City Council Agenda & Packet Summary – City of Johnston – August 3, 2026

Meeting Information

• Public Body: City of Johnston
• Organization Type: municipality
• Government Body: city-council
• Meeting Title: Regular Council Meeting
• Meeting Date: 2026-08-03
• City: Johnston
• County: Polk County
• State: iowa
• Meeting Source URL: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/cojia/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=DRWLS356ECDD&unid=EBD74811EA04FB2D85258DB20056ECDD
• Meeting Listing URL: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/cojia/Board.nsf/Public
• Public Body Website: https://www.cityofjohnston.com/238/City-Council-Mayor
• Meeting Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofjohnston/videos
• Video Channel URL: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofjohnston

What Community Members Should Know

The City of Johnston City Council’s August 3, 2026 Regular Council Meeting agenda focuses on major infrastructure investments, public safety operations, city financing, transportation improvements, development activity, and updates to city regulations. The meeting includes both routine approvals and several significant policy and capital decisions affecting city services and long-term growth.

One of the largest financial items before the council is a proposed $14.25 million General Obligation Bond issuance, subject to adjustment under the offering terms. The council is also considering multiple transportation and utility-related projects, including improvements to NW 62nd Avenue, the Highway 141 / NW Towner Drive interchange, water system projects, and sanitary sewer improvements.

Public safety is another major theme. The council will consider purchases and training related to the Fire District and Police Department, including emergency equipment, police fleet replacements, officer training agreements, and specialized equipment. The agenda also includes police activity reports and operational updates.

Several ordinances address community operations, including animal protection and control rules, coyote control regulations, parking restrictions near Lawson Elementary School, and speed regulations on NW 100th and NW 107th Streets. These items represent potential changes to how residents experience city services, traffic patterns, and public safety regulations.

Major Discussion and Action Items

General Obligation Bonds and Long-Term Financing

The council will consider Resolution No. 26-136 directing the sale of $14,250,000 in General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A. General obligation bonds allow a city to finance approved public projects using the city’s borrowing authority and future repayment commitments.

The agenda identifies this as a formal action item, meaning council approval is expected if members determine the financing plan is appropriate. The packet does not provide the complete project-by-project allocation of bond proceeds, so specific uses beyond the bond authorization are not described here.

The decision matters because bond issuance can affect future city finances, debt management, and the city’s ability to complete infrastructure and capital projects.

Highway 141 / NW Towner Drive Interchange Funding Application

The council will consider Resolution No. 26-137 authorizing an application for Federal Surface Transportation Block Grant Program funding through the Des Moines Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. The application seeks partial funding for construction of the Highway 141 / NW Towner Drive Interchange.

The resolution states that Johnston must provide matching funds if awarded funding and commit to accepting and maintaining the improvements for at least 20 years after completion.

The project represents a significant transportation investment intended to improve regional connectivity and roadway infrastructure. The council’s action is related to pursuing outside transportation funding and committing the city to required responsibilities if funding is received.

Beaver Creek Emergency Water Main Repair Completion

The council will consider actions related to the Beaver Creek Emergency Water Main Repair Project, including Resolution No. 26-140 approving Change Order No. 3 and Resolution No. 26-141 accepting project completion.

Change Order No. 3 adjusts contract quantities to match as-built construction quantities and increases the contract amount by $16,410.30.

The project was determined complete as of July 20, 2026, according to the resolution. Acceptance allows the city to formally close out the project after confirming the improvements are sufficiently complete and usable.

The project affects residents by supporting continued reliability of the city water system and resolving an emergency infrastructure issue.

NW 62nd Avenue Improvements and Property Acquisition

The council will consider Resolution No. 26-142 accepting real estate interests needed for the NW 62nd Avenue Improvements project from NW 54th Court to NW Beaver Drive.

The project requires additional right-of-way and temporary construction easements. The city’s engineer, Foth Infrastructure and Environment, prepared project plans and the city used appraisal valuations to determine compensation for affected property interests.

A related payment request includes $155,656.02 to All Star Concrete, LLC for work completed on the project as of June 30, 2026.

The project may affect nearby property owners, travelers using the corridor, and residents who rely on improved roadway connections. The council action supports continued construction by resolving property and construction requirements.

Public Safety Equipment, Vehicles, and Training

The council agenda includes multiple Police Department and Fire District purchases and training approvals.

Fire-related items include:

• Purchase of five SCBA units from MES Service Company, LLC for $50,310.
• Purchase of an EleGARD System from MED Alliance Group, Inc. for $8,105.25.
• Approval for three firefighters to attend the Mercy College of EMS Paramedic Program.

Police-related items include:

• Replacement of three police fleet vehicles, each listed at $53,740.20.
• Purchase of four patrol rifles for $15,210.80.
• Training travel approvals, including IACP Annual Training Conference attendance in Orlando, Florida, and FBI Cellular Analysis Survey Team training in Omaha, Nebraska.

The council will also consider a reimbursement agreement connected to police officer certification training for Colin Riggs, who is attending Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training.

These actions support staffing readiness, emergency response capability, and replacement of aging or specialized equipment.

Development and Land Use Decisions

The council will consider Resolution No. 26-139 approving construction plans for Enclave at Wooded Pointe Plat 2.

The applicant, JJ Larson Properties, L.L.C., submitted plans for public improvements. City staff and Foth Infrastructure and Environment reviewed the plans and determined they conform to Statewide Urban Standards and Specifications and city standards.

The city would assume maintenance responsibilities after acceptance of improvements and expiration of a four-year maintenance bond.

The council will also continue consideration of Ordinance No. 1162, which would rezone 12 acres from C-3 Regional Commercial District to C-3 Regional Commercial District with restrictions. The Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the item on June 29, 2026, and recommended approval.

Financial Matters

The meeting includes a broad range of financial decisions.

Major items include:

• $14,250,000 General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026A.
• $1,784,052.99 in claims for council approval.
• $155,656.02 payment to All Star Concrete, LLC for NW 62nd Avenue Improvements.
• $261,838.41 payment to The Concrete Co. for NW 86th Street PCC Patching Project.
• $140,833.13 payment to S M Hentges & Sons, Inc. for Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Extension Segment B.
• $28,885.92 payment to On Track Construction for NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension Segment B & C.
• $19,718.00 for a flatbed/utilitybed upfit for Truck #231 through Hawkeye Truck Equipment.
• $53,740.20 police vehicle replacement purchases.

These expenditures support transportation, utilities, public safety, and municipal operations.

Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance

The council will consider several ordinance updates.

Ordinance No. 1159 proposes replacing Chapter 55 provisions related to animal protection and control.

Ordinance No. 1160 would amend rules concerning authorized weapon use and trapping for coyote control. The proposed changes maintain restrictions on firearm discharge and trapping while allowing specific exceptions, including governmental nuisance animal control and licensed wildlife control operations.

Ordinance No. 1163 would restrict parking on the south side of NW 62nd Avenue near Lawson Elementary School during school drop-off and pickup hours. The proposed restriction applies Monday through Friday when school is in session, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ordinance No. 1164 would revise speed regulations on NW 100th and NW 107th Streets, including establishing designated speed zones.

Reports, Presentations, and Informational Updates

The council will receive several reports, including Tree Board minutes, Park Advisory Board minutes, and the Johnston Police Department Second Quarter 2026 Activity Report.

The Police Department report includes activity measures such as school resource officer interactions, community affairs activity, public assists, social service referrals, and community outreach.

The Tree Board discussed long-term planning for Pioneer Parkway trees, including replacement planning as existing trees reach the end of their useful life.

Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters

The agenda includes personnel-related actions connected to training and professional development.

The Police Department reimbursement agreement for Colin Riggs supports costs associated with Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certification training.

Fire District personnel training requests include paramedic education and attendance at professional conferences. These actions are intended to maintain employee qualifications and improve service capabilities.

Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations

Major operational projects include transportation improvements, utility work, and city asset maintenance.

Infrastructure projects include:

• Highway 141 / NW Towner Drive Interchange funding efforts.
• NW 62nd Avenue Improvements.
• Beaver Creek Emergency Water Main Repair.
• Little Beaver Creek Sanitary Extension.
• NW Saylorville Drive Water Main Extension.
• NW 86th Street PCC Patching.
• Johnston Sanitary Sewer Lining Improvements.
• 78th Avenue Trail work.

The council will also consider acceptance of Merle Hay Water Trail Access and support letters for REAP grants involving Dewey Park, Ridgedale Heights, and Beaver Creek Natural Resource Area.

Public Hearings and Opportunities for Community Input

The agenda provides opportunities for public comment during the meeting. Residents may participate through the city’s public comment process and electronic participation information provided with the meeting materials.

No public hearings are listed in the agenda for this meeting.

Community Impact

Residents may be affected by decisions involving:

• Road and transportation improvements.
• Water and sewer reliability projects.
• Police and fire service investments.
• Traffic regulations near schools.
• Development approvals and zoning changes.
• City borrowing and financial commitments.

Property owners along improvement corridors may experience temporary construction impacts or property-related processes. Drivers may see future changes related to parking and speed regulations.

Businesses and developers may be affected by zoning decisions, construction approvals, and infrastructure improvements that support continued city growth.

Questions Community Members May Want to Ask

1. How will the $14.25 million General Obligation Bonds be allocated among planned city projects?
2. What timeline is expected for construction of the Highway 141 / NW Towner Drive Interchange improvements?
3. How will the NW 62nd Avenue improvements affect nearby property owners and traffic patterns during construction?
4. What criteria are used to determine when police and fire equipment should be replaced?
5. What community concerns led to updates regarding coyote control regulations?
6. How will new parking restrictions near Lawson Elementary School be communicated and enforced?
7. What long-term maintenance costs should residents expect from approved infrastructure projects?
8. How will development at Enclave at Wooded Pointe affect future city services?

Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps

• August 3, 2026: Regular Council Meeting and consideration of listed resolutions, ordinances, purchases, and financial actions.
• August 17, 2026: Upcoming City Council Work Session at 6:00 p.m. and Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
• September 6, 2026: Contract time extension date associated with Dog Park additional work by TK Concrete LLC.
• September 15-19, 2026: Fire District staff attendance at Women in Fire 2026 International Conference in Austin, Texas.
• September 21-24, 2026: Fire District members attendance at First Due Unify 2026 User Summit in Nashville, Tennessee.
• October 23-28, 2026: Police Department staff attendance at IACP Annual Training Conference in Orlando, Florida.

Key Takeaways

• Johnston City Council will consider issuing $14.25 million in General Obligation Bonds.
• The city is pursuing federal transportation funding for the Highway 141 / NW Towner Drive Interchange.
• Beaver Creek Emergency Water Main Repair is being finalized with a $16,410.30 change order adjustment.
• NW 62nd Avenue improvements continue through property acquisition and construction activities.
• Police and Fire Departments are requesting equipment purchases, vehicles, and training support.
• The council will consider updated animal control, coyote control, parking, and speed regulations.
• Enclave at Wooded Pointe Plat 2 construction plans are recommended for approval.
• Claims totaling $1,784,052.99 are scheduled for approval.
• City infrastructure work includes roads, trails, water systems, and sewer improvements.
• The Police Department Second Quarter 2026 Activity Report will be received and filed.
• Technology security improvements will be supported through a state memorandum of understanding.
• Residents can provide public comments during the council meeting.

Official Sources

• Meeting source: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/cojia/Board.nsf/Public?open&id=DRWLS356ECDD&unid=EBD74811EA04FB2D85258DB20056ECDD
• Meeting listing: https://go.boarddocs.com/ia/cojia/Board.nsf/Public
• Public body website: https://www.cityofjohnston.com/238/City-Council-Mayor
• Meeting video: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofjohnston/videos
• Video channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/cityofjohnston

About the Public Body

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

Keywords

City of Johnston, Johnston City Council, Regular Council Meeting, Polk County Iowa, General Obligation Bonds, Highway 141 Interchange, NW Towner Drive, NW 62nd Avenue Improvements, Beaver Creek Water Main Repair, water infrastructure, sanitary sewer, police department, fire district, public safety, animal control, coyote control, Lawson Elementary School, parking regulations, speed regulations, zoning, Enclave at Wooded Pointe, transportation projects, capital improvements, community development, city finances, municipal operations