Residents ask Maquoketa City Council to delay rezoning; council advances related A-1 ordinance readings

At its April 20 meeting, the Maquoketa City Council heard a public hearing and a request from attorney Michael Meloy on behalf of Timber Court and Timber Drive residents who asked the council to delay action on a rezoning submitted by Big Country Properties (Parcel #145183040003400, plat recorded September 14, 2025, Jackson County Recorder Document #25-2739). Meloy said residents needed more time to negotiate an agreeable settlement with the property owner and urged the council to table the rezoning ordinance.

After closing the public hearing, the council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 1259 (rezoning of the parcel) on a motion that carried 6-0. City Manager Joshua Boldt said there are no current negotiations for any settlement; City Attorney Doug Herman concurred that no negotiated conditions had been discussed before the public hearing.

Separately, the council considered Ordinance No. 1260, an amendment to Chapter 165.10 (Agriculture District A-1). The council approved the first reading and then, by suspending rules, proceeded to and approved the second and third readings of Ordinance No. 1260; each recorded motion passed 6-0.

The council took no additional direction at the meeting to staff regarding timing for any further consideration of rezoning requests beyond the actions recorded. Public commenters and the council framed the rezoning discussion in terms of ongoing neighborhood concerns and the desire for additional time to negotiate an outcome, but no settlement terms were presented to the council at this meeting.