West Branch council approves consent agenda, routine bills and two resolutions; schedules budget work session

At its Jan. 6 meeting the West Branch City Council approved the consent agenda and claims totaling $176,044.88, covering routine expenditures and payroll. The consent agenda included approval of minutes, mayoral annual appointments, board and commission appointments, West Branch Fire Department appointments, and LL Pelling's 2025 sealcoat pricing.

The council also approved Resolution 2025-01, authorizing the finance officer or city clerk to pay certain bills prior to full council approval; the motion was made by Jerry Sexton and seconded by Colton Miller and passed unanimously. The council approved Resolution 2025-02 to pay invoice #13-35922 in the amount of $210.00 to Eocene (formerly Impact7G) for the Wapsi Creek Widening SRF Sponsored Project on a motion by Colton Miller, seconded by Tom Dean.

City Administrator Adam Kofoed reminded the council of a budget work session scheduled for Jan. 13, 2025 and said the FY26 budget is "looking good," citing department directors' fiscally responsible requests and prior FY25 cuts as contributing factors. City Attorney Kevin Olson reported he has completed his review of the Linn County REC franchise ordinance and is awaiting a response from Alliant Energy. City Engineer Dave Schechinger said plans for the Cedar-Johnson Road reconstruction are complete and the project is expected to go out to bid in February; he also said FEMA is still reviewing the Wapsi Creek project.

City Clerk Leslie Brick informed the council staff had received four quotes for solid waste and recycling services and that the quotes will be presented for discussion at the Jan. 21 council meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 p.m. following a motion by Tom Dean and a second by Jerry Sexton.