[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6070797,"mediaKeyId","3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f","parentId",3049645,"title","Council actions at a glance: rezoning, RFPs, urban renewal tax ordinances, projects and permits","audioSeconds",3086,"startMs",1286000,"endMs",4372000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f&start=1286&end=4372","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f/thumbnail_1286000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6070797/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Council-actions-at-a-glance-rezoning-RFPs-urban-renewal-tax-ordinances-projects-and-permits","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070797-77c9e7c1e243e8d5f236a76e4f1ffaaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442732&Signature=aFx7SDXNgPid8748wk1FTrJeKl4~lRnCVb1Ldra2KS47P40XyOz3CRsSmK56J-XE6qp~jul~HhdVXD2VEmKRvoLXamJJjOI7fjkN69wb4kCshd9k4FfbMFsfKpnfD8O1i8eqZEIW-NWQ8MHBLKN1DWNp7bNpJl2X2dXvlMA0dlhUE6lr8hCukI-LJCYjxfvcRdxqY21sn4U4RfUSSpsRglwJBsYO3V18mM6wLkc3vbD~ME8n1nb3xC1HN0Ki57AwNgkrW8~w46CmNkFEF3WPVH7ewmYhEqxEAt2mvC~xBlB8JDrnjGR-AeK-TYnvJPQWLMaNBZE0LyPSqmgFSDwenQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Council Bluffs, Iowa ","date","2025-04-07T00:00:00Z","article","The City Council of Council Bluffs on April 7 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions. Key outcomes recorded in the meeting packet and confirmed during the meeting are listed below.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 66-42 (rezoning public hearing; 2608 South 204th Street, Satt Brothers Truck Center): Council set the public hearing for April 7 and approved the rezoning motions and a motion to waive third reading. Motion passed by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-95 and 25-96: Approved issuance of a request for proposals for approximately 2.22 acres at the southeast corner of Mohawk Street and Comanche Street and approved minimum development requirements, competitive criteria and procedures for disposition within the East Manawa Drive housing urban renewal area; set public hearing for May 19, 2025. Motion passed by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-98: Vacated and disposed of Lindbergh Drive right-of-way adjacent to listed Oak Grove addition parcels (location immediately south of 724 Hazel Street). Motion passed by voice vote.

- Resolution 25-99: Approved the fiscal year 2025–26 budget (covered separately in a full article). Motion and public hearing recorded; motion passed.

- Voluntary annexation resolution (annexation with owners in opposition): Motion to approve (see separate article for full discussion and context); motion carried.

- Ordinance 66-44 and Ordinance 66-43: Adopted amendments providing that property taxes on property within the Kanesville Urban Renewal Area and the Power Drive Housing Urban Renewal Area, respectively, be paid into special funds for payment of principal and interest on indebtedness issued for those urban renewal areas. Motions passed by voice vote; council later moved to waive third reading where noted.

- Resolution accepting bid of Compass Utility LLC for West Graham reconstruction: Motion to accept award; staff noted the bid came in under engineer’s estimate. Motion passed by voice vote.

- Resolution authorizing execution of a contract for the former Reliance Battery Factory contaminated soil removal project: Resolution approved; staff said the project is covered by an EPA grant and bids came in under the grant amount.

- Temporary street vacations associated with special events on West Broadway (Bikes on the Hunter Block and Cheers for Council of Love Schools): Resolutions passed to temporarily vacate portions of West Broadway for the named events.

- Resolution correcting the legal description for the Kanesville Urban Renewal Area: Motion passed.

- Applications for permits and cancellations (agenda items 9A 1–5 and 9C): Approved by motion.

- Applications for permits and cancellations (agenda item 9B): Approved by roll call; recorded votes: Chris Peterson — Aye; Roger Sandow — Aye; Jill Shudev — Aye; Joe DisAlbo — Abstain; Steve Corman — Aye.

Several motions were adopted by voice vote with no detailed roll-call tallies shown in the transcript; the clerk recorded approvals where required. The council packet and the minutes list the ordinances and resolutions by number and legal descriptions; if additional legal citations or ordinance text are needed, the council packet should be consulted.

No ordinance or resolution in this slate was recorded as failed or tabled in the meeting transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Council Bluffs, Iowa Regular Meeting April 7, 2025,","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council of Council Bluffs approved a series of ordinances and resolutions on April 7, 2025, including rezoning, requests for proposals for Mohawk Grove development parcels, urban renewal tax ordinances, project contract acceptances and temporary street vacations for events.","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},6070802,"Wheelchair user asks council to fill short sidewalk gap on College Road",351,3000,354000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f&start=3&end=354","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f/thumbnail_3000.jpg","/articles/6070802/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Wheelchair-user-asks-council-to-fill-short-sidewalk-gap-on-College-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070802-3c8d2cbb255acdb04d3478a8fb1d1d83/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442732&Signature=TeRX5J632~MBFJ7X-9~tReueJYgiEGwWpexzbcQ1F37hU~7XykvLaCb7tIqWaStTgdYbMrdvZjNkDI0xGv8n9cKHBT-4i8rggzm-vZIq4PMU4l38cxm9Fkn6v8h~ldmydw-x2QOd9GRNG6veXHlHa6uK9bOEYxZlCeAbS20EAe5wDK9svsQbMNpudPOkpeVoFhpc4gev6iF9cXIUUMkt6A6LiQ4hweU8P5YVrfaY3332RU9WbrnZf~L6EYO0FL8oQAVJXmlCStoVBMVS6G8wE9-DeZGn7lnveKGJASHFJtAcm8jnm5E0UUYR-FW8ClkmW5JbN05rMNyq9uJReZJuzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tom McLaughlin, a Council Bluffs resident, told council members at the study session that a missing sidewalk segment on College Road forces him to use the street in a portion of his route to Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and other nearby sites.

\"I live at 1689 College Road...there's a sidewalk that runs from 1689 all the way down the hill until we get to the yard of Joe Gibbler,\" McLaughlin said. He described a gap of roughly one city block where sidewalk is absent in front of a private property at about 1621 Patrick Circle and said the absence forces him into the roadway. McLaughlin said he was told the Emmanuel project had offered to put in a sidewalk during construction but that the adjacent property owner had declined.

McLaughlin said the gap also affects other residents who walk or run in the area; he said Iowa Western cross-country runners and other pedestrians use both sides of the street and encounter the missing section. He said a flag on the back of his wheelchair proved distracting to parishioners when he attended services and that accessibility for late-evening events is a concern.

A council member said they would speak with the property owner, and staff said they would follow up. Jody (staff) was asked for contact information and the council member said, \"I'll see what I can find out.\" No formal council action was taken at the meeting; the item was recorded as a citizen concern with staff follow-up expected.

The transcript indicates the sidewalk gap is roughly one city block between 1689 College Road and the corner where the sidewalk resumes toward Saint Patrick’s; McLaughlin suggested the property owner cited snow-removal concerns as the reason for declining a sidewalk.

The council did not commit a funding source at the meeting; staff and a council member said they would follow up with the property owner and return to council with information.","Tom McLaughlin, a Council Bluffs resident who uses a wheelchair and relies on Saturday transit, asked the council to help get a short missing sidewalk segment near 1689 College Road completed after an adjacent property owner declined to allow a sidewalk.",{"_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},6070806,"Council Bluffs holds budget hearing; officials explain property tax math and CIP priorities",1286,1575000,2861000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f&start=1575&end=2861","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f/thumbnail_1575000.jpg","/articles/6070806/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Council-Bluffs-holds-budget-hearing-officials-explain-property-tax-math-and-CIP-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070806-26eccaa5b658854281fd4d04d39be288/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442732&Signature=ZRkfYEybj37U~YWJJ9YtpVSsi2RLxqD3N-AYSia2nuJOFC3ZNeqXbG-bJv43M5oTeOQw9qoX32HcLe9tVN8hOK4WtCwda2tPwBiAPe82lNP-LE51dES-8-8L9olxtrRLtyX-UiA8exzWzsN3mSWgraFMjQHqo3iNkdWtm5~b-dfYOmrQpUVOkr-MOhBFxp2ljo3FKCsVjPxFWdfkLKF293QcR3kTs-iJyFur6Cec6nabcBanD1FCddfONCa0au3l63IIfb4Rq4w6TA~QXTjOk80GXoJg~OCKM3R205qSzsGYelR2asSnpyStRa1dIVrsybg986wVubMiZr7qxng9tg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council of Council Bluffs held a public hearing April 7 and approved the city budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, after public comment and responses from city officials about property taxes and capital improvement priorities.

Mayor Matt Walsh and city staff explained how Iowa’s property tax process and the state 'rollback' factor affect residents’ bills and walked through why most homeowners can expect a small increase in city taxes for the coming year. Walsh said the city’s portion of the levy was lowered by 16¢, but overall tax collections rose because of new valuation and growth on the tax rolls; he told listeners many homeowners likely will see “about a 1.42%” increase depending on individual valuations.

Residents at the hearing asked detailed questions about capital projects included in the city’s capital improvement program (CIP). A resident, Sam Rowan, pressed the council about a line item listed as “First Ave interconnections” carrying $500,000 for acquisitions, demolition and trail infrastructure studies along First Avenue. Courtney (community development director) said the First Avenue item continues a multi-year redevelopment effort and that the funds are intended to finish incomplete blocks, acquire properties and consolidate parcels for later redevelopment; she said the funding is planned as bond dollars carried in the CIP.

Another CIP item discussed was a $3,500,000 River’s Edge Gateway enhancement for decorative lighting, landscaping, hardscaping, irrigation and signage on West Broadway. City staff clarified that Iowa West Foundation provided the funds and the city will manage the contract and maintain the completed work. \"IOS is covering that,\" one council member said in the study-session discussion; staff clarified that the foundation provided money and the city will pass it through and manage the contract.

City officials said the First Avenue study and any subsequent redevelopment work would include a consultant-led public process and that the study report would be a public document with opportunities for comment. Officials also reiterated that any development proposals would require engineering review and traffic studies as part of permit processes.

After public comment and responses, the council approved the budget by motion.

The hearing also included clarification about how state-level proposals under consideration in the Iowa Legislature could change property tax treatment in future years; city officials said those changes remain uncertain and could affect growth of levies and rollback treatment going forward.","Council Bluffs held a public hearing on the fiscal 2025–26 budget, adopted the budget, and heard extended public questions about property taxes, a $500,000 First Avenue interconnections study and a $3.5 million River's Edge Gateway enhancement funded by Iowa West Foundation.",{"_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},6070811,"Council Bluffs approves voluntary annexation for rail-served industrial site after debate with Mills County",1338,2874000,4212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f&start=2874&end=4212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3049645-b3914d5071aea14c8a09cca55134db1f/thumbnail_2874000.jpg","/articles/6070811/Council-Bluffs/Pottawattamie-County/Iowa/Council-Bluffs-approves-voluntary-annexation-for-rail-served-industrial-site-after-debate-with-Mills-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6070811-5661ca4114dab99e8c6f9fd4b0130205/orig.mp4?Expires=1770442732&Signature=hyYU1socI40lqhbGRpLt9~KRUnllCCl7z4lxNgCdpZNi4Jst4~CVP5hyqoxTaU46kgrjydjEXqvAG8rANOKRtHJwfio2rLuwWc3SWUQD~8TqIlV-6B0iypsh86pmlIOb6LE4aW1WWb64jhdWFYlNhyUl6rdMUrux5Mi8tymP4IEHdZp-N1qD2jQ4VrIQwfXNx4gM3lwffbmAIqTY3NtbVYXnaUsR8yRSMFN3beXQmM1kuMqF0qo~KtdgLiiMrTatMStIdDCaFU7DVqiEgAqJbJVGxM4vP5h2Ny30au7hGnbckWCLAzLDPslS-9Nr2zM0VsvTQbr1yq3-eEDfqB~xiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council of Council Bluffs on April 7 approved a voluntary annexation of roughly 473 acres extending south from the current city limits along South 190th Street and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad right of way toward Bunge Avenue after a public hearing and discussion with representatives of Mills County.

The annexation is intended to clear the way for a rail-served industrial project city officials said could bring large investment and hundreds of jobs to the region. Mayor Matt Walsh said the city expects the prospect to bring property tax revenue and employment and described it as a “win win win for Mills County, Council Bluffs, residents of Mills County, residents of Council Bluffs.”

The issue drew substantive opposition from Mills County officials and nearby property owners at the hearing. Jack Sayers, a Mills County supervisor, told the council his board voted against the annexation because the city’s legal description initially did not extend to the center line of Bunge Avenue and because the county was not assured of a maintenance agreement for that road. “What we really wanted is if you folks were to annex to the center line … we could come up with some sort of formal agreement,” Sayers said. He argued that without that agreement the county would bear potentially large maintenance costs on a road already used by heavy traffic.

Council staff responded that the city reviewed the legal description with its attorneys and will amend the annexation so it goes to the center line of Bunge Avenue to comply with rules administered by the State’s City Development Board. Courtney (staff), the community development director, said, “we will be going to the center line of Bunge Avenue.” City officials also said the city and counties will negotiate longer-term maintenance agreements (described as 28-year or similar intergovernmental/maintenance agreements) and that public works departments would work out 80/20 maintenance splits where appropriate.

Speakers at the hearing flagged traffic and safety on Bunge Avenue, snow-plowing responsibilities for roads that cross jurisdictional lines, emergency response and the potential need for traffic studies as development proceeds. Council members and county supervisors said any development within city limits would require traffic studies and engineering review before approvals for roads or access were finalized.

Several members of the public and county officials also questioned who would benefit from tax revenue and how costs for infrastructure and maintenance would be split; city staff repeatedly said they would pursue formal agreements and that certain project partners have signaled interest in investing substantially in the area.

After discussion the council moved and approved the annexation. No roll-call vote with named tallies appears in the record; the mayor called for voices and the motion carried.

The council noted the annexation will next proceed through processes required by the City Development Board and that formal intergovernmental agreements on road maintenance and other services will be negotiated and executed before or as development advances.","The City Council approved a voluntary annexation of roughly 473 acres extending south of the city limits toward Bunge Avenue to enable a rail-served industrial development, after Mills County officials raised concerns about road maintenance, traffic and intergovernmental agreements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council actions at a glance: rezoning, RFPs, urban renewal tax ordinances, projects and permits

Wheelchair user asks council to fill short sidewalk gap on College Road

Council Bluffs holds budget hearing; officials explain property tax math and CIP priorities

Council Bluffs approves voluntary annexation for rail-served industrial site after debate with Mills County