[{"_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",6150308,"mediaKeyId","5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864","parentId",5508270,"title","Council tables downtown storage ordinance after residents and fire chief raise concerns; sewing business owner given time to open","audioSeconds",1048,"startMs",3115000,"endMs",4163000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864&start=3115&end=4163","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864/thumbnail_3115000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6150308/Nevada/Story-County/Iowa/Council-tables-downtown-storage-ordinance-after-residents-and-fire-chief-raise-concerns-sewing-business-owner-given-time-to-open","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6150308-6e44d8ef3e8d54d4ac060b069232a275/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845606&Signature=gDSHOqehHZhLlpjzkEk4vVkjZ~znhGOhPy2EfNPcfwDe5ByQAtVlsTmoatyijooEAVmLO8bgg9Ch7172NDBh6epRHU4ihIqbHetm~GHanDB5AI5JJ2-iNnyBo46ifPbnREP5kTFAjJw8ClW0nu9ZgWWHoerw1vd96xn8Vowp-AfDLwv2u0FJsQ6T4frvjjYYNUCcNDIGbTIUcJQ9OzPm1wxx-S3XIYU7rKGd0u~w6MuAczycwG~NZnqRMNv6eJh9VJmDOXZ5O~wOFRX-tq1GIAlUyccy0nxMHVJarZnsv-WqYq9uNcc9vCREy8E3BIiAc9MLs~3Kl7VtBe4-UQo2kw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Nevada, IA","date","2025-07-29T13:14:07Z","article","The City Council postponed consideration of an ordinance that would declare storage uses on the first floor of multistory buildings in the downtown corridor a public nuisance, after public comment from a tenant who recently rented a downtown storefront and from the fire chief.

Why it matters: The ordinance, intended to encourage retail and reduce combustible storage visible from public rights-of-way, touches on property rights, downtown revitalization goals and public-safety code enforcement. The council delayed action to avoid unduly penalizing a new small business owner who said she is preparing to open and to allow staff and council to refine language.

Tenant and neighbors spoke at length. Linda Stavall Martin, who said she had rented Unit 104 since April 2021 and plans to run a sewing-machine service, repair and instruction business, described her progress preparing the space and told the council she expects to begin teaching classes Oct. 1. “I have 14 identical machines… I will be the only one within a 150-mile radius that knows how to fix a sewing machine,” she said during public comment.

Ray Reynolds, Nevada fire chief, said the department enforces the 2015 International Fire Code and that storage the department inspected in the space at one point was not orderly and posed exit and fuel-load concerns. “At the time we visited, it was not [orderly],” Reynolds said, and he noted that owners could retain storage if the building were sprinklered.

Council members discussed whether the proposed ordinance unduly targeted a single property and whether curtains and window treatments could address visibility concerns. Several councilmembers said they did not want to penalize someone who is actively working to open a business.

Formal action: Councilmember Luke moved to table the ordinance to the Nov. 10 meeting; the motion passed. Council took the same action on two related ordinances addressing first-floor storage in the downtown corridor and on a substantially similar ordinance; all were postponed to Nov. 10 to allow staff to refine language and for the tenant to continue preparing the space.

Ending: Council directed staff to continue working with the tenant and the building owner on fire-code compliance and to return with refined ordinance language on Nov. 10. The tenant said she planned to start classes on Oct. 1 and councilmembers and members of the public offered informal help with moving and window presentation advice.
","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","July 28, 2025 Nevada City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council postponed an ordinance that would declare first-floor storage on multistory downtown buildings a public nuisance after a tenant planning a sewing repair-and-instruction business and the fire chief raised concerns about targeting and fire risk.","taxTitle","Nevada, Story County, Iowa","taxId",55657,"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},6150313,"Residents press city after contractor work is tied to tree damage and property loss; council asks for insurance follow-up",1345,475000,1820000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864&start=475&end=1820","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864/thumbnail_475000.jpg","/articles/6150313/Nevada/Story-County/Iowa/Residents-press-city-after-contractor-work-is-tied-to-tree-damage-and-property-loss-council-asks-for-insurance-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6150313-bbf43f89d4f0eceffff1ea811f7ebfcf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845606&Signature=LqQpI3KO2t1FRf3IxVKEIdVtl2dLUw72IQBo0e0zXbZSxhocVQCaExeoi1O32fM8Z8IhApe6PT~nEXlFXmbjufKolvB-ku3RUN4PshL7ZMZAKwoah0lOxBj3jTsOMoFpZmP88kKWw44bcr7Q-D5WIwXjPdov2ZsPzj4a3QCY6aRiWS2M-CAefio9CwUZKPJ9h-k7EaNR5qagI8f3fjZM0ZTpQM1MEKYxh-QmhxOpia9g~BOh1Wm5GSAzpAS6IF9DOLWa1Wdkm0l9lCBeF~yDLAewYV5y3IjvVUHfAuKNxX9x9I3hQgcN~JnRyeheDNR1czgbQ2YgUvPfQwh-prrh1Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Nevada residents told the City Council they want the city to help resolve claims after a contractor’s work was linked to a tree collapse on a duplex owned by local property owner Kim Upton. Speakers said the tree’s roots were cut during a city project and that the property sustained damage when the tree later fell in a windstorm.

Why it matters: Residents argued the city and its contractor share responsibility when municipal projects harm private property. They urged prompt action so repairs and reimbursements do not languish.

Residents and neighbors spoke in support of Upton. “I’m here to support Kim Upton in trying to get reimbursed on his issue,” Chad Johnson said. Others recounted past similar cases and urged the council not to let the matter “linger.”

City staff said the contractor planned to submit the claim to its insurer and that the contractor had told staff it would attend the meeting; staff reported tonight that the contractor did not attend. Council discussion referenced earlier instances where similar claims were handled and said staff should press the contractor to submit incident reports and insurance claims.

Council members discussed leverage. During the consent and pay request item for retainage on an asphalt contract related to the south Upton building, one councilmember raised holding back retainage until the tree-damage dispute is resolved. A staff member confirmed the contractor told staff it would turn the claim in to insurance, and city staff said they would follow up with the contractor’s insurer.

Ending: Council did not make a formal decision to pay or deny reimbursement at the meeting; staff said they will follow up with the contractor’s insurer and report back. Residents asked the council to act as advocates for property owners in ongoing discussions with contractors and insurers.
","Multiple speakers urged the City Council to act after a contractor’s work was linked to a tree falling on a duplex owned by Kim Upton. The council said contractors told staff they would file insurance claims but had not attended the meeting; council discussed holding retainage on a related payment while insurance matters are resolved.",{"_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},6150318,"Nevada residents report sewage backups after July storm; city promises investigation",1328,223000,1551000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864&start=223&end=1551","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864/thumbnail_223000.jpg","/articles/6150318/Nevada/Story-County/Iowa/Nevada-residents-report-sewage-backups-after-July-storm-city-promises-investigation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6150318-709a8d83a455c1763d19b460a98e1372/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845606&Signature=hi2HUXobW2YJWMwP1EdXf-Gl825mSNZ4iD-~CDRry1s9adqvUc6tzAf~ZXwXm7Qg6oAeP5E0YBoiwFXJiD8OdsVnkWfTuhgTD4biQ36X3oxj3u1enC1qyJJTyXWJXT3u9PeXqOZM5HCjmgSeYedZYq6YXskWvVJ7wR0rcH1hLEng0VS2DA8MCeJIQSy4K-poagrydZsn6Jt5rlnXCXzw4t3dQA2FecRO3ngaqCRASizEPd6Yd8y14dz8hhw2UCCa6ToCxIM1EFfOw8dSx3jGUOROe739pQ2qUroRdQ1URdXdoHVZXU2emng6aMEofCEHPthdTxCt8~n9ZqsWP7EFvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple Nevada residents told the City Council they experienced sewer and stormwater backups after a heavy storm July 20, saying basements were flooded with sanitary water and causing substantial cleanup costs. Residents at 947 Samson Drive and nearby addresses reported three inches or more of sewage-laden water in basements and asked the city for answers and possible financial help.

Why it matters: Flooding of sanitary or combined systems can cause health hazards and large out-of-pocket costs for homeowners. Several speakers said the problem affected multiple houses in a single block, and they asked the city to identify the cause and whether the city would help with cleanup or mitigation.

Residents described the scope and costs. “We had 3 plus inches of water. We're one of several families on Samson Drive where the storm sewer system seemed to have malfunctioned and backed up into our house,” Matt McLeod said during the public forum. Jim George said he and other neighbors are negotiating remediation bills of about $12,000 and that furniture and personal items will need replacement.

City staff acknowledged multiple calls and said engineering and street staff are reviewing the system. “I've been in contact with our engineer, and we're looking at possible plans; we'll put a plan together with them,” a city staff member identified in the meeting as Jordan said, and the staff scheduled further follow-up after a meeting on August 7.

Council members and staff said the next step is to determine the cause — whether a stormflow event, a clogged or damaged pipe, or problems with a lift station — before deciding on reimbursements or broader programs such as backflow-preventer grants. Some residents asked whether the city would reopen or extend the previous sump pump/backflow grant programs; staff said they would check with the city’s insurance and other funding sources.

Council procedure and next steps: City staff said they will convene engineers after the August 7 internal meeting and then communicate results to affected residents. Until the city has an engineering determination, councilmembers did not commit city funds to reimburse homeowners.

Less-critical details: Speakers at the public forum also reported stormwater pooling in parks and at intersections and asked about long-term infrastructure upgrades; staff said those items are already on maintenance lists and that weekly mosquito spraying will continue while conditions remain wet.

Ending: City staff asked affected residents to continue to submit damage reports and to expect follow-up after the August 7 engineer meeting.","Multiple households on Samson Drive and other neighborhoods told the City Council that sanitary and storm systems backed up into basements during a July storm. City staff said engineers will investigate and follow up after an August 7 meeting.",{"_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},6150300,"Council accepts Phase 3 wastewater improvements as substantially complete; lift station issues flagged and extended warranty approved",302,2132000,2434000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864&start=2132&end=2434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864/thumbnail_2132000.jpg","/articles/6150300/Nevada/Story-County/Iowa/Council-accepts-Phase-3-wastewater-improvements-as-substantially-complete-lift-station-issues-flagged-and-extended-warranty-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6150300-c5349f84d0905088e3d192595f52004e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845606&Signature=Pjax2TJ0Jjph5voq45nTnz-gzSCe2ZAbG7GJyObGFe56mslop9HZgWMFMLnPewF577HppXFGQv0Mm1Xq0YCX7jyycjU0vZfl7rDzxpKlZyLZgXXtMPn6lFpDb~fFal-BG9Fqu8c9Z1OXKpwO8i6pItS5SmIu1Ydt-g2GCA-lWMuXuoderMtrv-F-Qu~tKx06f74bU5sVI7sLyR6j1CjQ0DfFyyo9kAN-Ax5GkuktERNW-B5qr6aMiiiGNXvX0YoSvwpL7i40HHrdhm4nN4UFiozS9Hu2pGcOPx3dR6mX6-iQm72CPpCgdttWYRg-tCzKkEnhf4EV2HalEfUZ5iKkSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council voted to accept the wastewater treatment facility Phase 3 improvements as substantially complete and approved an extended warranty agreement tied to parts of the project, while staff and council discussed lingering lift-station problems that contributed to earlier flooding concerns.

Why it matters: Substantial completion marks a milestone for the city’s wastewater capital improvements and triggers final pay applications and warranty timelines. Council members and staff also discussed recent rain-related lift-station and electrical issues that had caused service interruptions.

Council action and staff comments: Council approved a resolution accepting Phase 3 as substantially complete. During discussion staff said the lift station had experienced problems during recent large rain events and that some electrical and replaced parts had already been corrected, but additional replacement and monitoring could be needed. “The lift station — that’s all been corrected,” a city staff member said; staff added they were considering whether another contractor should complete additional replacements rather than the current contractor.

Warranty approval: Council approved an extended warranty agreement with Boomerang Corp for repair portions of the project. A city staff member who helped draft the agreement said the extended warranty requires Boomerang to repair specified defects for a longer period. “If we have any more issues within the next 10 years, then Boomerang will be required to come back and fix that,” staff said during the meeting.

Ending: Council approved the substantial completion and the extended-warranty agreement and asked staff to continue monitoring the lift station and to bring additional repair recommendations back to council if needed.","The council accepted the wastewater treatment improvements Phase 3 project as substantially complete but acknowledged recurring lift station and rain-related issues; the city approved an extended warranty agreement with Boomerang Corp so certain repairs will be covered for up to 10 years.",{"_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},6150303,"Council work group adopts clearer board-appointment application, sets timeline to vet Planning & Zoning candidates",2882,5178000,8060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864&start=5178&end=8060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5508270-6c995324e6bb2f276e908588b55ef864/thumbnail_5178000.jpg","/articles/6150303/Nevada/Story-County/Iowa/Council-work-group-adopts-clearer-board-appointment-application-sets-timeline-to-vet-Planning-Zoning-candidates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6150303-ff9bf390a1272a7b004f9e4495a183d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845606&Signature=WFPimJ-i1paFY7X1DejBiyUJEX74cHpvL5kmtc7gD2tR3GbLWiqdliuCkHOkAin7euxfCey7vgkxtV7Z62KHybJCJwm9kK6e4g8O36Qamf6wpgH9N-DCPa4VjcW140HRwxTlzpyRj5P0fRlcsZTmxZbUt04Lik1udWfugw76Exj9WB0~WiD-CRQJBYwW0xxPmbJhMzPUfaVimepqRm2jKgxMvSb1A0wRdsr35fku9OgUjpooVwvMN6OEF~-g1HrRUpnGFJBFIS~0oAXX4ZuPSWcsqFV25xObmZPgAe7Hfde-bIAsJDkvTC5DgRG0ZuKBapAPD1hmIfK9gSbmQYNU4A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council held a work session to overhaul how volunteer boards and commissions are filled and to address a backlog of Planning & Zoning (P&Z) vacancies. Council members and staff agreed on a shorter, clearer application, a single retention/expiration date for applications and a process that keeps department heads involved in recommending candidates.

Why it matters: The changes are intended to increase transparency, ensure consistent recordkeeping and reduce confusion after a recent contested appointment process. The overhaul affects planning and zoning, parks and recreation, and other advisory boards that influence land use and local services.

Key process changes: Staff and council members agreed to a one-year retention period for applications (with an expiration date tied to the annual term schedule) and to publish board descriptions on the application to help applicants choose where to serve. The work session included a proposed interview and selection method: each councilmember and the relevant department head will recommend up to two candidates per vacancy from the applicant pool; the mayor would interview the top recommended candidates and submit a nomination for council approval. Council members asked that the new process be revisited in a year.

Immediate scheduling: Because of timing and an urgent need to fill P&Z seats, the council asked members to review current Planning & Zoning applications and submit their ranked top-two recommendations to staff by the end of the weekend; staff said the mayor could interview shortlisted candidates the following week and the council could vote at the next regular meeting. The council also discussed reappointments: staff will confirm whether incumbents wish to continue and department heads will consider attendance and performance when recommending reappointment.

Ending: Councilmembers said they will revisit the process in about a year to see whether adjustments are needed and asked staff to prepare the updated application and appointment steps for formal approval at the next council meeting.","At a council work session the mayor and council members agreed to a revised application and appointment process for boards and commissions, set a one-year application-retention policy, and asked council members to review Planning & Zoning applicants and return top recommendations by the end of the week for mayoral interviews.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council tables downtown storage ordinance after residents and fire chief raise concerns; sewing business owner given time to open

Residents press city after contractor work is tied to tree damage and property loss; council asks for insurance follow-up

Nevada residents report sewage backups after July storm; city promises investigation

Council accepts Phase 3 wastewater improvements as substantially complete; lift station issues flagged and extended warranty approved

Council work group adopts clearer board-appointment application, sets timeline to vet Planning & Zoning candidates