Development News for Keokuk, Iowa

Railroad Bridge Tolls Increased by 90% Following Second Reading of Ordinance

The council considered the second reading of an ordinance to amend city code section 9.60.010 regarding railroad bridge tolls. The proposed ordinance establishes an immediate approximate 90% rate increase to $70 per rail car crossing the bridge, with subsequent annual 3% increases. The council will review the rate schedule every two years. Future rates will consider funding capital projects, and a future agreement with Kiaak Junction Railway for a combined bridge improvement project is possible. The railway company expressed a desire to continue discussions for future grant rounds and project movement [cite: 224-255].

City Council Conditionally Approves Bids for Urban Renewal Area Properties, Sets Public Hearings

The council conditionally approved bids for the purchase and redevelopment of certain city-owned properties within the Twin Rivers urban renewal area and set public hearing dates. This process, managed through TIFF mechanisms, requires a 30-day public notice of intent, followed by public hearings for final approval of purchase and development agreements. Out of 11 properties that received bids, eight received none. Notable bids include Iowa 2x4s for $5,000 for property at 606 Concert Street. The property at 1908 Time Street has a more aggressive two-year timeline for rehabilitation, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and roof work, with a clawback provision if not met. Staff confirmed bidders understand these stipulations. The overall process ensures proper disposition of city-owned property within the urban renewal district [cite: 366-459].

Contract Awarded for Overhead Door Replacement at 212 De Moine Street

The council awarded a contract for the replacement of overhead doors at 212 De Moine Street to CCS for $22,872. Three quotes were received, with CCS being significantly lower than the other two bids, which were nearly double the awarded amount. This replacement is intended to resolve ongoing issues with the existing doors, which have required repeated repairs [cite: 344-362].

Revenue Purpose Statement for Electric Franchise Fees Reaffirmed Ahead of Rate Increase

The council approved a resolution adopting a revenue purpose statement for the use of revenues from an electric services franchise fee. This action reaffirms the previous revenue purpose statement without changes, detailing how funds are allocated, primarily to public safety services including fire, police, and sanitation. The total franchise fees, estimated at $2 million annually after adjusting electric and gas fees to 5%, are placed into the general fund and used for expenditures exceeding the collected amount. This is a necessary step before proceeding with the proposed rate increase for the electric franchise fee from 3% to 5% [cite: 274-338].