Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bonds And Planning topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
West Branch council approves GO bond sale and agrees to prioritize West Main Street improvements
Summary
Council approved Resolution 2025-56 to set the sale date for Series 2025 general obligation bonds and discussed allocating any excess bond proceeds to West Main Street improvements; City Administrator proposed a Veenstra & Kimm feasibility study for west-side growth estimated at up to $25,000.
West Branch — The West Branch City Council on May 19 approved a resolution setting the sale date for General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2025, and debated how to use any remaining proceeds.
Resolution 2025-56 authorizes use of a preliminary official statement in connection with the Series 2025 bond sale. Councilmember Colton Miller moved approval; Tom Dean seconded. The motion carried with AYES from Colton Miller, Tom Dean, Mike Horihan, Jerry Sexton and Jodee Stoolman.
Council then discussed the allocation of excess bond proceeds. Councilmember Tom Dean said bond proceeds should be spent on the projects identified when the bonds were authorized — specifically Cedar-Johnson Road and West Main Street. Councilmember Colton Miller remarked, "maybe we shouldn't borrow so much then," questioning the size of the borrowing. Public Works Director Matt Goodale said his top priority is West Main Street and suggested remaining bond funds be directed to its improvement; Goodale’s second priority is tree clearing on a parcel to be donated by Lark Land (formerly KLM Investments) in Meadows Part 4, arguing that removing problematic trees now could prevent future homeowner issues and associated city costs. Councilmembers urged staff to address developer responsibilities before the city accepts donated property.
City Administrator Adam Kofoed asked the council to consider hiring engineering firm Veenstra & Kimm to perform a feasibility study on infrastructure needs for west-side growth, estimating the study could cost up to $25,000. Kofoed suggested funding the study from a combination of building permit fees and water and sewer funds; the council expressed agreement to pursue the study.
The council did not adopt a formal allocation schedule for any bond surplus at the meeting but agreed to prioritize West Main Street improvements as the primary use of remaining proceeds.
