Public hearing held on 28E agreement to coordinate growth between Linn County and Center Point

Tom Grama, senior planner for the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, presented the draft 28E fringe‑area agreement between Linn County and the City of Center Point. Grama said the plan is designed to clarify development review and encourage growth closer to the city by setting a review matrix, timelines for comment and a required discussion about annexation for larger rezoning or subdivision proposals. He said an open house attracted roughly 50 attendees and that public input largely aligned with the draft plan.

Supervisors asked about the county’s existing fringe agreements (Ely, Springville, Bertram, Palo) and expressed appreciation for ECICOG’s role in coordinating between cities and the county. The board closed the public hearing and agreed the item would appear on the Wednesday consent agenda for procedural completion; no final 28E was approved on Dec. 8.

Next steps: staff will finalize any remaining procedural items and the 28E agreement will be filed/considered on Wednesday per the board’s agenda.