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The Ottumwa City Council held its final meeting of the month on Tuesday evening at the Bridge View Center.
Council Actions:
- Consent Agenda: Council approved both Part One and Part Two of the consent agenda.
Main Street Ottumwa Update:
Kris Patrick, Executive Director of Main Street Ottumwa, presented an update on the organization’s goals for 2025:
- Create a culture of living in the downtown area.
- Support businesses located downtown.
- Build trust and raise awareness of Main Street Ottumwa.
Quincy Place Mall Discussion:
Council addressed ongoing concerns regarding the Quincy Place Mall.
- The mall’s owner will receive a 30-day notice requiring the removal of a sign from the front of the mall and the initiation of necessary building repairs to help attract new stores.
- If no action is taken within the 30-day period, the matter will proceed to a civil suit.
- Council agreed to revisit the topic in a future meeting.
City Website Update:
The City of Ottumwa’s website has been updated with several new features:
- Residents can now report potholes online.
- Park shelter reservations can now be made through the site.
Parks Department:
- Council approved the purchase of a new John Deere 1550 4-wheel drive mower for the Parks Department. The department received a bid from the State of Iowa at $25,600.
Police Department:
- Lt. Jason Bell proposed the purchase of six Motoshot Bi-Directional Target Turners for use at the firearms range.
- Council approved the purchase from Hale Outdoor Products, LLC in the amount of $14,617.50.
Playground Equipment:
- Council reviewed four bids for new playground equipment for Ottumwa Park.
- Gametime received the most votes.
- The equipment will be installed by park employees before October 1.
Federal Support for Amtrak:
- Council authorized the Mayor to send a letter on behalf of the City Council in support of continued federal financial assistance for Amtrak service. Without the continuation of this support, there is a significant risk that long-distance train service may be discontinued. The attached letter outlines this concern and urges our U.S. Senators and local U.S. Representatives to advocate for continued funding and support.
- The motion to approve the letter was passed.
