City of Marengo Packet Summary — 2026-03-25
City Council Meeting
March 25, 2026 — 6:15 p.m.
The meeting is scheduled at Marengo City Hall following a public hearing for the FY27 Property Tax Levy.
Key Items on the Agenda
FY26 Budget Amendment and FY27 Budget Hearings
The council is scheduled to consider two resolutions establishing future public hearings:
- Resolution #26-83 would set a public hearing for an FY26 budget amendment.
- Resolution #26-84 would set a public hearing for the FY27 budget.
The agenda does not provide the proposed hearing dates or additional financial details for either item.
Three Ordinances Scheduled for Public Hearings and First Readings
Three ordinance amendments are scheduled for public hearings and first readings:
- Ordinance 551 would amend Chapter 46 — Minors by revising Section 46.02 concerning cigarettes and tobacco.
- Ordinance 552 would amend Chapter 4 — Scheduled Fines by adding Item #58 for Section 46.02, concerning a person under 21 using tobacco or vapor products.
- Ordinance 553 would amend Chapter 145 — Dangerous Buildings by adding Item #6 for Section 145.03, concerning an unsafe building.
The agenda identifies the subjects of the amendments but does not provide the full proposed ordinance language.
Park Pavilion Concrete Pads
Resolution #26-85 is scheduled for consideration to approve bids for concrete pads serving the pavilions in the park. The agenda does not identify the bidders, proposed contract amount, or scope beyond the concrete-pad work.
Public Works Hiring
The council is scheduled to consider Resolution #26-86, which would approve the hiring of a part-time Public Works maintenance worker. The agenda does not identify the proposed employee, compensation, hours, or anticipated start date.
Policy and Governance Items
Electric Franchise Ordinance
Resolution #26-87 would set a public hearing on an amendment to Chapter 111 concerning the electric franchise and the addition of Iowa Electric Franchise Ordinance No. 554.
The agenda schedules consideration of the hearing-setting resolution rather than final action on the proposed ordinance itself.
Off-Road Vehicles and Golf Carts
Resolution #26-88 would set a public hearing on proposed amendments to Chapter 77 — Operation of Off Road Vehicles and Golf Carts. The listed provisions are Sections 77.01 #1, 77.02, 77.03, 77.05 #1, and 77.10.
The agenda does not describe the specific changes proposed for those sections.
Potential Closed Session
Under continued old business, the council is scheduled to consider entering closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) to discuss strategy with counsel regarding current or imminent litigation when disclosure would likely prejudice or disadvantage the city's position.
The agenda also lists a motion to return to open session and a potential motion and proposal concerning actions arising from the closed session. It does not identify the litigation or specify what action may be proposed.
Major Financial Items
February Revenues and Financial Reports
The consent agenda includes February 2026 revenues totaling $548,480.37, along with several financial reports:
- February 2026 Major Operating Departments Finance Reports
- February 2026 Finance Expenditures & Revenue Report
- Savings Accounts Report
These items are scheduled as part of the consent agenda rather than as separately listed discussion items.
Monthly Bills
The council is scheduled to consider claims, checks, and direct withdrawals totaling $278,162.23 under approval of monthly bills.
Consent Agenda
The council is scheduled to consider a consent agenda that includes:
- Approval of minutes from the March 11, 2026 City Council Meeting
- February 2026 revenues totaling $548,480.37
- February 2026 Major Operating Departments Finance Reports
- February 2026 Finance Expenditures & Revenue Report
- Savings Accounts Report
- Tobacco license for Express Stop Inc., dba BP Express Stop
- Tobacco license for Ambies, LLC
- Tobacco license for Big G Food Stores, Inc.
Public Safety and Community Items
Reserve Police Officer
The agenda includes the swearing-in of Scott Breckenridge as a Reserve Police Officer.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
The council agenda includes a proclamation recognizing April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, with Mollie McKibben of DVIP Iowa listed for the item.
A resident-comment period is scheduled before the council moves into the listed old and new business items.
Department and Leadership Updates
The agenda includes updates from:
- Public Safety — Chief Ben Gray
- Public Works — Director Lonnie Altenhofen
- Marengo Public Library — Director Jackie Jordan
The council is also scheduled to receive Attorney/City Administrator reports, zoning and building reports, and Mayor/Council/Committee reports. The agenda does not specify the subjects expected to be covered in those updates.
What to Watch at the Meeting
Several agenda items could establish the next steps for later city action rather than resolve the underlying issues at this meeting. Resolutions #26-83, #26-84, #26-87, and #26-88 concern setting future public hearings, while Ordinances 551, 552, and 553 are scheduled for public hearings and first readings.
Other items with potential immediate council action include approval of bids for park pavilion concrete pads, hiring a part-time Public Works maintenance worker, approval of monthly bills totaling $278,162.23, and consideration of any proposal that may emerge after the potential closed session.
