Altoona council approves FY25 budget amendment, updates city code and clears bonds and major water projects

The City of Altoona Council on Monday approved a series of budget, code, financing and infrastructure actions including a FY2025 budget amendment, adoption of an updated Code of Ordinances, the sale of $49,790,000 in general obligation urban renewal bonds, and contracts for water‑system improvements.

Finance Director Andy Lent opened a public hearing on the second amendment to the FY2025 budget, stating the amendment covers fiscal year activities through June 30, 2025. No members of the public spoke; the council adopted the amendment by unanimous roll call vote.

City Administrator Randy Pierce introduced an updated Code of Ordinances, saying the codification brings city ordinances into alignment with state standards. The council completed the required readings and voted to adopt and publish the ordinance, with a unanimous vote recorded.

Matt Stoffel of PFM reported the city received competitive bids on two series of general obligation urban renewal bonds: Series 2025A ($42,665,000) and Series 2025B ($7,125,000). Stoffel recommended accepting the low bids from Hilltop Securities of Dallas, Texas; the council adopted resolutions awarding both series to Hilltop Securities by unanimous vote.

On infrastructure, City Engineer John Dostart said bids were opened for the Water Main Replacement 2025 Project, which will replace undersized mains on 6th Street SW, in front of Altoona Elementary, and on 3rd Avenue SW. Staff recommended awarding the project to Synergy Contracting subject to City Attorney review; the council approved resolutions to accept plans and specifications, accept the contract and bond subject to deficiencies, and make award of the contract, each by unanimous roll call vote.

Public Utilities Director Dan Scott presented a Construction Manager at Risk contract with Story Construction establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price of $33,684,535 for water system improvements and construction of a new Water Treatment Plant #4. Scott said work would begin as soon as possible with completion expected in late 2027. The council approved the CMAR contract by unanimous vote.

Community Development Director John Shaw said Des Moines Water Works submitted a site plan to replace a booster station near 34th Avenue SW and Interstate 80; the council approved the site plan unanimously.

The council also approved a five‑year collective bargaining agreement with Altoona Professional Firefighters Local 4743 (effective July 1, 2025–June 30, 2030) after staff summarized negotiated changes; the agreement passed 5–0. A sewer‑fee waiver request for $785.08 at 706 3rd Avenue SE was denied on a 4–1 vote, with Councilmember Evans recorded in dissent.

The consent agenda passed, covering accounts payable, construction pay applications and a change order (Change Order #3 – Absolute Group – 8th Street SW Reconstruction Phase 2 for $68,705.70; Pay App #9 – Absolute Group – $469,188.00; Pay App #2 – Midwest Field Turf – Spring Creek Sports Complex turf replacement – $181,398.13), a resolution to transfer funds for June 1 debt service payments, the management agreement for the Altoona Aquatics Park, and a professional services agreement for Muchikinock Creek trunk sewer monitoring and maintenance. The council also approved three alcohol permits (Casey’s Store #6, Hyatt Place and Burger Shed) by roll call vote.

Mayor Dean O’Connor and department heads heard routine updates from police, fire, public utilities, public works, engineering, community development, economic development, human resources, IT and finance. Councilmember Dunwoody announced he will take a military leave of absence. The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

What happens next: contract awards and bond closings proceed per normal staff processes; the CMAR construction work is expected to move into active construction with a late‑2027 completion target.