City of Council Bluffs Packet Summary — 08-24-2026
Meeting Overview
The City Council of Council Bluffs, Iowa, is scheduled to hold a regular meeting on August 24, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 209 Pearl Street.
The packet agenda includes routine meeting items, consent agenda items, public hearings, ordinance readings, resolutions, permit applications, city council action items, other business, and adjournment.
Key Items on the Agenda
Agenda Approval and Prior Meeting Minutes
The agenda includes consideration of approval of the meeting agenda and incorporation of live-streamed recordings into the official minutes.
The packet also includes reading, correction, and approval of the August 10, 2026 City Council Meeting Minutes.
Zoning Map Amendment and Public Hearing Scheduling
The packet includes Ordinance 6695, which proposes amending the zoning map adopted by reference in Section 15.27.020.
The proposed rezoning concerns Lots 4 through 6, Block 7, Beers Subdivision, located at 1604 Avenue B. The property is proposed to change from R-3/Low Density Multi-Family Residential District to C-2/Commercial District, as defined in Chapter 15.15. The packet identifies the matter as Case #ZC-26-004 and includes a proposed public hearing date of September 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Major Financial Items
Proposed Electric and Natural Gas Franchise Fee Matters
The packet includes resolutions setting public hearings related to proposed franchise fee matters.
Items include:
- Resolution 26-280, setting a public hearing regarding a proposed Revenue Purpose Statement concerning the use of revenue from a proposed Electric Franchise fee increase.
- Resolution 26-281, setting a public hearing on a proposed ordinance granting MidAmerican Energy Company an Electric Franchise and imposing franchise fees.
- Resolution 26-282, setting a public hearing on a proposed ordinance granting Black Hills/Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC d/b/a Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise and imposing franchise fees.
- Resolution 26-283, setting a public hearing regarding a proposed Revenue Purpose Statement concerning revenues from a proposed natural gas franchise fee increase from Black Hills/Iowa Gas Utility Company, LLC d/b/a Black Hills Energy.
The packet includes several bond-related resolutions.
Resolutions 26-285A and 26-285B include:
- Appointment of UMB Bank, N.A. of West Des Moines, Iowa, to serve as Paying Agent, Bond Registrar, and Transfer Agent.
- Approval of related agreements.
- A proposed issuance of $6,450,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A, including related tax levy amendments, a Tax Exemption Certificate, and Continuing Disclosure Certificate.
Resolutions 26-286A and 26-286B include:
- Appointment of a Paying Agent, Bond Registrar, and Transfer Agent.
- A proposed issuance of $2,980,000 Taxable General Obligation Bonds Series 2026B, including related tax levy amendments and a Continuing Disclosure Certificate.
Projects and Contracts
Trolley Park Playground Improvements
Resolution 26-279 is included in the packet to accept the work of Dostals Construction, Inc. as complete and authorize release of retainage after 30 days if no claims are filed in connection with the Trolley Park Playground Improvements, Project R26-06.
Recreation Complex Storage Building
Resolution 26-284 is included to authorize the Mayor to initiate the Recreation Complex Storage Building project, Project R27-03, by issuing a bid for the project.
Indian Creek Channel Rehabilitation Study
Resolution 26-292 is included regarding authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute an agreement with JEO Consulting Group, Inc. for the Indian Creek Channel Rehabilitation Study, Project #PW27-06.
Airport Authority Memorandum of Understanding
Resolution 26-288 is included to approve and authorize execution of a memorandum of understanding between the Council Bluffs Airport Authority and the City of Council Bluffs.
Policy and Governance Items
Animal Control Code Amendments
The packet includes proposed amendments to Chapter 4.20 Animal Control of the 2025 Council Bluffs Municipal Code.
Items include:
- Ordinance 6696, which proposes amendments to Section 4.20.083 “Potentially Dangerous Dog Designation,” Section 4.20.084 “Dangerous Dog Designation,” and Section 4.12.110 “Regulation of Keeping of Dangerous Animals.”
- Ordinance 6698, which proposes repealing Section 4.20.090 “Keeping of Dangerous Animals Prohibited” and amending and retitling Section 4.20.100 as “Keeping of Dangerous Animals Prohibited; Exceptions.”
City Position and Appointment Matters
The packet includes Resolution 26-291 regarding abolition of the Chief of Staff position within the Mayor’s office.
The packet also lists Mayor’s appointments for consideration, including appointments to the Zoning Board of Adjustments, Civil Service Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Community Development Advisory Committee, and Arena & Convention Center Commission.
Housing and Development Items
East Manawa Drive Housing Urban Renewal Area
Ordinance 6697 is included in the packet regarding property taxes collected on certain property located within the East Manawa Drive Housing Urban Renewal Area.
The proposed ordinance concerns directing certain property tax revenues to a special fund for payment of principal and interest on loans, advances, indebtedness, and bonds associated with the East Manawa Drive Housing Urban Renewal Area.
Community and Public-Facing Items
Citizens Request to Be Heard
The agenda includes a Citizens Request to Be Heard section.
Public Hearings
The packet includes several items that schedule or relate to future public hearings, including zoning, franchise fee, and revenue purpose statement matters.
Additional Resolutions and Administrative Items
The packet includes additional resolutions addressing:
- FY2026 water, sewer, and refuse collection lien schedule certification for nonpayment to the County Treasurer.
- A settlement agreement, joint direction for payment, and release of claim among the City of Council Bluffs, United Utilities, LLC, and Thiele Geotech, Inc.
- A HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant Program application and related contracts with HUD upon award of funds.
- A grant agreement for the Council Bluffs Police Department through the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Federal Greater Omaha Safe Streets Task Force (GOSSTF).
Permit Applications
The packet includes applications and cancellations for:
- Liquor licenses, including multiple listed businesses.
- Retail Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor Permit — 1 new permit.
- Device Retailer Permit — 1 new permit.
- Special Event Permit Applications:
- Creekside Church Celebration on 9/6/2026, including fireworks.
- EMA Preparedness Fair on 9/17/2026, including a road closure.
What to Watch at the Meeting
Key items scheduled for council consideration include proposed franchise fee-related public hearings, bond-related resolutions, zoning changes, municipal code amendments, infrastructure and facility projects, and various administrative agreements and appointments.
The packet provides the agenda framework for the meeting; it does not document final discussion outcomes or decisions for the listed upcoming agenda items.
