Council awards 204 3rd Street NE to Jared Donnelly; approves budget amendment, lot-combination and two rehab grants

The Independence City Council voted to award municipal property at 204 3rd Street Northeast to Jared Donnelly for $5,000, rejecting a competing $4,500 bid. Staff said Donnelly intends to make the site available for the 2027–28 building-trades homes project run through the local school. Council discussion clarified the sale authorizes transfer of title but does not approve building on the lot without subsequent approvals.

Council members and staff noted several conditions and next steps: the buyer must return for a development agreement and all necessary permits; demolition of existing structures should occur within 90 days; site preparation is expected in early summer 2026; and construction of a new structure would start in fall 2027 with completion in spring 2028 tied to the school calendar. Council also discussed immediate repair of an on-site garage and the need to ensure the property is mowed and snow removal handled during ownership transition.

The resolution awarding the sale passed 6-1, with Councilmember Appleby recorded as the lone vote against the sale.

The council also approved a fiscal‑year 2026 budget amendment to reconcile revenues and expenses through the June 30 fiscal year end. Staff cited packet figures showing an increase in total revenues of nearly $500,000 and additional government and business expenditures of about $344,442; council approved the amendment by roll call vote, 7-0.

Separately, the council approved a lot-combination request for Steel Guard Inc. (also identified in the packet as Gator Manufacturing) to merge three parcels to preserve setbacks for a planned addition; planning and zoning reviewed the request on May 19 and the measure passed 7-0.

Under other business the council approved two commercial restoration and rehabilitation grants with Wapsie Realty. The first grant covers one-third of a $27,158 project at 119 1st Street East (Ninnie Franks building), for a city contribution of $9,043.61. The second grant covers one-third of a $21,808 project at 121 First Street East (adjacent building), for a city contribution of $7,265.39. Both grants were approved 7-0.

The council concluded with brief member reports, an announcement of visitation and funeral arrangements for Joel Olson, and reminders about the June 2 primary election and early voting schedule.

Votes at a glance: sale of 204 3rd St. NE — approved 6-1 (Appleby opposed); FY2026 budget amendment — approved 7-0; lot-combination for Steel Guard Inc. — approved 7-0; commercial rehab grants (Wapsie Realty) — approved 7-0 each.