[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6583215,"mediaKeyId","3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42","parentId",3045277,"title","Resident urges Highway 28 wall at Sunset Drive; council directs staff to review","audioSeconds",4252,"startMs",304000,"endMs",4556000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42&start=304&end=4556","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42/thumbnail_304000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583215/Norwalk-City/Warren-County/Iowa/Resident-urges-Highway-28-wall-at-Sunset-Drive-council-directs-staff-to-review","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583215-23fb84c8e9c8949ab4a167a72981c3ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152427&Signature=Y5ii3vfSiI4EqQ3KukF-48Bk8oNqQmVg074hBXKbeFLVgeglThBsjV2daTtKF5ZJWRDO~jlM1cfJ-wUBu5rWn7PxhQ96cUm1xpLTq-aZBCZmK5QWaG5Shee2aaqCQw0JKU8j9oK7hNdAcxx5~LX9lqPaK3HsnKqF~PaKDHGYFsUXRtN79cGjEY0q8hIc7Gp~kY-D6AoP1M19aNxQUJgTee0a9Wp2UhzV4l2M3V3grnANOnEBxYlzUt3y1YGWvfujFp~K2JtrQhZ5~ITDM2Q1t5D9XZgPWcO9qVO-rs~ilCU~drJZ0-dz0QhuUzEwMvp4mvezzOUh4TQjnUFraQj~fA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Norwalk","date","2025-04-18T01:08:06.143Z","article","A Norwalk homeowner urged the City Council on April 17 to add a decorative wall on Highway 28 adjacent to his property, and the council directed staff to research the proposal and bring findings back to a future meeting.

Dale Bienenberg identified himself from 8833 Sunset Drive and asked the council to consider building a wall at 8833 and 8825 Sunset Drive as part of the Highway 28 Beautification Project. Bienenberg said such a wall would \"greatly enhance our enjoyment of our properties and also add value to our properties\" and would improve the corridor's visual continuity. He said nearby development and a change in state right-of-way rules created an opportunity he believes the city should consider.

At the future-agenda item discussion later in the meeting, the council voted to direct staff to take a closer look at the Highway 28 fencing proposal and return to council with engineering review and any cost estimates. The motion was made by Council member Cool and seconded by Council member Baker; the motion carried on a voice vote.

Staff clarification: During council updates staff later advised that the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) had not already granted the property-owner the permission to place fence or wall in the state right-of-way, contrary to an assertion made by the speaker; DOT approval would be required and is not yet confirmed.

Why it matters: If the city pursues the wall as part of the Highway 28 project, the work would intersect state right-of-way rules and cost-sharing considerations. Property owners along the corridor and the city's capital plan could be affected, and DOT approvals would be needed before work could proceed.

Ending: Staff will report back with engineering analysis, potential costs, and any DOT permissions or constraints at a future council meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","April 17, 2025 Norwalk City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A Sunset Drive homeowner asked the council to add a decorative privacy wall to the Highway 28 beautification plan at two properties; council asked staff to investigate costs and any required right-of-way approvals and placed the topic on a future agenda.","taxTitle","Norwalk City, Warren County, Iowa","taxId",64209,"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},6583218,"Council approves first reading of UTV ordinance; staff to align local code with Iowa law",542,3630000,4172000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42&start=3630&end=4172","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42/thumbnail_3630000.jpg","/articles/6583218/Norwalk-City/Warren-County/Iowa/Council-approves-first-reading-of-UTV-ordinance-staff-to-align-local-code-with-Iowa-law","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583218-fe168fe308cc77a943ad19592c146c63/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152427&Signature=RSMbxp13KfuaZ3~uAjQCM34xEsW-KHTjtAhndmo7y3lessV3FqDzVuxkQ0J84QSPWw9gggxqQ1z3NK9d5Eg0~FFb0ImxWMRSeszgVplyF1Q8sW5ilUClWM19HeZTKjBGy8lHDLb-i5DHTEMIo3Xen5x2ty-DHLzQOw49JLD8HT7ybWF9JDLBCUSwNTMlRjKkdP8DwqiAltEOZTWuuYh1woTliNX6Mpnh96u6XJMB5aamYkn0xRPEEfB3~HyjyFDKkwQtppyTfyZt-xox8Wyv5AzQOQwLbO8bSH1e70sNL3SvDuGXpxULtsW6ttYyPOyxfc37qE74baaK7WYWB-TG9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk City Council on April 17 completed the first reading of an ordinance amending chapters of the municipal code to allow operation of off-road utility vehicles (UTVs) on certain city streets under defined conditions. The ordinance follows work by a study group that reported back to council.

Chief (police) and staff reviewed the draft ordinance. Council members raised enforcement questions including noise from aftermarket exhausts and how intoxicated operation standards relate to local wording. Council asked staff to add language to section text that explicitly incorporates Iowa code language on \"operate\" as it relates to operating while intoxicated; staff agreed to prepare that language before the next reading.

Council member Cool moved and Council member Livingston seconded the motion for first reading. The motion carried on a recorded roll call: Livingston (yes), Meineke (yes), Baker (yes), Brown (yes), Cool (yes).

Why it matters: The ordinance would permit UTVs on Norwalk streets under local rules and would amend an existing chapter that already addresses ATVs and snowmobiles. Council emphasized that state OWI/OWVI laws remain applicable and directed staff to ensure the city code mirrors relevant state definitions so that enforcement is consistent.

Next steps: The second reading is scheduled for May 1 and a third reading will follow after the state legislative session concludes to ensure any new state-level requirements are incorporated.

Ending: Staff will return with revised ordinance language that incorporates Iowa code references on operating under the influence and other clarifying edits requested by council.","After a study group's report, the council passed first reading of an ordinance to allow off-road utility vehicles (UTVs) on city streets under specified conditions and directed staff to add language aligning the local definition of \"operate\" with Iowa code.",{"_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},6583223,"Council gives first reading to multiyear utility and garbage rate increases; water to rise up to 6% over four years",845,2727000,3572000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42&start=2727&end=3572","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42/thumbnail_2727000.jpg","/articles/6583223/Norwalk-City/Warren-County/Iowa/Council-gives-first-reading-to-multiyear-utility-and-garbage-rate-increases-water-to-rise-up-to-6-over-four-years","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583223-9cb03ca2f8c925e7476815c529737928/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152427&Signature=BsDZx-FmzVXJgxjmjfyIb4Zxt2Dp6sP8e8E5IBPRsXlbToucZ-jn1fYK-yNGLrX8cR0ZvXZThlunF1X3tz0DUasg5zvGi3hzfOxGB18jYa86Kq-j0QYr-VXIyYZXhFlKFT-RAN0Z4ZgJHD3qyNljpmZh1L-aSP49OeaPlPHAwvzBTJCJ9pykgm2ZZsxsWc16EfogaoP2v7Y59Ua7USURiTfCpNE5VRrXQEDaS5IOjGK6H816o62yqJEJMWLjvz8ujB82u0zwEdtO~m0Leo0rnr5EWkAsXGB0rlps0PZWztICTmDoaUNzRKBUYWFqhXHbyvvC65RQhwESZO3z4KRG0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk City Council on April 17 completed the first reading of a package of utility and solid-waste rate changes staff said are necessary to cover rising costs including the city's planned water tower and Central Iowa Water Works buy-in.

Jean (finance director) said the city is proposing a four-year schedule for utility changes to meet Iowa Finance Authority loan requirements for planned borrowing. Key elements presented include a recommended 6% total water increase phased over four years, a per-meter availability fee (charging each meter a base availability fee rather than a single fee per property), and raising the large-user water rate from roughly 61% to 75% of the regular rate to better reflect peak-storage costs tied to the new water tower.

For sewer, staff proposed 3% over four years; water-reclamation costs (through the Water Reclamation Authority) currently account for about 57% of the sewer budget and are projected to rise. For stormwater the proposal is an increase of $0.50 per year for four years. Garbage and recycling would see a 2% increase for the coming year to reflect Metro Waste Authority cost changes.

Jean and staff said the multiyear approach gives the city flexibility to meet loan coverage and reserve requirements and to avoid abrupt spikes in rates. Staff said monitoring will continue; if irrigation behavior changes or other factors alter demand, council can revisit the schedule.

The ordinance cleared first reading on a motion by Council member Livingston, seconded by Council member Cool. Roll-call votes: Cool (yes), Livingston (yes), Meineke (yes), Baker (yes), Brown (yes). The motion carried.

Why it matters: The increases would appear in utility bills over the coming years and are linked to major capital projects and debt service. The proposed change to charge availability per meter will increase costs for properties with multiple meters, and the large-user rate change narrows the discount previously applied to sizable nonresidential usage.

Ending: The city will return the ordinance for subsequent readings and adoption; staff said they will track revenues monthly and recommend adjustments if actual usage patterns differ from projections.","Council completed the first reading of an ordinance proposing multiyear increases for water, sewer and stormwater rates and a 2% garbage/recycling increase. The proposal includes a new per-meter availability fee and raises the large-user charge to 75% of retail.",{"_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},6583224,"Norwalk council approves Golden Valley assessments, Echo Valley irrigation release and other measures",854,1816000,2670000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42&start=1816&end=2670","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42/thumbnail_1816000.jpg","/articles/6583224/Norwalk-City/Warren-County/Iowa/Norwalk-council-approves-Golden-Valley-assessments-Echo-Valley-irrigation-release-and-other-measures","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583224-79f5901f67d3131c23a011a1b461a4cc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152427&Signature=g1LGd1WTc9SulEMlmzf9WeP7jPScoQbo9Litz0JIJhIJrVz~5GxIqjYf9mWOTRH50Ouazf33RE78MszVvI5bR1fpFCqkhhn7SkG7gHAvfWI91KAl1gjnfhGCXZTYW4dUOymsLWVOk1OF-mdwlOUna5Ak19-qxS5e8xlEtQQVt0ORn~os0VnkgBA3nxpVAywmWsfYr-XAICNIbjKdsOkfomTz71jURqJAfwn3v-rR5fCSa9eYCNilcSW4vgjGcv0y~lcR4Jd2DvEV0KYebkfhBff-CZUFEU2fnwEh99aDI6jK2B0BKeNJIOn2rjUAs36QPP~TnBgNw3qMoQ8osO8UqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Norwalk City Council on April 17 approved a series of routine project closeouts, assessment actions and administrative items including final acceptance of the Golden Valley improvements project, adoption of final assessments with an amended interest rate, authorization to permit Echo Valley Golf Course to connect an irrigation meter to Des Moines Water Works, and final readings for a zoning map amendment and hydrant meter rate changes.

Golden Valley Improvements: Council accepted the completed work on the Golden Valley Drive improvements project and approved the final assessment schedule. Wayne (public works/staff) reported the average assessment on Golden Valley is $5,737, lower than the preliminary assessment set at the beginning of the project. The council voted to accept the project (motion and second on the record) and the motion carried by roll call.

Assessment interest rate for Golden Valley: Council debated the appropriate interest rate for payment plans on assessments. Staff noted 3.5% had been included in the draft resolution, and final action amended the rate to 3.44% to match the city's bond cost. Council member Livingston moved and Council member Cool seconded the amendment setting the interest rate at 3.44%. Roll-call votes recorded: Meineke (yes), Baker (yes), Brown (yes), Cool (yes), Livingston (yes). Motion carried.

Echo Valley irrigation meter: Council authorized the city manager to send a letter to Des Moines Water Works releasing the Echo Valley Golf Course irrigation meter so Echo Valley may establish a direct irrigation connection to Des Moines Water Works system. Staff said the connection is limited to an irrigation tap to fill the golf course pond; it will not permit potable service or residential/commercial service. Council member Livingston moved and Council member Baker seconded the motion. The council voted in favor by voice vote and roll call; the motion carried.

Final readings and rezoning: The council conducted final readings and voted to: (1) submit the official zoning map amendment rezoning 818 1/2 North Avenue from C-4 Founders Business District to R-F Founders Residential (motion carried on final reading); and (2) adopt an ordinance adjusting hydrant meter deposit/rate language so deposits reflect meter replacement cost (final reading carried). For each final reading the council recorded roll-call affirmative votes.

Why it matters: These votes finalize capital work and assessments for Golden Valley Drive, set the finance terms homeowners will face for a multi-year payment plan, and change a utility practice to reduce future billing spikes by allowing an irrigation meter connection for Echo Valley. Several items will affect property owners along assessed streets and utility customers if and when the irrigation connection is used.

Ending: Staff will proceed with assessment billing under the newly set interest terms, and the city manager will transmit the letter to Des Moines Water Works to allow the irrigation tap. Related follow-ups on possible impacts of the irrigation connection and any required inter-jurisdictional paperwork with Central Iowa Water Works will be handled by staff and reported back to council as needed.","At its April 17 meeting the council accepted completed Golden Valley improvements, fixed the assessment interest rate, authorized an irrigation connection for Echo Valley Golf Course to Des Moines Water Works, and passed several final readings and rezoning items.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6583225,"Norwalk City Council adopts $60 million FY2026 budget; tax rate unchanged",1136,612000,1748000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42&start=612&end=1748","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045277-972f14333c269d556ac413ad85cb9b42/thumbnail_612000.jpg","/articles/6583225/Norwalk-City/Warren-County/Iowa/Norwalk-City-Council-adopts-60-million-FY2026-budget-tax-rate-unchanged","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583225-d98d68e81da3559320457af42bde5973/orig.mp4?Expires=1771152427&Signature=ANujzO1sAq3tIJXvPmHTQ3BZE7FtPmcqbH5NTfwJX0Af8sgtLtfikgexyuZrhAFR3GYekzzxP2~2ddUNuQtvXcbsRvhqg5nRGH4C9oMsQhekyrUIKnbyRGEeZYhpNMGUBDj2~7FDBWk1ZRMzacoJvj8KNB5nGg~Ts5bL-NX5CbSkMEim0o-uTqTg4ZOC0wfhYnRR7ysWm2i0ecTp5K7GofT-SmzP9hS9KKg9uYQeU5TIAq2umoRUcU7G1kPobzyjq5A09QN3TACc6yd32aHi-e6nQ6TfQKpMdhRNcKDcaHlb9QlJvFyMDQtF2FJRpIaE5sCtf1q2qjHcClHRYxtuDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Norwalk City Council on April 17 adopted the city's fiscal year 2026 budget after a final public hearing, keeping the city's tax rate unchanged while approving capital investments including a planned Central Iowa Water Works buy-in and a new water tower.

Jean (finance director) presented the budget at the public hearing required by state law, saying Norwalk's total assessed value is \"a little over $1,880,000,000,\" taxable value is about $848,000,000, and the total all-funds budget is just under $60,000,000. She told the council the rollback percentage is about 47.3% to 47.4% and the city's tax rate will remain roughly $14.88 per $1,000 of assessed value for the coming year.

The council approved the resolution adopting the FY2026 budget by voice and roll call. The motion to approve the resolution was made by Council member Baker and seconded by Council member Cool. Roll-call votes recorded at the meeting were: Cool (yes), Livingston (yes), Meineke (yes), Baker (yes), Brown (yes). The motion carried.

Why it matters: Jean told the public the budget is balanced and reserves will be maintained. The capital program and utilities in the budget include projects that will affect future rates and borrowing. Council discussion and staff remarks made clear the budget funds both recurring operations and one-time investments that will shape service delivery and utility pricing.

Key numbers and program notes provided in the hearing:
- Total assessed value: \"a little over $1,880,000,000.\" Taxable value: about $848,000,000 (roughly 45% of assessed).
- Total all-funds budget and revenues: just under $60,000,000.
- General fund: roughly $12,000,000 in total; public safety accounts for about $5,500,000 (about 47% of the general fund); general government about $1,500,000; culture and recreation about $2,400,000; public works (largely garbage/recycling pass-through) about $1,400,000; community and economic development about $910,000; health and human services about $45,000.
- Road use tax fund: about $2,100,000; these revenues come from state distributions tied to motor fuel and registration fees.
- Water fund: approximately $5,200,000; major upcoming costs noted were a new water tower (recent budgeted estimate $7,000,000) and a buy-in to Central Iowa Water Works (approximately $6,000,000), which the city expects to finance in part through borrowing.
- Sewer fund: about $3,300,000; approximately 57% of the sewer budget covers Water Reclamation Authority charges.
- Capital Improvement Plan (CIP): $10,700,000 total; about $6,700,000 proposed for the North River sewer trunk to support western expansion and development.
- Local option sales and service tax receipts were estimated around $1,800,000 and are shown funding vehicles, body cameras, street and parks maintenance, IT security, and airport contributions.
- TIF low- and moderate-income (LMI) fund: roughly $2,800,000 remaining; staff proposed $1,500,000 for a Main Street water-main project and $50,000 for a housing rehabilitation program.

Jean said the budget increases translate to an average annual tax impact of about $61 per household (roughly a 2.39% increase in annual tax), driven primarily by the rollback adjustment and growth in assessed values. She noted the presentation covered only the city's portion of property taxes; school and county levies are separate.

Staff explained the city plans to use a mix of cash and borrowing for major water projects and is considering State Revolving Fund loans administered by the Iowa Finance Authority for favorable rates. Jean said IFA loan conditions prompted the city to present a multiyear (four-year) schedule for utility rate changes that will be considered separately.

The council held the required public hearing on the budget; no oral or written comments were received at the hearing. The council then voted to adopt the FY2026 budget by resolution.

Ending: With the resolution's passage, staff will proceed with the approved capital plan and utility planning outlined in the presentation. Further ordinance or rate actions tied to the water tower and Central Iowa Water Works buy-in were discussed separately during the meeting and will appear on future agendas as needed.","The Norwalk City Council approved the city's fiscal year 2026 budget after a required public hearing, keeping the property tax rate steady while approving multi-million dollar capital projects including a Central Iowa Water Works buy-in and a new water tower.","actionData","errors"]

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