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Red Oak council approves first reading of building-code ordinance, tables permit-fee increase
Summary
At its March 2 meeting, the Red Oak City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-03 on building codes and permits, tabled final reading of an ordinance that would double permit fees, approved a sewer-billing change and passed resolutions on Inman Elementary traffic and event fencing.
On March 2, 2026, the Red Oak City Council approved the first of three readings of Ordinance 2026-03, which addresses building codes and building permits; the vote was 3–2 in favor. The council also voted to table the final reading of Ordinance 2026-01 — a proposed doubling of building permit fees for work done without a permit — and approved the second reading of Ordinance 2026-02, changing monthly sewer billing so quantities are based on water usage each month rather than on averaging.
John McCurdy of SWIPCO presented to the council on building permit approval and fee issues before the votes. During public comment, Ron King of Red Oak spoke on building permit fees. The council then approved Ordinance 2026-03 on a motion by Councilperson Sharon Bradley, seconded by Adam Hietbrink; the roll call showed Hietbrink, Jeanice Lester and Bradley voting yes and Terry Koppa and Levi Franks voting no.
On the permit-fee proposal, Councilperson Terry Koppa moved and Sharon Bradley seconded a motion to table final reading of Ordinance 2026-01; the roll call recorded unanimous approval of the motion to table. The council approved Ordinance 2026-02 (sewer billing) on its second reading on a 4–1 vote, with Franks voting no. Councilmember Jeanice Lester moved, and Adam Hietbrink seconded, Resolution 2026-19 to set a traffic pattern around Inman Elementary School during construction; the measure passed unanimously. The council also unanimously approved Resolution 2026-20 to purchase event fencing.
The consent agenda — which included approval of minutes, receipt of Park and Tree and Library board minutes, annual liquor- and tobacco-license renewals (Casa De Oro; Red Oak LLC; Pizza Hut), approval of five-day event liquor permits (Red Oak Elk’s Lodge March 10, 2026; Getting Slushed April 27, 2026), and the March 2, 2026 claims — passed on a motion by Jeanice Lester and second by Adam Hietbrink.
City Administrator Lisa Kotter reported on operational items including relocation of recycling containers, summer job openings, and the forthcoming retirement of Nick Hildreth from the Airport Commission. Kotter also noted a lowered speed limit on Highway 34, a successful Iowa State University housing survey visit, and that an AWOS system repair received FAA approval. She said the city’s budget materials were submitted to the state portal.
Mayor Timothy J. Fridolph adjourned the meeting at 6:55 p.m. The council will continue ordinance work as required by the reading schedule; Ordinance 2026-03 requires two additional readings before final adoption.
