[{"_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",6518473,"mediaKeyId","5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051","parentId",5391968,"title","Council votes to enter closed session to discuss purchase or sale of real estate under Iowa Code","audioSeconds",21,"startMs",684000,"endMs",705000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051&start=684&end=705","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051/thumbnail_684000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6518473/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Council-votes-to-enter-closed-session-to-discuss-purchase-or-sale-of-real-estate-under-Iowa-Code","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518473-777dd2ea90fedc86fad2e69f38c00c6b/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927625&Signature=DjnhJF3Q8tYOZ~skk~RZHfBp95nsM6lDxN8gzhdTAKjrFRnBHfVCt4AgGP~cndrUCrweZD73FxmpBEZcYRMtW5gzZBfiqcSoQchOa4bX3V74bbyixohewbPDhPrCobvgWEthZcKvO708b10yG4HJ9ug4sLswDdRNNSEI-gv72TSX8t5V0MlQd76heSBb7XMlPbCaK5-pY8AUyL~R-bHDLtItuBb6~hvD9BCp-Et5W4l7Fs6O6pw1j4xnDfBnkrIipYGAJWwYmuiS6eAVMrdQ7t-gQodzXjLcL-zQaC~uvbxCDN1kxJHSOdbYj6mIZ7MiguK83aM3B-Y0OXzqPLoh9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Le Mars","date","2025-07-15T20:20:37Z","article","A councilmember moved to enter a closed session under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(j), citing that public disclosure of the discussion of the purchase or sale of real estate would be to the disadvantage of the city. Another councilmember seconded the motion.

The council took a roll-call vote. Multiple councilmembers voted in the affirmative; the roll call recorded yes votes for Hick, Sturgeon and Wick. The motion carried and the council prepared to enter the closed session.

No additional details about the property or parties involved were discussed in open session, and no further action was taken on the record before the closed session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Le Mars Council Meeting July 15, 2025 Part 2 of 2","oneSentenceSummary","The council voted to enter a closed session under Iowa Code section 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase or sale of real estate; roll-call votes in favor were recorded.","taxTitle","Le Mars, Plymouth County, Iowa","taxId",64213,"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},6518478,"Councilmembers raise Frisbee-golf maintenance, farmers market signage and request discussion on apartment incentives",134,525000,659000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051&start=525&end=659","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051/thumbnail_525000.jpg","/articles/6518478/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Councilmembers-raise-Frisbee-golf-maintenance-farmers-market-signage-and-request-discussion-on-apartment-incentives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518478-5aa0c174ab72fe9592dc55f2a15b408e/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927625&Signature=kmkznrYXogPMPtviU~nG2t-2DaoSA75XhHWHBE2oRBenxbri8hTPhh-55QGCEmdI1rCibDgMTP1UsD~7Oh8L~1I~qCpjBVR0tYKmA9e9yB-C8Q6F7Dw4f83hpI8LL3qAJtIlX~lQGIME-gW6EtJ9nd5z6BZPqjWX6USuCUFH6h9mNvKuRSLDU3son0iv25lWgkDM1VmoQqErt1vG0yDG5AOetVIy06NV39ZJo1Y1ZxCko2z0aANo9XIm-levHhe3LhiqzPD9hnYHrdhtEkJtR5WN3q1CP5C0soaz-Wl9n41b-~m5qW6EYgCGYolhFCKH3HoS~i2dND1KVFfUrv6s8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several councilmembers raised small but recurring community issues, asking staff to follow up on maintenance and planning items.

Councilmember Clark asked staff to check on Frisbee-golf course maintenance after recent flooding and weed growth were reported; staff said mowing is the typical maintenance and that flooding may have affected vegetation. Councilmembers discussed basket condition and a possible need to reprioritize maintenance.

Councilmembers also raised the farmer's market sign, describing the current plywood sign as \"hokey\" and asking staff to explore a more permanent or electronic sign if the market is to remain a long-term fixture. Staff said they would look at options and potential locations for signage.

One councilmember asked for a discussion on apartment incentives (abatements) to appear on a future agenda; another councilmember said they were open to a discussion but did not endorse a particular position at the meeting. Several councilmembers encouraged placing the item on a coming agenda for full discussion.","Councilmembers asked staff to check Frisbee-golf maintenance and consider a better sign for the farmers market; one councilmember requested an agenda item to discuss apartment tax abatements or incentives.",{"_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},6518482,"City says software conversion caused irregular water bills; staff expects cycle to normalize",58,304000,362000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051&start=304&end=362","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051/thumbnail_304000.jpg","/articles/6518482/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/City-says-software-conversion-caused-irregular-water-bills-staff-expects-cycle-to-normalize","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518482-1d7998e5d1fa55d193329d86b3d4e796/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927625&Signature=Ti1R5hdkFIEl9CV-50LbkSNlOcowWkVxrOflleGQuirv2RTRtP2e8L-J7XFvbOMkyjuy6M9Bd4bO77quwDj~NTVGlw-A2937WzjzVg1SeJwfhF3lS97AgTgdQJPN-C9IYQz3OM80vRI39vODH~UHV3ChDq~PkI2iYzurzNawXW7As8AF17VU8yYdhICnmTbzYd9~CoCyoF1EwRlAW1xjctZXQUxs9P7X5Ca-gc4mVsBQUx1QEXpmJ8KhhiWy9N-Dl1W-rSc9R6~P9vOkK8F5x9Qc9HRNRrvQb-265hCHRdxcplyEm6IyKzM1JlbT5aDc6d8XKOXsuR5ByKxU1RABGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff and councilmembers said the city recently converted utility billing software and that the conversion altered billing cycles, producing a short 19-day bill followed by a longer billing period and higher usage totals for some customers.

A councilmember identified in the meeting as Joel said bills were mailed today and that last month's bill covered 19 days because of data constraints during the system conversion. He said the transition prevented running bills on the previous schedule, and the city chose to stretch out the next billing period rather than run two billing cycles in one month. The irregular timing, coupled with recent rate increases mentioned in the meeting, is the explanation staff gave for higher charges some customers reported on social media.

Staff said the higher amounts seen by some customers should not recur next month if usage is unchanged, and the city will return to a regular 30-day cycle. Staff also discussed producing a comparison sheet showing how Le Mars rates compare to other cities and suggested using social media to help explain the changes. Several councilmembers commended staff for the effort to convert the software and handle customer calls during the transition.","Councilmembers and staff said a recent billing-software conversion shortened one water bill to 19 days and extended the next cycle, producing higher charges for some customers; staff urged customers that bills should normalize next month and suggested posting comparisons online.",{"_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},6518487,"City plans public survey and meeting on converting a downtown four-lane to three-lane and Sixth Street intersection",1,26000,27000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051&start=26&end=27","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051/thumbnail_26000.jpg","/articles/6518487/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/City-plans-public-survey-and-meeting-on-converting-a-downtown-four-lane-to-three-lane-and-Sixth-Street-intersection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518487-2733a8a2bc7c46e196d24c301293715f/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927625&Signature=ZS21lpfAa1Io1nByIWP6NIIKVzZQv2CxN3iloHIMiHigkZNyUnr01EhGSNAG6SZE6qTwNZxe4YGSwGw5uX-EVXhLEl0pU0S8S8aZnBNJf7vmbSWZnDhdmJcOcYXj9YKcCzbmanfcvPZ3gUwQJTD~-GrZeqLS2SX1aN~HCiDJ0SeXkASJ1mWEAU1BhDBDq2Z2qnBhoN5F9GzEGoL7HTlTzXTYUAflckOQ5JRbNygB5AdyJaOF8FteEwnNOd7MCohYKqR5~yv4GrQc-VW0yG376Xg08xRqbhleq2-YREMLTcIp7fPQqGFc-Tw9Wc3IfFdaj2AQrzrVZH-f6KfJjUogpg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff said the city will commission a plan and public engagement process focused on converting a four-lane section downtown to a three-lane cross section and on improvements at the Sixth Street/Dairy Queen Corner intersection.

The staff member said the consultant will prepare the plan and a contract that will return to the council for approval. The public process will include an online survey for community comments and at least one public meeting to present findings and gather additional input. The staff member said the project's early timeline suggested a first meeting in August, but the meeting could slip to the second August meeting depending on scheduling.

Staff framed the outreach as targeted to opinions about lane configuration and the corner intersection; no design or funding decisions were finalized at the meeting. The staff member said the consultant's work and a returned contract would be the next formal step to the council.","City staff said a consultant will prepare a plan and contract for a project focused on converting a four-lane street to three lanes and improvements at the Sixth Street/Dairy Queen corner; public survey and outreach are planned with a possible first meeting in August.",{"_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},6518492,"Partial ceiling collapse at Le Mars community theater prompts asbestos testing and repair planning",229,72000,301000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051&start=72&end=301","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5391968-8e27811c9883a5f14f11df5f502e5051/thumbnail_72000.jpg","/articles/6518492/Le-Mars/Plymouth-County/Iowa/Partial-ceiling-collapse-at-Le-Mars-community-theater-prompts-asbestos-testing-and-repair-planning","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6518492-e8da37caa69511bfbe05aba9f3ac3e9a/orig.mp4?Expires=1774927625&Signature=VYzyxgL1UrJN9I9vABcWRPTgF2BTPnDQwv~rlNXRGksselhC3pEqVPGdu9peJ7R9H-u0oKaRsZcioaMsbNLSztZOpauLcjzH~Peoh2Yhbq3kjqT-YsZtLZ2vXoN2hlSMxgr6NIZymqG0LkT97TP4AbGB96-W29x3G1IKV9HeLmqngR1mZ51nJq5x~PEnTEI4B0E3dJil5emHzV5XnOCmk3QmHLI3SebasQ7FPKRU88Yol1vhigC7lEJQAle6hC9fQhnjXzLoeMNJ30XpcOFpf2-CZZmVvbTzdTPXhYncMpX3LuszwDgIevIasd1MBklLCuKK4FebtVVFROA-mKd57A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City staff reported that a portion of the ceiling in the Le Mars community theater collapsed over the Fourth of July holiday, and the city is awaiting lab results and structural recommendations before work can proceed.

City staff said a structural engineer inspected the damage and provided written recommendations. Environmental sampling crews (identified in the meeting as EOC) took nine samples of fallen material to test for asbestos; the city is awaiting results to determine whether a hazardous-material cleanup is required before further removal or repair can begin.

The staff member said roughly one quarter of the auditorium ceiling fell; the remainder appears to be the same construction and is considered at risk. The building dates to 1914, the staff member said, and the structural engineer described a wire-lapping system with metal staples supporting plaster, which may require removing the entire ceiling in the affected area and replacing it with more durable materials. Staff also described a separate “roof shell” that is still protecting the building from weather, so at present there is no reported water infiltration.

Staff discussed interim options for the theater company while repairs proceed. Potential alternate venues mentioned included the convention center and the KC Hall; staff said the museum is likely not an option and that the theater company is reviewing the basement condition where costumes are stored. The theater organization is said to be exploring other venues and possible formats such as a dinner-theater arrangement to keep productions close to their props and costumes.

City staff said they will wait for the asbestos testing and for the engineer's written recommendations before soliciting repair bids or returning a contract to the council.","City staff reported that part of the community theater ceiling collapsed over the Fourth of July holiday; structural evaluation and asbestos testing are underway and staff are exploring temporary venues for performances.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council votes to enter closed session to discuss purchase or sale of real estate under Iowa Code

Councilmembers raise Frisbee-golf maintenance, farmers market signage and request discussion on apartment incentives

City says software conversion caused irregular water bills; staff expects cycle to normalize

City plans public survey and meeting on converting a downtown four-lane to three-lane and Sixth Street intersection

Partial ceiling collapse at Le Mars community theater prompts asbestos testing and repair planning