Johnston City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 20, 2025

Johnston City Council Regular Meeting Monday, October 20, 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. 25-20 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 Children in the audience led the meeting in the Pledge. E. Agenda Approval Motion by Tom Cope, second by Rhonda Martin 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. Proclamation for Diwali Week 2025 Following an introduction on Diwali, Council Member Reddy read the proclamation for 2025. Council members interacted with community members who were in attendance. C. Public Comment No public comments were received. 4. Public Hearings A. Conduct a Public Hearing on the Proposal to Enter Into a Development Agreement with Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and Consider Resolution No. 25-252 - Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Development Agreement by and between the City of Johnston and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. The Public Hearing opened at 7:30 p.m. Economic Development Director Josh Laraby presented the item to Council related to a proposed development agreement with Pioneer for a new commercial development at 7200 NW 70th Avenue. Laraby outlined the project, and noted that it would represent approximately $27 million in investment. He advised that construction completion would be in December 2027, and that at least 13 additional full-time jobs would be created by January 2028 which would be retained through 2034. He explained the agreement provides a TIF rebate of 100% for up to 6 years with a maximum rebate not to exceed $2.1 million. Laraby noted that the proposed development agreement does allow Corteva to assign the agreement to a new entity if needed, and that assignment would not take additional council action. No public comments were received. The Public Hearing closed at 7:36 p.m. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Bryan Burkhardt to approve Resolution No. 25-252. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt B. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Resolution No. 25-253 Determining an Area of the City to Be an Economic Development Area, and That the Rehabilitation, Conservation, Redevelopment, Development, or a Combination Thereof, of Such Area Is Necessary in the Interest of the Public Health, Safety or Welfare of the Residents of the City; Designating Such Area as Appropriate for Urban Renewal Projects; and Adopting the Windsor Fields Urban Renewal Plan The Public Hearing opened at 7:38 p.m. Economic Development Project Manager Ethan Standard introduced the item, noting that this action would create a new urban renewal plan for the undeveloped land in the Windsor Office Park area. Standard advised that there are no public improvement projects identified in this plan, and that there are no known mixed-use or housing developments proposed in this area at this time. Standard noted that the Planning and Zoning Commission and staff are recommending approval of the renewal plan. There were no public comments received. The Public Hearing closed at 7:41 p.m. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Suresh Reddy to approve Resolution No. 25-253. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt C. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Resolution No. 25-254 Approving and Authorizing Execution of a Development Agreement By and Between the City of Johnston and OTP, LLC The Public Hearing opened at 7:42 p.m. Economic Development Project Manager Ethan Standard introduced the item, noting that the requested action was to approve entering into a development agreement with OTP LLC for a new commercial development at 8700 Thomas Avenue, in the Windsor Office Park. Standard reviewed the proposed building, noting a completion deadline of December 1, 2026. Standard explained that the agreement provides for a 50% TIF rebate for 5 years, with a maximum amount of $200,000. Standard explained the Fair Play Agreement with the City of Des Moines. No public comments were received. The Public Hearing closed at 7:45 p.m. Motion by Rhonda Martin, second by James Evans to approve Resolution No. 25-254. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt D. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider Approval of the First Reading of Ordinance 1146 Amending Sections 165.01, 165.02, 176.14, 177.01 and Table 168.2 of the Johnston Code of Ordinances. The Public Hearing opened at 7:45 p.m. Planner Jakob Sheraden introduced the item, noting that Senate File 592 had been signed by Governor Reynolds, which adopts new standards for city and county regulations of accessory dwelling units. Sheraden outlined those regulations. Sheraden answered questions from Council Member Martin related to lot size and setbacks. No public comments were received. The Public Hearing closed at 7:49 p.m. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Bryan Burkhardt to approve First Consideration of Ordinance 1146. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt E. Conduct a Public Hearing and Consider First Consideration of Ordinance 1144 an Ordinance Establishing the Highway 141 / NW Saylorville Drive Area Sanitary Sewer Connection District The Public Hearing opened at 7:50 p.m. Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding introduced the item, noting that the Council has discussed this a number of times over the past few months. Wilwerding explained the purpose of the connection district as well as the proposed dual model of establishing a connection fee district, and then also establishing a separate rate structure for the impacted area. He advised that properties within the district would pay a $5500 per acre fee at the time they connect to the sewer. He noted that the ordinance does contain an escalator of about 2.7% for each year after 2027. Adam Bunge, owner of 11197 NW Towner Drive, addressed the council, noting his concern regarding being notified of this connection fee. He expressed concern about the connection fee cost, as he owns a 10-acre parcel, which would result in a $55,000 fee, as opposed to a property owner who builds 3 homes on a one-acre lot who's connection fee would only be $5500. He also asked for clarification on when the fee is due. Wilwerding noted that existing dwellings would only pay for one acre, but that with the platting process, the per acre fee would be imposed. Council Member Cope encouraged staff to look for unintended consequences for development in the area and to consider possible solutions in the second or third readings. The Public Hearing closed at 8:03 p.m. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Suresh Reddy to Consider First Consideration of Ordinance 1144. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt F. Conduct a Public Hearing and Approval of First Consideration of PZ Case 25-14; Text Amendment to modify Section 190 of the Johnston Zoning Code to be consistent with state legislation Effective July 1, 2025 The Public Hearing opened at 8:04 p.m. Community Development Director Rose Schroder introduced the item, noting that this text amendment is related to the Board of Adjustment, and for consistency with state legislation that was passed in the previous session. Schroder noted that the legislation created another category for a variance by adding practical difficulty for any dimensional kind of standard. Schroder also explained that State Code spells out that variances be remanded by the Council for consideration, but that City Code lists other actions the Board would take as well, so the proposal is to remove those actions and include only variances. No public comments were received. The Public Hearing closed at 8:07 p.m. Motion by Rhonda Martin, second by James Evans to approve of PZ Case 25-14. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 5. Consent Agenda A. Consider Approval of the October 6, 2025 Work Session Minutes B. Consider Approval of the October 6, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes C. Consider Approval of the October 8, 2025 Special Meeting Minutes D. File and Receive Reports in Item 6 E. Consider Resolution No. 25-243 - Accepting Change Order No. 1 for 78th Ave Trail Project Addition Storm Sewer and Pipe Apron F. Consider Pay Request No. 5 in the Amount of $120,274.94 to InRoads LLC for Work Completed on the 78th Ave Trail as of August 16, 2025. G. Consider Requisition No. REQ01001 to Iowa Signal for the Installation of 2 ptz Cameras at Public Works in the amount of $29,365.00 H. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ01002 in the Amount of $6,988.00 to Midwest Alarm Services Basic Agreement for the Installation of the Fire Alarm System and Annual Fire Alarm Monitoring and Alarm Inspections for the new PSB-Station 37. I. Consider Approval of Liquor License Applications and Renewals J. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ01007 in the Amount of $14,670.16 for the Build of a Police Department Fleet Vehicle #411 K. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ01008 in the Amount of $27,954.18 for the Build of a Police Department Fleet Vehicle #419 L. Consider Out of State Travel Request for Police Department Staff Member to Attend K9 Annual Dual Certification in Milsap, TX November 16-20, 2025 M. Consider Approval of Requisition No. REQ01017 in the Amount of $18,579.75 and Authorizing the Fire Chief to Sign a Contract with First Due Software Services and Licensing N. Consider Pay Request No. 3 in the Amount of $54,779.53 to Van Maanen Electric, Inc. for Work Completed on Orchard Meadows 1 Lift Station 2024 Improvements Project as of September 30, 2025 O. Consider Resolution No. 25-247 - Approving and Authorizing a form of Loan and Disbursement Agreement by and between the City of Johnston, Iowa and the Iowa Finance Authority, and Authorizing and Providing for the Issuance and Securing the Payment of $9,000,000 Water Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025B, of the City of Johnston, Iowa, Under the Provisions of the the Code of Iowa, and Providing for a Method of payment of Said Notes and Approving form of Tax Exemption Certificate P. Consider Approval of Resolution 25-249 - Initiating an Official Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone 0.81 Acres From R-1(100), Large Lot Residential District to C-1, Neighborhood Commercial District Q. Consider Approval of Resolution 25-248 - Approving the Final Plat for The Reserve at Jester Park Plat 3 (Outside City limits) R. Consider Resolution No. 25-251 - Approving and Authorizing a form of Loan and Disbursement Agreement by and between the City of Johnston, Iowa and the Iowa Finance Authority, and Authorizing and Providing for the Issuance and Securing the Payment of $8,000,000 Sewer Revenue Capital Loan Notes, Series 2025C, of the City of Johnston, Iowa, Under the Provisions of the Code of Iowa, and Providing for a Method of Payment of Said Notes and Approving form of Tax Exemption Certificate S. Consider Approval of Change Order # 1 with R3 Commercial Roofing of Urbandale, Iowa for the Johnston Public Library Flat Roof Replacement Project T. Consider Approval of Resolution 25-255 - Setting a Public Hearing for November 3rd, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. to Consider an Official Amendment to The Thrive 2040 Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Map For 2.672 Acres of Land Located at 4740 & 4730 Northwest 59th Avenue From High Density Residential to Industrial U. Consider Approval of Resolution 25-256 - Setting a Public Hearing for November 3rd, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. to Consider an Official Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone 1.486 Acres from R-4, High Density Mixed Residential District to M-1, Light Industrial District V. Consider Approval of Resolution 25-257 - Setting a Public Hearing for November 3rd, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. to Consider an Official Zoning Map Amendment to Rezone 1.816 Acres From R-4, High Density Mixed Residential District to M-1, Light Industrial District W. Pay Request No. 4 in the Amount of $1,646,984.11 to On Track Construction for the NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension Segment B & C as of September 30, 2025 X. Pay Request No. 2 in the Amount of $0 to S M Hentges & Sons, Inc. for the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Extension Segment B as of June 30, 2025 Y. Pay Request No. 3 in the Amount of $146,033.99 to S M Hentges & Sons, Inc. for the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Extension Segment B as of September 30, 2025 Z. Consider Pay Request No. 4 in the Amount of $170,797.03 to TK Concrete, Inc. for the Sidewalk Repair Program 2024-Zone 2 as of September 23, 2025 AA. Consider Pay Request No. 7 in the Amount of $811,990.35 to InRoads LLC for the NW 100th Street & NW 78th Avenue Improvements NW 70th Avenue to Hidden Valley Drive as of September 20, 2025 BB. Consider Resolution No. 25-258 - Approving Change Order No. 4 for the NW 100th Street & NW 78th Avenue Improvements CC. Consider Resolution No. 25-259 - A Resolution Approving Change Order No. 2 for the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Sewer Extension Segment 2A. DD. Consider Resolution No. 25-260 - A Resolution Accepting the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Sewer Extension Segment 2A EE. Consider Pay Request No. 11 in the Amount of $0 to J&K Contracting, LLC for Work Completed on the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Sewer Extension-Segment 2A as of June 30, 2025 FF. Consider Resolution No. 25-241 - Fixing Date for a Public Hearing on the Proposal to Convey an Easement Interest in Real Property to the City of Des Moines, Iowa GG. Consider Pay Request No. 12 in the Amount of $0 to J&K Contracting, LLC for Work Completed on the Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Sewer Extension-Segment 2A as of September 30, 2025 Motion by Rhonda Martin, second by James Evans to approve the Consent Agenda. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 6 Reports 1 Water/Wastewater Monthly Operations Report for September 2025 2 Street Department Monthly Operations Report 3 Johnston Police Department 3rd Quarter Statistical Report 4 September 2025 Bank Reconciliation 5 September 2025 Treasurer's Investment Report 6 September 2025 Year-to-Date Treasurer's Report 7 September 2025 Revenue and Expense Summary and Written Summarization of Current Budget Standing 8 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes - September 29, 2025 9 Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes - October 13, 2025 7 Non-Consent Agenda 1 Consider First Consideration of Ordinance 1144 An Ordinance Establishing a Separate Sewer User Charge for Users Located in the Highway 141 / NW Saylorville Drive Area Sanitary Sewer Connection Fee District Assistant City Administrator David Wilwerding noted that this ordinance was related to the connection fee district ordinance considered during Public Hearings. He reviewed the separate rate structure for properties in that district, with a $1 increase for those properties. He also noted that the per 1,000 gallon rate would be increased by 54 cents per thousand. Wilwerding further explained the various rates such as in the city limits, outside the city limits, sewer only, etc. He noted that PFM would continue to analyze these rates and make future adjustments as necessary. Motion by Suresh Reddy, second by Tom Cope to Consider First Consideration of Ordinance 1144. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 2 Consider First of Three Readings of Ordinance No. 1147 An Ordinance Providing That General Property Taxes Levied and Collected Each Year on All Property Located Within the Windsor Fields Urban Renewal Area, in City of Johnston, County of Polk, State of Iowa, By and For the Benefit of the State of Iowa, City of Johnston, County of Polk, Johnston Community School District, and Other Taxing Districts, Be Paid to a Special Fund for Payment of Principal and Interest on Loans, Monies Advanced To and Indebtedness, Including Bonds Issued or to Be Issued, Incurred By the City in Connection With the Windsor Fields Urban Renewal Area (the Windsor Fields Urban Renewal Plan) Economic Development Project Manager Ethan Standard introduced the item, noting that the item under Public Hearings created the Urban Renewal Plan, and this item enacts the TIF district itself. Motion by Tom Cope, second by Suresh Reddy to approve First Consideration of Ordinance No. 1147. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 3 Consider Resolution No. 25-250 - Establishing an Additional Private Area to be Designated for the 2025/2026 Urban Bow Deer Hunt Parks and Recreation Director Geoff Hubbard addressed the Council, noting that this action was to grant a private homeowner the ability to allow a hunter on his property. Council Member Cope remarked that this property is not as remote as some properties that have been approved. Hubbard reviewed the regulations related to the urban bow hunt. Clarification on the property location, and the fact that this property has been hunted for several years. Motion by James Evans, second by Suresh Reddy to approve Resolution No. 25-250. Final Resolution: Motion Carried Yes: Tom Cope, James Evans, Rhonda Martin, Suresh Reddy, Bryan Burkhardt 4 Consider Approval of Claims in the Amount of $4,188,376.78. Motion by Rhonda Martin, second by James Evans 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 1 Comments City Administrator Mike Pogge-Weaver reminded the Council of the upcoming strategic planning sessions. Public Works Director Matt Greiner provided an update on the NW 100th Street project. Parks and Recreation Director Geoff Hubbard noted that Johnston hosted the Park and Rec Maintenance Rodeo with about 80 participants and the Johnston staff finished 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. Pogge-Weaver also reminded everyone of the trick or treat with first responders on October 22 from 5:30 - 7 p.m., and then also reminded everyone that Beggar's Night has been replaced with regular trick or treating being held on October 31 from 6-8 p.m. 9 City Council Comments 1 Comments Council Member Cope provided an update on the Polk County Housing Trust Fund throughout several communities in Polk County, including Johnston. He provided copies of the booklet that was distributed during the tour. 10 Closing of Meeting 1 Upcoming Meeting: Monday, November 3, 2025 - 5:30 p.m. Work Session and 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting 2 Meeting Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. _________________________ Paula S. Dierenfeld, Mayor Attest: ___________________________ Cyndee Rhames, City Clerk November 7 2025 LIOW0400082