Johnston City Council Regular Council Meeting Monday, September 15, 2025

Johnston City Council Regular Council Meeting Monday, September 15, 2025 Johnston City Council Regular Council Meeting Monday, September 15, 2025 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. 25-18 Mayor Dierenfeld called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. B. Roll Call Members present Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt C. Welcome Mayor Dierenfeld welcomed residents and guests to the meeting. D. Pledge of Allegiance Kathy Sells led the meeting in the Pledge. E. Agenda Approval Motion by Rhonda Martin, second by James Evans to approve Agenda as presented. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 3. Public Communications A. How to Make Public Comments - Electronic Participation B. Proclaiming September 17-23, 2025 as Constitution Week Mayor Dierenfeld presented the Proclamation to Kathy Seller, Regent, Camp Dodge Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Sellers thanked the Mayor and Council and also noted that the Camp Dodge Chapter would be hosting the American Revolution Experience traveling exhibit at the Gold Star Museum beginning October 14, 2025. C. Public Comment No public comments were received. Director of Internal Operations Cyndee Rhames introduced Sheena Signs as the new administrative assistant for the Fire District. 4. Public Hearings A. Consider Resolution No. 25-225 Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Forgivable Loan Agreement By and Between The City of Johnston and J4 North, LLC The Public Hearing opened at 7:11 p.m. Economic Development Project Manager Ethan Standard reviewed the proposed forgivable loan agreement with J4 North LLC, in the amount of $60,000. Standard noted that the developer is proposing a 4700 square-foot medical office building in the West Park area. He reviewed the details of the agreement, including the developer's investment and the creation and maintenance of 14 jobs. Standard also noted that the proposed project is an in Urban Renewal area that is set to sunset in 2028-2029, so this agreement is a little more complicated. No Public Comments were received. The Public Hearing closed at 7:14 p.m. Following the motion to approve Resolution No. 25-225, Council Member Cope commented on staff's foresight and problem solving to provide this opportunity to the developer and to get this agreement done. Council Member Burkhardt noted that he wholeheartedly agreed with Council Member Cope's comments. Motion by Bryan Burkhardt, second by Tom Cope to approve Resolution No. 25-225. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 5. Consent Agenda A. Consider Approval of the September 2, 2025 Worksession Minutes B. Consider Approval of the September 2, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes C. Consider Resolution No. 25-213 - Determining the Necessity and Setting Dates of a Consultation and a Public Hearing on a Proposed Windsor Fields Urban Renewal Plan for a Proposed Urban Renewal Area in the City of Johnston, State of Iowa D. Consider Resolution 25-230 - Fixing the Date for a Public Hearing on the Proposition to Authorize a Loan and Disbursement Agreement and the Issuance of Notes Not to Exceed $11,000,000 for the CIWW Asset Transfer to Evidence the Obligations of the City thereunder E. Consider Resolution No. 25-224 - Fixing Date for a Public Hearing on the Proposal to Enter Into a Development Agreement With OTP, LLC, and Providing for Publication of Notice Thereof F. Consider Res. No 25-228 - Authorizing the Submittal of a Grant Application to the Bravo/ICON Public Art Grant for a Public Art Installation at the Merle Hay Kayak Launch G. Consider Requisition No. REQ00941 in the Amount of $13,501.41 to RD McKinney Plumbing & Excavating for Emergency Repair of Water Main Located on Merle Hay Road H. Consider Requisition No. REQ00950 in the Amount of $29,043.66 to RD McKinney Plumbing & Excavating for Emergency Repair of Water Main Located Near the Intersection of NW Beaver Drive and Hyperion Pointe Drive I. Consider Requisition No. REQ00940 to Ascendence Trucks Midwest in the amount of $307,973.00 for a Replacement Tandem Axle Dump Truck Snow Plow J. Consider Out-of-State Training for Tyler Danielson to Attend the Minnesota GIS/LIS Conference in Duluth Minnesota October 1 -3, 2025 K. Consider Pay Request No. 2 in the Amount of $28,751.28 to Van Maanen Electric, Inc. for Work Completed on Orchard Meadows 1 Lift Station 2024 Improvements Project as of August 31, 2025 L. Consider Approval of the Following Items Related to PZ Case 25-03, the Final Plat for Ridgedale Heights Duplexes, Located West of Northwest 100th Street and South of Grenville Drive: Resolution No. 25-216 - Approving a Stormwater Management Facilities Maintenance Agreement for Ridgedale Heights Duplexes; Resolution No. 25-217 - Accepting Public Improvements for Ridgedale Heights Duplexes; Resolution No. 25-218 - Approving the Final Plat for Ridgedale Heights Duplexes; Resolution No. 25-219 - Approving the Development Agreement with Ridgedale Rentals, LC M. Consider Resolution No. 25-226 - Approving Change Order No. 1 for the 2024 Sidewalk Repair Program-Zone 2 N. Consider Approval of Resolution 25-227 - Initiating an Official Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone 1.816 Acres From R-4, High Density Mixed Residential District to M-1, Light Industrial District O. Consider Pay Request No. 3 in the Amount of $748,072.25 to On Track Construction for the NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension Segment B & C as of August 31, 2025 P. Consider Resolution No. 25-229- Amending the 2025 Supplemental Specifications of the SUDAS Standard Specifications for the City of Johnston Q. Consider Approval of Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc. Contract for 2025-2026 R. File and Receive Reports in Item 6 Motion by Bryan Burkhardt, second by Tom Cope to approve the Consent Agenda. Council Member Martin pointed to item Q as perhaps the type of items that should be reviewed as we approach budget time. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 6. Reports A. Building Department August 2025 Monthly Reports B. Water/Wastewater Monthly Operations Report for August 2025 C. Street Department Monthly Operations Report D. August 2025 Bank Reconciliation E. August 2025 Treasurer's Investment Report F. August 2025 Year-to-Date Treasurer's Report G. August 2025 Revenue and Expense Summary and Written Summarization of Current Budget Standing 7. Non-Consent Agenda A. Consider Resolution No. 25-231 - Amending the Schedule of Fees for the Johnston-Grimes Metropolitan Fire District by Adding a Lift Assist Fee Fire Chief Percy Coleman reviewed the request, noting that the recommendation was approved by the Fire Board. He provided context on the proposed request, noting that the lift assists that would incur these fees are only for non-emergent calls for service at assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and memory care facilities. Coleman also noted that the response to these calls involves sending paramedics, and EMTs, along with ambulances and fire trucks who provide life support services, so that from a resource allocation perspective, these lift assists effectively make those services unavailable for true emergencies in the community. He also indicated that the purpose of the fee is to hopefully bring about a change in behavior in these facilities. Coleman advised that with the adoption of this fee, Johnston would become the third metro city to approve these fees. Coleman reiterated that these fees would only be charged if the call was strictly for a lift assist, and not related to any care that may need to be provided to a resident at the facility. Motion by James Evans, second by Suresh Reddy to approve Resolution No. 25-231. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt B. Consider First Reading of Ordinance No. 1143 Amending Ordinance 487,733,790, 847, 953, 997, and 1103 and Providing That General Property Taxes Shall No Longer be Divided on Certain Property Located with the Beaver Creek Urban Renewal Area, In the City of Johnston, County of Polk, State of Iowa (Removing "Amendment No. 1 Area" from Division of Taxes) Economic Development Director Josh Laraby reviewed the purpose of the proposed Ordinance, noting that the intent was to adjust the size of the TIF district within the Urban Renewal area. He also noted that this action would remove a handful of lots in the Urban Renewal area, which would stop the collection of TIF on those lots. He also noted that staff would be asking to waive third consideration at the October 6 meeting in order to have this resolved in compliance with county and state code. At the request of the Council, Laraby indicated that he would include a map for second consideration. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Suresh Reddy to approve First Reading of Ordinance No. 1143 Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt C. Consider Second Consideration of Ordinance No. 1141 - Amending the City of Johnston Revised Ordinances of 2007, By Amending Chapter 99 Sanitary Sewer, Section 99.07 Sewer User Charge Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding noted that there have been no changes or comments since First Consideration. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Rhonda Martin to approve second consideration of Ordinance No. 1141. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt D. Consider Second Consideration of Ordinance No. 1142 - Amending the City of Johnston Revised Ordinances of 2007, By Amending Chapter 92 Water, Section 92.02 Rates for Service Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding noted that there have been no changes or comments since First Consideration. Motion by Bryan Burkhardt, second by Suresh Reddy to approve first consideration of Ordinance No. 1142. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt E. Consider Approval of Claims in the Amount of $2,163,648.47. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Rhonda Martin to approve Claims as presented. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 8. City Administrator / Staff Comments A. Comments City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver noted he had two updates for the Council. First, Deputy Fire Chief Ron Schipper after 21 years, and that an open house will be held on Friday, September 26 from 2-4 p.m. Secondly, an email was sent to the Council and a broad group of community members about a meeting on September 30th at 5:30 p.m. at Crown Point. He noted the purpose of the meeting will be to discuss Green Days, as the Chamber has decided to step back from that event. He noted that the meeting would be an opportunity for the community to share ideas, and explore possible approaches. Mayor Dierenfeld encouraged the Council to provide email addresses to individuals who might want to be a part of this conversation. Item carried over from the Work Session: Discuss Establishment of the Northwest Annexation Area Sanitary Sewer Connection Districts and Establishing Separate Sewer User Charges for Users Located within the District. Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding reviewed the discussion and direction from the Council in July. He noted that staff is recommending starting at $5,500, which equates to a one dollar service availability increase, and a 54 cents per 1,000 gallons on the sanitary sewer. He noted that the Connection District does require a public hearing, so that hearing will be set at the October 6 meeting, with the hearing and first consideration to be on the October 20 meeting. Wilwerding provided clarification on what those fees would look like from the developer and consumer perspectives, and noted that the goal is to collect the $19 million spent on the project, plus interest. Wilwerding also advised that he would be making notifications of the public hearing. 9. City Council Comments A. Comments Council Member Cope noted that he'd send an email inviting folks to attend a bus tour through various communities related to housing partnerships and action. The event will be on October 17, 2025 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. He noted that it will be an opportunity to learn about various projects that are happening, and that it is sponsored by Capital Crossroad, the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, and Habitat for Humanity. He also thanked Council Member Burkhardt for participating in the CIWW communication strategy session. Council Member Burkhardt wished everyone a happy Homecoming, and thanked the Police Department who help assist at every event. He also reminded everyone of the Homecoming parade on Thursday. Mayor Dierenfeld thanked Council Member Cope for sharing the CIWW information. She mentioned that the Home Show was an amazing event. She also commented on the Tunes at Twilight event that had been held last Thursday. 10. Closing of Meeting A. Upcoming Meeting: Monday, October 6, 2025 - 6:00 p.m. Worksession and 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting B. Meeting Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Paula S. Dierenfeld, Mayor Attest: Cyndee Rhames, City Clerk October 1 2025 LIOW0379306