The July 14, 2026 Dallas Center City Council meeting is centered on several significant capital projects and financial decisions that will shape the city's downtown, municipal facilities, public safety operations, and infrastructure. The agenda includes a public hearing and action on a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application for downtown commercial façade improvements, continued work on the new City Hall remodeling project, drainage improvements, public works technology upgrades, and several funding reallocations.
One of the most consequential items is the City's application for a $650,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. If awarded, the grant would support approximately $1.34 million in façade renovations for participating downtown commercial properties. The City proposes contributing approximately $457,872 in matching funds while participating property owners would contribute approximately $228,122. The project targets multiple buildings in the Walnut Street downtown corridor and is intended to improve building appearance, preserve historic structures, and encourage economic development.
The City Hall remodeling project remains another major priority. Following contract approval at a June special meeting, the council will consider Change Order No. 1, increasing the contract by $8,365.41 to incorporate construction modifications, finish upgrades, demolition adjustments, and material substitutions. Additional agenda items include replacing failed HVAC equipment serving the remodeled building and redirecting Local Option Sales and Service Tax (LOSST) revenues to help finance the project.
Public safety also receives significant attention. The Fire Department is requesting approval to purchase a used command vehicle from the City of Urbandale and equip it for emergency response at a total cost not to exceed $40,000. Council members will also consider establishing annual officer stipends for volunteer fire department leadership positions in addition to the existing per-call compensation, recognizing administrative and leadership responsibilities performed outside emergency responses.
Several infrastructure and operational improvements are also before the council. Public Works is recommending adoption of iWorq software to modernize fleet management and work order tracking, replacing paper-based systems. The City Engineer will present alternatives for addressing longstanding drainage problems near 230th Street and Orchard Lane, while council will also consider HVAC replacement bids, disposal of surplus equipment, and volunteer-led landscaping improvements along Walnut Street.
The meeting also includes regulatory and governance matters, including an appeal involving an unsafe building at 1413 Walnut Street, donor appreciation signage at Heritage Park Pavilion, a possible alley vacation near the swimming pool property, banking authorization updates, and consideration of reallocating previously designated capital improvement revenues to support the City Hall project.
Major Discussion and Action Items
The council will conduct a required public hearing regarding the City's application for Community Development Block Grant funding to support downtown commercial façade improvements.
The proposed project totals approximately $1,335,994.33 and includes:
- $650,000 requested from CDBG.
- Approximately $457,871.86 in City matching funds.
- Approximately $228,122.47 in participating property owner contributions.
The project includes construction work, architectural services, environmental testing, surveys, administration, and contingencies. Nine participating downtown buildings are identified within a larger target revitalization area.
Formal council action is expected on Resolution 2026-44 supporting submission of the grant application.
Unsafe Building Appeal — 1413 Walnut Street
The council will hear an appeal filed by Stephen G. Vanderpool regarding a First Notice declaring the building at 1413 Walnut Street unsafe and dangerous.
According to the agenda, the building has been determined to be structurally unsafe and in progressive failure based upon an engineering analysis.
Following the hearing, the council may adopt Resolution 2026-40 determining whether the City's enforcement action will proceed.
This decision primarily affects the property owner, nearby properties, and public safety.
New City Hall Remodeling Project
The remodeling of the future City Hall at 1414 Walnut Street continues moving from design into construction.
Council will receive a project report and consider Change Order No. 1 increasing the contract by $8,365.41.
The proposed changes include:
- Additional wood trim and millwork.
- Ceiling and demolition modifications.
- Electrical lighting revisions.
- Installation of additional finishes.
- Credits resulting from material substitutions.
- Substitution of PVC drain piping for cast iron.
The contractor indicates no change to the construction schedule.
Separate agenda items would also approve replacement HVAC equipment for the remodeled building at a quoted cost of $41,687.
Fire Department Equipment and Officer Compensation
The Fire Department is requesting authorization to purchase:
- A used 2018 Ford Explorer command vehicle from the City of Urbandale.
- Emergency equipment including radios, vehicle upfitting, wrap, and Knox equipment.
The total estimated project cost is approximately $37,500, with council authorization requested for expenditures not exceeding $40,000.
Council will also consider annual officer stipends:
- Fire Chief — $2,000
- Assistant Fire Chief — $1,500
- Assistant EMS Chief — $1,500
- Fire Captains — $1,000 each
- EMS Captain — $1,000
- Fire Lieutenants — $500 each
- EMS Lieutenant — $500
The estimated annual stipend cost totals approximately $8,500.
Public Works Modernization
Public Works proposes implementation of iWorq management software.
The software would replace paper-based tracking for:
- Fleet management.
- Work orders.
- Maintenance records.
Costs include:
- One-time implementation fee: $3,000.
- Annual subscription: $4,500.
Staff indicate the system is intended to improve efficiency and recordkeeping.
Walnut Street Landscaping Improvements
Council will discuss a volunteer-led effort to refurbish landscaping along Walnut Street.
The proposal authorizes a City contribution of up to $6,000 toward the project.
This proposal follows earlier discussions during the June meeting when Tree Board representatives requested support for downtown landscaping improvements.
SAILDC / Dallas Center Food Pantry Contribution
Resolution 2026-39 would authorize a $1,583 City contribution to the SAILDC/Dallas Center Food Pantry.
The funding would specifically reimburse liability insurance costs for the nonprofit organization.
Stormwater Improvements on 230th Street
The City Engineer will present drainage alternatives addressing recurring problems near:
- 230th Street.
- Orchard Lane west of Highway 169.
Engineering analysis evaluated four alternatives including combinations of:
- Open drainage ditches.
- Storm sewer pipe.
- Highway boring.
- Easement acquisition.
The consultant concludes that Alternative 2 appears slightly preferable because it addresses both drainage problem areas while requiring a less intrusive easement than the large open ditch alternative.
Estimated construction costs for the preferred alternatives range between approximately $40,000 and $50,000.
LOSST Revenue Reallocations
Council will consider two resolutions reallocating previously designated Local Option Sales and Service Tax revenues.
Rather than reserving funds for the East Area Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Improvements Project, the resolutions would redirect Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and Fiscal Year 2025-2026 LOSST allocations toward the New City Hall Remodeling Project.
Heritage Park Pavilion Donor Recognition
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of donor appreciation signs at the Heritage Park Pavilion.
Council action is requested through Resolution 2026-41.
Alley Vacation Referral
Council will consider referring a request involving an alley located on swimming pool property to the Planning and Zoning Commission for formal review before any future vacation proceedings.
Financial Matters
Major financial items include:
- Up to $40,000 for a Fire Department command vehicle and equipment.
- $41,687 proposed HVAC replacement for the future City Hall.
- $8,365.41 City Hall construction change order.
- $6,000 maximum City contribution toward Walnut Street landscaping improvements.
- $1,583 contribution supporting liability insurance for the Dallas Center Food Pantry.
- $3,000 implementation plus $4,500 annual subscription for iWorq Public Works software.
- $650,000 requested CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant.
- Approximately $457,871.86 City matching funds for the downtown revitalization project.
- Approximately $228,122.47 expected private owner participation.
- Reallocation of two fiscal years of LOSST revenues from the East Area utility project to the City Hall remodeling project.
The June claims list also reflects significant ongoing municipal expenditures including police protection payments to Dallas County, utility costs, engineering services, design work, waste collection, water treatment supplies, bond payments, professional services, and construction-related expenses.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The council is scheduled to consider numerous resolutions including:
- Resolution 2026-39 — Food Pantry contribution agreement.
- Resolution 2026-40 — Unsafe building appeal.
- Resolution 2026-41 — Heritage Park donor signage.
- Resolution 2026-42 — Public Works software agreement.
- Resolution 2026-43 — Authorized bank signers.
- Resolution 2026-44 — Downtown Revitalization Grant support.
- Resolution 2026-45 — FY2024-2025 LOSST reallocation.
- Resolution 2026-46 — FY2025-2026 LOSST reallocation.
Additional governance items include correcting a prior resolution number concerning a CIRHA appointment and consideration of a closed session regarding pending litigation under Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(c).
Scheduled reports include:
- Planning and Zoning Commission report.
- Fire Department update.
- New City Hall project report.
- Public Works Director's report.
- City Engineer's report.
- City Administrator report.
- Council reports.
- Mayor's report.
Supporting materials also include:
- June Treasurer and Budget reports.
- Law Enforcement activity report.
- Fire and Rescue reports.
- Water system operations report.
- Engineering evaluation of drainage alternatives.
- Architectural planning documents supporting the downtown revitalization grant application.
The June water report indicates average production of approximately 204 gallons per minute with continued monitoring of chlorine, fluoride, nitrates, hardness, and well performance. Staff also completed hydrant flushing and well testing during June.
The engineering report recommends further consideration of Alternative 2 for the 230th Street drainage project because it addresses both identified drainage deficiencies while minimizing property impacts.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
Consent agenda personnel items include:
- Hiring Jeanne Osborn as Children's Librarian at $22 per hour effective June 24, 2026.
- Hiring Gage Beckel as a volunteer firefighter receiving $20 per call effective July 15, 2026.
Council will also consider establishing annual officer stipends recognizing additional leadership responsibilities within the volunteer Fire Department.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Major projects include:
- New City Hall remodeling.
- Downtown façade revitalization.
- Stormwater improvements near 230th Street.
- Walnut Street landscaping refurbishment.
- HVAC replacement for City Hall.
- Heritage Park Pavilion improvements.
- Public Works software modernization.
- Continued Ash Grove Gate development inspections.
- Possible alley vacation adjacent to swimming pool property.
These projects involve building improvements, downtown economic development, utility infrastructure, technology upgrades, and park facilities.
Residents may participate in:
- Public hearing regarding the City's Community Development Block Grant application for downtown façade improvements.
- Unsafe building appeal hearing concerning 1413 Walnut Street.
- General public comment period early in the meeting.
Meeting information:
- Date: July 14, 2026
- Time: 7:00 p.m.
- Location: Memorial Hall, 1502 Walnut Street
- Public participation available both in person and through Zoom.
Residents may see continued investment in downtown revitalization through façade improvements intended to preserve commercial buildings and encourage economic activity.
Taxpayers may wish to monitor proposed reallocations of LOSST revenues toward the City Hall remodeling project and the City's financial commitment to matching grant funds.
Businesses in the downtown target area could benefit directly from building renovations if grant funding is awarded.
Property owners near 230th Street and Orchard Lane may be affected by future drainage improvements and potential easement acquisition depending on the alternative ultimately selected.
Fire Department volunteers may receive enhanced compensation recognizing leadership responsibilities while emergency response capabilities could improve through acquisition of a dedicated command vehicle.
Public Works employees may benefit from improved maintenance tracking through implementation of digital work-order software.
- What criteria were used to prioritize the downtown buildings included in the grant application?
- How will the City's $457,871.86 matching contribution be financed?
- What happens if the Downtown Revitalization Grant is not awarded?
- Why is Alternative 2 currently preferred for the 230th Street drainage project?
- How will reallocating LOSST revenues affect future East Area utility improvements?
- What is the anticipated completion schedule for the new City Hall remodeling project?
- What measurable improvements are expected from implementing iWorq software?
- What factors support purchasing a used command vehicle rather than a new vehicle?
- What options remain available for the unsafe structure at 1413 Walnut Street following the appeal?
- How will volunteer landscaping efforts be coordinated with City maintenance responsibilities?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- July 14, 2026: Public hearing on the Downtown Revitalization Grant application.
- July 14, 2026: Council consideration of Resolution 2026-44 supporting submission of the CDBG application.
- July 14, 2026: Hearing and possible action on the unsafe building appeal for 1413 Walnut Street.
- July 14, 2026: Possible approval of Fire Department vehicle purchase and officer stipends.
- July 14, 2026: Possible approval of Public Works software contract.
- July 14, 2026: Possible approval of City Hall Change Order No. 1.
- Following grant submission: Iowa Economic Development Authority review of the Downtown Revitalization Grant application.
- Future meetings: Planning and Zoning review of the proposed alley vacation if referred by the council.
- Future implementation: Construction activities associated with the City Hall remodeling and any approved downtown revitalization project.
Key Takeaways
- The meeting includes a public hearing on a proposed $650,000 Downtown Revitalization Grant application.
- Total downtown revitalization project costs are estimated at approximately $1.34 million.
- The City proposes contributing approximately $457,872 toward the grant project.
- Participating property owners would contribute approximately $228,122.
- Council will consider an $8,365.41 City Hall construction change order.
- HVAC replacement for the future City Hall is estimated at $41,687.
- Fire Department leaders may receive annual stipends totaling approximately $8,500.
- A used Fire Department command vehicle project would cost up to $40,000.
- Public Works seeks approval of digital fleet and work-order software.
- Drainage improvements for 230th Street remain under engineering review.
- Alternative 2 is identified as the preferred drainage solution in the engineering evaluation.
- LOSST revenues may be redirected from East Area utility improvements to the City Hall project.
- Council will hear an appeal regarding an unsafe building at 1413 Walnut Street.
- The City proposes supporting the Food Pantry with a $1,583 contribution for liability insurance.
- Volunteer landscaping improvements along Walnut Street may receive up to $6,000 in City support.
- Residents may attend either in person or through Zoom.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: City of Dallas Center
- Organization type: municipality
- Government body: city-council
- Location: Dallas Center, iowa
- County: Dallas
- Provider: agendacenter
Keywords
Dallas Center City Council, Dallas Center, Iowa, July 14 2026, City Council Meeting, Community Development Block Grant, Downtown Revitalization Grant, Commercial Facades Grant, Walnut Street, City Hall Remodeling, 1414 Walnut Street, Change Order No. 1, Fire Department, command vehicle, volunteer firefighters, Public Works, iWorq software, 230th Street drainage, Orchard Lane drainage, Heritage Park Pavilion, LOSST revenues, Food Pantry, Ash Grove Gate, unsafe building appeal, Planning and Zoning Commission, infrastructure, downtown redevelopment, municipal finance
