The Ottumwa City Council meeting is sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars and Cash, located on North Madison in Ottumwa. Be sure to give them a like on Facebook.
Tuesday night’s City Council meeting opened with a public hearing.
Community Development Director Amal Elthir presented a proposal for the approval and authorization of certain real property to JCG Rentals LLC, along with the execution of a related purchase, sale, and development agreement within the West Gate Economic Development Urban Renewal Area. This item was approved by Council.
The property, located at 131 East Main Street, will be rehabilitated with the goal of returning the existing buildings to productive use.
Moving on to ordinances, Engineering Department Director Philip Burgmeier presented an ordinance changing traffic regulations to place stop signs on Ferry Street at Finley Avenue. Council approved the second consideration of Ordinance No. 3260-2026.
And finally, under administration, Phil Rath discussed a resolution related to the future development of the former Agassiz Elementary School.
Rath explained that during the March 3rd, 2026, City Council meeting, the Council approved Resolution 54-2026, supporting proposed terms for the future development of the property in conjunction with an application for Low-Income Housing Tax Credits.
The project will include the historic rehabilitation of the existing school building, along with construction of an additional building on the site. The total construction cost is expected to exceed $10 million, and the project is anticipated to create 40 new housing units.
As part of the project’s financing, CBC is seeking historic tax credits through the State of Iowa and is requesting continued support from the City of Ottumwa. Council approved
