Council advances sewer rate changes, drops bicycle licensing and adopts Oskaloosa pledge

The Oskaloosa City Council on Feb. 2 advanced several code changes and adopted a council pledge intended to promote professional and transparent conduct.

Sewer ordinance (first reading): Staff presented amendments to Chapter 13.08 of the Oskaloosa Municipal Code to reflect an annual rate adjustment of about 4 percent. The presentation summarized the change as a new minimum charge of $26.04 plus $10.85 per 100 cubic feet of water usage and revisions to industrial sludge-delivery language. Staff explained the sludge change clarifies that the hauling fee is to cover the city’s cost of accepting sludge (not to provide collection services) and adds a $0.09-per-gallon charge for sludge loads and any direct costs incurred in accepting them. Council clarified the intent, discussed how the per-gallon fee is used to incent thicker sludges, and passed the first reading by roll call.

Bicycle ordinance: Council considered an amendment to Chapter 10.68 of the municipal code that would remove the requirement to license bicycles. Members moved the item forward for second-reading support and approved it by roll call.

Oskaloosa Pledge: Council also considered and adopted the "Oskaloosa Pledge," a statement committing elected officials to civility, transparency, ethical standards and respectful interactions with staff and residents. Members discussed display options (on-screen, website, agenda) and frequency of reminders; they agreed to display the pledge and to revisit it after approximately one year.

All three measures were moved, seconded and approved by roll-call votes during the meeting.