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Votes at a glance: council approves easement, urban bow hunt map; takes first readings on water and sewer rates
Summary
The Johnston City Council approved an electrical easement to MidAmerican Energy, the Bombers development agreement, the urban bow-hunt map and voted to advance first readings of water and sewer rate ordinances; the development agreement passed 5-1.
The Johnston City Council recorded several formal actions on the evening's agenda, including approvals of an electrical easement, the amended Bombers development agreement, the urban bow-hunt map and the first readings for proposed water and sewer rate changes.
Votes at a glance - Resolution No. 25-194 (electrical easement to MidAmerican Energy for the Merle Hay Road water access): approved (roll call indicated "Yes" votes from Council member Martin, Reddy, Burkhart, Coates and Evans). The easement will provide power for a restroom facility and lighting at the Merle Hay water-access/kayak-launch project. - Resolution No. 25-211 (amended and restated purchase, sale and development agreement with Johnson Golf Development LLC): approved 5-1 (Council member Martin opposed). See separate coverage for details. - Resolution No. 25-202 (establishing public hunting areas for the 2025-26 urban bow hunt program): approved. Staff noted the same map has been used for several years; the program emphasizes veteran bow-hunter training and primarily doe tags with limited buck tags available. - Ordinance No. 1141 (first consideration; sewer rates and sewer usage charges): advanced on first consideration. City staff and the presenter said a 9.5% increase on Jan. 1, 2026 and additional July increases were recommended to meet debt obligations tied to sewer projects. - Ordinance No. 1142 (first consideration; water rates): advanced on first consideration. Staff recommended a 5% water-rate increase on Jan. 1, 2026 and 5% increases each July for the next four years; staff said the primary driver is the Central Iowa Water Works buy-in and related capital costs. - Claims approval: council approved claims of $1,827,786.93.
What the votes mean Staff said the sewer and water rate ordinance readings are being advanced now to meet State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan application timing. Staff said rates would be effective Jan. 1, 2026, with additional increases tied to the fiscal-year schedule, and that staff will revisit rates annually as new connection-fee revenues materialize.
Provenance: each listed vote and its supporting presentation or roll call are recorded in the meeting transcript at the public hearing and consent/nonconsent agenda items.
