The Mount Pleasant City Council met Wednesday evening, approving several infrastructure, traffic, and licensing items while also receiving updates on childcare, utilities, and city projects.
One of the meeting’s largest actions was approval of a resolution accepting a proposal to purchase a $1.235 million General Obligation Capital Loan Note. The financing will be used to purchase a new street sweeper and partially fund the Winfield Avenue 2026 street improvement project.
The council also approved the third and final reading of an ordinance increasing the city’s monthly solid waste fee from $4.25 to $5.25. City officials said the increase is needed to offset rising administrative expenses associated with solid waste collection, including payroll, health insurance, workers compensation insurance, information technology costs, and other operational expenses.
Council members approved the second reading of an ordinance making traffic-related changes along Winfield Avenue. The proposal would establish no-parking zones on portions of the street and replace a yield sign with a stop sign at the intersection of North Perry Street and Winfield Avenue.
The council also approved the second reading of an ordinance that would allow all-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, to operate on city streets. Current regulations already permit golf carts and utility terrain vehicles. City officials noted that ATV safety features have improved since the original ordinance was adopted.
Several annual licenses and permits were approved, including cigarette and tobacco permits, alcohol license renewals and special event permits. The council also approved an outdoor amplified sound permit for Faith Christian Outreach Church for an event scheduled July 1.
During public comments, newly hired City Administrator Joe Taylor introduced himself and thanked city staff, elected officials, and community members for the warm welcome he and his family have received since arriving in Mount Pleasant. Taylor said they are excited to become part of the community and call Mount Pleasant home.
Mount Pleasant Municipal Utilities General Manager Nate Lucas also addressed the council, providing information about an upcoming public hearing regarding a proposed transmission facility joint ownership agreement with Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois. The hearing is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, in the Municipal Utilities Board Room at 509 North Adams Street.
Mayor Steve Brimhall updated the council on efforts to find a permanent location for the Mount Pleasant Childcare Center, saying discussions continue as city leaders explore long-term solutions. Brimhall also announced that the Public Works Department plans to remove the aging United Through Playground, commonly known as the “Wooden Park” near Saunders School, by the end of June. The city hopes to have a replacement playground installed before the end of the year.
In other business, the council approved Change Order Number One for the Winfield Avenue 2026 project and approved resolutions waiving the city’s right to review proposed subdivisions on South Logan Avenue and North Hickory Avenue following recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Council members also approved Change Order Number Five for the Airport T-Hangar and Taxilanes project, reducing the overall project cost by more than $22,700 due to lower-than-expected material usage.
The council further authorized Mayor Brimhall to sign a five-year master agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation outlining maintenance responsibilities for state highways that pass through Mount Pleasant.
The next regular meeting of the Mount Pleasant City Council will be held Wednesday, June 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Administrator’s Conference Room.