Denison council approves several contracts, grants and a temporary wireless lease; sets levy hearing

The Denison City Council approved a series of routine contracts, grant agreements and a temporary wireless-site lease during its meeting. The items moved by staff and approved by voice vote included agreements for public works, parks maintenance and grant-funded cleanup work.

Council approved an estimate from Bill Hart's Gates and Construction for the South 12th/Highway 30 concrete project (presented at a figure of $4,275), after discussing bid differences and potential Iowa DOT permit and lane-closure costs. Staff and council members favored a 10-point mix and agreed the selected bid baked in lane-closure costs that some other bids did not. The motion to approve the contract was moved and carried by council voice vote.

The Parks and Recreation Board recommended a quote from 3C Roofing and Construction for $19,900 to repair/replace roofing at the aquatics facility; staff said the work would be paid from remaining old bond funds. Council moved, seconded and approved the Parks and Rec recommendation.

The city approved the JCG Land Services right-of-way services agreement, a follow-on contract tied to right-of-way acquisition and bridge-related preconstruction work. Staff explained this followed an initial surveying contract and that coordination with Union Pacific had been required for prior work.

Council renewed a temporary site lease for a wireless carrier for one year while staff and the carrier continue to negotiate a permanent location. Staff said the temporary lease’s rates and terms matched the prior temporary agreement.

The council approved an agreement with Calhoun Burns for 2026 bridge inspection services, noting Denison performs full bridge inspections every other year.

Staff reported that a contractor secured an additional $15,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for removal of an underground storage tank at the Denison Municipal Airport; council approved the grant agreement and authorized signing.

Council also approved a Region 12 administrative and subrecipient partner agreement related to a CDBG grant; staff noted the contract was received late and that they will ask Region 12 to correct a clerical reference on page 5 listing the custodian as another city’s hall clerk. Council approved it pending that update.

Finally, council approved a resolution setting a public hearing on the consolidated general fund tax levy for April 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Staff noted that after setting that hearing levy increases are constrained. A separate resolution setting the wage for a part-time certified communications operator also passed.

What happens next: Staff will proceed with the contracts and sign the grant and lease documents as authorized; the consolidated levy public hearing is scheduled for April 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.