The Ottumwa City Council meeting was sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars & Cash, located on North Madison Avenue in Ottumwa.
The Ottumwa City Council handled several items Tuesday night, including the purchase of a new city vehicle, a proposed appointment for the city’s finance director position, plans for new pickleball courts, and a recap of the Stars and Strides 5K.
Under the consent agenda, the council approved the purchase of a half-ton four-wheel-drive pickup truck from Vaughn Automotive for the Water Pollution Control Facility. The purchase price is $47,649.
During the ordinances portion of the meeting, City Administrator Phil Rath discussed the proposed appointment of Michael Lee to fill the full-time position of Director of Finance for the City of Ottumwa.
Rath said Lee’s recommended starting salary is $142,811.96, which is Step 7 of the city’s pay scale and is within the current Fiscal Year 2027 budget. A total of six applications were submitted for the position.
Following discussion, the council voted 3-2 to table the ordinance until the July 25 special work session to allow for further discussion.
Under resolutions, Parks and Recreation Director Gene Rathje presented an agreement for the development and construction of nine pickleball courts at Troeger Park. The courts are planned for the site of the former tennis courts.
The council unanimously approved the agreement.
To close out the meeting, Coleen Decker presented a recap of the Stars and Strides 5K festivities held on July 4.
As part of the event, the Wapello County Veterans Commission was presented with a check for $3,100. Decker said the 5K had 62 runners, along with five additional registrations.
