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Altoona residents raise drainage, traffic and notice concerns as council approves 276-acre annexation
Summary
After a public hearing in which several nearby residents raised worries about drainage, traffic and short notice, the Altoona City Council voted 5–0 to approve an 80/20 voluntary annexation of roughly 276.255 acres north of Edwin W. Skinner Parkway SE.
The Altoona City Council voted unanimously on Dec. 5 to approve an 80/20 voluntary annexation of approximately 276.255 acres that stretches north of Edwin W. Skinner Parkway SE and includes land near the Saga Communications radio tower and the Spring Creek Sports Complex.
Community Development Director John Shaw opened the public hearing and outlined the area under consideration. Frank Smith, an attorney representing the city, told the council that, "if all went well it could be finalized by as early as mid‑February 2023." The vote on Resolution #12‑5‑2022#01 followed the hearing.
Residents who live adjacent to the proposed annexation area voiced concerns during the public comment period. Steve Oberto said he worried about "paying for services that they are not using," and Lisa Beem asked that the letter she provided be included in the official record, saying the document was in the meeting packet. Robbie Baker pressed the council about traffic on 80th Street, asking whether the road would be widened; Cynthia Shepard raised ongoing water‑and‑drainage problems near her home and asked whether developers would correct drainage and creek management when the area is developed. Nathan Hullet said residents received only three days' notice from the city letter to the deadline for a decision and asked whether developers would repair any damage to private property.
John Shaw said staff would discuss the residents' concerns with prospective developers to attempt to address drainage and related infrastructure questions. Mayor Dean O'Connor told residents the timeline for sewer hookup fee waivers would be "indefinite" and that tax abatement would be available as part of individual property considerations.
The annexation covers primarily residential and agricultural tracts south of Tuscany and north of NE 38th Ave., and includes property where Saga Communications of Iowa LLC operates a radio tower and the Spring Creek Sports Complex. The council did not modify the annexation ordinance at the meeting; it approved the resolution to proceed with annexation steps.
Next steps include staff negotiations with developers on infrastructure and drainage, and final legal steps required to record the annexation; city staff estimated the process could complete by mid‑February 2023 if there are no delays.
