Albia City Council approves sewer-plant work, handbook changes and sets Jan. 3 hearing on ward requirements

Albia — The Albia City Council on Dec. 18 approved a construction change order for the city sewer-plant project, adopted several employee handbook changes and set a Jan. 3, 2024 public hearing to consider changing ward requirements.

Mayor Pro Tem Merle Regenold opened the session at 6:05 p.m. and the council recorded a full roll call. The council first approved the consent agenda unanimously and agreed to move the first regular January meeting to Jan. 3, 2024.

The council approved the monthly construction report for the sewer-plant project (motion by Councilmember Brandon Williams; seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Merle Regenold). Hall Engineering presented change order #11 to add a generator pad and associated electrical work; the council approved that change order on a 5-1 vote, with Councilmember Don Benson voting no.

Council members discussed gravel that had been placed for road widening, noting some of the widened radius falls off city property; they directed that the gravel be removed. The council also heard a request from nearby property owners about outstanding requests related to the sewer project and asked Hall Engineering to arrange a meeting with property owners, the construction company and city staff.

Laura Teno of Chamber Main Street presented an example request for proposals (RFP) for disposal of the city’s hotel lot; the council asked the Mayor to assemble a committee to review expectations and next steps. Council members discussed options for a possible 10-year tax abatement and agreed to prepare a resolution for a future meeting addressing abatement terms.

Councilmember Chris Yarkosky asked the City Attorney to revise the tree ordinance language to allow certain removals by ordinance amendment. The council reviewed proposed edits to the employee handbook (pages 6, 12, 13 and 28) and approved those changes 6-0.

Finally, the council approved a resolution to set a public hearing on ward requirements for Jan. 3, 2024; the resolution passed unanimously, with all six council members recorded as voting aye.

Supervisors’ reports included a note from Chief Jacob Miller that street-light outages were reported to REC and that the city has the opportunity to apply to the Iowa Department of Transportation for a grant for solar speed signs. Street Superintendent Scott Reed said Edwards Street is deteriorating and will be placed on a future agenda for storm-sewer repair; City Clerk Linda Heller reported a landfill meeting with Chariton.

The meeting concluded with brief council comments and adjourned at 7:00 p.m.