By Edward Lynn
Editor
EAGLE GROVE, Iowa — The Eagle Grove City Council held its first meeting at the newly established 6:00 p.m. start time on Monday, May 19, approving key resolutions tied to neighborhood revitalization, infrastructure improvements, and budget adjustments.
The meeting opened with a public hearing and unanimous support for submitting a $1.75 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Project. The plan includes 18 blocks of street resurfacing, storm-water controls to mitigate flooding, new sidewalks for improved connectivity, park upgrades at Fish Pond Park, and housing rehabilitation. The full project is estimated to cost $2.67 million, with the city committing $706,570 in local funds and receiving support pledges from Prestage Foods ($100,000) and the Eagle Grove Community Development Corporation ($10,000).
Council then approved related resolutions committing local matching funds (Resolution 2025-57) and authorizing submission of the grant application (Resolution 2025-58).
In other housing matters, the council approved a $115,439.29 pay application (Resolution 2025-59) for work completed on the 217 W. Broadway upper-story housing conversion, with $75,462 of that amount covered by CDBG funds. A SOFA (Status of Funded Activities) hearing was also scheduled for the 125 W. Broadway project (Resolution 2025-60), to be held June 2 at 6:30 p.m.
A public hearing and subsequent approval were held for a budget amendment to close out Fiscal Year 2025 (Resolutions 2025-61). The amendment reflects a projected $1.25 million shortfall in expected revenue due to timing differences in grant disbursements, and higher expenditures in public safety wages, tree removal, fire department equipment, and capital purchases. The city expects to close the fiscal year with a $5.34 million fund balance.
Council adopted new traffic control measures (Resolution 2025-62), converting the intersections of SW 2nd & S Lincoln and SW 2nd & S Cedar to four-way stops or full stop-controlled intersections.
Final readings and approvals were given to three ordinances and resolutions to vacate and convey city-owned alleyways and land parcels (Ordinances 2025-03, 04, and 05; Resolutions 2025-63, 64, and 65). Sale prices ranged from $500 to $1,000, with additional legal fees added to the buyer’s cost.
The council approved the sale of a city lot at 922 N. Iowa for $100, with a requirement that development occur within six months (Resolution 2025-56).
A $6,400 change order was approved (Change Order #1) for the 2025 Street Improvement Project to add a temporary access road between AGP and Gold-Eagle, correcting a design oversight. The council also approved the first pay application to Castor Construction for the street project in the amount of $208,758.93 (Resolution 2025-66).
During discussion, council members addressed concerns about electric scooters and small electric vehicles, confirming that existing city code covers such devices. Emphasis was placed on education and enforcement, especially before school dismissal.
Public Works updates included a sand patching program to extend the life of select city streets, downtown planter modifications for better snow removal and pedestrian access, and preparations for the early opening of the Aquatic Center, expected by May 28.
Longer-term infrastructure planning was discussed for 2026 and 2028, with council considering mill-and-overlay projects and full street reconstructions. Public hearings are expected to be scheduled in June to identify target areas and begin engineering design.
The meeting concluded with departmental updates and a reminder to the public about Memorial Day.
