Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Altoona City Council sets maximum property tax dollars, awards pond-stabilization contract and approves plats and projects
Loading...
Summary
At its Feb. 6 meeting, the Altoona City Council set the maximum property tax dollars for FY 2023–24 after a state-required hearing, awarded a roughly $399,607 contract for Spring Creek Park pond bank stabilization, approved two residential plats and a truck‑parking site plan, and accepted an $86,926 hydrant proposal despite a budget shortfall. (All listed roll-call votes were 4–0 among members present.)
The Altoona City Council on Feb. 6 adopted a slate of measures including a resolution setting the maximum property tax dollars for fiscal 2023–24, awarded a contract for a pond bank stabilization project, and approved multiple development and infrastructure items.
City Administrator Randy Pierce said the meeting included the first of two public hearings required by state code to establish the total maximum property tax dollars the city will receive. Because the proposed tax dollars increase exceeded 2 percent, Pierce said the council needed a two‑thirds majority (four affirmative votes) to adopt the resolution. The council approved the resolution by roll call, 4–0, with Council Member Burns‑Thompson recorded as absent.
The council approved a series of actions on the Spring Creek Park South Pond Bank Stabilization Project after City Engineer John Dostart presented the bid results. Seven firms bid; the low bidder was AVR Excavating of Prairie City at $399,607.25. Dostart said the engineer’s estimate with contingencies was about $500,000 and staff recommended awarding to AVR. The council approved plans and specifications, authorized the contract and bond subject to City Attorney review, and made the award by roll call (all recorded votes 4–0).
Council Member Duer moved to adopt an ordinance replacing Chapter 24 of the municipal code to update Park and Recreation Board duties. City Administrator Pierce told the council the language was trimmed and clarified to reflect current expectations of board members. The council approved the ordinance first reading, waived further readings and voted to publish the ordinance, with unanimous votes among members present.
The council approved two final plats recommended unanimously by the Planning & Zoning Commission. Community Development staff described Altoona Homes Plat 1, which would create a 1.97‑acre Lot 1 and leave Outlot X as 37.89 acres of agricultural land; access will be limited to NE 50th Avenue and the lot will rely on septic service while water in the area is provided by Des Moines Water Works. Civil Design Advantage presented Eagle Knoll Estates Plat 2, a 10‑lot single‑family subdivision in R‑1 zoning with required minimum lot and floor areas and a planned connection to adjacent Meadow Vista South Plat 2. The council approved both plats by roll call (4–0).
Snyder & Associates staff presented a resubmitted site plan for Lineage Logistics that adds 76 truck parking stalls, bringing the site total to 212 stalls including eight ADA‑accessible spaces; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended reapproval 6–0 and the council approved the site plan (roll call vote 4–0).
On the Enabling Gardens Hydrant Project, Dostart explained that the low quote from Synergy Contracting was $86,926 for four new hydrants and replacement of one existing hydrant for plant watering, while the project budget was set at $77,500. Dostart said rebidding was unlikely to lower prices and recommended awarding to Synergy if the council could allocate additional funds. The council accepted the proposal by roll call (4–0).
The council adopted a bundled consent agenda covering routine bills and pay applications (including a $5,472 pay application to Landmark Structures and a $166,250 pay application to Granite Excavating), a $894.80 change order, a resolution to write off $128,043.41 in rescue fees, address changes, several agreements and a grant application, and approval to hold the city’s Fourth of July parade on July 4, 2023. The consent agenda passed by roll call, 4–0.
Department heads provided brief updates before the council adjourned. The meeting record was attested by Randy Pierce and Mayor Dean O’Connor.
Votes at a glance • Maximum property tax dollars for FY 2023–24: adopted (roll call 4–0). • Ordinance replacing Chapter 24 (Park & Rec duties): approved (waived further readings and published; roll call 4–0). • Spring Creek Park South Pond Bank Stabilization Project: plans, contract authorization and award to AVR Excavating ($399,607.25) approved (roll call 4–0). • Altoona Homes Plat 1: final plat approved (roll call 4–0). • Eagle Knoll Estates Plat 2: final plat approved (roll call 4–0). • Lineage Logistics site plan reapproval (add 76 stalls; total 212, 8 ADA): approved (roll call 4–0). • Enabling Gardens Hydrant Project — accept low quote (Synergy Contracting, $86,926): accepted (roll call 4–0); budget was $77,500 (shortfall noted). • Consent agenda (bills, pay apps, write-off rescue fees $128,043.41, agreements, parade): approved (roll call 4–0).
Next procedural step: Pierce noted the property‑tax hearing was the first of two required hearings; the second required hearing will be scheduled as part of the levy adoption process.