City Council – March 3, 2025 Agenda & Minutes

Posted: February 28, 2025 | Updated: March 17, 2025

AGENDA

NOTICE AND CALL OF PUBLIC MEETING

GOVERNMENTAL BODY:                         THE CITY COUNCIL OF CRESCO, IOWA

DATE OF MEETING:                                   MARCH 3, 2025

TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING:             5:30 P.M. CITY HALL, 130 N PARK PLACE

 

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED

GOVERNMENTAL BODY WILL MEET AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SET OUT ABOVE.  THE TENTATIVE AGENDA FOR SAID MEETING IS AS FOLLOWS:

 

ROLL CALL:  CARMAN, BOUSKA, FOSAAEN, McCONNELL, KRIENER

 

ACT ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: All items listed under the consent agenda will be enacted by one motion. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time council votes on the motion.

  1. Approval of the Agenda
  2. Approval of the Claims
  3. Minutes from February 17, 2025
  4. Approval of Parade Permit for a St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run on March 15, 2025 for Portions of 3rd Ave East, 8th St East, York St, 7th Ave East, 8th St East, 8th Ave East, 8th Ave West, 2nd St West, 4th Ave West, and North Elm
  5. Approval of Flag Request for 2025:
    1. St. Patrick’s Day — March 13 – 17
    2. Crestwood High School Graduation — May 16 – 20
    3. Ridiculous Day — July 17 – 19
    4. Harvest Fest — August 21 – 25
    5. Holiday Open House — November 20 – 24
    6. Santa Parade — November 27 – 30

 

STAFF REPORTS: There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.

  1. Public Works
  2. Police
  3. Administration
  4. Committee Updates

 

COMMENTS FROM AUDIENCE: (This portion of the agenda is for comments that are not related to one of the items listed on the agenda.  Comments can only be received. No formal action by the Council can be taken.    Those making public comments will be asked to state their name and address, and to speak from the podium.)

 

BUSINESS:  There may be action taken on each of the items listed below.

  1. Cresco Theatre Commission to Discuss Scene Shop
  2. Resolution Adopting Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the Cresco Theatre and Opera House (Scene Shop)
  3. Resolution Making Award of Construction Contract for the Cresco Theatre and Opera House (Scene Shop)
  4. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to Sign a Right-of-Entry for Construction for the Scene Shop Project with MB Inc (Revised from Resolution #122402)
  5. Resolution Approving Loan Agreement for Loan of Funds from the CUSB Historic Downtown Revolving Loan Fund and the City of Cresco to Ethan Govern and Paige Bordwell D/B/A Paige Bordwell Alterations
  6. Second Reading of Proposed Ordinance No. 521 Amending Provisions Pertaining to Zoning Regulations for M-1 Light Industrial District
  7. Discuss Request and Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation to Vacate Undeveloped Portion of F Street
  8. Set Public Hearing for Vacating F Street
  9. Set Public Hearing for Proposed Property Tax Levy for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2026 (April 7 special meeting)
  10. Resolution Authorizing the Mayor to Sign the 2025 Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund Pledge Form
  11. Discuss Parking Ordinance
  12. First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #518 to Amend Chapter 69 Sections 01, 02, 03, and adding Section 05 in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Parking Regulations
  13. First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #518 to Amend Chapter 69.09 Sections 01, 02, 03, and adding Section 05 in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Parking Regulations
  14. First Reading of Proposed Ordinance #519 to Amend Chapter 81.03 Sections 04 and 05 in the City of Cresco Code of Ordinances Pertaining to Recreational Vehicles
  15. Discuss Yardwaste Site

 

ADJOURN:

 

THIS NOTICE IS GIVEN AT THE DIRECTION OF THE MAYOR PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 21, CODE OF IOWA AND THE LOCAL RULES OF SAID GOVERNMENTAL BODY.  POSTED FEBRUARY 28, 2025.

MINUTES

 

Mayor Fortune called the Cresco City Council meeting to order on March 3, 2025 at 5:30 pm. Council Members Carman, Bouska, Fosaaen, McConnell, and Kriener were present. No council members were absent.

Carman made the motion to approve the consent agenda which included approval of the: agenda; claims; minutes from the February 17, 2025 meeting; Parade Permit for portions of 3rd Ave E, 8th St E, York St, 7th Ave E, 8th St E, 8th Ave E, 8th Ave W, 2nd St W, 4th Ave W and North Elm St for a St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run on March 15th; request to display flags for the following dates in 2025; St. Patrick’s Day from March 13-17, Crestwood High School Graduation from May 16-20, Ridiculous Day from July 17-19, Harvest Fest from August 21–25, Holiday Open House from November 20–24, Santa Parade from November 27–30. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Public Works Director Brenno reported: (a) public works staff had a training on electrical and heat stress, and chainsaw safety presented by Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities; (b) attended a safety action plan workshop. They discussed road safety and accidents. Howard County is lower than average on overall accidents, but higher in serious or fatal accidents. Will work with the County and come up with ideas; (c) working with Craig Wood for the Speed Feedback sign and looking at signage on streets; (d) Water main break on Stock Ave and 2nd St E. We have had six water main brakes since January 1st.

Police Chief Ruroden submitted the February Police report.

City Clerk Hill reported: (a) finished up the budget. The Department of Management has made some changes to the tax notices to be less confusing; (b) Library furnaces will need to be replaced due to some mechanical issues. Quotes will be due this week; (c) Comp plan meeting will be March 11th at Champlin Hall. Postcard reminders for the survey went out with the utility bills; (d) next hazard mitigation worksession will be March 12th; (e) summary of some upcoming pending legislative changes were given to Council.

Bouska reported on an Economic Development meeting. MiBroadband did a presentation on their broadband that will be coming to rural areas. Howard Winneshiek School will be doing a 16.4-million-dollar expansion. The Howard County Economic Development Revolving Housing Fund has loaned all of their funds for current projects.

Carman updated on the Chamber meeting. There is a pub crawl on March 15th. Three family fun nights have been scheduled. There will be one in May at the Fitness Center , one in July at the Nature Center, and August with National Night Out and the Circus.

Mayor Fortune asked for comments from the audience and there were none.

Mayor Fortune recognized three employees with service anniversaries in March and thanked them for their dedication and years of full-time service to the City and residents: Grant Doeppke – Police Dept 2 years; TJ Casper – Fitness Center 2 years; Rita Hrdlicka – City Hall 1 year.

Dave Gosch updated Council on fundraising efforts for the Scene Shop Project. He encouraged Council to work with the committee and approve the project. He feels that with working with the contractor, the cost could potentially be lower with change orders without compromising the layout of the building.

Ann Seebach stated that it is difficult to obtain donations until the project has been approved. She also explained that the design and components of the Scene shop will increase live events and revenue. There have been well-attended shows in the past that are no longer able to use the theatre without the lift.

Bouska stated that she supports the Theatre, but she is concerned about future expenses and with property tax changes, there may not be enough funds to cover all of the necessary services.

Kelly Bartling, Julie Wilson, Jim Holstrom, and Paige Bordwell all spoke in support of the Scene Shop and the value that it brings to the community.

Fosaaen made the motion to approve a Resolution Adopting Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract, and Estimated Cost for the Cresco Theatre and Opera House Scene Shop Project. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Six bids were received on February 11, 2025 for the Cresco Theatre and Opera House Scene Shop Project: Brenton Buildings $659,000; Cresco Building $691,000; Dave’s Complete Construction $614,000; Life Time Construction Company $716,600; Matt Construction $631,500; N.B. Kock General Contractors $806,000.  Martin Gardner Architecture reviewed the bids and recommend approving the lowest, responsive, responsible bid from Dave’s Complete Construction of Delhi, Iowa for $614,000.

Carman made the motion to approve the Resolution Making Award of Construction Contract for the Cresco Theatre and Opera House Scene Shop Project to Dave’s Complete Construction. Fosaaen seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman made a motion to approve the revised resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a right-of-entry for construction related to the Scene Shop Project with MB Inc. Fosaaen seconded and it passed all ayes.

Paige Bordwell and Ethan Govern updated Council on their project and what the funds will be used for. Bouska made a motion to approve the resolution approving the Loan Agreement for a loan of $40,000 from the CUSB Historic Downtown Revolving Loan Fund and the City of Cresco to Ethan Govern and Paige Bordwell dba Paige Bordwell Alterations. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Mayor Fortune performed the second reading of proposed Ordinance 521 amending Chapter 165.24 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Cresco, Iowa, pertaining to zoning regulations. Bouska made the motion to approve the second reading of proposed Ordinance 521. Carman seconded and it passed all ayes.

Kriener made a motion to approve vacating a portion of F Street with the new owners being responsible for any tree removal. McConnell seconded and it passed all ayes.

Carman made the motion to set a Public Hearing for vacating a portion of F Street for March 17, 2025. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.

McConnell made a motion to set a Public Hearing for April 7, 2025 at 5:15 PM for the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. This meeting is to comply with the requirements for the budget process and the only item of business on the agenda will be the Public Hearing. Kriener seconded and it passed all ayes.

Jason Passmore explained there are some new programs and additional funds for assistance up to $35,000. Funds for qualified applicants can be used for mortgage and property taxes, home repairs, and assistance for first-time homebuyers. Interested applicants can call City Hall for more information or Chris Troendle at Upper Explorerland. Carman made a motion to approve the resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign the 2025 Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund pledge form for Fiscal Year 2026. Bouska seconded and it passed all ayes.

Bouska would like more time to discuss the parking ordinance and what vehicles it would pertain to prior to any readings. All action was tabled to a future meeting.

Brenno explained that there have been issues at the yardwaste site with dumping of ashes, treated lumber, trash and other prohibited items. Due to DNR regulations, the City is unable to burn the brush pile at this time. Options were discussed such as keys, lock codes, additional pickups, and a location at the street shop for grass clippings and leaves. The gate will remain locked at this time. Residents will be able to obtain a key during business hours from City Hall. A deposit will be kept on file until the key is returned.

 

Carman moved to adjourn the Council Meeting at 7:02 pm. Kriener seconded, and it passed all ayes. The next regular Cresco City Council meeting will be March 17, 2025, at 5:30 pm at Cresco City Hall.

 

Mayor Alexander Fortune
City Clerk Nicole Hill

 

Documents

2025 City Council Agendas, Minutes