[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6070808,"mediaKeyId","3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264","parentId",3049610,"title","Votes at a glance: Council Bluffs passes multiple urban renewal measures, bond resolutions and ordinances; one hearing rescheduled","audioSeconds",277,"startMs",1523000,"endMs",1800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264&start=1523&end=1800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264/thumbnail_1523000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070808/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Council-Bluffs-passes-multiple-urban-renewal-measures-bond-resolutions-and-ordinances-one-hearing-rescheduled","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070808-6974ed18a1899a9a012b0e843912bca5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199805&Signature=APBph6mWnFzNwstcymm3vmTEZoAJO78OzPDEKceWk2pYpp1JSOtNTdyKCZHJJGR3rGvGxTWcbZAolBA9Y1PQZyF3Hd4fH1e~k1FpjX5NaXn7uBlLVORjCPSerFaPOv3nq4qh9sCVFYZKwoUFQUvjU7jLHiSJHLjAgXLudrhgCpyQzPzTq2E82GB15nzpJVdeTqmSuiQRB1ZPc13B~bbKJg6tVnk1mB7ZMk5WaiPmnIwCxQy~kjEHo8p8HLsj5~XQYJcaBSrq00GjE~vAOBEnYKDF-4~Gx2cHxkhBCTSxelKWeIrWfQN5EcBE44M-pgiKiFZ9wRNJjJMNoECYfLRZew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Council Bluffs, Iowa ","date","2025-03-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Council Bluffs City Council voted on multiple measures at the meeting. Most actions were adopted by voice vote without roll-call tallies shown in the transcript. Below are the measures, outcomes and key details as recorded in the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25-70: Final plat approval of Benson's Second Edition Replat 1 (location: 2901 West Broadway). Outcome: Approved (motion and second; no written protests).

- Resolutions 25-71, 25-72, 25-74, 25-75, 25-76: Proceedings to take additional action for issuance of general obligation bonds (not-to-exceed amounts: $3,750,000; $910,000; $850,000; $875,000; $910,000 respectively). Outcomes: Each resolution was approved separately by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-73: Proceedings for issuance not to exceed $930,000 (GCP 3). Public-notice was not on file; council scheduled a new public hearing for April 9 at 9 a.m. and took no action on the resolution at this meeting.

- Resolution 25-77: Adopted Power Drive Housing Urban Renewal Plan and designated the area as appropriate for urban renewal projects. Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-78: Adopted Kingsville Urban Renewal Plan. Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-79: Amendment to the Old Airport Urban Renewal Plan (adoption of amendment). Outcome: Approved by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-80: Final plat approval for The Hills of Cedar Creek Phase 1, Replat 6 (residential 1-lot). Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution 25-81: Approval of plan/specifications and form of contract for a multi-family phase of East Manawa Subdivision. Outcome: Approved.

- Ordinance 66-43: Property-tax special fund provisions for Power Drive Housing Urban Renewal Area. Outcome: Adopted (motion to approve; voice vote).

- Ordinance 66-44: Property-tax special fund provisions for Kanesville Urban Renewal Area. Outcome: Adopted.

- Ordinance 66-32: New chapter on massage therapy licensing in Title 3. Outcome: Adopted; council then moved to waive third reading and passed the waiver.

- Ordinance 66-33: Amendments to housing definitions and penalties. Outcome: Adopted; third reading waived.

- Ordinances 66-34, 60-6305, 60-6307, 307, 308, 309 and 40 (building and construction/title 13 amendments removing insurance requirements). Outcome: Adopted; third reading waivers approved.

- Ordinance 66-41: Amendments to electrical trade licensing in Title 13. Outcome: Adopted; third reading waived.

- Resolution 25-82: Authorization for mayor to execute settlement agreements (acknowledgment and settlement) with Casey’s and Jerusalem Petroleum doing business as Speedy Gas for alleged violations of Iowa Code section 453A.02. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution 25-83: Declaration of official intent under Treasury Regulations 1.150-2 to issue debt and reimburse the city for certain original expenditures. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution 25-84: Authorization to issue $7,855,000 bond series 2025, living tax for payment thereof — continued to April 9, 2025 at 9 a.m. upon motion of the council.

- Resolution 25-85: Authorized the City Legal Department to proceed as proposed in executive session held March 10, 2025. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution 25-86: Accepted bid of Engineering Controls Inc. in the amount of $184,650 for Council Bluffs Public Library automation upgrade. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution 25-87: Amendment to a commercial development plan relative to signage for Lots 2 and 19, Lake Manawa Center Subdivision. Outcome: Approved.

- Resolution 25-88: Agreement for consent to subdivide and petition for voluntary annexation (southwest quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 15 in Garner Township). Outcome: Approved; council clarified they would annex the whole property to avoid islands.

- Resolution 25-89: Tentative agreement approved between the City of Council Bluffs and the Council Bluffs Association of Professional Firefighters Local 15 for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2028. Outcome: Approved; councilmembers thanked negotiators.

How votes were recorded

Most motions were conducted by voice vote with the mayor asking “All those in favor signify by saying aye.” The transcript records “aye” responses but does not provide individual councilmember roll-call tallies in the public record excerpt provided.

Notices and schedule changes

Resolution 25-73 and Resolution 25-84 were not acted on at the meeting and were scheduled for additional notice and a rescheduled public hearing on April 9, 2025 at 9 a.m. where required.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Council Bluffs, Iowa Executive Sessions March 24, 2025 ","oneSentenceSummary","At its meeting the Council Bluffs City Council approved multiple resolutions and ordinances covering urban renewal plans, general obligation bond proceedings, plats, and routine code updates. One bond resolution public-notice error led the council to schedule a new hearing for April 9.","taxTitle","Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, Iowa","taxId",25021,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070813,"Residents report repeated sewer backups; council told city will supply records for pending claims",425,4920000,5345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264&start=4920&end=5345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264/thumbnail_4920000.jpg","/articles/6070813/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Residents-report-repeated-sewer-backups-council-told-city-will-supply-records-for-pending-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070813-777b03ac7bdab89013d22152f161671d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199805&Signature=d-PqCKJr4h-Orw3gwaSIVs9Zxkw3fr3BhsCn~T3DLvf1646OADeMKYnnKXI3lzz3ioLQJn7lykKrEA8SuhQkEbYocYGXlt0kwyyiKC7NZ4exCs9ikAq0MEhkHD6OPddogyFBi3HOsd27zYjXb~eYhj7a~AxcQzqr4ZSQj5WnzZH1E5~knz8xO~vPahe87yYqdptriZNstM2vdtnBLEFxUrUKiCGr7N6j4yoQ~juaDjrmsz1w4LoDKFllE0utjoAy6cyXZMm4V9bZgJi3yXzcGcKV~8ZFHKc-Aa56scSNVH3TnTx--qsic6nYUTivK8kxLWJRdzApMIUvQ-VKeKQRbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents told the Council Bluffs City Council they have experienced repeated sanitary-sewer backups and basement flooding in a low-lying neighborhood near North 30th Street.

Bailey Smith, a first-time homeowner, said a sewer backup on March 10 required a $15,000 sewer-line replacement and a $3,925 mitigation expense after she declined to file a homeowner claim she feared would raise her insurance rates. She said the city’s jet crew found the public sewer “so backed up” that only a few inches of pipe were visible.

“Why was the city sewer not maintained to the point where it clogged our entire neighborhood?” Smith asked, adding she had requested maintenance records and was told there is a $205.74 fee to obtain them.

Ben Osman, who lives on North 30th Street, said the street has flooded repeatedly since 2011 and that city crews have jetted the line periodically. City staff said public works has serviced the low area more often than typical zones and that the department has compiled maintenance activity and is prepared to provide records; the department estimated the staff-time cost to assemble records at roughly $200.

Councilmembers expressed sympathy and urged claimants to work with the city’s legal department and public-works staff. The mayor stated that case law limits municipal liability unless the city is aware of a dangerous condition and negligent in its response; city staff said they had logged multiple service contacts and jetting in the area but that the specific backup that damaged Smith’s home had not been previously documented to the city as an ongoing system failure.

Smith said she had opened a claim with the city and remained in contact with city staff about next steps; councilmembers did not vote on policy changes at the meeting.","Two residents described recurring sewer and basement flooding on North 30th Street and nearby blocks; city staff said public works has increased maintenance in the low-lying area and will provide records to residents, subject to a retrieval fee.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070818,"Residents and council spar over Dodge Park golf course and proposed streetcar; mayor seeks studies and proposals",604,3386000,3990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264&start=3386&end=3990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264/thumbnail_3386000.jpg","/articles/6070818/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Residents-and-council-spar-over-Dodge-Park-golf-course-and-proposed-streetcar-mayor-seeks-studies-and-proposals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070818-6734f38086e085167a68cbc6c97c175e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199805&Signature=h1Gq1ggdABHrgWK2iXtkszSollNuD0OVKd8M4wQJWGzrNgoN3AHN4rZyK3YQUnmkNDPpAL0P4pJtZPaWayIjtPV6SeVHiywu~nfu4InPfpreZa9VE9NoZn~M2ANIWML2n1EIEaz65ggfzdozti1WQ7CgvPILshVT9-PgXZwD521dN8njkc3d6R-Djr5-Cg3JbNoPjbtD2zfHEKULPY~GHW4H1Nz2EF3bfgfWSeLaJkNvPpbi4uqYlCkjpj3rodY7uqUjQRPHO88GGuccWZZWqWneQU~CRa4WZTHqwnyAdQQNICwLYL3gnL2YgVo9GJLMcLv4WzRZ2-7H-ykZchiUNA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A series of public comments at the Council Bluffs City Council meeting focused on two interrelated subjects: proposals for a streetcar/street-rail to link Council Bluffs and Omaha, and Mayor Walsh’s suggestion that Dodge Park golf course be studied or considered for redevelopment.

Multiple speakers urged councilmembers to preserve Dodge Park and to allow a public vote if taxpayer dollars would be used. “If you elect me, which is in November, you can vote for me or against me,” Mayor Walsh said in response to public requests for a referendum; he also said bond-funded spending would be subject to reverse referendum rules. Several residents said the golf course is well used and generates income; others argued the site is a high-value development opportunity that could expand the city’s tax base.

Mayor Walsh and several councilmembers emphasized the proposals are at study or evaluation stages and that the city has asked Iowa West Foundation to fund feasibility studies so taxpayers are not immediately asked to pay. Walsh described federal and other funding possibilities for a streetcar and characterized streetcars as “an economic development play” that can increase multifamily housing and commercial activity along a corridor.

Speakers expressed a mix of concerns: potential higher taxes, loss of a public recreational facility, traffic and drainage impacts, and the process used to inform the public. Councilmembers said they have asked for more information and will hold further public hearings. No council action to sell or repurpose Dodge Park or to build a streetcar was taken at the meeting; the mayor asked the council to consider declaring property surplus (a first step toward soliciting proposals) so the city can gather options for public review.

Public commenters also raised related infrastructure and development concerns, including the effect of multifamily housing on schools, perceived flooding in certain neighborhoods, and the need for transparent public engagement on major redevelopment decisions.","Public commenters and councilmembers debated Mayor Walsh’s proposals for a possible streetcar and future plans for Dodge Park golf course. The mayor said studies and proposals — some funded by Iowa West Foundation — are underway and emphasized the city is not ready to make decisions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070821,"Council Bluffs staff outline annexation plan tied to large rail-served industrial prospect; Mills County objects",195,585000,780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264&start=585&end=780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264/thumbnail_585000.jpg","/articles/6070821/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Council-Bluffs-staff-outline-annexation-plan-tied-to-large-rail-served-industrial-prospect-Mills-County-objects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070821-514809716730ac0a227a2853c8253217/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199805&Signature=WR7GypO3dn2XdV09AIhp1BDzCNmEOFCS-lWv5Ri~r~DTH8I5qQNepVIQSrDfg4LtCHaarRQ2J6y1vkiwBl7YLr9-ey7nB2Xn279dHGDmjt1WWhbtQQ2vhOKT6Om9zHSpU~QD6FXeDIKdfLn3lVrx-YJ3gDWLWmWZyEysYdWAIbxWTwJc-M3VVRV93fNO5bUOq56MlCbzmOp4n9gDJVp9VNkzIoleQXZrN-Tvb~Mmgzm7Ll7ty0V8nA8QhfadaTDtgXltzRVESfmU-fdo-YkelnDNCif3LKCCECahao-zWOIx79KS8HPFqMnfKMGZvelAieHWR7N~qB63FAR75Bpf8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff briefed the Council Bluffs City Council on a proposed annexation of roughly 470 acres that would bring several rail-served sites inside the city, including approximately 37 acres of involuntary annexation.

Courtney, a city planner, told councilmembers the annexation is driven by interest from at least two companies in Mills County that need city services and rail access. “It is probably the second largest opportunity economic development wise for the city of Council Bluffs history,” Courtney said, adding the larger prospect “proposes to have a $45,000,000, salary, hiring 325 people.”

Courtney said the state of Iowa has offered up to $20 million in potential incentives for the project and that the chosen site is rail-served by a BNSF line. City staff said they intentionally limited the involuntary annexation to about 37 acres so property owners would not be split by the municipal boundary.

Staff and councilmembers discussed infrastructure needs if the annexation proceeds, including roadwork, sewer and water extensions and an anticipated application for a RISE grant (80/20 state-local split) to construct a connector road to the development area. Councilmembers and staff said road-maintenance obligations were a major point of discussion with county partners.

Courtney said Pottawatomie County provided a resolution of support for the annexation while Mills County provided a resolution of non-support. City staff said both county engineers have been engaged in plan review conversations and that the development board at the state of Iowa will review the petition at an April 7 meeting.

Councilmembers asked staff for maps of the parcels, and Courtney said maps appear in the Power Drive housing materials and related packet documents. No final development agreement or incentive acceptance had been executed by the city at the meeting; Courtney said the prospective company was still doing due diligence and had not accepted the city’s incentive offer.

City officials emphasized that if projects locate inside city limits, the city can require development to meet city standards and exercise zoning and permitting control; if projects remain in the county, the city would have less regulatory input. The council did not vote on annexation at the meeting; staff said public hearings and state review are scheduled as next steps.","City staff described a 470-acre annexation proposal that would involuntarily add about 37 acres and aims to secure rail-served sites for a prospective employer promising hundreds of jobs and large payroll; Mills County has submitted a resolution of non-support while Pottawatomie County provided support.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6070825,"Iowa West Foundation awards $3.9 million in Cycle 1 grants, earmarks $2 million for housing",22,176000,198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264&start=176&end=198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049610-ce76bce40d0dfcbc7596dd5a50bb9264/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6070825/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Iowa-West-Foundation-awards-39-million-in-Cycle-1-grants-earmarks-2-million-for-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070825-439db0c923a37493575c6f7484b16b27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771199805&Signature=Epp-MihrV66yVPWqk-QRQcflk2aBvcYbpRtO8Fz9O7q9rIB-aEuTK~bhj6ozkMoHVhkBaq3OGAIsbrvKjiVRC7oxzKBTKr3JF62u9uPS5frloRN4KHLZFnD5Ftq0bm-rn47mruy3EhTG9DA7YG8zBvPU1zQP8z~MN3-ayQpxHYqG8SZ3ycWfgTCX6nGjW4ppM3vce4-82WTnZRa4YMMZ8eBN8iA9Ch8QDWeXSesvNKknRQgcMk5iVPajLlYqGs73lFcheyljkN7QEFueSHIERZLwh8Ra8fiFUCTD88Oj32qsuIQ6ePfv2IfeaVCILCidLMoWandeSrlaJQlcSdvEGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Brenda Mainwaring of the Iowa West Foundation told the Council Bluffs City Council that the foundation awarded $3.9 million in Cycle 1 grants and initiatives, with roughly $2 million targeted toward creating and rehabbing housing units.

Mainwaring said the awards include about $500,000 for arts and sports entertainment events intended to attract tourism, a $1 million award to Habitat for Humanity to acquire distressed or blighted properties, and $500,000 in two-year funding to Together Inc. for the Nourish CB Choice Pantry at the Lincoln Campus.

“For the first time in a very long time we’ve given a grant to the Pottawatomie County Historical Society,” Mainwaring said, adding the funds will help the society increase visitor hours at historic sites.

Mainwaring also flagged two $1.5 million awards in this cycle intended to prevent loss of existing housing, improve housing quality and catalyze new construction; and a $500,000 award to Front Porch Investment, an Omaha-based organization that provides loans to local builders.

The foundation said it partnered with Iowa Legal Aid to provide tenant representation when nonprofit acquisitions of blighted properties could displace renters, and it continues funding for an eviction diversion help desk serving courthouse clients.

Mainwaring noted additional awards include support for a first-responder community health coach through the Council Bluffs Police and Fire Department (funded via the Jenny Edmonson Memorial Hospital Foundation) and an added grant to the Omaha Sports Commission to coordinate regional sporting events that could bring visitors to Council Bluffs.

The foundation supplied councilmembers with a press release on the awards; Mainwaring invited questions but no council action was required at the meeting.","Brenda Mainwaring of the Iowa West Foundation told the Council Bluffs City Council the Cycle 1 awards total $3.9 million, including $2 million for housing, grants to historical and sports organizations, and support for eviction diversion and food pantry operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Council Bluffs passes multiple urban renewal measures, bond resolutions and ordinances; one hearing rescheduled

Residents report repeated sewer backups; council told city will supply records for pending claims

Residents and council spar over Dodge Park golf course and proposed streetcar; mayor seeks studies and proposals

Council Bluffs staff outline annexation plan tied to large rail-served industrial prospect; Mills County objects

Iowa West Foundation awards $3.9 million in Cycle 1 grants, earmarks $2 million for housing