Keokuk council approves budget amendment, sets franchise fee hearing and OKs bids, contracts; resident urges reservable fields

The Keokuk City Council approved a series of routine but consequential measures at its meeting, including a budget amendment for fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, a resolution reaffirming how electric franchise fee revenues will be used and scheduling a public hearing on a proposed fee increase, conditional approval of redevelopment bids in the Twin Rivers urban renewal area, and a procurement award for replacement overhead doors.

Clerk explained the budget amendment increases Public Works by $700,000 primarily for the airport project, raises Culture and Recreation mainly to cover a higher-than-expected trail project cost, and adds $100,000 each to General Government (largely for tort/liability insurance and debt service) and business‑type enterprise categories. "Public works was increased 700,000. It's primarily for the airport project," Clerk said. With no public input during the hearing, the council closed the hearing and approved the amendment.

Separately, the council adopted a revenue purpose statement for electric franchise fees — language unchanged from prior resolutions — and staff said the city will publish notice for a June 4 public hearing on a proposed increase of the electric franchise fee from 3% to 5%. Clerk noted the combined franchise fee revenue, after amendments to electric and gas fees, would be roughly $2,000,000 when both are at 5%.

On procurement, the council awarded a contract to CCS for $22,872 to replace problematic overhead doors at 212 Des Moines Street after receiving three quotes; the other bids were nearly double the recommended amount. The council also conditionally approved bids for city-owned properties in the Twin Rivers urban renewal area, where staff reported 11 properties received bids and eight did not. Staff gave an example of two lots at 606 Concert Street receiving a $5,000 bid and a separate $11,371 bid for 1908 Timia Street that carries a two‑year rehab timeline and a potential reversion if conditions aren’t met.

During public comment, resident Kim Ludwig (3695 Argyle Road) asked the council to revisit the city’s field reservation policy so teams can reserve practice time instead of relying on first‑come, first‑served availability. Chair suggested taking the issue to the park board and staff said they would schedule the item for committee consideration.

Votes at a glance: the consent agenda (minutes, financial reports, liquor licenses, special event permit, and reappointment to the Keokuk Union Depot Commission) passed; the FY2026 budget amendment resolution passed; the revenue purpose statement resolution passed and a June 4 public hearing on franchise fee changes was set; the CCS contract for door replacement was awarded; and conditional approval of urban renewal property bids was approved. The meeting adjourned with no further new business.