Development News for Carroll, Iowa

Carol City Council Reviews Successful School Resource Officer Program, Discontinues DARE

The Carol City Council received a presentation and update on the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. Officer Matt Kbec has served as the SRO for the past school year, accumulating approximately 1,200 hours across elementary, middle, and high schools. The program aims to build relationships between law enforcement and students, assist with school policy, and provide classroom instruction. The previous DARE program is not being continued due to a lack of dedicated officers. The SRO program has been viewed positively by school administration, staff, and students, with a decrease in negative incidents reported by the end of the year. Training for advanced SRO and supervisor roles is planned for the upcoming summer. The council also discussed concerns regarding bullying and the SRO's role in handling such incidents, clarifying that school administration remains the primary point of contact for student misconduct, with the SRO involved as needed.

Carol Council Approves Engineering, Audit Contracts, Debates Motor Grader Replacement

The Carol City Council approved an engineering services agreement with VNK for $24,700 to update the city's water system risk and resilience assessment and emergency response plan. They also approved a resolution for audit services with Thomsen Company CPAs for fiscal years 2026, 27, and 28, with proposed fees of $21,600, $22,800, and $24,000 respectively. The council debated the replacement of a 1987 motor grader, considering options from repair to purchasing a used 2021 model for $23,000 (net cost $198,000). The decision on the motor grader was tabled to allow for further investigation into repair costs and alternative sourcing. The council also approved an amendment to an agreement with JL Consulting Group for infrastructure adjustments, including an additional $14,000.

Carol Council Advances Urban Renewal Plans, Tables Ziggler Development Deal Amidst Negotiation Concerns

The council discussed and approved the third reading of an ordinance for the division of revenues under Iowa Code section 403.19 for the West GU subdivision. A public hearing was opened and closed for the Ziggler Urban Renewal Plan and a development agreement with Ziggler Carol LLC for a retail and warehouse space. The proposed agreement included city funding for water and sewer infrastructure and significant public and council debate over the terms and negotiation process, ultimately leading to a motion to table the agreement. The council also postponed a public hearing and development agreement for the 2026 Westfield urban renewal plan and a development agreement with Dirty Love LLC until June 22nd. An easement request from Interstate Power and Light Company for a gas pipeline was approved. The council also approved the infill housing incentive program policy, removing the West Golf View subdivision from eligibility.

Carol Council Approves Urban Renewal Revenue Collection, Budget Amendments, and Audit Services Contract

The Carol City Council approved the third reading of an ordinance to collect revenue for the West GU subdivision from urban renewal dollars. They also adopted a resolution authorizing and confirming advancement costs related to urban renewal, allowing reimbursement for fees incurred before the adoption of ordinances. Additionally, a resolution was approved amending an agreement with JL Consulting Group for infrastructure adjustments, involving an additional $14,000 for downsizing from the original plan. The council also approved the FY2025-26 budget amendment number two and entered into a three-year contract for audit services with Thomsen Company CPAs for fiscal years 2026, 27, and 28, with proposed fees of $21,600, $22,800, and $24,000 respectively. A depository resolution was approved to update bank names and increase fund limits, and the infill housing incentive program policy was amended to remove the West Golf View subdivision. A resolution was approved for audit services with Thomsen Company CPAs for fiscal years 2026-2028, with fees of $21,600, $22,800, and $24,000. A depository resolution was approved to update bank names and increase fund limits. The infill housing incentive program policy was amended to remove the West Golf View subdivision.