Belle Plaine, Iowa

March 4, 2026

The Belle Plaine City Council met on March 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Garrett Landuyt presiding. Present were Councilpersons Judy Schlesselman, Tim Werth, Mitch Malcolm, and Jacki McDermott. Also present was City Clerk Sandy Walton and Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton. Councilperson Charmaine Wickwire was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McDermott to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of February 18th, receiving & filing of the minutes from the December 16th meeting of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board of Trustees, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Public Audience: None

Emma Peebles from Belle Plaine Community Development was in attendance and gave the council a quarterly update on events, plans, investments, and spending.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Werth to approve Resolution #26-02-05; a resolution ordering bids, approving plans, specifications, form of contract and notice to bidders, fixing amount of bid security and ordering clerk to publish notice for a public hearing on plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of costs for the construction of the t-hangar and taxilanes extension improvements project at the Belle Plaine Municipal Airport in Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Kerry Dixon and Tim Chan from Fehr Graham led a discussion of the Revised PER. We will schedule a CIP work session on March 26 at 6:30pm to discuss and prioritize the many projects as well as start work on a 5 to 10-year plan.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve pay application #3 to Lodge Construction, Inc. for the North Wetland Project in the amount of $249,065.93. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Werth for approval of Change Order #1 for the water main and casing at the North Wetland Project. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

With the permanent closing of Family Dollar, no action was taken on the renewal of a Class B Retail Alcohol License at 509 13^th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Werth to approve the renewal of a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License (BW) with Sunday Sales for Udder’s Burgers & More, 805 12^th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the renewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License (LE) with Sunday Sales for Zip Mart, 702 13^th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve Resolution #26-02-06; a resolution to sign a contract for audit services for years ending June 30, 2026, 2027, and 2028 with Atlas CPA’s and Advisors.

A short discussion was held regarding updates to the City Administrator’s Job Description. Any suggestions should be forwarded to the mayor and city clerk. All will be presented to the consulting firm for their input.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Schlesselman, to select Midwest Municipal Consulting from Ankeny as our consulting firm for services related to the selection of a new city administrator. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Public Works Supervisor, Jay Hamilton, commented on the projects that he would prioritize. He will attend the workshop to continue this discussion.

The City Clerk gave a report on the status of all on-going projects being covered out of the city administrator’s office.

Mayor Landuyt will follow up with Mr. Holzwarth to get the fuel agreement signed and returned.

Correspondence: A letter from the Iowa DOT regarding HMA resurfacing on IA21 on the west end of town was shared with the council.

Old Business: An update on several nuisance properties was discussed. Instructions for the properties at 1003 ½ 7^th Avenue (seek 657A), 909 3^rd Avenue (take nuisance action with new owner), 111 11^th Street (seek administrative search warrant), and 1612 9^th Avenue (wait 60 days as sale is pending) will be given to our attorney and police chief.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Werth to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Garrett Landuyt, Mayor

Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.