[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6299378,"mediaKeyId","2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab","parentId",2497200,"title","Votes at a glance: council approves ordinances, plats, permits and easements","audioSeconds",480,"startMs",5996000,"endMs",6476000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab&start=5996&end=6476","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab/thumbnail_5996000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6299378/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-council-approves-ordinances-plats-permits-and-easements","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299378-8667e3f418644a2666071df0249e3aba/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165553&Signature=dVmg3ASJBbNOOWS-l1b7Ul1pSbYTZ~ZlQTn5z~Ur-DrnHquvOAkcnk1UqsjoeS7UXO~CCQSbPoP4Lt8TfTbVS-7G3dhan0TbSSbU7PuRk3oRurXOwHTNy2voNvW9r2DozqcLiDEx64JE~UyUI7PwtQ8j5d14giplJH5SaLxmnEYmcFXHrnBI9Juyo3Wbtpa1Jfev7H7yuyIvViRbx3mcyklrSiRqUGjomhzmlEZfGCW7YyW4tbFF2XKLgCphXy9YTDc29UPBHnLP4GkqtS854bpiQ-88h3ffRDnYcD-MCSGSF6Wf6Jf91nlgYzWbUUdE9m8gsJJ5ffvzrec3NeOcFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Council Bluffs, Iowa","date","2025-01-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Council Bluffs City Council took action on several routine and substantive items during the meeting. Below are the measures the council voted to approve in the session and the recorded outcomes in the meeting transcript.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 66-21: Amend zoning map / vacated section of Hillside Drive adjacent to 1441 McPherson Avenue — Approved.

- Resolution 25-05: Approve plans, specifications, form of contract and cost estimates for Union Pacific Museum windows and doors — Approved.

- Resolution 25-06: Final plat approval for a 6-lot minor subdivision known as Black Squirrel Business Park (northwest corner of 305th Street and 14th Avenue) — Approved.

- Ordinance 66-19: Amend street naming/numbering code to re-designate Cedar Lane — Approved.

- Resolution 20-4354: Authorize MidAmerican Energy to acquire property interests by eminent domain (power-line easements) — Approved (see separate story for discussion and public comment).

- Resolution 25-07: Authorize access agreement with Cellco Partnerships (Verizon Wireless) for fiber across city right of way — Approved.

- Resolution 20-508: Amend PR planned-residential development plan for Lots 1–8, Josie Subdivision — Approved.

- Liquor license applications (items 1–10) — Approved.

- Device-retailer permit (new state requirement for vape/tobacco-device sellers) — Approved (fee collection by state; city to receive permit notification).

Several motions were moved and seconded as recorded in open session. On one roll call vote for item 3C, Council Member Steve Gorman recorded an abstention; other roll call votes recorded ayes in the transcript. Council took a strategy-session break later in the agenda for contract discussions (described in open session as a strategy session exempt from open-meetings requirements for union contract strategy). The council also established a search committee to begin work on a city-attorney replacement process with members and HR staff identified during the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Council Bluffs, Iowa Study Session January 13, 2025, ","oneSentenceSummary","Council Bluffs City Council approved a set of ordinances, resolutions, permits and the MidAmerican eminent-domain resolution during the meeting. Action items included rezoning, planned-division amendments, public-works plans and permits.","taxTitle","Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa","taxId",25021,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6299381,"Council approves MidAmerican request to acquire easements by eminent domain after public objections",1959,4451000,6410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab&start=4451&end=6410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab/thumbnail_4451000.jpg","/articles/6299381/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Council-approves-MidAmerican-request-to-acquire-easements-by-eminent-domain-after-public-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299381-a79b1d887b6d99299862fdc8597ce46e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165553&Signature=TgRbSbQ1giCy0S4kO5Cr-76FgQBLrlVkyNFUp5H-~wl2WYKuaEfgkf-RdGtRLxpVrO-CrgPSS-MD9SigTrormID90tmA5WKiEa22bydVpfWdtKtXtrFoCDlpEgAVtBS4e8gj2jHyr-dcVRTxe-Ah6C91ph4cXqSrgl1b8QA~SQyu4pLgzc48MniOZ2jwg0R9gPfE5J5ikqIO611MqXNUQOCQSczPhEjJvtMMt4LEvJWbwLnuan4m~2SD~pYgL~ZYD3wCVbPhZbh41ITkhlUb7Vz8X8FIJJPPL8tp563kN66OfMPPhYG1IE9ychDkE~K0WSK~dNW5bWBstpHwDpFdQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Council Bluffs City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing MidAmerican Energy Company to acquire property interests by eminent domain to accommodate a power-line upgrade and new circuits along an existing corridor.

Council discussion included a detailed staff explanation of the easement issue, the city attorney’s summary of the eminent-domain process, and back-and-forth between council members and MidAmerican representatives about outreach and outstanding property owners. Council members emphasized negotiation and communications with holdout property owners and asked MidAmerican to continue attempting voluntary agreements where possible.

Several residents spoke during public comment in opposition. Dan Paulus, who said he has lived on Washboard Road for nearly 50 years, told the council he opposed the taking and described confrontations and property damage he attributed to the utility’s work on poles and lines. Paulus said he had planned to develop his land and objected to additional easements; he said he hired an attorney and described prior incidents where utility crews entered his property and left it in disarray. Another speaker (identified in the record as Mr. Polis) spoke earlier and Council members referenced negotiations and outstanding messages returned to MidAmerican negotiators.

City staff and legal counsel described the technical background: older easements in the corridor used non-specific language for “electric line” and the utility now seeks defined easements for larger-diameter poles and additional conductors. City legal counsel explained the typical eminent-domain process: appraisals, negotiation attempts, and, if no agreement, formation of a court-appointed panel with local property-valuation expertise to set compensation. Counsel said the city’s experience is that panels often award property owners higher compensation than initial appraisals.

MidAmerican representatives said the company had secured the majority of easements through voluntary agreement (approaching 68 of 72 properties cited) after about two years of outreach but that a small number of property owners had not agreed. A MidAmerican representative described continuing negotiations; council members asked follow-up questions about access, tree removal, repair of yard damage, and whether communication between MidAmerican and property owners had broken down.

Council members expressing reluctance said eminent domain should be a last resort but that the city also had to weigh system reliability and broader community needs. Council ultimately approved the resolution authorizing acquisition by eminent domain; council members asked MidAmerican to continue negotiations in good faith and to respond promptly to the property owners’ concerns about site access and repairs.

","Council Bluffs approved a resolution authorizing MidAmerican Energy to acquire additional easements by eminent domain for a higher-voltage power line; several property owners objected in public comment and council members urged continued negotiation and responsiveness to residents’ concerns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6299385,"Council Bluffs CVB presents FY2026 proposed budget; reports tourism and hotel-tax gains",837,3356000,4193000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab&start=3356&end=4193","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab/thumbnail_3356000.jpg","/articles/6299385/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Council-Bluffs-CVB-presents-FY2026-proposed-budget-reports-tourism-and-hotel-tax-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299385-1c0d7d4d6bccb1552ed9d87514d318e3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165553&Signature=ORPmwAJG9StVbIYQ8-ExBZXwCeQDEWYfzOEhDrNJPEl8kl61~tNnQ7YXzKePHTEnh~BDdG-uWDdeKLuZ3nHO5-QPQWMECMamxcohCKk0F6KwOYya7d~11JVgB3D6x4gXj0A0wMFQSPqFHmcmRwPOvbK85WqQ-OkbIjdxOSnNw1EWjkMn51J7SKGDAtOfbr69N1TEndmYKhZ7tpSB3ntVr~0HIPlc1MHpMpk0IQlZUEHdgkYY062B7lHBFaLhBVq1RJpg8hH10sGt6Jwb61ewGp6CDCIvJXJceDGyZczJjHdnoTfemayKCIxYIlh7edLHU78CicfVrb70ZnPpICDzsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mark Ekman, executive director of the Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), presented the bureau’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget to the Council Bluffs City Council, summarized recent performance and outlined marketing plans.

Ekman told council members that tourism economics estimated visitors spent about $336 million in Pottawattamie County during calendar year 2023, and that the county collected a record $3.466 million in hotel/motel taxes in fiscal year 2024. He said digital marketing and social-media campaigns have been the bureau’s focus since the pandemic and reported increased website engagement: a visit, click and page-view increase of more than 20% in 2024 and an approximately 40% year‑over‑year jump in page views in the current fiscal year-to-date.

On the proposed budget, Ekman said the mayor had authorized consideration of a 3% increase if revenue projections allow. The proposed increase would mainly cover the cost of doing business; Ekman noted some line‑item decreases to offset higher costs in other areas. He described a common practice for the CVB: unspent funds at year-end are rolled into the following year’s budget for unanticipated expenses or opportunities; he cited a negative line-item in the packet that represented such a carryforward adjustment.

Ekman outlined program priorities including a winter marketing campaign and a new 11-month business-traveler campaign funded in part by a $10,000 state grant and local hotel partners. He described ongoing partnerships with Visit Omaha and local venues, said the city-owned Mount Crescent ski area had improved manmade snow coverage and promoted an expanded business-traveler push to grow Sunday–Thursday occupancy.

Council members asked questions about the recovery of business travel after the pandemic; Ekman said the CVB is targeting business travel and has launched a campaign stretching through early December to increase weekday occupancy. Ekman closed by thanking the council for prior support and sought council approval to proceed with the proposed FY2026 budget process.

","Council Bluffs Convention & Visitors Bureau director Mark Ekman presented the FY2026 proposed CVB budget, reported record hotel/motel tax receipts for FY2024 and described digital marketing and business-traveler campaigns.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6299390,"Omaha mayor, planning director outline Omaha streetcar project, funding and timeline",2978,345000,3323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab&start=345&end=3323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2497200-b28639fb43991e3099b4a5939ce18dab/thumbnail_345000.jpg","/articles/6299390/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Omaha-mayor-planning-director-outline-Omaha-streetcar-project-funding-and-timeline","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6299390-329cb4b74caf083b2c2d08809e7a8005/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165553&Signature=ViMPqA66pxJdcAZmwTdGCNNfPRQHPjySt5MnvcUrDz8v2jr6Hga3Eppq29UveBen83RWrMj7w5t3bgPOSYKfQGC10jrZob3auYy5o7btnf--i9c6DoaY986FY0H5xvZdf2ocf8AiK2PL7dMGPBDlCl~-qF8jKSfcrorWPk5xx7aUZrSoRDOle7~8McMW4dpUuHH5MFCVhMs6Em6IGTvjMBy8Ny8g~BrJEKZUAF3niG4pFDLSKUX0RW~UAj2INJ4YIolTZdt8gQn1tVpVc0zetXDlbex08u3RxkEU5pSvfSIceulQQSx9hqIc0eQsCC9C0nV8yaU76hMghsUFwaYPFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Steve Jensen delivered a presentation to the Council Bluffs City Council describing Omaha’s planned streetcar, its route, funding strategy and schedule.

The mayor said the initial line is roughly 3.5 miles and that the city is financing construction largely through tax increment from new development along the corridor rather than a new levy or citywide property tax increase. “The only people that will really be paying for the streetcar are income producing commercial properties along the route,” Stothert said. She added that single-family homes, duplexes and small residential buildings would not pay for the streetcar.

Jensen, who led the technical portion of the presentation and described himself as former planning director for the City of Omaha and now working in economic development, said the city’s concept relies on increased property value along the route to generate revenue to pay bonds issued for construction. Jensen described previous consultant estimates and the updated projection: an original conceptual cost near $306 million, a council authorization of up to $440 million in bonds, and a current design-phase cost of about $389 million driven largely by utility relocation. He said projected tax-increment from development is close to $940 million to $1 billion over 15 years, which he said would cover the streetcar cost and leave capacity for other uses such as affordable housing and bikeways.

Jensen said vehicles have been ordered from CAF (a Spanish manufacturer). The cars are low-floor and accessible; sections of the route will run on overhead wire and sections on battery power. He described stops as frequent (roughly every 10 minutes) and level-board platforms. Jensen said construction on utility relocations began the month of the presentation, mainline construction will start in late this year or next, vehicle testing will follow, and service is expected “around Memorial Day in 2028.”

Both speakers cited observed development already occurring along the planned corridor and studies estimating multi-billion-dollar increases in development value. “We already have $1.5 billion worth of development along the route,” Stothert said, and consultants told the city they expect more growth over the next 15 years. Jensen said the project team estimated nearly $4 billion in development over 15 years in updated projections and that a portion of the incremental tax revenue could be used for housing and mobility projects.

On operations, presenters said they plan no fare on the initial service, citing ridership and access benefits; they estimated annual operations and maintenance at roughly $6.5–8 million per year and said parking enterprise revenue and increased garage usage would help cover operating costs. Jensen described a vehicle maintenance facility to be located under the interstate on Lot A south of the CHI Health Center and said Samsung Construction was awarded the maintenance facility contract.

The presenters also addressed safety and staffing questions: cameras on vehicles, possible ambassadors on trains (as used in other cities), and coordination with police and fire for increased downtown service and public-safety needs. Mayor Stothert said council-approved bonds for other public facilities include a new combined police/fire precinct to support growing downtown calls for service.

The presentation included discussion of possible future extensions — north toward UNMC and the airport and south toward the zoo — and the city’s application for a federal grant to study a northward extension. The presenters said the Omaha City Council has already voted on the approvals the project needed to proceed to the design and construction phases and that the project team intends to continue public outreach and work with adjacent jurisdictions on alignments and extensions.

The presenters opened for questions from Council Bluffs members and attendees; Council Bluffs staff and council members asked about hours, safety, how operations would interact with existing bus service and planned coordination for emergency services and staffing.

The session concluded after roughly a 30-minute presentation and Q&A, and the Omaha delegation left materials and brochures for Council Bluffs staff.

","Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Steve Jensen presented the Omaha streetcar plan, described a funding model based on tax-increment growth along a 3.5-mile route, said the project requires no citywide property tax increase and projected service to begin around Memorial Day 2028.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: council approves ordinances, plats, permits and easements

Council approves MidAmerican request to acquire easements by eminent domain after public objections

Council Bluffs CVB presents FY2026 proposed budget; reports tourism and hotel-tax gains

Omaha mayor, planning director outline Omaha streetcar project, funding and timeline