Johnston City Council Regular Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Johnston City Council Regular Council Meeting Tuesday, January 20, 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. 26-02 Mayor Dierenfeld called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 New Human Resources Director Brooke Mallory led the meeting in the Pledge. E. Agenda Approval City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver advised that item 7B was being removed from consideration at the request of the developer. Motion by Rhonda Martin, second by Suresh Reddy to Approve Agenda as noted 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. Public Comment City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver introduced the newly hired Human Resources Director, Brooke Mallory. No other public comments were received. 4. Public Hearings A. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider First Reading of Ordinance No. 1157 - Rezoning 4.36 Acres From R-1(75), Medium Lot Residential District and M-1, Light Industrial District to M-1, Light Industrial District. The Public Hearing opened at 7:04 p.m. Planner Jakob Sheraden introduced the item, outlining the proposed rezoning request, and noting that tonight's actions are for the rezoning only, and not for a proposed site plan. Sheraden explained the intent of the current zoning, and the M-1 zoning, and noted that the property meets the bulk regulations of the M-1 district. He also noted that a 60-foot buffer would be required along the west property line, and he outlined the requirements of that buffer. Sheraden explained that the Comprehensive Plan identifies the future land use for the property as industrial, with properties to the north and west as residential, and properties to the east as industrial and commercial. Sheraden advised that the Planning and Zoning Commission had considered this request at their December 8, 2025 meeting and voted not to recommend approval; which means that a super majority vote of the Council is required for approval. Sheraden answered questions from the Council regarding the property and the proposed rezoning, as well as access to and from the property. A representative of 10705 South 147th Street, LLC addressed the Council on the rezoning request, noting that they have a purchase agreement with the property owner for the 4.36 acres. She advised that they had taken the concerns expressed during the Planning and Zoning meeting and sent out informational packets to all the neighbors surrounding the property and then met the neighbors at the site to discuss their concerns. She provided additional information on property management for other properties that they own. She also provided information on the plans for buffering, trees on the site, and the general condition of the property as it sits now. Council members expressed frustration at not having more information related to plans for the site, but also noted that they understand why the developer may not want to invest in a full site plan or grading plan prior to knowing if the rezoning will be successful. Blake Bogenrief of CBRE, representing the seller of the property, addressed the Council, noting that the residence on the property has no attributable value. He also noted that there had not been any interest in developing the site as a residential property, with zero offers. There was additional discussion regarding the traffic into and out of the site, and the potential traffic patterns should the property be zoned industrial, commercial, or residential. Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding provided clarity on the Comprehensive Plan, as well as the process that occurs when a property is being considered for rezoning. He noted that the applicant is at the stage where they're considering buying the property, which is an investment on their part, but because the rezoning issue is not settled, the developer hasn't submitted a site plan, and that the site plan process would provide answers to some of the questions being asked by the Council. There was discussion on allowed uses in an M-1 district, and whether or not the property owner and developer would be amenable to some restrictions to those uses. City Attorney Kristine Stone advised that while it is not unusual to do a conditional rezoning, it is difficult to tie that to a particular property owner, as zoning ordinances run with the land, regardless of who owns the property. The following residents addressed the Council: Kristine Forret, 6715 NW 48th Court, voiced concerns regarding traffic, safety, the potential impact on the trail, and the loss of the buffer and character of the area. Elaine Waldschmitt, 6651 NW 48th Street, noted her opposition to the rezoning, citing the impact on the beauty of the area and quality of life, as well as the traffic, noise, and odors that the proposed rezoning could have on the area. Justin Reis, 4754 NW 65th Avenue, noted that he has M-1 on two sides of his property, and that he is opposed to the rezoning because of the potential noise and traffic impacts on the area, which are already an issue with the M-1 properties that abut his property. Nicole Anderson, 4754 NW 65th Avenue, advised that she agrees with what the neighbors have said, and noted that when they moved to their home, having access to the trail, and not living on a busy street. Andrew Edgington, 4755 NW 65th Avenue, voiced concern over the Venter Spooner property and the trash in the area. He advised that he is making a complaint against that property. He said that he has also been complaining about the noise from the Hiland Dairy, which hasn't been resolved. Jeff Inman, 6716 NW 48th Court, noted his opposition to the proposed rezoning, citing the bad look that this would have on one of the front doors to the city, as well as the impact to the bike trail access, and the increase in the already dangerous traffic in the area. Mike Feinberg, 6679 River Bend, queried whether or not the right question was being asked. He noted that it's one of the few entrances to the city, and once it's given away, that is lost. He also talked about the traffic and the accidents at the intersection. Andrew Testino, 4768 NW 65th Avenue, advised that he has a brother with special needs, and that the increase in traffic is concerning. He also reminded the Council that Planning & Zoning said no. Owner's representative Blake Bogenrief, addressed some of the issues raised by the residents at the neighborhood meeting, providing information on property values and traffic counts. Property owner Julia Roberts also addressed the Council, noting her frustration because her hands are tied and that she is paying taxes on a property that cannot be used. She also suggested that the family may consider a cemetery on that property. Matthew Hagerty, 6703 NW 48th Court, noted that most of his concerns had been addressed by the neighbors, but that he would like to suggest that the City purchase the property and create a welcome park. The Public Hearing closed at 8:19 p.m. At the Council's request, Attorney Stone reviewed the next steps and process for the proposed rezoning. Stone reiterated that a supermajority vote would be required for all three considerations of the rezoning ordinance, and advised that the Council could not consider the same request for one year, but a different zoning request could come in that time period. She noted that if a conditional rezoning with limited uses came back, that would not be prohibited. Discussion ensued regarding potential decisions on what to do with this request. Council Member Cope indicated that his sense would be to table the action, and take a look at potentially viable options for this complex issue. Other Council members noted that they did not feel that they had enough information or assurances at this point to make a decision. Council Member Cope suggested creating a small ad hoc committee to work with staff, the property owners, the developer, and the neighbors to figure out what potentially works on that site and to work collaboratively with all involved parties. Mayor Dierenfeld thanked those in attendance for their time and comments related to this issue. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Bryan Burkhardt to table First Consideration of Ordinance No. 1157. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt B. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Approval of Resolution 26-17 - Adopting the FY2027 Capital Improvement Budget and the FY2027 to FY2031 Capital Investment Plan of the City of Johnston The Public Hearing opened at 8:45 p.m. Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding noted that staff is requesting that this Public Hearing be continued. He advised that this request is driven by concern for the out years in the Capital Improvement Plan, particularly into 2028, 2029, and 2030 and what those impacts will be on the tax levy. He provided information on the East of Merle Hay Road project, suggesting that engineering and right-of-way acquisition for Phase 2 not be paused, just pausing construction. This would move it from 2028 to 2029 which will allow a look at the full Capital Improvement Plan to have a better sense of the design on Phase 1. He advised that this will allow PFM to rerun their models for a clearer understanding of that impact. He also noted that fiscal 2027 is set, and can move forward, it's just those later years. Council Member Cope inquired as to the possibility of finding minimal funding for the Arts Plan. Wilwerding advised that on the Consent Agenda, there is an acceptance of a grant agreement with Bravo, for public art for the water trail. He also noted that this is a matching grant. He also commented that there are several other undertakings that haven't been fully quantified yet. Motion by James Evans, second by Bryan Burkhardt to continue the Public Hearing. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 5. Consent Agenda A. Consider Approval of the January 5, 2026 Work Session Minutes B. Consider Approval of the January 5, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes C. Consider Resolution No. 26-07- Updating the Parks & Recreation Fee Schedule to Include the New fees for the Dog Park, Pickleball Courts, Memorial Tree & Benches D. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ01081 - Payment to Reliant Fire Apparatus, Inc. for Repairs to Tower 385 E. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ01127 for Emergency Repairs to Ambulance 3 with Stivers Ford Inc. F. Motion to Authorize Staff to Sign an Agreement with BRAVO Accepting the Award, Terms and Conditions of a BRAVO/ICON Public Art Grant. G. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ001132 in the Amount of $15,375.00 for Academy Tuition for Police Department Staff Members to Attend ILEA H. Consider Pay Request #1 for the Johnston Sanitary Sewer Lining Improvements - Pioneer Parkway Project in the amount of $48,392.82 to HK Solutions Group for work completed as of December 31, 2025 I. Consider Pay Request No. 9 in the Amount of $2,800.60 for Work Completed on the 78th Ave Trail as of January 3, 2026 J. Consider Resolution No. 26-09 - Approving Change Order Number 4 for the Green Meadows West (Huntingwood Court) Channel Stabilization Project K. Consider Releasing Retainage and Approval of Pay Application No. 8 with RW Excavating for the L. Consider Approval of Resolution 26-11 Accepting the Green Meadows (Huntingwood Court) Channel Stabilization Project M. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 26-10 - Approving Change Order Number 2 for The Forest Channel Stabilization Project N. Consider Releasing Retainage and Approval of Pay Application No. 4 with RW Excavating for the The Forest Channel Stabilization Project O. Consider Approval of Resolution 26-12 - Accepting the The Forest Channel Stabilization Project P. Consider Releasing Retainage to RW Excavating for the 2023 Beaver Creek Bank Stabilization Project Q. Consider Approval of Amendment # 2 to the Scope of Services Agreement with Bolton and Menk for the Country Ridge Stormwater Improvement Project R. Consider Resolution No. 26-13 - Ordering Construction of the Foxboro Trail Replacement, and Fixing a Date for Hearing Thereon and Taking of Bids Therefor S.. Consider Pay Request #6 in the Amount of $447,572.06 to Van Maanen Electric, Inc. for the Merle Hay Road Corridor Traffic Signals as of December 31, 2025 T. Consider Pay Request No.11 in the Amount of $71,525.50 to InRoads LLC for the NW 100th Street & NW 78th Avenue Improvements NW 70th Avenue to Hidden Valley Drive as of January 3, 2026 U. Consider Approval of License Agreement between ProStar Geocorp Inc. and the City of Johnston for Underground Utility Mapping Software V. Consider Pay Request No. 3 in the Amount of $41,286.21 to JC Midwest Services, LLC for the Royal Park Estates Channel Repair Phase II as of December 31, 2025 W. Consider Resolution No. 26-16 - Appointing a Member and Alternate Member to the Polk County Emergency Management Commission X. Consider Approval of Resolution No. 26-08 - Approving a Lot Tie Agreement for Lot 1 Myra Lynn Estates Plat 2 and Lot 2 Lyra Lynn Estates Plat 2 Y. Consider Pay Request No. 7 in the Amount of $350,477.97 to On Track Construction for the NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension Segment B & C as of December 31, 2025 Z. Consider Pay Request No. 1 in the Amount of $146,610.65 to Vanderpool Construction for the Beaver Creek Water Main Emergency Repair as of December 31, 2025 AA. Consider Resolution No. 26-14 - Rescheduling the February 2, 2026 City Council Meeting to February 3rd, 2026 BB. Consider Resolution No. 26-18 - Approving Change Order No. 1 for the Royal Park Estates Channel Repair-Phase 2 CC. Consider Approving Staff to Submit a BRAVO Local Arts & Culture Program Grant Application, Applying for $10,000.00 for the 2026 Movies On The Yard Series DD. Consider Resolution No. 26-19- Accepting the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Sewer Extension Segment B Tree Clearing EE. Consider Resolution No. 26-20- Accepting the Substantial Completion of the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Sewer Extension Segment C FF. Consider Agreement with BarkPass for the Annual Pet Licensing and Dog Park Registration Software GG. Consider Approval of Liquor License Applications and Renewals HH. Receive and File Reports in Item 6 6. Reports A. Building Department December 2025 Monthly Reports B. Park Board Minutes C. Tree Board Minutes D. Senior Advisory Board Minutes E. Water/Wastewater Monthly Operations Reports for December 2025 F. Street Department Monthly Operations Report G. Library Board Minutes December 18, 2025 H. December 2025 Bank Reconciliation I. December 2025 Treasurer's Investment Report J. December 2025 Year-to-Date Treasurer's Report K. December 2025 Revenue and Expense Summary and Written Summarization of Current Budget Standing 7. Non-Consent Agenda A. Consider First Consideration of Ordinance No. 1156 - Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Johnston, Iowa, 2007, by Amending Section 106.12 for the Purpose of Adopting Solid Waste Collection Fees to Become Effective on July 1, 2026 City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver provided an update on the Metro Waste Authority fees, which the City passes through without markup, to residents with just a $1 per month, per account fee as part of the billing services that we provide. Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to approve First Consideration of Ordinance No. 1156. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt B. REMOVED FROM CONSIDERATION C. Receive and File the 2025-2026 Strategic Plan City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver provided an update on the Strategic Planning process and the initiatives that were established during those sessions. He noted that the action agenda and the overall strategic plan for 2025-2026 were included in the packet materials, along with an implementation tracker. He indicated that quarterly updates would be provided to the Council on the progress being made on the goal areas defined in the plan. Motion by Tom Cope, second by James Evans to Receive and File the 2025-2026 – Strategic Plan. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy D. Consider Approval of Claims in the Amount of $2,224,697.07. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Suresh Reddy to Approve Claims in the Amount of $2,224,697.07. 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 reviewed the schedule for the upcoming budget work sessions. 9. City Council Comments A. Comments Council Member Evans asked about updates on the Bombers and Ignit projects. City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver noted that Bombers was in their due diligence phase, and there had been no updates from Ignit. Council Member Reddy asked for clarification on the date for the first meeting February. Pogge-Weaver noted that meeting would be on February 3. Council Member Cope asked about next steps in the Ignit process, which were provided by Pogge-Weaver. Council Member Burkhardt put in a plug for the Showzam! show choir event being held at Johnston High School on the weekend. 10. Closing of Meeting A. Upcoming Meeting: TUESDAY, February 3, 2026 - 6:00 p.m. Work Session and 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting B. Meeting Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m. _________________________ Paula S. Dierenfeld, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Cyndee Rhames, City Clerk February 2 2026 LIOW0449139