Tuesday night’s Ottumwa City Council meeting was sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars & Cash, located on North Madison. Be sure to give Cars & Cash a like on Facebook.
During the Consent Agenda, Part One, Community Development Director Amal Eltahir presented Resolution 176-2026. The resolution sets September 1, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. as the date and time for a public hearing on the city’s intent to convey the property at 131 E. Main Street, formerly the First National Bank, to JCG Rentals LLC. The proposal also includes a purchase, sale and development agreement for the property’s redevelopment.
Eltahir said the property is located within the West Gate Development Urban Renewal Area. The resolution was approved by all council members.
The council then considered Ordinance 3260-2026, presented by Engineering Department representative Phillip Burgmeier. The ordinance would change traffic regulations by placing stop signs on Ferry Street at Finley Avenue.
Burgmeier said the stop signs are expected to reduce accidents caused by drivers on Finley Avenue failing to yield the right of way to traffic on Ferry Street. He explained that slowing, stopping and returning to the original speed costs drivers approximately five cents per vehicle.
Based on traffic counts, Burgmeier estimated the new stop signs could cost drivers on Ferry Street a combined $105.000 per year in additional fuel costs. The ordinance was approved on its first consideration. Temporary stop signs are expected to be installed this week.
The final item discussed was the purchase and outfitting of two 2026 fleet vehicles for the Ottumwa Fire Department. Chief Sean Canto requested approval to purchase a 2026 Ford Explorer from Dewey Ford for $42,780 and a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab from McGrath Chevrolet for $43,546. The combined purchase price is $86,326, with additional funds designated for outfitting and related vehicle costs.
Canto said the department has $120,000 budgeted for the purchase and outfitting of the vehicles as part of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan.
He explained that purchasing the vehicles also avoids the additional expense of obtaining Chevrolet Tahoes outside of the available state bid inventory.
Canto emphasized that the two vehicles are additions to the department’s fleet, rather than replacements. The vehicles will be assigned for use by the chief and deputy chief.
The council approved the vehicle purchase and related expenses.
Council voted 3 Yes and 2 No.
