[{"_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",6520021,"mediaKeyId","5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45","parentId",5339475,"title","Johnston police hosted Kosovo Police leaders; council members report sister-city visits and exchange ideas","audioSeconds",1031,"startMs",2254000,"endMs",3285000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45&start=2254&end=3285","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45/thumbnail_2254000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6520021/Johnston-City/Polk-County/Iowa/Johnston-police-hosted-Kosovo-Police-leaders-council-members-report-sister-city-visits-and-exchange-ideas","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520021-8d355975462bcd90023402a8ea00e63b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773746253&Signature=OnKJnj4pOvZ~86cPRP9rtLy-ZrC9LGx4cSEQJisSwDNiTNJqWf4PW5vov7XQ3Xs2upSJ1B0YFtjeRpHwXyRvNJI1NSlqBWNJOPGGEWobJZidXXNEH~iYWhSLHRGZSqqoRtKrBALS9q-MCk3f2M8XOYQO8kirL3HPLAXuvSfWSm-zrEImtE3i2Sk6acrO5ma9bbvOZf6P67bzbg1U8QtUOE2QlaGleur1uiTrdvz~CBLj9Wfr6mZDxB550W5ykwuP81~owPdM-y3nyipHPEuk4jqZilk2~Rv9ep0IctlIsMwvavns6lJdKIyEnfY8u7iNDr6BkOBsn0q-e8t7cz2VyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Johnston","date","2025-07-09T13:26:52Z","article","Chiefs and staff briefed the council on a recent visit by senior leaders from the Kosovo Police Service and described next steps for a potential law-enforcement exchange and cooperation agreement.

Police Chief Coleman said the general director of the Kosovo Police Service and top officials visited Iowa for a multi-day assessment of Iowa law enforcement. The chief described discussions as \"very, very interesting,\" said the delegation expressed excitement about moving the project forward and said the next step would be to send Iowa law-enforcement leaders to Kosovo for reciprocal assessment. The chief said he expects work toward a memorandum of understanding and suggested an ambitious timeline of six months to a year for a formal agreement.

Council members who traveled to Kosovo reported several commercial and cultural connections. Councilors said they met Peya city leaders, discussed tourism promotion, met representatives of Peya Brewery and toured a judo academy noted for producing recent Olympic medalists. Officials described interest in exchanges for athletics and tourism promotion and said preliminary talks about bringing Peya beer to Iowa had begun.

Why it matters: The law-enforcement exchange could expand training and cultural understanding between Johnston/Iowa agencies and Kosovo counterparts; sister-city activity could produce cultural, athletic and business ties that benefit local tourism and veteran communities. Any formal agreements will require memorandums of understanding and further staff work.

Next steps: The police chief and staff said they would work toward a memorandum of understanding and further planning; council members said additional outreach with Rotary and other local organizations will follow to support cultural and educational exchanges.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Johnston City Council Meeting, July 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Johnston's police department hosted the general director of the Kosovo Police Service for a multi-day visit and talks on a law-enforcement exchange while council members reported sister-city meetings in Peya that produced potential tourism, brewery and sports-exchange leads.","taxTitle","Johnston City, Polk County, Iowa","taxId",52106,"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},6520025,"Resident warns of dangerous Johnston trail crossings; council budgets pedestrian-activated beacon for Johnston Drive",512,704000,1216000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45&start=704&end=1216","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45/thumbnail_704000.jpg","/articles/6520025/Johnston-City/Polk-County/Iowa/Resident-warns-of-dangerous-Johnston-trail-crossings-council-budgets-pedestrian-activated-beacon-for-Johnston-Drive","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520025-e5115da38770a7d3b15629d214d58a50/orig.mp4?Expires=1773746253&Signature=Bw5raQR-BZBdlRd0K6GkbsP3tULdkeJ19IPQUk-QYJX~ZwiEOtimfRs7UO7bU3bnuF8fvOjUH1skfvQ5y1map1EaFdETC43NLa6dWAs2RMpTZlfM~V0yuLfkFoG2dMdMD6sdYmqW7g8y0e36XLVYk1IDSi23qJ4qZZekbVWr1cxWCxxedhqQA9VlkkmAMDg4pV7ROx1HjDhAFI5EYKrEWRwJkS7yGS~TgoAsmpbaGHOBOX8WqcG4VFxYZY9YgcBAsfO1xT~8DxBUQMx3ZjgRz54Qr0WRPgz8KpXohc-VuZy5LuD~SWKUE0Tmeck4nupyX5hhDV47BaikrLf-g2gHqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A Johnston resident told the council that several trail segments are \"an accident waiting to happen,\" citing blind driveways, utility boxes and overgrown vegetation that obscure sight lines where trails intersect streets. He urged signage, relocation of obstructions or more substantial changes such as bridges or tunnels.

Resident Andy Lyons, who said he has biked Johnston trails for decades, identified problem locations including the south side of 70th Street (west of Merle Hay and east of Northland Drive) at the Casey's driveway, the trail crossing at North Lehi Drive/70th (where drivers are rolling past the stop line) and the trail near Ray Schleiz Park where brush obscures westbound traffic. Lyons asked the city to consider signage, a repaired sight line and longer-term infrastructure such as an overpass.

City response and actions: Staff told the council that pedestrian-activated crossing lights (rapid-flashing beacons) for the Johnston Drive trail crossing were programmed in this year's budget. As staff described it: \"We've actually programmed, in this year's budget, putting in, some pedestrian activated crossing lights for the trail at that location, much like what you see on 60 second at Corteva ... we did budget for a set to go into Johnston this year.\" (Staff member Matt)

On trail completion, staff said the Des Moines Water Works project has repeatedly discovered leaks in a concrete pipe joint; crews must pressure-test, excavate and weld joints before a trail can be poured. Staff said that the contractor will resume pouring once the water-main work passes testing and the segment is ready, and that the city continues to press the utility for completion.

Other trail work: The Hundredth Street and 70 Eighth Avenue trail project is progressing, with the contractor pouring an initial section of trail and forming additional segments; one of three retaining walls has been completed. MidAmerican Energy crews have installed new street lighting and removed old poles along Merle Hay, and the city staff said remaining trail replacement is expected imminently.

Why it matters: Trail-vehicle conflicts can cause serious injuries; the city's decision to fund a pedestrian-activated beacon targets a high-use crossing and is a near-term engineering fix. Longer-term fixes may require coordination with utilities and property owners.","A longtime resident urged the council to fix sight-line hazards on multiple Johnston bike-trail segments. City staff said pedestrian-activated rapid-flashing beacons for the Johnston Drive crossing were included in this year's budget and that trail completion timelines depend on Des Moines Water Works repairs.",{"_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},6520029,"Johnston keeps stage-3 watering ban as nitrate levels fall; CIWW planning treatment expansions",1167,1843000,3010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45&start=1843&end=3010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45/thumbnail_1843000.jpg","/articles/6520029/Johnston-City/Polk-County/Iowa/Johnston-keeps-stage-3-watering-ban-as-nitrate-levels-fall-CIWW-planning-treatment-expansions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520029-f2a8bfda81e1d2a67747c7d86a5b86e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1773746253&Signature=fpexd8Z742OFWtaBtC6JSVsB2SISZNpG~cX3eqnl5MIo7RxpmUYMXIGteIwMmOckcBYcXeDtaqVg4yuo-j~dwLSfwWsA~DY2gY5BbvdRbDY1EvbbpJTYvOBEuQ-VAUEvuAjWXG4DmrbZvPkbyzZoA0Ajg0Prt09e2ICn2rhSYR5Bo-g7QpjfPCDtpW4kvRdFdfVUPZcAbrUY63CxE3v-wKI967qHiu~J6HNaQ7s4zSjXU7qwjmF2JxfmyW80hHRDxQ6zwxAWSeJscGQhN73p~eVyEsZqYsW4odclz7act-iKbazrhRY52gNn9JGOwYISBq~iPOcXaS-bRCFtELbebA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff told the Johnston City Council that the stage-3 lawn-watering ban remains in effect while source-water nitrate concentrations gradually decline, and they outlined infrastructure work CIWW (Central Iowa Water Works) is planning.

City staff compared recent nitrate readings, saying the Raccoon River measured 15.46 milligrams per liter on July 4 and was 12.27 mg/L at the most recent test. Staff said lifting the stage-3 ban requires at least one source to be at 10 mg/L or less and to show a sustained downward trend. The council was told CIWW is working on capacity and production and that after-action discussions on longer-term facility expansion will follow the event.

Planned expansions: Officials reported a small expansion at Saylerville, a new water-treatment plant on the west side, and an expansion at Grimes are in planning or development stages; those projects will require funding decisions and rate-payer support. Staff said CIWW's current focus is meeting safe drinking-water standards during the event and that longer-term planning for additional nitrate treatment capacity will be addressed afterward.

Why it matters: Elevated nitrate levels can require water-use restrictions to protect drinking-water quality. The council and CIWW members are reviewing short-term operational steps and longer-term capital projects that could affect rates and regional water infrastructure.

Council engagement: Council members asked about CIWW's planning for expanded treatment capacity and timing; staff answered that after-action reviews and planning discussions will take place after the immediate event. Council members and staff noted CIWW's transition from being a customer to a governing participant in regional water decision-making, and that technical and board roles are being clarified.","City staff reported that Raccoon River nitrate concentrations have fallen from 15.46 mg/L on July 4 to 12.27 mg/L but remain above the 10 mg/L threshold required to lift a stage-3 lawn-watering ban. CIWW officials are planning expansions and new treatment plants.",{"_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},6520034,"Johnston City Council adopts golf-cart rules, approves mayor and council pay increase and $1.58M in claims",131,1279000,1410000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45&start=1279&end=1410","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5339475-47165cc5e7542cb6e6f5c255a7a39c45/thumbnail_1279000.jpg","/articles/6520034/Johnston-City/Polk-County/Iowa/Johnston-City-Council-adopts-golf-cart-rules-approves-mayor-and-council-pay-increase-and-158M-in-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6520034-1900341ad2bb0554f1ddb79595afd967/orig.mp4?Expires=1773746253&Signature=Sp41-cBQ0efOY1W0dlOqmGPBH7AKZqQrkl5N9OpkntOdjgzekPtP5dYVOxmHJplH-uTceSfxXoNDMtaCJrojSpAei4svxxYrVu6GypnGnQKY9FW-gPaJd6mWd7dbICWjfkGE56iZL9NVq1PbHtXddizp-~Q4OQoOL4fA3mWtlr9AUxMzCfwfW2TkFt1w6xYWQyeeDVmZCydyPhM3bucmfbqakPg~ZuIN8tpGiQiLqCxqtr5Gdm~wzivih478IUlpsWbRAIrdmgJAQ-NeP0OGjsKoDYG9ZPjIilI2fFVu0g24tmlOfcJ5o1xs7zHyx57BHzgxcv2l42BOHtdM2~iZyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Johnston City Council voted to adopt local rules for golf-cart operation, approved a pay increase for the mayor and council and authorized payment of $1,582,948.22 in city claims.

Council voted to advance and adopt ordinance No. 11-40 (golf-cart regulations) and to waive the third-reading requirement, allowing immediate publication. The council also gave final adoption to ordinance No. 11-39, amending mayor and council compensation effective Jan. 1, 2026; Mayor Mike Evans publicly stated he will not sign that ordinance, so per Iowa law it will take effect 14 days after passage if not vetoed. The council approved claims in the amount of $1,582,948.22.

Why it matters: The golf-cart ordinance establishes local rules for low-speed vehicles on city streets. The compensation ordinance changes pay for elected officials beginning Jan. 1, 2026; the mayor's decision not to sign was presented during the meeting and the law governing unsigned ordinances will determine timing. The claims approval covers city payments already submitted to the council for authorization.

Key details and votes: Council considered ordinance No. 11-40 (second consideration), then voted to waive a third reading and adopt it. The police chief reported no objections from staff to advancing the golf-cart ordinance. On ordinance No. 11-39, council members debated the proposal over multiple meetings; opponents said they view service as a privilege and some pledged to donate increased pay. Supporters said the change helps keep local government accessible and transparent. On the motion to adopt No. 11-39, the motion passed. The claims motion passed by council vote.

Mayor's comment: Mayor Mike Evans said he opposed the compensation increase and said he would not sign the ordinance if it passed, noting he would instead let the law take its course: \"If it passes, and I expect it will, I will not be signing it, which means, per Iowa law, it will go into effect 14 days later.\" (Mayor Mike Evans)

What the record shows: The meeting transcript records the council moving and seconding the motions, members answering roll-call votes verbally, and the mayor's public statement about not signing the compensation ordinance. The transcript does not provide a complete numeric roll-call tally for each motion in a single tabulated form; where individual members recorded votes, those names are listed below in the actions section.

Outlook: The golf-cart regulations are effective following adoption and publication. The compensation ordinance will become effective in 14 days unless subject to a lawful veto or other procedural action. The claims will be paid as authorized.","At its meeting, the Johnston City Council adopted an ordinance regulating golf carts on city streets, approved a compensation ordinance for the mayor and council that the mayor said he will not sign, and approved claims totaling $1,582,948.22.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Johnston police hosted Kosovo Police leaders; council members report sister-city visits and exchange ideas

Resident warns of dangerous Johnston trail crossings; council budgets pedestrian-activated beacon for Johnston Drive

Johnston keeps stage-3 watering ban as nitrate levels fall; CIWW planning treatment expansions

Johnston City Council adopts golf-cart rules, approves mayor and council pay increase and $1.58M in claims