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Palo council adopts investment policy, sets hearings and approves package of routine resolutions
Summary
At its Jan. 19 meeting the Palo City Council adopted an investment policy after a presentation, set several public hearing dates including for Prairie Vista Phase 3 and private school revenue bonds, established a Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator position, and approved a range of administrative resolutions and community requests; most votes were unanimous (5-0).
The Palo City Council met Monday evening and approved a package of routine administrative resolutions and procedural items while setting multiple public hearings and creating a new municipal position.
Mayor Busch called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and the council unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda. After a presentation by Paul Kruse of PTMA Financial Solutions on the Iowa Public Agency Investment Trust the council approved Resolution 011926A adopting the city’s Investment Trust Policy.
The council also set several public hearing dates: Resolution 011926B set Feb. 17, 2026 as the public hearing for designation of the Prairie Vista Phase 3 Urban Renewal Area and its plan and project; Resolution 011926C set a public hearing on the proposed issuance of private school revenue bonds for the Xavier School Project, Series 2026; Resolution 011926D set a public hearing date for updates to the city’s Capital Improvement Plan; and Resolution 011926E set a public hearing for FY26 Budget Amendment #1. Resolution 011926F (Duane Arnold haul route approval) was tabled.
On personnel and program matters the council approved Resolution 011926L, establishing a Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator position, and approved a 28E agreement (Resolution 011926M) to participate in an Adopt-a-Street program. The council also approved a Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program service agreement with ECICOG under Resolution 011926N.
The meeting included routine administrative approvals: resolutions naming depositories (011926H), establishing ACH signature authority (011926I), and a Community Center rental rate increase (011926J). The council tabled proposed ballfield rental rates (011926K). Several community requests were approved: increasing the city’s Palo Fun Days contribution from $3,000 to $5,000 and fee-waiver requests for Scout Troop 766 (approved contingent on participation in Adopt-a-Street) and the Palo Iowa Firefighters Association.
Council members approved a $1/hour pay increase for Brandon Emrich after he obtained Public Water Operator certification, authorized increasing internet service at City Hall and Public Works to 250 Mbps at $74.95 per month per location, approved the 2026 sealcoat bid at the presented rates, and approved the quarterly Palo Post newsletter. The council introduced and approved the first reading of Ordinance 88-2026 to amend Chapter 26 of the city code to allow residents who live outside city limits to serve on the Beautification Committee.
Clerk Jennifer Fencl reported administrative and utility activity including 57 delinquent letters, work on FY2027 budget preparation and transition to Edmunds accounting software. Deputy Shriver reported meeting required service hours and responding to 31 calls. Clark Robertson gave public-works and parks updates, and Chief Andrew Lutter summarized the fire department’s 2025 annual report and monthly call activity.
The council adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Votes at a glance • Approve agenda: motion Welton, second Hanover — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Approve consent agenda: motion Hanover, second Stoltenberg — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926A (Adopt Investment Trust Policy): motion Van Kerckhove, second Stoltenberg — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926B (Set PH for Prairie Vista Phase 3 UR Area, Feb. 17, 2026): motion Burgin, second Welton — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926C (Set PH: Private School Revenue Bonds, Xavier School Project): motion Welton, second Hanover — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926D (Set PH: CIP updates): motion Van Kerckhove, second Hanover — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926E (Set PH: FY26 Budget Amendment #1): motion Welton, second Stoltenberg — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926F (Duane Arnold haul route approval): TABLED — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (tabled) • Resolution 011926H (Naming depositories): motion Van Kerckhove, second Stoltenberg — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926I (ACH signature resolution): motion Hanover, second Welton — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926J (Community Center rental rate increase): motion Van Kerckhove, second Stoltenberg — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926K (Ballfield rental rates): TABLED — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (tabled) • Resolution 011926L (Establish Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator): motion Van Kerckhove, second Stoltenberg — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926M (28E Adopt-a-Street program): motion Van Kerckhove, second Hanover — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Resolution 011926N (Housing Rehabilitation Assistance Program service agreement with ECICOG): motion Van Kerckhove, second Welton — 5 Yea, 0 Nay (approved) • Community contributions and fee waivers (Palo Fun Days increase to $5,000; Scout Troop 766 fee waiver conditional on Adopt-a-Street; Palo Iowa Firefighters Association fee waiver): approved, motions recorded 5-0 • Ordinance 88-2026 (First reading): introduced and approved on first reading — roll call 5-0
Next steps and deadlines noted in the meeting include the Feb. 17, 2026 public hearing for the Prairie Vista Phase 3 Urban Renewal Area and staff follow-up on the grant request for 'The Vault at 606 First Street'.
