Maquoketa City Council Meeting

The Maquoketa City Council met last night, addressing a full agenda that included several public hearings and key decisions on city finances and infrastructure.

Among the items up for public input were the proposed sale of  166,272 square feet of land at 1015 East Platt Street to Verla Beck for no more than one dollar per square foot, and the city’s purchase of  140,440  square feet of land at the same rate. Council also heard public comment—though none was offered—on a proposed amendment to the 2024-2025 city budget, and plans to issue up to $2.4 million in general obligation capital loan notes.

With no comments from the public, all hearings were closed.

The council went on to approve the sale and purchase of the respective properties. They also adopted the budget amendment, which sets the city’s reserve fund at 33.78%. The $2.4 million in capital loan notes will help fund construction projects expected in the summer or fall of 2026.

Also approved: a $181,431 bid from Steger Construction for East Maple Street drainage improvements, and a $13,498 change order for ongoing work at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

In other actions, council approved $648,478 in bills through May 5th, renewed a Class “E” retail alcohol license for Main Street Tobacco Shop, and approved the second reading of a Utility Improvement Fund ordinance. That fund continues a $2.75 monthly fee, with no increase to existing rates.

CertaPro Painters was awarded a $38,902 contract for recoating work in the Public Works Department, and Chad Ketelsen was hired as a seasonal, part-time maintenance worker.