Bettendorf City Council unanimously approves 2025 street resurfacing, Happy Joe Drive reconstruction and utility rate increases

Bettendorf City Council on April 1 unanimously approved three measures: a resolution approving plans, specifications and form of contract for the 2025 street resurfacing program; a resolution to reconstruct Happy Joe Drive as part of the city's capital improvement program; and an ordinance raising stormwater, sewer and solid-waste rates, with the new rates set to take effect April 1.

Council member Sechser moved approval of the 2025 street resurfacing resolution and a second was entered; a roll call showed Jager, Brown, Nauman, Sechser, Baden and Adamson voting aye and the motion passed unanimously.

Council member Nauman moved approval of a resolution approving plans, specifications and form of contract for the Happy Joe Drive reconstruction project; after a second and a roll call with the same members voting aye, the resolution passed unanimously.

Council member Baden presented the second and final reading of an ordinance amending city code sections to adjust rates for the stormwater utility (section 9-1-7), sewer utility (section 8-2-7(h)) and solid-waste enterprise activities (section 8-3(b)-14). Council member Jager asked whether the new rates take effect April 1 and whether the current fiscal year’s budget had been built assuming the increase; Finance Director Jason Shadd responded, “That’s correct,” confirming the effective date and that the FY2025 budget was prepared with the expectation of the rate changes. The council waived the third reading and approved the ordinance on roll call; the same six members voted aye.

Council also unanimously approved the consent agenda and adjourned. Notices of public hearings and affidavits of publication were provided for the items, and no written correspondence was reported on the resurfacing or Happy Joe Drive hearings.