. She thinks that once she does it and submits it that she should be able to get it every year. And I think we should have a discussion about that. But this

you get new neighbors. So if people don't like it, you know, they should have some input into it. Aren't Aren't we discussing two different topics here? Because the pollinator project, we put a lot of time and effort into doing this permission for a pollinator project. And Deb, you're talking about tall grass, right? Because a pollinator project isn't just tall grass. We actually have a list of acceptable. Let's drive by and look at it. It's a little bit out. So I guess that's what I'm asking. Is this a pollinator project or is this uh exemption for mowing code enforcement? She's asking for a pollinator project quest. That's the request that's being made. So if and there are

but it's it's tied to 5202. If you if you look at the actual city code, it it says you a resident must come every year to get permission. Right. So the question is 5 5202 the chapter code or the title of chapter 52 is mowing of properties. So this exemption is to exclude her from having from being required to mow based on the fact that she wants to have this conservation area which is different than our pollinator opportunity. Correct. I'm not familiar with the pollinator opportunity. My understanding is that the pollinator part comes from this particular chapter in the exemptions. They can substitute mowing by planting um for example milkweed, other things like that that are

there was there was native flowers, things like that that was approved by Iowa State Extension. I remember correct. That's what I remember. I know where you're going and I I can I can remember it. I can't think of it at the moment, but Well, I think we need to look into that and make sure. I mean, this is just an exemption for mowing is a lot different than planning a pollinator plant. It is, which is what we approved. Yeah, it's two totally read. So the code 5202 exemption says the council reserves the right to declare any particular area exempt from this chapter if it involves conservation areas or other natural ga grass flower or wildlife area such exemption to be approved annually by the council by motion and filed in writing with the clerk. The neighbors could complain every year that way the way we have it set up right now. So that's right. So should they have to look at that's what I'm asking. So

that's what I'm saying. They could come down and ask us not to ignite that exemption if they wanted to. Oh yeah. So if we've left it alone. So the motion that the motion that's I don't want to do that but I don't want it either. So So the motion that we have here is to approve this exemption this year with respect to a pollinator garden which we're calling an exemption to the 5202 which we just which Matt just read the section of. So that's what's that's what's on the table in front of you. So is there further discussion with regard to that? We're not talking about all grass has to fit within the definition of the exemption.

Okay, that I just want to make sure that that's that we're not just saying 5202 is not mowing your yard. I want to make sure that it has to do with the pollinator project should it be allowed to go to seed and get taller than the restrictions on grass grow and it also has to be in the backyard as I recall as well. This is on the side too. Uh but when what our last code guy, he said, you know, he could find out what flowers it was. as well. Is he going to go over and determine what flowers they can have or is it just weeds? We don't we don't have that person to do that. Am I right? Do you know each flower that can be in there? I think there's an app on your phone there.

Well, there's we have further. It's it's we named it in the ordinance that we have for the pollinator project. It gives a list of what can is an appropriate plan. So, who's going to go over and say these ones are approved and these ones aren't? I don't know. I'm just saying our current ordinance reads this. We're going to change something then we can do that. But I don't want to put you on the spot. Can I Can I make a request that Matt reads that? I I'm not so everybody understands it. I'm not finding anything in our code that with the word pollinator isn't even in the code. Oh, should be. That's why I can look. That's why I'm asking request to That's why I'm making a request for Matt to read it so everybody understands exactly what the ordinance is.

He may need some time to find out. Well, I I have a bell ringing. Mhm. We spent a ton of time on work sessions and everything else. So, cuz there's a lot of people that wanted to request Yeah. Yeah, we did.

I may try 5203 definitions noxious weeds. Okay, that's where I reference the state code because they have it clearly explained there. That's why I'm not finding it. So, that references chapter 3171A of the code of Iowa. So, do I understand correctly, if we vote for this exemption, she would still be under direction of the state clo code to not allow noxious weeds and would have to take the appropriate actions of either mowing or she can't burn. Um, I mean, the way that I read it, if the way that this says in 5202 exemptions, if you're declaring it exempt, you're declaring it exempt from the entire chapter 52.

Okay? Which to me then means you're also declaring it exempt from any noxious weed enforcement. Okay. But that doesn't specifically state within there. That's what I was trying to find. I don't think we can over I don't think we can either. It defines noxious weeds as referencing chapter 371A of the code of Iowa. But that's really the only place in there that I'm seeing that it says noxious weeds. I don't know why we defined it when it doesn't use Well, it does. Every owner shall cut, mow, and maintain all grass, weeds, and brush upon the property adjacent to the curb blah blah blah. Does 5203 then mention um defining what weeds are?

No, it just says noxious weed shall reference the chapter 371A, which is I can read you the list. There's about 28 of them. Yeah, I don't think we need to go through the whole list of them, but So, are are you getting what you need at this? I understand. Okay. Anybody else that needs anything further? Okay. So, so the the um the motion that's before you right now is to provide an exemption to 3124th Avenue Northwest for the purpose of a pollinator garden. Um is it only for the month of May? No, it's all summer.

It's all summer. I know Moses may the signs out there which we've never approved. I just put that because so why I think maybe why mayor's kind of I don't want to say getting confused in her request it it's she like alludes to the fact and when she's here she says no M. So I just put a little note for myself and for mayor that like it's for May 2026 cuz that's when what she says when she's here.

Let's just read it. It says to whomever. Once again, I'm writing to inform the city of independence. I plan on having a pollinator yard. It's sad. I have to do this every year or prioritize our our priorities.

Our priorities are not with helping the environment. Why don't we educate better and let each property owner try to help mother nature become a blue town? Promote instead of hinder smiley face. And with all the land the city owns, we should get involved. And then thanks sincerely, sir. Sincerely, Carly. But what she's really asking for is an exemption for chapter 5202 for this pollinator garden that she has.

But again, who's going to say if it's weeds or if it's plants? Well, the Matt, you're going to take that education to do it? Well, I don't know about that. I know what dandelion is. Yeah, I will. But my question is I just want to be very clear. Is this an exemption from the 52 mowing? Because if it is then when I No, she has to mow everything except the pollinator area. Correct. That's what I want to be very clear on. Correct. I said for a motion itself says for a pollinator garden. So that's that's what she's asked the exemption for.

Well, my understanding is our ordinance doesn't have pollinator garden in it in chapter 52. It just says exemption from the council reserves the right to declare any particular area exempt from this chapter. It is false conservation areas or other natural grass, flowers or wildlife areas such exemption to be approved annually. So that's the that's what you're that's the what the exemption is for that which exactly what she just read. Okay, everybody. And it is backyard only, correct?

Yeah. And then Carla Kula has a portion of her backyard exempted last year and has submitted a written request. It's pretty much the whole uh north side. Mhm. And then whatever you want to call that on the south side, I call it weeds that are My understanding is I remember driving by it last year and she had the exemption for her backyard. However, it was her entire yard. That's right. So that would put her in violation of what we're voting yes for tonight. Should we vote yes? Correct. Our exemption doesn't say front yard or backyard. Do you know?

Yeah. I mean that's the council woman's spot on. I mean the council the way it reads the council reserves the right to declare any particular area. So I think you can make that part of the motion that you want to allow her to have it in the backyard or allow her to have it in the front yard or allow her to have it wherever. But it really should be part of the motion. What exactly are you exempting? Didn't I say that? And how many times you going to have to check it out and waste your time on it? I said portion of the backyard, but I don't know. Have you gotten any calls about this? No. Okay. I mean, I've talked to Carl herself about it. Yeah. Okay. And the backyard would be defined from the back portion of the property to the river. Her place all the way.

She said backyard, frankly. She's definitely has flowers around her house. Yeah. She didn't ask all sides. No, I said good thing. As long as it's not obnoxious wheat, but it's the whole the whole yard. There's county week commissioner look at this, too. We're going to the motion's the motion's going to be that it's it's the port it's it's the portion of the backyard. Um, where does it say that in the motion? at the right below this says Carla Koula has a portion of her backyard exempted last year and has submitted a written request for a council approve for this calendar year.

The motion is what we decide the motion is. So if if we want to change the motion, we can get a second on that on the motion itself so that everybody's clear on what we're voting on. So we exempt one person for this and then you go around and and ding people because they haven't mowed their yards and they say, "Well, take a look at that." And there you go. And that's why I'm suggesting that that we have a that we set another session for uh for a work session on the thing and then we talk about um taking 5203 and 52 exemptions and that we have words that lump the two together. So we're defining exactly what it what we're considering to be available to be exempted in this area. Was was there a motion on this and seconded? Yes.

Yes. So, we do have to vote because you have a motion second and if it's voted down, then we can put it into a work session. But if it's voted to pass, it passes. No. Yeah, you already have a motion and a second on it. I have a motion and a second, but but the motion itself can be changed at any time before the before the final vote on Correct. If long as long as the person that's seconded is okay with the change to the motion. Correct. Or the motion itself is withdrawn. Correct. But I have not heard anybody change the motion yet at this time. We're still talking about what the motion's going to say. Okay. Okay. I would make a motion that we refine it to 50% of her backyard to include pollinator plants.

That'd be half. How do you figure out 50% Mike? Half of her own. Well, that's simple. Huh? Okay. So, so the motion Why would you only make it happen? So that they have to maintain so that it doesn't just turn into a patch batch of weeds. Okay. You guys are having a side conversation that none of us can hear. Okay. Okay. We'll speak. She wondered why why I only specified half the backyard. And I said, "So that you have to mow around it so there's some order to it and it doesn't just become excess weed."

And who can monitor that, Mike? Who can monitor that? what who who who he's going to have to monitor it. So that's whatever we say now is has got to the motion itself has got to be a position where it's something that he can that he can actually do something with. I would say that like your mowing theory it's like well she asked for permission before the summary even began. It's not like a lawn gone arry. So it's very easy to enforce. We can just say no lawnmowing. It doesn't have to define the flower. we could remove the flatwater portion and just say that she has an exemption because whatever grows is going to help the pollinators which is really what she wants. Okay. So the mo the motion that that was seconded if I think I'm going to read it correctly cuz I don't have it written down.

There's neighbors that don't want it. So hold on. So the motion is going to be that we um that we grant an ex the exemption request from chapter 52.02 02 for Carla Kula for the property located at 3124th Avenue Northwest to have a pollinator garden in the back portion of her property. Okay. Is everybody okay with that as the motion? Okay. So, who who made the motion itself? Mike. Mike and Brett made the original. Okay. So, Mike, are you okay with amending your motion to read that way? Brett, are you okay with your second being that way? Yes.

Okay. So, now we have a motion and a second. Um, and then you guys know what you're voting on. So, this will be a roll call. Just for specificity, this means that she will have to mow the rest of her yard. Correct. Okay. And and in in discussion, since we're still in discussion yet because the votes hasn't been asked for yet, I I just want to say I I think there's too many people with questions yet at this time. So I what I I must well it seems like there's some doubts and questions on how much does she mow. It says 50%. Well, who's No, it doesn't say 50%. It says yard. Motion is backyard.

Oh, so it got reversed back then to backyard backyard is the motion. Okay. And I think I do believe that that we need to work out the details in terms of the Noxus weeds and other things and put 5203 and 5202 together somehow. have some link verbiage linkage that I don't think they need to be put together. I think 5202 needs to be expanded to add the things that you guys are discussing. That's fine. But but none of this has anything to do with her request. Her request is for exemption. You're voting on the exemption or not on the exemption. Okay. Roll call vote then. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, no. Moore, no. Pader, no. Mayor,

no. So, it fails. I will put 5202 on the June work session for us to have some discussion about revisiting that language and adding some of the things in that you guys have discussed. Yes. And if I can request just do a little research on figuring out what we did previously on pollinator projects because I I know I will try to look where I can. I will also and and thank you for getting that on the work session because there was too many opened ends on that.

Okay, let's move to 50 to um item number 28. Um we discussed this at the May 4th work session. This is um Rory Ratchford's request for the u the 5505 livestock request as we talked about at the work session itself. Um there's there's an exemption um set forth in the statute itself for certain things. Um she's at 50227th Street Southeast which is south of Highway 20. So do we does somebody want to make a motion to approve her request or do you want to make a motion to refuse her request? I'll make a request to refuse it. Okay. So, Deb's made a motion to refuse it. To approve it. I'd make a motion saying to approve it.

Well, she already made a motion right now to to refuse to reject it. Okay. So, I need a second on that motion then. Second. Have a motion and a second with that with regard to that. So, um I don't mean to be rude rude to you, but you guys had asked for um my paperwork to be more specific. So, I wanted to offer you Okay, that's fine. Yeah, I just did. We spent a lot of time at the work session. I just didn't want to repeat things that we've already had. No, that's fine. I just You guys had asked for it, so that's why I grabbed it. I wanted you guys to have it and I just printed it right before I walked out. So, it's not

Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, we have a motion and a second to refuse the request. So, discussion with regard to that. I've got some discussion on it. You know, you have a a part in our society and laws now on support animals and stuff, but but a chicken is defined as livestock and is not classified under the support part. If we go ahead and pass this and if somebody wants to put a horse in their backyard and says it's my supporting animal, well, you're opening it up.

We have horses in town where Up behind the old Pizza Hut up that's county. That's county. You sure? Unless Unless it's not where I'm thinking. Way up there. Two blocks up county. Yeah, Bachman's in the county. Yeah, that's County. You know, but a person could say, "Well, that horse is my support animal." You could Bman's a sign right across the street. A potbelly pig and say it's my support animal. I think we're just opening it up too much. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. So that's my input. Okay. Further discussion with regard to to Deb's motion.

I would ask off Chief Law to come up and discuss some of the chasings you did prior to us establishing the no livestock. Uh the pot belly pig. I mean just in reference to I mean we've dealt with a we've dealt with the pig in town. We've dealt with other things um ducks and just in reference to chickens. I know that me and another officer chased three or four chickens around town in the southwest one day for about two hours. um and we had to call somebody actually in um to come take care of it and catch the chickens for us. But regardless, um we're not going to be the ones that are going to be catching uh livestock in town. So that could be an added expense at some point. Okay.

Thank you. So, let's have

uh I I would just like to add that I think that there is sometimes that we should allow for exceptions just based off of like location and what is what is actually happening. I mean, this property is yes, it's in the city limits, but it's like barely in the city limits. And to me to me that uh you know I understand that we don't want to have we want to have uh um people who if if they lose their chickens they want accountability for that kind of chicken and things like that. But I think that that's what they come here to us and have a conversation. We talk about it. We decide you know uh is is there is it acceptable to have this exemption? And I think that her property in my opinion because of where it is and and things like that that I think that we should make an exemption for that.

Okay. Okay. I agree with Councilman Weber on that in and I'd like to add in there too that when um Mr. Ratchford came and talked to us previously at the work session, she agreed to not continuing chickens once these particular chickens 11 that she had nine. I I only have nine. Nine. Um I couldn't remember where you were at. I know he said there was um she said she's not going to replace them. She also willfully said that she would continue to ban them with her name, her address, and her phone number on them as well. That way, if they got loose, they caused a problem. Someone we had to round them up. She then would receive the summons and we'd know where to go with that.

You know, we also talked about that the last time we also had a limit of six, too. They also what? Therefore, I'm had a limit of six if we were going to put it into effect the last time. Oh, but we Okay. Well, let's um we could It sounds like we may end up having a second motion here as well. So, Oh, I didn't realize we could do that. So, let's Yeah, you can. Yeah. So, we are voting on the um the motion to deny the request for the exemption. Okay. So, this she can speak about it, right? No, she already spoke. Oh, she No. Okay. Unless she's got something new to say that she didn't say before. She presented the information that we asked for. Yeah. Okay.

Okay. So, this is a roll call vote then to to deny the request for the exemption. Sorry. So, then if I want to allow her for exception, you say yes. No, you vote no. You vote no. If you vote in the affirmative, if you're voting yes, that would mean that you do not want to allow her to have chickens. Okay. So, if you want to vote if you want her to have be able to have chickens, you need to vote no on this motion. Okay. Thank you. Okay. So, roll call vote. Applebee. No. Weber, no. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. No. Maynor, no. Olaflin, yes. So, 43, it fails.

So, 43, it fails. So, now I need a mo and now I need a motion to approve the exemption request under 550 for the purposes of Rory Ratchford's property at 50227th Street Southeast. So move second. If I may, can I make an exemption? Yeah. To that or can I Oh, yes. Can I ask you to modify your motion, Brett, that in the agreement that Rory will not have any additional chickens as they diminish, she will not replace them. And each chicken has to have those three phone number, address, and her name on them.

Yes. I I would amend my Okay. And your and your second. Okay. So, that's the new that's the motion that we're currently have pending. Any further discussion on that? Okay. Then this would be a roll call vote. Now, if you're voting So, now if you're voting yes, you're voting to approve the request. If you're voting no, you're you're voting to deny the request. Okay. Roll call vote. Weber. Yes. Hannah, no. More. With those additional stipulations involved with the new motion, I would vote yes. Perser, yes. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, no. Applebee, yes.

Okay, so that passes 5 to two. Now, do um do we you you'll work out the details in terms of what else we need in terms you're you're good. Okay, we'll reach out and I'll Yeah. Thank you. We'll take care. Thanks.

Thanks. Okay, let's move to item number 29. Um, this is the lot one resurfacing, which is the parking lot that's closest to St. John's. Okay, so I need a motion to approve um the purchase authorization and authorize the city manager to proceed with the downtown parking lot one resurfacing project and award the bid to Clester Construction, Inc. uh in the amount of $50,240. So move second. So have a motion in a second. Um we had the bids um in your packet. I think it's on page two 264 are the three bids itself. Um Clezner was the low bid on it at that price as I recall and that

yes they were 264 to 269 is the drawings and the other things with regard to it. So um as well as a map of where those parking lots are at. Okay. Does the pleaser construction do they include the the layout and striping? Yeah. Okay. Yeah. So, further discussion with regard to this. Okay. This will be a roll call vote. Hannah, yes. Moore, yes. Brolder, yes. Mayor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes.

That passes 70. Next, we move to item number 30, which is a an authorization for purchase of a combination jetack truck. I need a motion to approve the purchase of a 2026 sewer equipment um what's the 12 YD mean? 12 yard. Okay. 12 yard 900 ECO um combination sewer cleaner um from Armor Equipment for the quoted price of $594,980 and to authorize the city manager to complete the purchase. So moved. Second.

So a motion and a second. Um the the difference in the bids between Armor and one of the other ones was like $337. So Armor was not the the the lowest bid. However, they agreed to also include the camera nozzle, which is about $10,000 in additional things to the to the um to itself. We have um planned the purchase of this piece of equipment. Um we have money in the water fund and in the sewer fund. And this is found in your packet of 270 to 279. So um I did the motion right? Yes. Okay. So further discussion with regard to this this purchase anybody.

Can this be used by like the street department for the storm drains? All that be used by anybody in the city for sure. Yeah. Yeah. It's it's a since it's a jetack truck. The primary reason that we want to move forward with this right now is we're starting to do waterline replacements for the 2026 street overlay of street rehab project. And this would come in really handy to help with some of those excavations and doing some of that stuff. But yes, it can be used to clean out sewer drains. It can be used all for all kinds of cleaning. And having the jeter nozzle on the front with a camera on it makes it literally easy, too. Cuz if you do find an obstruction, you'll be able to see what that obstruction is. Yeah. Rather than just saying it won't jet any further. Typically that way that works in the past. Jeder doesn't go any further. Then we have to have bring in a camera crew to camera it and see what's going on. So would this be immediate delivery or is this like

June 1st? They have it sitting on the lot with the understanding that there's no payment due until July until until July when the bud when we the we'll make payment as soon as we as soon as possible after July 1st and they understand that and have agreed to those terms as well. Correct. Um further discussion hearing none this will be a roll call vote then. Moore, yes. Yes. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Hannah, yes.

It also passes 70. Now we move to item number 31. This is another authorization for purchase. This is a half-tonon truck for streets. Need a motion to approve the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD from Dunlap Motors, Inc. for the total amount of $54,750 and to authorize the city manager to proceed with the purchase. So moved. Second. Okay. Have a motion. Second. This is page 280 to 284 in your packet. Any further discussion with regard to this purchase? I forgot where the funding's coming from. This is Ro tax. Okay. Keep throwing softballs up for me there. That's great. For if there's no further discussion, then this will be a roll call vote. Yay. Mayor, yes.

Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. passes 70. Next, we move to item number 32. Chris, we wanted you to hear the rest of everything else before we got to you, but just in case, you know, you needed you needed an evening out. This is it, you know. All right, so item number 32. Um, this is a 28e agreement um with Buchanan County Emergency Management Agency for their radiological incident response assistance. So I need a motion uh to authorize the mayor to complete the document once BCA BCMA has executed its portion of the agreement. So moved. Second.

So have a motion and second. This is page um 285 to 292 of of the packet. Um the full commission is scheduled to u meet to discuss uh the approval of this um at emergency management uh on May 27th. Right Chris? 26th. 26th. Okay. 26th is a Tuesday. 27th. May because we have a council meeting on the 26th. So that's what I was saying. Okay. May 27th. Um, anybody have You had some questions last time, Brian, because you didn't think I was smart enough to answer them. I don't think I said it like that. I said you couldn't answer them. I'm going to move on. No, I don't. I'm good. I'm good. I don't have any questions.

Um, further further discussion with regard to this at all. Okay. Um, Kisha did a great job. Thank you. I appreciate it. We'll call for a vote then. Roll. Roll call. Maynor, yes. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Yes. Okay, that passes 70. Um, I did I did not say, but um this was originally drafted by our city attorneys or so.

Right. So, so this is something we prepared and then um we've been working in conjunction with Chris in terms of getting the language that they needed um in order to um satisfy the people for um on his end in terms of making sure that there's no issue with us getting paid for the services that we provide. Okay. So, that passes. Um you can you can stay or you can go and we're almost done anyway. Exciting.

All right. Yeah. I I know more about this than uh when I said I have when I have to run one of your meetings. All right. So, let's uh let's do item number 33. Um this is the police department union contract the July 1st, 2026 to June 30, 2028. So, I need a motion to authorize the mayor to sign the collective bargaining agreement between the city of Independence and the Teamsters Local 238 for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30th, 2028. Need the motion first. I'll move.

Um okay. So, this is in your packet 293 to 319. Um, Matt was involved in the um in the negotiation process. Um, I don't know if there's if there's anybody's any questions about the contract itself or anything about it. Um, any discussion about the approval of it? Okay. If there's no questions, any questions? Okay. Then this is a roll call vote. Olaflin, yes. Applebee, yes. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Brolder, yes. Mayor, yes.

That passes 70. Also, next move item number 34, which is the purchase agreement for 3062nd Street Southeast. So, I need a motion to approve and authorize the city manager to ex to execute the real estate purchase agreement with Peak Property Solutions LLC for the property located, excuse me, 3062nd Street Northeast. Southeast. Southeast. Southeast. I apologize. Southeast. So move sec second.

Okay. Um Matt was we talked about this in close session before um we got involved in negotiations in order to get decide how how we're going to handle it. Um Matt was able to negotiate a purchase price of 157,500. The um u escort would close um before July 1st, 2026. Um we have the money from this um from a bond that was issued in the spring of 2025. Um we're talking about the the building here by between us and Tren Trendy Tulip here and we'll we once we finalize the purchase itself we'll discuss whether anything can be moved or not moved and some of the other things that we talked about at our discussion whether the house whether we can sell the house and move the house or whether it's we're just going to tear the house down. We're going to put a parking lot in there temporarily until we decide what else to do with the property and in terms of any expansion with the fire department. So, um, other discussion that we haven't had about that or questions about it.

I'd forgotten the price with that must been in our price range. Was less than what you authorized me to go to. They were asking 165. Yeah. Okay. Thank you. And I think we had originally Yeah, that's okay. 165. Um, sorry, 165 was what they're they were looking for. 575 is what he negotiated the settlement the purchase at. Right. Further discussion on that hearing? None. This will be a roll call vote at. Applebee, no. Weber, yes. Anna, yes. Moore, yes. Solder, yay. Mayor, yes. Olaflin,

yes. That passes 61. Uh, next we move to reports. Um, everybody saw um Chief Lau's report um with regard to the numbers for the last um time period. Anybody have any questions for him with regard to those numbers or anything that um that deals with that? Okay. Move then to the fire department monthly report. Um Blake's not here, but um we can if anybody has any questions with regard to his um to his numbers on his report. Um it looked pretty even in terms of the there weren't there there weren't anything that jumped out in terms of a real high number for a particular type of call that they went on. and they all looked like like a lot of different calls for a lot of different things is what I saw on the report. But um there's no questions on that. We moved to item number 37 which is the building department monthly report. Um anybody have any questions with you know for Matt with regard to um his report? Okay. Um, Matt, do we Let me ask you just a couple things cuz I I looked at it your report quickly. I I didn't get a chance to look into in great depth. Um, do we have any current new home constructions that are going on?

Uh, yeah, we have the one condominium that's being built right now. There's a new starter. He has a foundation in Steve G, his condos out there. is a foundation board last year. So, we'll be getting on that one. Okay. We also have another one down here on 7th Southeast coming up. Okay. Is there any commercial um building or remodeling that you can tell us about? Yeah, up here at Gators, they're building a cold storage shed up there currently. That's probably one of the biggest projects we got going on now commercial. What's being built in the southwest? Uh behind that vet clinic, you see they've got it all staked out. Yeah. Uh storage sheds.

Same company. It's got the blue blue doors. Yeah. I believe it is now booked now, I think. Yeah. Book now, right? Yep. Okay. You'll see a lot of action there with the detention bas going in. Yeah. I was going to say where where are we with regard to um occupancy um for the units that are above um on First Street. Can you tell us anything about Yeah, we have temporary occupancy on 3/4 of all the apartments between Kohl's um and Gneyrove Gney and Sparkrove. Yep.

Has Sparrow rented out to anybody? Have we given He's got Has he got any? He has a tempor temporary occupancy which means he can rent. So they're done. They're not quite done. There's like three four apartments that are done. Yep. And he has all of his life safety things completed in his hallways. So his lighting is all up, his exit doors, you know, all that's safe. So somebody could uh occupy them. Okay. So other other than those three projects on first, is there any other um above apartments that we're currently um working on in terms of remodels or anything? Not that I'm aware of.

Okay. I'm not either. So just curious. Um other questions for for Matt about that subject that I just brought up or anything with regard to his report. I'm just a weird curious what what are they doing in the building at the uh east and west you know for the retirement homes or not retirement but the old nursing home. Yeah. Yeah. There the old nursing home. Have we you guys know? We don't have any idea. I mean I don't have any idea which is Could that Do you know like a retirement home? Could that be made into apartments? That is privately owned by whoever bought uh they bought them both. I was just thinking it's such a waste. That's up to them.

Looking for cheap places to rent that could be even brought up to co or something like that, you know. Well, anything can happen. Okay. So, we might have to reclass it or something. I'd have to look at a lot closer. And it's the same company that's currently still opening the one next to it, right? East and West are owned by the same I think. So, is that legacy? Legacy. I think it is. I think. Yeah. Yeah. I wondered if they had ever thought about unloading it and then we could maybe we had a suggestion for it, but I'm not sure if it could be made into apartments. The west one is owned by Independence Iowa Property Holdings LLC. The east one is still owned by ABCM Corporation.

Yeah, that's why Albby did keep that one and two other ones. So, I don't know what their future plans are for it, but they most likely had some or because it's been what, probably four years, and it's privately owned, they can do whatever they want with it as long as it's within our codes and ordinances. So, are there um in terms of other developments, um the old the old development that we've approved the plat on, is that is that moving forward at all or is it just I haven't seen any plans on the the the Ron Old project. Yeah, enterprise enterprise in sixth Jackson Green. Jackson Green. So, nothing good.

They're working on the plans for it and we've talked with I've talked with Ron about to for it, but we haven't moved forward more than that. Okay. And the the we approved a plat on Henderson that nothing's going on in that at all. That's at the other sixth and I've not heard more about that. Right. It's on Bland. North side of Bland. Sorry. Sorry. Bland. Um, I guess that's I guess that's it. The annexation is that still rolling through with still being worked on. Um, okay. Anybody other questions for him? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks.

Um, item number 38 in the packet is the ILPT report that we get each month. Anybody have any questions with regard to that? Okay. Council member report. Mr. I have nothing. You have anything going on? Yeah, like you mentioned set up something maybe with cemetery crew. So I actually Bradsh and I've been emailing back and forth during the meeting. He's ready to help whenever you want help. And I've already reached out to Bob also and asked him to clarify or to take care of getting that stuff ordered as soon as possible because I told Brad you guys I I'm glad that they're willing to help but they can't come help really do that until you have the materials to do it which you don't have yet because you're waiting on Bob. We may have enough but I'm not sure exactly how close we'd come. Yeah. So I wouldn't want enough but but I will I let alone know these.

Will they choose to do it that a day during the week or on a Saturday? It would be on a Saturday. Brad knows it'll be on a Saturday morning which is we'll take care of it. And do we put the flags up at the cemetery for Memorial Day or is that something somebody else does? The big flag the long go around the cemetery. No, the veterans will take care of that. Do that. And our big one looks pretty good right now. I know. But that should be something maybe that you know Bob should check on all the flags around especially like JC Park because we have our memorial service out there that those flags are in good shape. One of the proclamations I had was to flag the flags at half mass. You guys have May 15. And then got the date on that and everything. Susie has it. Yeah.

I was just going to ask too, are you guys going to close down obviously probably for Ragbride day? I know the uh county's already picked their days to be closed and hours. City hall. Yeah. No, we're going to be open. We'll be here. I got a council meeting to get ready for. Yep. Okay. Just just ask that. I may not be in the building, but we will be working that day. Depends on where I'm at for Okay. I think the county is working, too. I think that they just the the building itself won't be won't be it's not going to be open to open to the public. One of the emergency operations centers for that event is going to be in the fire department and may likely be in the council chambers here. So, okay.

We'll be there will be people in the building and city hall will be open to the public that day. Okay. Thanks. That's it. Uh just two things. Um, a shout out to the Independence High School uh tennis program. They won the WMAC Conference for the first time ever to their knowledge uh which was a major defeat. And another thing is congratulations to uh all the seniors that will be graduating this Sunday. You have a few of those, right?

Got a couple, sir. I had I had a resident reach out to me on the corner of 8th Avenue Southwest and 8th Street Southwest where we put in a new um fire hydrant and dirt work has been done site uh seating has been done in that but the curb has not been replaced yet. He was just wondering who to talk to to find out when that curb when it's planned to be put in anyway before we get a rain. The utility work would have been done by the utilities department likely with a combination help of a subcontractor. I would say he could reach out to Brad at Street Shop or Travis at utilities. Either one should be able to provide him information and get him a timeline. Do we do that? We do the

for our for a project like that that was small. Yes, we would take care of it. Either either Brad's guys would do it or we would do it for us and and pay them to do it. But yes, the city will pay for it. Okay. That's all I have there. Okay. I have nothing. Nothing. I can't remember if I've updated you guys, but I did check in on those stop lightss. They all work in unison except for the one way down at the school and the police department one. But all of these, if we would ever change any of them, they all change together. Which one? Police Which police department one are you talking about? The one right at the the courthouse. Oh, the sheriff's department, not the police.

Okay. What do you mean by work together? They work in unison. So they're timed and they run and they're together, right? They're on they're on a timing pattern. They're not on they're not able to communicate with each other. They're just on a set schedule that that's timed for each of them was how I understood. Is that not the case? The way he made it seem that they they're operated together and that there's no way to change that unless they change. I mean, I know they can be changed. It can be changed. It just requires a traffic engineer and some money and some time because when I've talked to the DOT about it before, they're they're not they're not saying you can't change it. It's just it takes money to do it because they want a traffic study and other things. They won't just let you go change it

cuz we updated this one down here. We can change it, but we would have to we would have to the city would have to in order to do, right? So, it's not like this one's operating separately. Who did you talk to on that? Um, independent flight power called me back at random. I can't remember his name. Okay. Any flight power? That's I just popped in there and asked them and then they called me out. I can't remember the person's name. No problem. Okay. Um,

um, couple things. So, we have Matt, how many of the of the rightway encroachment letters did you say we had or the the rightway encroachments that we had compliance on? I want to say 40 or 50. I believe we saw 435. Was that my answer to you, Mayor? Yeah, I think you told me 45 remaining.

Yeah, we're going to send out another round of letters to the to the people that haven't complied yet to remind them that they we're trying to get them to do it before July 1st when the fees go into place. That's the whole reason that we're reminding them. Again, those letters are set to go out tomorrow. Um so, we just wanted to let you guys know about that. Um I will be out of the office the remainder of the week. I'll be in Philadelphia for a conference um helping with the conference and speaking at some of the sessions and doing all that fun stuff. That's a it's a um local government reimagine conference about democracy and the public trust. And then I got an letter from the Chamber of Commerce about the golf tournament that's on June 5th at three elms. We get four free spots within that golf tournament. I don't know if there's anybody on the council that wants to participate in it. Um open up to department heads also. Uh, but anybody that wants to go, it's usually pretty good time and Three Elms, I don't know how many of you play golf, but it's pretty pretty relaxed course. So, um, and then the only other thing that I wanted to point out, I know that on social media today, there was a lot of stuff posted about Buchanan County Tourism and the Infamous Chamber of Commerce and some other people about lighting the Wapsy Dam and that project. I want to point out for the public and anybody who's watching that is an entirely donation project. This is not public tax dollars. The city is not putting dollars into it in terms of tax money. It is entirely based on donations. Just want to put that out there so everybody understands that. That's all I got.

Okay. Um June 2nd is the is election day. Um all precincts will be open um there where they start early voting um this Wednesday, the 13th um at the courthouse. Um this there's no city elections involved. There are there are county supervisors um that are involved as a primary and then we have state elections that are state and federal in terms of representatives. Two-sided ballot for the county.

Yeah, it's a two-sided ballot. Um the the supervisors portion is on the back side of the ballot. So, be sure that anybody that's listening to be sure to turn your ballot over and vote on the back side because that's where the supervisors will be for both the um the primary Republican and and Democrat side. And that's all I had. Um other department head reports, Brian?

So, two things tonight. Um, if you're interested in Independence baseball and coming out to a baseball game, uh, we'll be there on the 27th. The police department will be hosting the concession stands from 5:00 to 9:00. So, if you're interested in coming watching baseball and have some cops serve you some hot dogs and popcorn, feel free to come out. Donuts. Um, donuts. We're not doing donuts. That's negotiable.

We have to have enough for the rest of us. Um, and then this year for the 4th of July, I did something a little bit different. I took all the officers, and I know I think I've talked to some of you about it or I brought it up before, but the every officer put their name in a hat, per se, and one officer was picked to lead the Fourth of July parade this year. I know in the past it's always been the police chief that's always led that parade. Uh but I believe that that needs to be spread amongst everybody to have that honor um at least during the 4th of July once. I mean once they've done it, their name won't be in the hat next year. It'll be a different officer and then that officer will be spotlighted for that event to the public. I've also reached out to the third grade class both at St. John's and the public school and they're going to be making some posters and those will be displayed on the squad card during the parade. So, just one more way to try to get the community involved and our students involved and and I just think it's a very positive thing for our department in the community. So, just something to watch for in the in the near future.

That was a good idea of yours. And your officer is a good driver, so he'll stay out of the way of my vehicle, which will be right behind his. Has the officer been drawn yet? Yes. So, the officer is uh Brandon Bagby uh will be the officer that's going to do that. And he's actually going to have photographs with the students and the posters later this week. And then when that's announced on social media later, we'll have those posters and that stuff there for the public as well as that officer spotlight. Awesome. Yep. Sounds great. Thank you. Thank you, Chief. Thanks, Chief. Matt, did you have anything else? Okay. I don't have anybody else there then. Right. Okay. Then I need a motion to adjourn the meeting. So move. Second. All in favor? I those pass seven and zero we stand a journ.