Public Hearing on Proposed Levy
There were no questions or comments made by the public during a Public Hearing on the proposed property tax levy. City Clerk Kerin Wright gave detailed information about the levy, which the public may want to listen to on the meeting recording. Basically, the City is proposing a levy rate of 14.60948 for the FY26 budget year, which is slightly less than the current FY25 rate of 14.614. However, with the increase in property valuations due to new residential, commercial and industrial additions, the City will see an increase of approx. $340,000 in property tax dollars. – Approved
Public Hearing on Capstone Rezoning
Item moved to April 14, due to publication error
Consent Agenda
Minutes of March 10 work session, minutes of regular March 10 meeting, payment of cash disbursements, financial reports for Feb. 2025, schedule a public hearing for April 14, schedule public hearing on capital improvements, six probationary firefighters, tax abatement (2 permits on new homes) – Approved
Old Business
Resolution setting time and place to conduct public hearing to amend zoning ordinance, moved to April 14 meeting – Approved
New Business
Councilman Luke Spence raised concerns about several of the proposed fees from the Parks and Rec Board.
First was a proposal to raise the fees of infant burials to match current costs and reviews from other cities. After some discussion, it was decided not to increase these fees from the current rate.
Second, Spence questioned the new cost of passes for the Field House indoor playground and the increased cost of private party rentals.
For the playground, Parks and Rec directors explained that charging $20 a year for an “indoor playground pass” per child will help cover the cost of cleaning supplies and staff time needed to constantly attend to the surfaces of the indoor amenity, which they want to be as clean and healthy an environment as possible. For another $10, $30 a year, a child (age 2-6) can access the playground and other parts of the Field House at any time, day or evening, when accompanied by an adult.
With the party rental, the parks board proposed $75 per hour (a change from $150 for 1.5 hours) which is in line with, and in many cases cheaper, than renting other like facilities in Central Iowa. Unlike outdoor shelter rentals, Hansen said staff is needed on site for these rentals and clean-up is needed to preserve the facility’s integrity.
Council approved these increases as part of the approval of the entire Fee Appendix to the City Code.
*See more of the fee changes on pages 48-50 of the council packet on the city website.
Purchase of office furniture for the new Waste Water Treatment Facility
Also approved: Purchase of office furniture for new Waste Water Treatment Facility
HIghlights from Reports
- City Administrator Jordan Cook shared that the new Waste Water Treatment Plant is expected to have startup of operations, a 4-6 week process, pending DNR review, on April 7.
He also noted that he and Street Superintendent Joe Mousel met with RR officials, and the City and Federal RR Association want more public input on crossings that need repairs or attention to create a higher priority for the Union Pacific. That is why the City is pushing this on our website, social media and will also have an article in Our Nevada’s May issue. When asked about improving crossings for pedestrians, Cook said he will look into what kinds of grants might be available.
- Councilman Dane Nealson thanked new mayor Ryan Condon for meeting individually with most council members prior to the meeting.
- Councilman Henry Corbin thanked the residents who live near the old hospital for a good discussion during the open house earlier in the day.
- NEDC Director Brenda Dryer also expressed appreciation to the residents who attended the open house at the old hospital. Dryer noted when it comes to housing, she was also pleased to see seven single family housing units apply for permits in the past week, and noted three homes are under construction at the Trailside Addition, along 11th Street. These “spec homes,” are supported by grants from Story County and the NEDC and will list for under $300,000.
- Fire Chief Ray Reynolds shared that he and Public Safety Director Chris Brandes attended a Story County Emergency Management conference on working through disasters earlier in the day.
- Assistant Nevada Library Director Emily Holm shared that a new Library Director has been hired and will have her first day in Nevada next week. The new director will be working in Nevada one day a week until her official full-time start date, June 1. Holm also noted that the library has a new ADA checkout desk in place, and she mentioned that Eagle Scout Trevor Nusbaum will be working on a fun project in the park beside the library in the coming weeks. Watch for more about this project from the City!
- Ryan Condon thanked everyone for bearing with him during his first official meeting and thanked the City’s department heads for visiting with him and answering all his questions.
