City Council Agenda & Packet Summary – City of Farley – May 20, 2026

Meeting Information

• Public Body: City of Farley
• Organization Type: municipality
• Government Body: city-council
• Meeting Title: Regular City Council Meeting
• Meeting Date: 2026-05-20
• City: Farley
• County: Dubuque County
• State: iowa
• Meeting Source URL: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/farleyiowa/Board.nsf/vpublic?open&id=DSSLNY57721B&unid=7B4D399645592F4F85258DCE0057721B
• Meeting Listing URL: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/farleyiowa/Board.nsf/vpublic
• Public Body Website: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/farleyiowa/Board.nsf/vpublic
• Meeting Video URL: Not available
• Video Channel URL: Not available

What Community Members Should Know

The May 20, 2026 Farley City Council meeting centers on several significant community investments and policy decisions, led by the award of the construction contract for the Farley Public Library and Community Center project. Council members are also scheduled to consider the associated bid recommendations, discuss parking for the facility, and review ongoing planning with the city's architectural consultant.

Economic development is another major focus. The agenda includes numerous Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate resolutions and development agreement payments involving local businesses, housing, industrial development, and subdivision projects. These actions represent previously approved development agreements reaching scheduled reimbursement milestones rather than new incentive programs.

Infrastructure and financial oversight also receive substantial attention. The council is scheduled to conduct a public hearing on an amendment to the FY2026 city budget, consider adoption of the amended budget, receive updates on the 3rd Avenue reconstruction project, discuss city-owned property at 606 1st Street North, and review departmental reports from police, fire, public works, and city administration.

Residents can also expect discussion of newly formed council committee responsibilities, seasonal staffing for municipal recreation facilities, appointments to a regional housing authority, and routine operational matters affecting city services. Overall, the meeting combines long-term capital planning, economic development commitments, municipal operations, and budget management.

Major Discussion and Action Items

Farley Public Library and Community Center Project

The largest item before the council is the award of the construction contract for the Farley Public Library and Community Center project. Following bid review by FEH Design, the recommended award is to Gronen of Dubuque with a base bid of $419,500, the lowest responsive proposal received. The resolution also recognizes a recommended overall project budget, including contingency funding, of approximately $568,399 for the construction portion.

Supporting documents show that multiple contractors submitted bids, with proposed completion dates generally targeting late October 2026. Council members are also expected to discuss parking associated with the new facility, suggesting site access and circulation remain active design considerations before construction proceeds.

FY2026 Budget Amendment

The council is scheduled to hold the required public hearing on the FY2026 budget amendment before considering formal adoption.

According to the resolution, the amendment updates projected revenues and expenditures for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. State law requires publication of the proposed amendment and a public hearing before adoption, and city staff indicate required notices were published in advance.

Economic Development Incentive Payments

A substantial portion of the meeting consists of resolutions authorizing scheduled TIF rebate payments under existing development agreements.

Recipients include Loras Lansing, multiple Heims development agreements, Behnke Family LLC, Big River Cast Stone, Wildcat Investment Group, and Farley Industrial Development Corporation (FIDC). These payments are based on existing agreements and calculated using incremental taxable valuation and applicable TIF formulas rather than representing new incentive approvals.

Public Works and Infrastructure

Public Works will update the council on several operational issues, including continued progress on the 3rd Avenue project, discussion of city-owned property at 606 1st Street North, and possible action regarding replacement or purchase of a lawn mower.

The 3rd Avenue project continues following approvals of change orders and contractor pay requests at the previous council meeting.

Departmental Updates

The Fire Department, Police Department, Public Works Department, and Administration Department each provide operational updates.

Although detailed written reports are not included in the extracted materials, these agenda items typically provide opportunities for department heads to brief council members on current activities, staffing, equipment, ongoing projects, and emerging operational issues.

Committee Organization

Several council committees—including Public Safety, Infrastructure, Communications, Recreation and Cultural Resources, Development, and Finance & Administrative Services—will discuss their intended purposes and areas of focus.

These discussions appear intended to clarify committee responsibilities and improve council oversight of municipal operations.

Regional Housing Authority Appointment

Council members will consider appointing commissioners to represent Farley on the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority.

Regional housing authorities coordinate affordable housing programs, administer federal housing assistance, and work with participating communities on housing-related initiatives.

Financial Matters

The packet contains several significant financial actions.

The largest immediate capital action is the $419,500 construction contract recommendation for the Farley Public Library and Community Center. Supporting cost estimates indicate approximately $568,399 in anticipated construction costs when contingency funding is included, while broader planning documents estimate a total project cost exceeding $831,000 after including professional services, furnishings, technology, equipment, and other soft costs.

The council will also review regular claims totaling approximately $100,156.19, including accounts payable, payroll, and project expenditures. Significant payments include approximately $39,808.61 for the 3rd Avenue project, engineering services exceeding $7,100, health insurance costs, legal services, utilities, maintenance, and routine departmental operating expenses.

Economic development payments include numerous scheduled TIF reimbursements, including:

• Loras Lansing: $4,137.50
• Heims (2018): $790.89
• Cory Heims (2020): $6,375.00
• Behnke Family LLC (2020): $51,000.00
• Behnke Family LLC (2022): $18,037.50
• Big River Cast Stone: $7,007.50
• Wildcat Investment Group Phase 1: $9,631.88
• Wildcat Investment Group Phase 2: $9,554.38
• Wildcat Investment Group Phase 3: $9,100.12
• Wildcat Investment Group Phase 4: $10,894.57
• FIDC 2017 infrastructure agreement: $50,000
• FIDC 2018 downtown redevelopment agreement: $25,000

These payments are tied to previously approved development agreements intended to support business expansion, housing development, infrastructure improvements, and downtown redevelopment.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

The meeting agenda is dominated by formal resolutions implementing council policy decisions.

Key resolutions include awarding the library/community center construction contract, approving multiple TIF rebate payments, appointing representatives to the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority, hiring seasonal concession employees, adopting the FY2026 budget amendment, and authorizing required financial transactions.

The budget amendment represents the principal governance action because it formally updates the city's legally adopted spending plan after public hearing.

Reports, Presentations, and Informational Updates

FEH Design will present bid information and recommendations regarding the library and community center project.

Fire, Police, Public Works, and Administration each provide departmental updates.

Public Works is expected to report on the 3rd Avenue reconstruction project, municipal property issues, equipment needs, and other operational matters.

Committee discussions outlining responsibilities for newly organized council committees may also influence future meeting agendas and oversight responsibilities.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

The council will consider hiring additional seasonal concession stand employees.

The packet identifies Josie Steffen for employment as a Tier 2, Level 2 concession stand worker at $12.00 per hour, with continuing employees eligible for an additional $0.25 hourly incentive for consecutive seasons.

Supporting documentation also outlines the city's tiered concession staffing system, with increasing responsibilities and compensation ranging from entry-level customer service duties through supervisory and scheduling responsibilities.

Council members will also consider appointments to the Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

The library and community center renovation remains the city's most significant capital project.

Supporting planning documents describe improvements including building renovations, accessibility improvements, new entrance features, interior remodeling, technology upgrades, furnishings, signage, security improvements, and parking-related work. The broader project also includes furniture, communications infrastructure, audiovisual systems, landscaping, and related site improvements.

The 3rd Avenue reconstruction project continues progressing through construction and associated contractor payments.

Public Works also seeks council direction regarding municipal property at 606 1st Street North and replacement or acquisition of mowing equipment needed for city operations.

Public Hearings and Opportunities for Community Input

A public hearing on the FY2026 budget amendment is scheduled during this meeting before council action on adoption.

Residents may also provide comments during the meeting's general public comment period.

Previous council actions scheduled an additional public hearing regarding the proposed Rauen property rezoning for June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM, following a June 3 work session.

Community Impact

Residents may see continued progress toward a renovated public library and community center that expands community gathering space and public services.

Taxpayers should note the formal budget amendment, ongoing infrastructure spending, and continued fulfillment of economic development agreements that were previously approved by the city.

Businesses benefiting from existing development agreements will receive scheduled TIF reimbursements supporting investments already made within the community.

City employees and seasonal workers are affected through staffing decisions, departmental operations, equipment discussions, and implementation of updated municipal budgets.

Property owners may be interested in continuing infrastructure improvements, downtown redevelopment investments, subdivision development, and the upcoming zoning-related public hearing.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

• What is the anticipated overall completion schedule for the library and community center project?
• How will contingency funds be managed if construction costs change?
• What parking improvements are being considered for the new library and community center?
• How will the FY2026 budget amendment affect city finances through the remainder of the fiscal year?
• What measurable economic benefits are expected from the continuing TIF reimbursement agreements?
• What is the current construction status of the 3rd Avenue project?
• What long-term plans exist for the property at 606 1st Street North?
• How are concession stand wage tiers intended to improve recruitment and employee retention?
• What priorities will each newly organized council committee focus on during the coming year?
• When will residents begin seeing completed improvements associated with current capital projects?

Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps

• May 20, 2026: Public hearing on the FY2026 budget amendment followed by possible adoption.
• June 1, 2026: Scheduled payment date for numerous approved TIF reimbursement agreements.
• May 27, 2026: City Council work session at 5:00 PM.
• June 3, 2026: Regular City Council meeting at 5:00 PM.
• June 3, 2026: City Council work session at 6:00 PM.
• June 10, 2026: City Council work session at 5:00 PM.
• June 16, 2026: Regular City Council meeting at 5:00 PM.
• June 16, 2026: Public hearing scheduled for the Rauen rezoning request at 6:00 PM.
• Late October 2026: Proposed completion timeframe identified by most library/community center construction bidders.

Key Takeaways

• The library and community center construction contract is the meeting's largest decision.
• The recommended construction contract totals $419,500.
• Construction planning anticipates approximately $568,399 including contingency funding.
• The council will hold and act on the FY2026 budget amendment following a public hearing.
• Numerous scheduled TIF reimbursement payments support existing development agreements.
• The city continues work on the 3rd Avenue reconstruction project.
• Public Works seeks direction regarding municipal property and equipment purchases.
• Multiple city departments will provide operational updates.
• Seasonal concession stand hiring and wages are scheduled for approval.
• Upcoming meetings include work sessions, regular council meetings, and a June 16 public hearing on rezoning.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/farleyiowa/Board.nsf/vpublic?open&id=DSSLNY57721B&unid=7B4D399645592F4F85258DCE0057721B
• Meeting listing: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/farleyiowa/Board.nsf/vpublic
• Public body website: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/farleyiowa/Board.nsf/vpublic
• Meeting video: Not available
• Video channel: Not available

About the Public Body

• Name: City of Farley
• Organization type: municipality
• Government body: city-council
• Location: Farley, iowa
• County: Dubuque County
• Provider: boarddocs

Keywords

City of Farley, Farley City Council, Regular City Council Meeting, May 20 2026, Farley Public Library, Community Center, FEH Design, Gronen, library project, budget amendment, FY2026, TIF, tax increment financing, FIDC, Wildcat Investment Group, Behnke Family LLC, Big River Cast Stone, Loras Lansing, 3rd Avenue reconstruction, public works, infrastructure, Eastern Iowa Regional Housing Authority, concession stand employees, police department, fire department, Dubuque County, economic development, municipal budget, public hearing

Source: Community briefing prepared from the attached packet extraction materials.