Webster City Council adopts residential code update, approves $166,990 water-plant equipment purchase

Webster City 's council unanimously adopted an update to the city's residential building code and approved a $166,990 equipment purchase for the Water Treatment Plant at its regular meeting on July 6.

Mayor John Hawkins called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and the council approved the agenda on a motion by Councilman John Marvel, seconded by Councilwoman Abbie Hansen. The council then approved the consent agenda, accepting minutes, claims and fund lists, and several routine reports and resolutions, including Resolution No. 2026-064 designating the official posting location for public meeting notices.

A public hearing was held on an amendment to Section 50-1 (definitions) of the City Code; no written or oral objections were presented. The council approved the First Reading of that ordinance on a motion by Councilman Marvel and seconded by Councilwoman Ashley Allers.

Council members next considered changes to the International Residential Code for one- and two-family dwellings. Councilwoman Abbie Hansen moved and Councilwoman Megan McFarland seconded approval of the Second Reading; the council voted to waive the third reading and then passed Ordinance No. 2026-1902 adopting the revisions. All related votes were recorded as unanimous.

The council set a public hearing for July 20, 2026 at 6:05 p.m. in Council Chambers to consider adoption of the Hamilton County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Councilwoman Megan McFarland moved to set the hearing, seconded by Councilwoman Abbie Hansen; the motion passed unanimously.

On a motion by Councilwoman Abbie Hansen, seconded by Councilman John Marvel, the council passed Resolution No. 2026-065 approving the purchase of a submersible mixer, a variable frequency drive (VFD) panel and accessories from Electric Pump Inc. for the Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $166,990.00, and authorized the City Manager to proceed with procurement.

Amelia Oliver, Communications Director, presented five ISU Mayors Design Workshop project proposals: Brewer Creek Watershed; Brewer Creek Restoration; Trail Connectivity; Residential Expansion; and an Industrial Park. The council noted the City Attorney's previously provided report and then adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

Councilman John Marvel also noted resident concerns about e-bikes and scooters in the downtown area during the petitions and communications portion of the meeting; the transcript records the concern but no formal action on that topic was taken at the July 6 meeting.

The council's next scheduled meeting and the July 20 public hearing were recorded on the agenda; no additional substantive items were decided at this session.