Keokuk Council approves multiple resolutions including demolitions, MOU, leases and funding payments
July 04, 2025 | Keokuk City, Lee County, Iowa
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Keokuk — The City Council on July 3 moved through a packed agenda, approving a range of municipal resolutions and formal actions.
The consent agenda passed by voice vote and included routine minutes and liquor license resolutions. The council then approved the initial reading and a waiver of second and third readings for a new Title 19 (Plats and Subdivisions) ordinance intended to bring the municipal code into compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 354 and add street-lighting design criteria tied to Alliant Energy standards.
Several resolutions were approved by motion:
- A demolition contract for 1728 J Street was awarded to WNS Contracting for $9,850 to remove a single-family dwelling, outbuildings and a cistern (staff said the city acquired the property to expand Oakland Cemetery).
- The Keokuk Police Department was authorized to purchase a virtual-reality training system costing $45,000. Staff said a federal reimbursement grant was approved for the full equipment amount; the initial purchase will come from capital equipment funds and be reimbursed.
- A payment of $25,000 was approved to MBMRE as reimbursement for completed development work on the 600 block of Main Street under a 2023 agreement; staff said the payment was due after project completion and noted related incentives (a $250,000 grant spread over five years and a potential TIF rebate up to $130,000 capped by valuation).
- The mayor was authorized to sign a memorandum of understanding with the broadband provider 'I'm on' to perform locating services for a community-wide underground fiber installation.
- A lease for Suite 103 at the Southeast Iowa Development Center with River's Edge Wellness PLLC was approved for two years at $500 per month ($12,000 total); staff noted a 90‑day termination provision and nonprofit occupancy terms.
- A supplemental maintenance agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation (effective 07/01/2025–06/30/2026) was approved under which the DOT will pay the city $70,373.10 after work is completed.
- The city approved release/closeout documentation to conclude a road maintenance agreement with ITC Midwest LLC after staff inspection found no roadway repairs were needed.
- A demolition contract for 1103 Orleans Avenue (owner: Chris Soiss) was approved; CCS was the low responsive bidder at $8,500.
Council also approved the appointment and employment contract for James Ferno as city administrator and administered the oath of office on the record.
Most motions passed by voice vote; roll-call votes were recorded in places where required. Council asked staff to follow up on outstanding questions about project scopes, grant timing and packet discrepancies noted by staff during discussion.
No items were tabled or failed.
The consent agenda passed by voice vote and included routine minutes and liquor license resolutions. The council then approved the initial reading and a waiver of second and third readings for a new Title 19 (Plats and Subdivisions) ordinance intended to bring the municipal code into compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 354 and add street-lighting design criteria tied to Alliant Energy standards.
Several resolutions were approved by motion:
- A demolition contract for 1728 J Street was awarded to WNS Contracting for $9,850 to remove a single-family dwelling, outbuildings and a cistern (staff said the city acquired the property to expand Oakland Cemetery).
- The Keokuk Police Department was authorized to purchase a virtual-reality training system costing $45,000. Staff said a federal reimbursement grant was approved for the full equipment amount; the initial purchase will come from capital equipment funds and be reimbursed.
- A payment of $25,000 was approved to MBMRE as reimbursement for completed development work on the 600 block of Main Street under a 2023 agreement; staff said the payment was due after project completion and noted related incentives (a $250,000 grant spread over five years and a potential TIF rebate up to $130,000 capped by valuation).
- The mayor was authorized to sign a memorandum of understanding with the broadband provider 'I'm on' to perform locating services for a community-wide underground fiber installation.
- A lease for Suite 103 at the Southeast Iowa Development Center with River's Edge Wellness PLLC was approved for two years at $500 per month ($12,000 total); staff noted a 90‑day termination provision and nonprofit occupancy terms.
- A supplemental maintenance agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation (effective 07/01/2025–06/30/2026) was approved under which the DOT will pay the city $70,373.10 after work is completed.
- The city approved release/closeout documentation to conclude a road maintenance agreement with ITC Midwest LLC after staff inspection found no roadway repairs were needed.
- A demolition contract for 1103 Orleans Avenue (owner: Chris Soiss) was approved; CCS was the low responsive bidder at $8,500.
Council also approved the appointment and employment contract for James Ferno as city administrator and administered the oath of office on the record.
Most motions passed by voice vote; roll-call votes were recorded in places where required. Council asked staff to follow up on outstanding questions about project scopes, grant timing and packet discrepancies noted by staff during discussion.
No items were tabled or failed.
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