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Mount Vernon City Council adopts Stonebrook TIF ordinance, approves contractor payments and schedules EMS hearing for Nov. 17
Summary
The Mount Vernon City Council unanimously approved Ordinance #10-6-2025A directing tax increment revenues from Phase 5 parcels in the Stonebrook Urban Renewal Area into a debt-service fund, approved multiple contractor invoices and change orders totaling tens of thousands of dollars, and set a November 17 public hearing on a proposed Emergency Medical Service district.
The Mount Vernon City Council met Nov. 3, 2025, at City Hall and took a series of administrative and financial actions, including adopting a tax-increment allocation ordinance for the Stonebrook Urban Renewal Area and approving several vendor invoices and construction payments.
The council completed the third and final reading of Ordinance #10-6-2025A, which directs certain property tax increments from parcels in the Stonebrook Urban Renewal Area (Phase 5) into a special fund for payment of principal and interest on loans or bonds incurred by the city for that urban renewal project. Council member Tuerler moved to approve the ordinance, Andresen seconded, and a roll-call vote was unanimous in favor. The ordinance passed.
Council also approved Resolution #11-3-2025A to set a public hearing on a petition to establish a City Emergency Medical Service District under Iowa Code 357G. Because the public-notice requirement could not be met for the originally proposed date, the hearing was scheduled for Nov. 17, 2025. Tuerler moved to adopt the resolution and West seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.
The council approved Resolution #11-3-2025C, the city’s Fiscal Year 2025 Street Finance Report required by the Iowa Department of Transportation, which inventories streets and compares expenditures to RUT (road-use tax) revenue. The motion carried on a roll-call vote.
On routine fiscal business, the council approved the claims list and payroll as presented. The packet lists payroll claims of $110,125.13 and vendor and other claims that bring the total meeting expenditures to $288,427.21 across funds, including: MacQueen equipment ($35,000.00), First Due Reporting software renewal for the Mount Vernon Fire Department ($14,167.13), Earth Planter (Uptown planters) $9,964.00, and multiple other line items and fund transfers.
Contracts, invoices and construction items approved during the meeting included: - First Due Reporting annual subscription (MVFD) — $14,167.13 (motion by Engel, seconded by Tuerler; approved). - Nelson Electric proposal to install pedestrian crossing signs at 1st Street and A Ave — $7,447.00 (Engel moved; Andresen seconded; approved). - Fisher Drywall Inc. estimate for Public Works office/break area — $8,657.00 (Tuerler moved; Engel seconded; approved). - Fisher Drywall Inc. estimate for the Public Works brine shed — $8,546.16 (Tuerler moved; West seconded; approved). - Change Order #1 for 2025 Sidewalk Improvements — increases contract by $3,298.50 (Tuerler moved; Andresen seconded; approved). - Pay Application #1 for 2025 Sidewalk Improvements — $34,277.38; city staff noted contractor progress but cautioned weather could delay remaining work until spring (Tuerler moved; West seconded; approved). - Springville Ready Mix Invoice #83314 for the Bryant Road trail project — $7,179.50 (Engel moved; Andresen seconded; approved). - Veenstra & Kimm (V&K) Engineering Invoice #51361-15 for Highway 1 reconstruction design services — $23,322.00 (Tuerler moved; West seconded; approved).
The minutes record that the city received no bids for the advertised sale of the old Public Works shop at 1040 2nd Ave NW; no public hearing was held and Resolution #11-3-2025B (approving the sale) was noted as having no action taken.
Council member Engel reported on the Childcare Solutions group’s search for suitable space and urged childcare providers to alert the group if families face increased financial pressure related to the federal government shutdown. Mayor Pro Tem Scott Rose reminded residents that Nov. 4 is election day. The City Administrator’s full report is available on the city website in the Nov. 3 council packet. The meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance #10-6-2025A (adopted) — roll call: Tuerler yes, Engel yes, West yes, Rose yes, Andresen yes; Resolution #11-3-2025A (set hearing) — roll call all yes; Resolution #11-3-2025C (street finance report) — roll call all yes; claims list and listed invoices/payments — motions approved as recorded in the minutes.
