The latest city council meeting began by discussions on the consent agenda. Council members were given the opportunity to review any items individually before proceeding.
Bob Gerdes, a long-standing community member with Midwest Old Threshers, expressed gratitude for the continued support and collaboration between city officials, volunteers, and local organizations. He emphasized Mount Pleasant’s unique relationship compared to other cities, highlighting the ease of working with city administration.
He also announced that an upcoming event on March 12 would feature the announcements of who is performing from the KILJ Stage during Midwest Old Threshers.
The meeting also included updates on the town’s historic preservation initiatives from Joy Lapp.
Among the major projects discussed were:
- Historic Preservation Efforts – The city hosted the Preserve Iowa Summit, drawing 300 attendees and featuring keynote speaker Brent Leggs from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. Additionally, the city completed a historic and architectural survey of downtown in preparation for a National Historic District designation.
- Mount Pleasant: Then and Now – A book featuring historical and contemporary images of local homes was completed, documenting 82 properties and revealing fascinating local connections, including ties to Janis Joplin’s family and an infamous outlaw, Bert Wilkerson.
- Second Baptist Church Restoration – Structural evaluations confirmed the church’s deteriorating basement is beyond repair. Plans are in place to rebuild the foundation and establish a museum dedicated to Mount Pleasant’s African American history.
Other notable preservation efforts included ongoing cemetery restoration, salvaging materials from demolished homes, and recognizing individuals who contribute to historical preservation. The city council reaffirmed its financial support for these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Mount Pleasant’s rich cultural heritage.