City of Dallas Center City Council Meeting Minutes - July 14, 2026

City of Dallas Center City Council Meeting Minutes - July 14, 2026 A public hearing was held as part of the City Council meeting to hear comments on the city's application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The public hearing was opened at 7:00 PM by Mayor Hambleton. The hearing was pursuant to the citizen participation requirements of Section 508 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987, as amended March 25, 1988. The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) will advise all CDBG applicants and grantees of the requirements, and of acceptable means to amended, to ensure compliance with said requirements by all applicants for and recipients of CDBG funds administered by the State of Iowa. The public was informed that IEDA requires reasonable public access to all local meetings, project records and information relating to the proposed and actual use of CDBG funds. All CDBG related meetings should be conducted in public buildings. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Downtown Revitalization Grant Application and Public Hearing: The City of Dallas Center intends to apply for CDBG funds through the Iowa Economic Development Authority to implement downtown façade project to eliminate slum and blight conditions within the Dallas Center Urban Renewal area, and more specifically the program's target area. The need for this activity was identified through comments of city and other community leaders and a slum and blight survey that showed such conditions exist in Downtown Dallas Center due to aging and deteriorating buildings composing over 25% of the building stock. The total project cost for the nine included buildings is estimated to be $1,335,994.33. With a CDBG award of $650,000, the remaining cost of the project would be $685,994.33, with $457,871.86 matched from the city and $228,122.47 from the property owners. These amounts may change if the number of buildings increases or decreases between now and the beginning of construction. The application is due August 17, 2026 to IEDA. All DTR activities will occur within the City of Dallas Center's target area which is located within the City's designated Urban Renewal Area. The target area is described as: the southern half of the block (buildings south of the alley) surrounded by 15th Street, Walnut Street, and 14th Street. A map is provided. A requirement of the CDBG program is that funds must be used for projects, which meet the national objective of eliminating slum and blight. All projects included meet this objective. The LMI percentage requirement is not applicable to downtown revitalization projects like this one. The program should not result in the displacement of persons and businesses. Previous similar programs funded by IEDA have not resulted in displacement. In the event that one or more individuals or businesses are displaced as a result of the use of CDBG funds, the City of Dallas Center will comply with all federal and state laws requiring compensation to those actually displaced. Community Development and Housing Needs were also discussed. Discussions determined: Community Development and Housing Needs of LMI Persons: - Housing Rehabilitation - The community's housing stock is aging, and a number of homes could use some form of rehabilitation. With a high percentage of LMI households in the community, the City feels that encouraging and assisting LMI households with improvements is needed. - Housing Down-Payment Assistance - Securing a down-payment is sometimes the largest hurdle to homeownership. This is especially difficult for LMI households. Obtaining funds to assist with securing down-payments can make home-ownership a reality for LMI households. - Job Creation and Retention - Stable employment can assist LMI households with their financial situation, and create stability within their everyday life. Retaining jobs allows for employees to achieve pay increases, access to benefits, and a number of other non-financial benefits. Creating jobs which will benefit the community through high paying jobs will also benefit the employees in similar ways. - Housing Development – Dallas Center is not unlike most small, rural Iowa communities. Housing is at a high demand, and homes that are available go fast. Additional housing development within the community may create housing for LMI households, or may make homes available in their affordability range. Other Community Development and Housing Needs: - Downtown Revitalization Improvements - An effort to see reinvestment in the City's downtown, the city (and select building owners) would like to see the rehabilitation of the existing buildings in the downtown area. - Housing Development – Dallas Center is not unlike most small, rural Iowa communities. Housing is at a high demand, and homes that are available go fast. Additional housing development within the community may create additional housing opportunities for new or existing households. Planned or Potential Activities to Address Housing and Community Needs: -Apply for CDBG funds for Downtown Revitalization Improvements - Program encourages the city to work with building owners to complete rehabilitation and updating of the buildings. This would help building owners who are willing to make improvements, fund projects. - Apply for CDBG funds for Roof Replacement Funds – Dallas Center may apply for funds to assist LMI families who own their homes with rehabilitation efforts. - Apply for funds for down-payment assistance - Obtaining funds for down-payment assistance will make the possibility of owning a home in Dallas Center a possibility for all households, including those that are LMI. - Job creation and retention - Work with regional partners and economic developers to attract new, well paying jobs to the community. Mayor Hambleton called for public comments. Bob Haxton wondered where the money was coming from. No additional comments were received. Mayor Hambleton closed the Public Hearing was closed at 7:09 PM. The Dallas Center City Council met in regular session on July 14, 2026 at 7:09 pm. Mayor Mitch Hambleton called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members present included Shellie Flockhart, Amanda Davison, Angie Beaudet, and Beth Wright. Kody Nielsen was absent. Also, present were City Attorney Ralph Brown, City Administrator John Cook, Public Works Director Brett Kaszinski and City Engineer Bob Veenstra. Motion by Davison, 2nd by Beaudet to approve the agenda. Motion passed 4-0. Public Comments Bob Haxton spoke in opposition to hard surfacing requirements. Mary Werch stated that the evening rotary would be willing to continue maintaining the flower beds on Walnut Street. Mike Buckalew would like the city to reconsider spraying for mosquitos Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Wright to approve the consent agenda: [Approve minutes of June 10th regular meeting and June 23rd special meeting; June Treasurer's Report, Balance Sheet, and Budget Report; June Law Enforcement, Fire/Rescue and Water Reports; Approve hiring Jeanne Osborn as the Children's Librarian at $22/hour effective June 24, 2026; Approve hiring Gage Beckel as volunteer firefighter at $20/call effective July 15, 2026; Action to approve invoices for payment (review committee Wright and Flockhart); Action to change the resolution number on the Robert Findlay CIRHA appointment resolution (originally No. 37) to Resolution No. 2026-37A] Motion passed 4-0 Hearing on the appeal of Stephen G. Vanderpool to the First Notice – Unsafe and Dangerous Building (dated June 26, 2026) at 1413 Walnut Street in Dallas Center requiring the owner to abate the nuisance existing at the building [the building is structurally unsafe and is in progressive failure as detailed in an Engineering Analysis] Stephen G. Vanderpool and his attorney, Brett Osborn, addressed the council regarding his appeal to the nuisance abatement notice he received. They indicated they disagree with engineer's analysis and asked for 1 year to get building in shape. Motion by Flockhart, 2nd Davison by to defer until August, 2026 council meeting. Motion passed 4-0 Planning and Zoning Commission met in consideration of Resolution 2026-41 and are recommending approving the placement of donor appreciation signs on the Heritage Park Pavillion. Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Wright on Resolution 2026-41 – approving the placement of donor appreciation signs on the Heritage Park Pavillion using option C. Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion passed. Mike Illian was present to answer questions regarding the truck purchase and officer stipend. Motion by Wright, 2nd by Beaudet to approve the purchase of a used command vehicle from the City of Urbandale and to purchase the necessary equipment to outfit the vehicle for service in an amount not to exceed $40,000. Motion passed 4 - 0 Motion by Flockhart, 2nd by Davison to approve fire department officer yearly stipends (in addition to the $20/call payment) as follows: Fire Chief -Yearly Stipend of $2,000; Assistant Chief Fire- Yearly Stipend of $1,500; Assistant Chief EMS- Yearly Stipend of $1,500; Fire Captain- Yearly Stipend of $1,000; EMS Captain- Yearly Stipend of $1,000; Fire Lieutenant 1- Yearly Stipend of $500; Fire Lieutenant 2-Yearly Stipend of $500; EMS Lieutenant- Yearly Stipend of $500. Motion passed 4-0 Daniel Willrich was present to explain the change order needed for the New City Hall Remodeling Project at 1414 Walnut Street. Motion by Wright, 2nd by Davison authorizing the mayor to sign off on Change Order No. 1 (adds and subtractions) - Downing Construction, Inc. – increase by $8,365.41. Motion passed 4-0 Motion by Flockhart, 2nd by Davison approving a volunteer-led landscaping refurbishment along Walnut Street and authorizing a City contribution not to exceed $6,000. Ayes: Flockhart, Davison, Beaudet Nay: Wright. Motion passed 3-1 Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Davison on Resolution 2026-39 -approving agreement with SAILDC/Dallas Center Food Pantry for a contribution to the non-profit organization of $1,583 from the City of Dallas Center to cover liability insurance costs. Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion Passed Motion by Wright, 2nd by Beaudet to approve Resolution 2026-42 – approving iWorq contract for Public Works software that will streamline fleet management and work order processing both of which now are tracked on paper. One-time set up fee of $3,000 and annual subscription of $4,500. Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion Passed Motion by Davison, 2nd by Beaudet to approve lowest quote of $41,687 from Dorrian Heating & Cooling for complete replacement of HVAC units at 1414 Walnut Street. Motion passed 4-0 Motion by Wright, 2nd by Davison to accept offer of $6,500 from Stivers Ford on the trade in for the 2012 Ford F250 truck. Ayes: Davison, Beaudet, Wright, Nays: Flockhart. Motion passed 3-1 The council discussed options for the Stormwater Project on 230th Street. Motion by Flockhart, 2nd by Davison to direct the city administrator to proceed with Alternative 2. Motion passed 4-0 Motion by Wright, 2nd by Flockhart to impose a 5% increase on inspection fees to be charged back to the developers of Ash Grove Gate Plat 1. Motion passed 4-0 City Engineer Bob Veenstra reported that the changes made with the water system are improving the quality of the city's water. Engineer Veenstra also shared a report that he received indicating favorable soil conditions within the Ash Grove Gate development. City Administrator John Cook provided information regarding the next steps for the Community Development Block Grant funding and application process. Administrator Cook also shared the budget on the CDBG grant and pictures of development area. Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Wright on Resolution 2026-44 – supporting the Downtown Revitalization Grant Application. Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion passed Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Davison to refer to Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration of the formal vacation of an alley located on the swimming pool property. Motion passed 4-0 Motion by Wright, 2nd by Flockhart on Resolution 2026-43 – designating authorized signers for bank transactions between the City and Raccoon Valley Bank. Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion passed Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Wright on Resolution 2026-45 – amending Resolution 2025-15 (which amended Resolution 2024-10) by removing the allocation of Fiscal Year 2024-2025 LOSST revenues previously allocated to Capital Improvements - East Area Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Improvements Project and reallocating those revenues to "Capital Improvements – New City Hall Remodeling Project at 1414 Walnut Street". Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion Passed Motion by Wright, 2nd by Davison on Resolution 2026-46 – amending Resolution 2025-16 by removing the allocation of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 LOSST revenues previously allocated to Capital Improvements - East Area Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Improvements Project and reallocating those revenues to "Capital Improvements – New City Hall Remodeling Project at 1414 Walnut Street". Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion Passed City Administrator Cook indicated that he is working on public awareness for electric scooters, go-carts, small motor bikes, etc. Cook will invite Sheriff Infante to attend the August meeting regarding the Sheriff's departments desire to install cameras in town. Amanda Davison reported that the council has been asked to volunteer for a fund raising event at the Roller Skating Rink on Friday, August 28. Mayor Hambleton asked the council to consider moving the monthly meetings to 6:00 pm versus 7:00 pm. Motion by Beaudet, 2nd by Davison to enter into closed session. Roll Call Vote All Ayes, Motion passed Rose from closed session at 10:20 pm. No action was taken. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 pm. Shellie Schaben, City Clerk CLAIMS ACCESS SYSTEMS LEASING $314.36 COPIER LEASE ACCESS SYSTEMS LEASING $314.36 COPIER LEASE ADVANTAGE ADMINISTRATORS $14.44 06/05/2026 CLAIMS ADVANTAGE ADMINISTRATORS $2,192.64 06/12/2026 CLAIMS ADVANTAGE ADMINISTRATORS $36.75 JULY MONTHLY SERVICES ADVANTAGE ADMINISTRATORS $1,315.96 CLAIMS FOR 07-02-2026 ADVANTAGE ADMINISTRATORS $210.34 CLAIMS - 07-10-2026 CURTIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN PC $3,750.00 CDBG - ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN WORK USA TODAY MEDIA CORP $8.51 JULY SERVICE USA TODAY MEDIA CORP $335.81 PUBLICATIONS GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP $2,500.00 INVESTOR COMMITMENT LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC. $52.03 SUPPLIES LINDE GAS & EQUIPMENT INC. $56.03 SUPPLIES PELDS DESIGN SERVICES $10,500.00 1414 WALNUT-ARCH DESIGN PHASE II PELDS DESIGN SERVICES $2,250.00 ARCH DESIGN & MEP DESIGN PHASE II PELDS DESIGN SERVICES $4,300.00 STRTR/MECH/ELEC/PLBG DESIGN UMB BANK NA $250.00 DS BOND FEES VERIZON WIRELESS $140.14 MONTHLY CHARGES EFTPS $17,312.12 TAXES TREASURER - STATE OF IOWA $782.23 TAXES FLYOVER FLIX $7,000.00 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT VIDEO NATIONWIDE RETIREMENT SOL $125.00 DEFERRED COMPENSATION ACCESS SYSTEMS $57.68 COPIER MAINTENANCE ACCO $186.40 INJECTORS FOR CHLORINE LINE AT WATER PLANT ACCO $794.10 CHLORINE/FLOURIDE FOR WATER PLANT ACCO $1,686.00 CHLORINE FOR POOL AERZEN USA CORPORATION $7,508.60 BLOWER #1 REHAB AGSOURCE COOP SERVICES $330.10 WATER/SEWER TESTS AGSOURCE COOP SERVICES $83.00 NITRATE TEST FROM WELLS AGSOURCE COOP SERVICES $1,199.40 SEWER TESTS AGSOURCE COOP SERVICES $480.45 TESTING BEELINE AND BLUE $3,302.62 BLUEPRINTS FOR CITY HALL BID LETTING BROWN, FAGEN & ROUSE $3,500.00 MONTHLY RETAINER-JULY CENTURYLINK $387.13 MONTHLY SERVICE CENTURYLINK $637.32 MONTHY SERVICES CJ COOPER & ASSOCIATES $60.00 CLEARING HOUSE ANNUAL QUERY COMPASS MINERALS AMERICA $103.40 SALT FOR WATER PLANT CORE & MAIN $310.52 WATER METER AND COUPLINGS CULLIGAN WATER SYSTEM $12.56 MONTHLY SERVICE GANNETT HOLDINGS - CENTRAL $8.51 SUBSCRIPTION RENEWAL ALLEN JAY WINTER $150.00 REMOVE ROW TREE BRANCH DAN'S OVERHEAD DOORS & MORE $653.81 GARAGE OPERNER FOR DOOR #6 DAN'S OVERHEAD DOORS & MORE $250.63 DOOR OPENER REPAIR DIGITAL STEW SERVICES $692.70 MONTHLY SERVICES DIGITAL STEW SERVICES $899.40 MSO365 BUSINESS STANDARD YEARLY DIGITAL STEW SERVICES $60.00 QUARTERLY OFFSITE BACKUP-3RD QTR 2026 ERIC ECHTERLING $2,800.00 GAZEBO WASHING & STAINING GRAINGER $33.76 BATTERIES FOR PW GRAINGER $22.44 SOAP DISPENSER GREENWOOD CONSULTING LLC $750.00 MONTHLY RETAINER-JULY 2026 GREENWOOD CONSULTING LLC $875.00 WALNUT STREET PRELIMINARY DESIGN GREENWOOD CONSULTING LLC $5,960.00 ASH GROVE GATE CONSTRUCTION OBSERVATION HOTSY CLEANING SYSTEMS $19.10 PRESSURE WASHER HANDLE INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES $475.15 BOOKS & POSTAGE IOWA CODE ENFORCEMENT LLC $600.00 JUNE 2026 RETAINER IOWA DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES $204.63 PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY FEE IOWA ONE CALL $42.30 ONE CALL SERVICE FOR MAY, 2026 IRON MOUNTAIN $119.88 MONTHLY SERVICE KAREN'S QUALITY CLEANING $675.00 MONTHLY CLEANING FEE LOGAN CONTRACTORS SUPPLY INC $81.89 CONCRETE SUPPLIES FOR STREETS LOGAN CONTRACTORS SUPPLY INC $57.84 CONCRETE TROWEL MANATTS $4,617.00 CONCRETE PATCH 1100 BLOCK OF VINE MANATTS $972.00 CONCRETE PATCH @ 12TH & WALNUT MENARDS $156.32 STAIN AND BRUSHES FOR CORN COB CARVING MENARDS $11.99 HINGE FOR GATE AT BURNETT COMPLEX MENARDS $187.02 SUPPLIES FOR PARADE MENARDS $35.34 MISC SHOP SUPPLIES MENARDS $40.24 WELL #11 REPAIR MENARDS $181.88 MISC SHOP & POOL SUPPLIES MACQUEEN EQUIPMENT, LLC $594.15 SUPPLIES METROPOLITAN COMPOUNDS, INC $462.10 SUPPLIES MIDAMERICAN ENERGY $6,692.81 JUNE 2026 MONTHLY CHARGES MINBURN COMMUNICATIONS $227.31 MONTHLY CHARGES MIDWEST BREATHING AIR LLC $844.85 EQUIPMENT HEARTLAND CO-OP $2,443.96 JUNE SERVICE DALLAS COUNTY TREASURER $19,730.66 APRIL 2026 POLICE PROTECTION DALLAS COUNTY TREASURER $19,730.66 MAY 2026 POLICE PROTECTION DALLAS COUNTY TREASURER $19,730.66 JUNE 2026 POLICE PROTECTION DALLAS COUNTY TREASURER $17,500.00 JULY 2026 POLICE PROTECTION HENTGES SPRINKLER & TREE CARE $225.00 BACKFLOW TEST HYDRANT METER MES SERVICE COMPANY, LLC MES $2,543.76 UNIFORM SERVICE COMPANY, LLC MOSS $288.00 HELMET UPGRADE MOSS BROS, INC $163.25 MOWER PARTS MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC $3,858.50 REPAIR CLAMPS FOR WM RPR @ 12TH & LINDEN DALLAS CENTER POST OFFICE $114.00 ANNUAL PO BOX RENEWAL PREFERRED PEST CONTROL $176.73 QUARTERLY SERVICES & PRODUCT REGION XII COG $1,500.00 ASSOCIATE MEMBER DUES FY27 SAM, LLC $2,640.00 GIS ANNUAL FEE SECURITY EQUIPMENT INC $157.11 ALARM MONITORING & ACCESS HOSTING STOREY KENWORTHY/MATT PARROTT $76.26 TOILET PAPER FOR POOL STOREY KENWORTHY/MATT PARROTT $49.10 PAPER TOWELS FOR CITY HALL STOREY KENWORTHY/MATT PARROTT $618.60 WATER/GATORADE FOR PW & POOL SWANK MOVIE LICENSING USA $438.00 MOVIE LICENSING ADAM TJEERDSMA $76.93 SWIMSUIT REIMBURSEMENT (TJEERDSMA) TRUGREEN AND ACTION PEST CNTRL $436.50 FERTILIZER UNPLUGGED WIRELESS $2,150.00 MOTO IMPRES 2 LI-ION USA BLUE BOOK $1,129.33 TEST SUPPLIES VEENSTRA & KIMM $3,648.00 MAY PERMIT FEES VICTOR STANLEY $8,849.00 BENCH ON 15TH STREET & 2 BENCHES AT POOL WASTE MANAGEMENT $8,306.64 COMMERCIAL GARBAGE WASTE MANAGEMENT $2,269.16 COMMERCIAL RECYCLING WASTE MANAGEMENT $18,465.58 RESIDENTIAL GARBAGE WELLS FARGO $2,352.02 JUNE 2026 CREDIT CARD CHARGES Total $244,522.46 REVENUES General Total $65,956.71 T&A(SL)-DONATIONS $177.20 RUT-REVENUE $26,536.02 LOST-REVENUE $42,555.32 CIP AMPHITHEATER-DONATIONS $5,000.00 Water Total $55,288.77 Sewer Total $45,759.41 Storm District Total $4,924.19 Total $246,197.62 July 23 2026 LIOW0557843