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Winterset council receives library financial statement; boards and staff give updates
Summary
At its Feb. 16 meeting the Winterset City Council received a financial statement from the Friends of the Library and heard updates from the Madison County Development Group, the Winterset Airport Board, wastewater staff, WWTF contractor Strand, and the city administrator; the council accepted the Friends' statement and discussed ongoing projects and meetings with state legislators.
During public comment a resident at 405 S 16th, identified in the minutes as the Friends of the Library Chair (name not provided), presented financial statements to demonstrate the group's capacity and asked the council to receive and file the document. Council Member Mike Fletcher moved to receive and file the document; Council Member Michael Eller seconded the motion, and all present voted Aye.
The council heard several written and oral reports. Ryan Marquardt, executive director of the Madison County Development Group, provided a written activity report that highlighted a Strategic Plan survey due Feb. 22, 2026, a planning meeting scheduled for March 31, 2026, assistance from the DSM Partnership for commercial listings, discussion of pending commercial development, and that the GMCCF application period is open through March 4, 2026.
Dave LaGrange, chairperson of the Winterset Airport Board, updated the council on events including a 'Fly Iowa' event planned for Sept. 19, 2026 and a fly-in breakfast on May 23, and noted ongoing efforts to expand airport land and tenant options.
Winterset/USW Wastewater Superintendent Nic Smith summarized the wastewater activity report, calling out the development of a sump pump program, repairs to plant equipment and infrastructure, and a temporary increase in copper levels observed after a warm-weather cleaning; the increase was reported to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Taylor Hopper of Strand gave a construction update on the WWTF project, describing upcoming concrete pours, advancing the blower building construction ahead of schedule, and that contractors are now working nine-hour days.
City Administrator and City Clerk Andrew Barden reported progress on streets projects, the WWTF, and the city's application for the Thriving Iowa competitive award; he noted recent and upcoming meetings with state legislators, discussed Fire Department 28E agreement matters, and said the city is considering staffing options for the City Finance Officer position. Several nonprofit requests were shared with the council for consideration.
Mayor Leners closed the substantive portion of the meeting with a public-safety reminder to be attentive to pedestrians and motorcyclists as weather warms. The council adjourned at approximately 7:31 p.m.
