The Ottumwa City Council meeting was sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars for Cash, located on North Madison Avenue in Ottumwa.
On January 20th at approximately 5:30 p.m., the Ottumwa City Council held its second meeting of the month. Consent Agenda Items 1 and 2 were approved with no further discussion.
The Administrator’s Report began with an update from Kris Patrick of Meet Ottumwa.
As part of the consent agenda, Lt. Jason Bell presented a request to use forfeiture funds for the purchase of a new vehicle for the drug task force. The funds originated from court-ordered cash forfeitures seized from drug dealers as proceeds of illegal activity. Vehicles purchased by the drug task force are not sourced through the city’s fleet committee.
Council members also approved a quote of $43,351 from Brentwood Industries for a primary clarifier single-cell chain and flight replacement. The project will replace worn chains and flights in one of the three primary clarifier cells at the wastewater treatment facility. The equipment was last replaced more than 13 years ago and has reached the end of its service life.
Public Hearing
During the public hearing, JD Wheaton presented plans, specifications, contract documents, and the estimated cost for the T-Hangar Project at the Ottumwa Regional Airport. The plans were prepared by airport consultants Kirkham Michael. The base bid estimate for the project is $1,237,105.91. Bids will be opened by the City of Ottumwa on February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Resolutions
Amal Eltahir presented redevelopment plans for properties located at 105–107 and 109 East Main Street. JCG Rentals LLC has expressed interest in redeveloping the buildings, which were acquired by the city through Iowa Code Chapter 657A due to prolonged vacancy and deteriorating conditions. Both buildings are currently vacant.
The proposed mixed-use redevelopment project includes approximately 10 multi-family residential apartment units, the installation of an elevator to improve accessibility, a laundromat, and a storefront golf simulator. The estimated cost of the project is $3.7 million.
Discussion Item
Mayor Ben Foote presented a resolution to adopt an invocation policy for City Council meetings. The policy would allow for a prayer or invocation to be offered at the beginning of meetings.
Mayor Foote stated that official government meetings in the United States have historically included invocations and that many state governments, including Iowa, continue the practice. He said the policy would provide an opportunity to seek guidance, offer a blessing for the city, and allow local churches and congregations to participate.
Members of the public were given the opportunity to comment on the proposal, with one speaker opposing the policy and four speaking in favor.
Following discussion, the council voted to approve the resolution. Council members Hoffman, Duprey, Caviness, and Reid voted in favor, while Council member Galloway voted against.
Ottumwa Radio will have a separate report once additional information becomes available.
