Johnston City Council
Regular Council Meeting
Monday, March 23, 2026
1. Participation Information
A. To Participate in this Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/96939835050 (See content for additional information)
2. Opening of Meeting
A. Call to Order Johnston City Council Meeting No. 26-06
B. Roll Call
Members present: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
C. Welcome
Mayor Dierenfeld welcomed residents and guests to the meeting.
D. Pledge of Allegiance
Youth in the audience led the meeting in the Pledge.
E. Agenda Approval
Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to approve the agenda as presented.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
3. Public Communications
A. How to Make Public Comments - Electronic Participation
B. Oath of Office for Police Lieutenant Blake Marshall
Chief of Police Dennis McDaniel introduced Lt. Blake Marshall. Mayor Dierenfeld administered the Oath of Office to Lt. Marshall.
C. Public Comment
No public comments were received.
4. Public Hearings
A. Conduct a Public Hearing on the Matter of Adoption of Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost for the NW 62nd Avenue Improvements-NW 54th Court and NW Beaver Drive and Consider Resolution No. 26-43 Adopting Plans, Specifications, Form of Contract and Estimate of Cost; Consider Construction Bids, Consider Resolution No. 26-44 Making Award of Construction Contract, and Consider Resolution No. 26-45 Approving Construction Contract and Bond.
The Public Hearing opened at 7:13 p.m.
Public Works Director Matt Greiner provided a brief overview of the project scope. He noted that there were three bidders on the project and that the engineer's opinion of probable cost was $7,309,358.25, and the low bid received was $7,220,896, with the certified bid tab showing that All Star Concrete is the low bidder. Staff and the engineer recommend awarding the contract to All Star Concrete.
Council Member Burkhardt inquired about street trees in the project area. Greiner noted that the engineer had taken a look at where trees could be added in this corridor. He advised that there are a number of private and public utilities in the area that will need to be worked through and that this would be a separate project after the reconstruction. Greiner also confirmed that the MidAmerican Energy utilities would be buried as part of this project.
No public comments were received.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:17 p.m.
Motion by Bryan Burkhardt, second by James Evans to approve Resolution No. 26-43.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
Motion by Tom Cope, second by Bryan Burkhardt to approve Resolution No. 26-44.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
Motion by Bryan Burkhardt, second by James Evans to approve Resolution No. 26-45.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
B. Conduct a Public Hearing on the Issuance of not to Exceed $13,000,000 General Obligation Bonds. Consider Resolution No. 26-49 - Instituting Proceedings to Take Additional Action for the Issuance of not to Exceed $13,000,000 General Obligation Bonds.
The Public Hearing opened at 7:18 p.m.
Finance Director Sarah Swisher reviewed the purpose of the bonds.
There were no questions from the Council, and no public comments received.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:19 p.m.
Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to approve Resolution No. 26-49.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
C. Conduct a Public Hearing on the Issuance of not to Exceed $1,600,000 General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds (for Essential Corporate Urban Renewal Purposes), and Consider Resolution No. 26-50 - Instituting Proceedings to take Additional Action for the Issuance of not to Exceed $1,600,000 General Obligation Urban Renewal Bonds
The Public Hearing opened at 7:20 p.m.
Finance Director Sarah Swisher reviewed the purpose of the bonds.
There were no questions from the Council and no public comments were received.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:21 p.m.
Motion by James Evans, second by Bryan Burkhardt to approve Resolution No. 26-50.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
5. Consent Agenda
A. Consider Approval of the March 2, 2026 Work Session Minutes
B. Consider Approval of the March 2, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes
C. Consider Approval of Liquor License Applications and Renewals, and Ownership Updates
D. Consider Library Board of Trustees Reappointment – George Eichhorn
E. Consider Pay Request No. 5 in the Amount of $26,587.70 to JC Midwest Services, LLC for the Royal Park Estates Channel Repair Phase II as of March 13, 2026
F. Consider Resolution No. 26-46 - Approving the Acquisition of Real Estate Interests and Authorizing Payments to Acquire Real Property for the NW 62nd Avenue Improvements-NW 54th Court to NW Beaver Drive.
G. Consider Pay Request No. 8 in the Amount of $759,751.04 to S M Hentges & Sons, Inc. for the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Extension Segment B as of March 9, 2026
H. Consider Approval of REQ01242 in the Amount of $26,290.00 to Bentley Ridge Tree Farm & Nursery for Trees for the Annual Tree Sale.
I. Consider Approval of REQ01238 in the Amount of $20,545.00 to Van-Wall Equipment for a ZTrak Mower CEP Replacement
J. Consider Pay Request No. 2 for the Johnston Sanitary Sewer Lining Improvements - Pioneer Parkway Project in the amount of $260,293.59 to HK Solutions Group for work completed as of February 28, 2026
K. Consider Resolution No. 26-57 - Authorizing Execution of a Mutual Termination Agreement Terminating the Agreement for Private Development by and Between the City of Johnston and Impact7G, Inc.
L. Consider Pay Request No. 9 in the Amount of $49,718.13 to On Track Construction for the NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension Segment B & C as of March 12, 2026
M. Consider Authorizing Staff to Sign an Agreement with BRAVO Accepting the Award, Terms and Conditions of a Local Arts and Culture Program Grant
N. Consider Resolution No. 26-48 - Approving Change Order No. 1 for the NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension Segment B & C
O. Consider Resolution No. 26-47 - Ordering Construction of the 2026 Sidewalk Improvements Phase 3, and Fixing a Date for Hearing Thereon and Taking Bids Therefor
P. Consider Resolution No. 26-51 - Authorizing the Issuance of $14,205,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A, and Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof
Q. Consider Out-of- State Travel for Police Department Staff Member to Attend Canine Tactical Group & Scenario Based Training in Millsap, TX, March 29 - April 3, 2026
R. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 26-56 - Fixing Date for a Public Hearing on the Proposal to Enter Into a Development Agreement With Kohles Mechanical, Inc., and Providing for Publication of Notice Thereof
S. Consider Approval of REQ01244 in the Amount of $39,942.20
T. Receive and File Reports in Item 6
Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to approve the Consent Agenda.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
6. Reports
A. Library Board Minutes January 15 2026
B. Building Department February 2026 Monthly Reports
C. Water/Wastewater Monthly Operations Reports for February 2026
D. Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes - March 9, 2026
E. February 2026 Bank Reconciliation
F. February 2026 Treasurer's Investment Report
G. February 2026 Year-to-Date Treasurer's Report
H. February 2026 Revenue and Expense Summary and Written Summarization of Current Budget Standing
I. Street Department Monthly Operations Report
J. Accept and File June 30, 2025 Financial Audit
7. Non-Consent Agenda
A. Consider Approval of the Following Items Related to PZ Case 25-34: Resolution No. 26-52- Approving the Site Plan and Preliminary Plat For 5665 West Parkway; Resolution No. 26-53 - Approving A Stormwater Management Facilities Maintenance Agreement for West Park Office Plaza Plat 5; Resolution No. 26-54 - A Resolution Approving the Final Plat for West Park Office Plaza Plat 5
Planner Jakob Sheradan reviewed the proposed site plan and preliminary plat, noting that the site complies with all bulk regulations. He also provided information on required plantings and parkland dedication requirements. He noted that the parking requirements are also being met.
Sheraden answered questions from the Council regarding the splitting of the lots, as well as stormwater retention on the site.
Motion by James Evans, second by Tom Cope to approve Resolution 26-52.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
Motion by James Evans, second by Tom Cope to approve Resolution No. 26-53.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to approve Resolution No. 26-54.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
B. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 26-55 - Approving the Preliminary Plat for ACCO Townhomes Plat 1
Planner Jakob Sheraden reviewed the proposed subdivision of 11.12 acres into 48 lots for twin homes. He also reviewed the prior proposed rezoning which was withdrawn by the applicant prior to any Council action. Sheraden noted that the proposed development meets all setback and bulk regulations. He reviewed the three new proposed roadways through the development, which will connect to the greater city road network, with one connection at NW 57th Avenue, and one connection at NW 55th Avenue.
Discussion regarding the roadways ensued, with the Council voicing concern with turnaround access for public safety vehicles. Sheraden explained that the street length was not long enough to require turnarounds. There was also discussion regarding the methodology for measuring the street length. Sheraden noted that the preliminary plat had been reviewed and approved by the Fire Marshal as well as Parks, and Public Works. Council Member Burkhardt advised that he doesn't think the right approach is being set, and that while he is not comfortable with it, he would vote for approval. He also noted, that he would look forward to a policy change discussion.
There was additional discussion regarding a proposed extension of Pioneer Parkway in the area. Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding provided some historical context related to the Pioneer Parkway expansion, including the issue of getting connectivity for the road because of the number of property owners impacted by that expansion.
Council members voiced their preference to continue discussions with staff regarding the road issues.
Motion by Tom Cope, second by Bryan Burkhardt to table Resolution No. 25-55.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
C. Consider Approval of Resolution 26-58; Approving and Authorizing Execution of Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated Purchase, Sale, and Development Agreement by and Between the City of Johnston and Johnston Golf Development, LLC.
Economic Development Director Josh Laraby noted that the developer for the Bombers project has requested an amendment to the current development agreement. Laraby noted that this would be the 12th amendment or extension to the development agreement. Laraby walked through the proposed amendments including a 6-month extension, to September 30, on providing documentation of sufficient equity for the developer to move forward with financing; an extension to October 31 to close on that financing, and that following the closing, the developer would have 60 days to procure steel and complete the foundations for the golf facility, and then execute a contract or guaranteed maximum price with a construction manager or general contractor. Laraby advised that these terms exist in the current agreement, and the ask is to extend the current dates by 6 months. He also noted that this amended agreement includes language for the developer to reimburse the city for any legal fees incurred since the last amendment, as well as language for the developer to acknowledge that the $48 million minimum assessment takes effect on January 1, 2027. Laraby also advised that the developer would be providing an updated, executed private lending term sheet within 2 weeks.
Developer Allen Stoye addressed the Council, noting that there has been progression on the project. He stated that there has been approximately $16.2 million invested in the project over the last few years, and that they're in the process of securing the remainder of the financing. He also announced that as of last week, they are Marriott's newest franchisee. When asked about next steps in the hotel project, Stoye provided information on some deadlines tied to the franchise agreement, and that as they'd just become aware of a conservation district on the property, they're meeting with their engineers about the impact of that district and what their options are for siting the hotel.
Motion by James Evans, second by Tom Cope to approve Resolution No. 26-58.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
D. Consider Approval of Claims in the Amount of $2,383,851.54.
Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to Approve Claims in the Amount of $2,383,851.54.
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
8. City Administrator / Staff Comments
A. Comments
Public Works Director Matt Greiner noted that there would be a public meeting held on Tuesday, March 24, on the NW 63rd project.
9. City Council Comments
A. Comments
Council Member Burkhardt noted that the local track teams were now practicing outside, and encouraged the public to be aware of their presence. He also noted that the Johnston High School Show Choir is traveling to Orlando for the national competition.
10. Closed Session
A. CLOSED SESSION - Per Iowa Code §21.5.1(j): to Discuss the Purchase of Particular Real Estate Only Where Premature Disclosure Could be Reasonably Expected to Increase the Price the Governmental Body Would have to Pay for that Property. The Minutes and Tape Recording of a Session Closed Under this Paragraph Shall be Available for Public Examination when the Transaction Discussed is Completed
Motion by James Evans, second by Bryan Burkhardt to enter into Closed Session
Final Resolution: Motion Carried
Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Bryan Burkhardt
The meeting entered into Closed Session at 8:29 p.m.
The meeting entered into Open Session at 8:38 p.m.
11. Closing of Meeting
A. Upcoming Meeting: Monday, April 6, 2026 - 5:30 Special Meeting - Public Hearing on the FY 2026/2027 City Proposed Property Tax Dollars; 6:00 p.m. Work Session and 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting
B. Meeting Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
_________________________
Paula S. Dierenfeld, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________
Cyndee Rhames, City Clerk
April 1 2026
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