Ottumwa City Council meeting is sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars and Cash located on N. Madison in Ottumwa.
During the Consent Agenda review, Part #1 items 1–3 were approved unanimously. Item #4 Recommend appointment of Hector Hernandez- Morales to the Airport Advisory Board, term to expire 10/ l/ 2029; appointment of Hector Hernandez- Morales to the Inspection Board of Review, term to expire 1/ 18/ 2028; and reappointment of Ryan Mitchell to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, term to expire 12/ 12/ 2030. However it was pulled for discussion at the request of Councilmembers Keith Caviness and Dan Reid, who expressed that the new mayor should have the opportunity to select new officials. Mayor Rick Johnson responded that the incoming mayor will have a full four-year term to make future recommendations. Following discussion, the item was approved with a vote of four “yes” and one “no.” Part #2 of the Consent Agenda was also approved.
The Council then moved on to Departmental, Board, and Commission recommendations and reports. The City has received documentation from Funding Futures LLC alleging a right to payments owed to J&K Contracting LLC. J&K Contracting disputes these claims. To prevent paying the wrong party and to avoid potential liability, the City Attorney recommended filing an interpleader action in Iowa District Court. This action would allow the court to determine who is legally entitled to the payment. The City of Johnston has received a similar notice, and both cities will share the cost of the interpleader action. This measure was approved.
A request to relocate the historic “National Humane Alliance” fountain from Ballingall Park to a location near the entrance of the Bridge View Center was tabled for further discussion. At the November 18 meeting, Dennis Wilhoit, on behalf of the Wapello County Historical Society, requested permission to move the fountain as part of a coordinated effort with Bridge View Center, Inc. The groups plan to evaluate the fountain’s condition, consider restoring its original running-water function, determine relocation costs, raise necessary funds, oversee the move, and install new interpretive signage. The fountain, often referred to as the “horse trough,” was moved to its current location following a City Council decision on February 7, 1989. There is no urgent need prompting a relocation; the request is solely from the interested parties and would not require City funding. The item remains tabled for future consideration.
The Council also addressed Resolution 94-2025, previously approved on May 20, 2025, which authorized the City to join the Tenco Foundation—along with the Legacy Foundation and First Resources Corp.—as a co-applicant for a Destination Iowa Grant to construct an Inclusive Play Space at the future Market Street Landing. Although the grant was awarded, records did not show official acceptance by the City. The newly presented resolution completes this acceptance and authorizes the necessary signatures. The project must be completed by July 2026 and is funded through the Destination Iowa Grant and a Government Award Grant. This item was approved.
Next, the Council reviewed proposed rental rate adjustments for the Ottumwa Regional Airport. Current rates have remained unchanged since the City assumed FBO operations on March 1, 2021. Due to rising operational costs, the Airport Advisory Board recommended rate increases effective January 1, 2026. Adjustments include:
- Aircraft rental: from $130 to $140 per hour
- Barn hangar rent: from $85 to $100 per hour
- Box hangar rent: from $150 to $165 per hour
- T-Hangar rent: from $100 to $115 per hour
- Aircraft maintenance labor: from $85 to $100 per hour
These rate changes were approved following discussion.
The Council also revisited its recent review of the City’s proclamation process. After months of discussion and revisions, members agreed that proclamations should be reviewed and issued by the Mayor in accordance with established guidelines. Proclamations will no longer require City Council approval, though requesters may choose to have them presented during a council meeting. A resolution defining the updated process was approved after extensive discussion.
Additionally, the Council reviewed updates to the City’s facility security policy. One of the primary objectives of the City Hall renovation project was to improve security for employees, the public, and municipal assets. During this review, an outdated general security policy was identified. The updated policy outlines procedures for managing access to secure areas within municipal buildings and facilities. It also aims to help limit illness transmission, enhance operational efficiency, and support regulatory compliance.
The next Ottumwa City Council meeting is scheduled for December 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
