The Ottumwa City Council covered several items during Tuesday night’s meeting, including property condemnations, police equipment, street maintenance equipment and improvements at the Bridge View Center.
Tuesday night’s meeting was sponsored by Jakki and Fonzi with Cars & Cash, located on North Madison Avenue in Ottumwa. Residents are encouraged to visit and like their Facebook page.
Board of Health Meeting
The evening began with a Board of Health meeting, during which Building Code Enforcement Officer Jake Rusch presented two properties for condemnation.
The properties are located at 213 North Davis Street and 233 South Adams Avenue.
Rusch requested approval to demolish and remove the structures, level the lots and charge the associated costs to the property owners.
Council approved these items.
Police Vehicles and Street Department Equipment
During the regular City Council meeting, council members considered several purchases included in the consent agenda.
One item involved the purchase of two 2027 Ford Interceptor Utility all-wheel-drive vehicles at $50,845 each, totaling $101,690. The vehicles will replace units in the city’s current fleet.
The consent agenda also included the purchase of a 1,000-gallon trailer-mounted tank with a pumping system for the Streets Department. The equipment will be used to fill the city’s pothole patching machine. The purchase price is $47,379.20, plus freight.
Council approved these items.
Police Department Requests Vest Grant
Police Chief Chad Farrington presented a request for authorization to apply for a grant to help cover the cost of bulletproof vests.
Farrington explained that the vests have a five-year service life. The grant would cover eligible purchases made between April 1, 2026, and August 31, 2029.
The department plans to request funding for 10 vests at a total cost of $14,000. If approved, the grant would reimburse the city for $7,000, covering up to 50% of the purchase cost after the vests have been purchased.
Farrington mentioned the old vest would be destroyed properly.
Council approved these items.
Bridge View Center Improvements
Finance Director Michael Lee presented a proposal for lighting improvements at the Bridge View Center. The project had previously been included in the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan.
The proposal also includes replacing water heaters serving the kitchen and expo hall areas of the facility. The water heater replacement work is estimated at $51,150.
The total proposal for the lighting and water heater projects is $66,671.88.
The items were presented to the council for consideration during Tuesday night’s meeting. And was approved.
