The Adel City Council convened Tuesday evening in regular session.
The big item on the agenda was the potential termination of City Clerk Jackie Steele. A resolution outlining an order of removal was presented, which included four items that were identified as grounds for termination. Steele was able to speak to the Council, calling into question the process leading up to the order. She didn’t agree with some of the reasons, and also stated she had served without complaint for five years prior to the incidents. City Attorney Kristine Stone then clarified the order that was presented.
“So the specific language in the resolution is taken from the City’s handbook. These were at the recommendation of staff based on factors which staff believed warranted Council’s consideration. Under the State Code, the Council is required to issue an order of removal, which lists the basis for the removal from the position, since this is an appointed position. You can pass the resolution as is, or if you feel like something should be revised, you have the ability to do that.”
As it turned out, there was no additional discussion needed, and the Council unanimously approved the resolution removing Steele from her position. Following that, the Council approved the appointment of Finance Officer Brittany Sandquist as interim City Clerk. Following that, they held discussion only regarding a possible moratorium on septic systems within City limits, which was spurred by a developer wanting to install them in 18 new properties. It was stated that it was unlikely any plat with septic systems would likely not be approved, but the Council will still consider an agenda item that would install a moratorium at their first meeting in December.
Next, several other action items were approved in new business, including: setting a consultation and public hearing on a proposed Southbridge Urban Renewal Area for the December meeting; a services contract with McClure Engineering for the wastewater treatment plant project; a development agreement with Timberview West for turn lane improvements; rural development loan resolutions for water projects, the east annex sewer extension, and wastewater treatment plant; setting public hearings for November 27th to discuss flood plain map updates and an amendment to the AT&T tower lease agreement; and budget transfers for City Attorney Services.
Finally, the Council addressed a request by Casey’s General Store to split the funding for paving a portion of Meadow Road near Highway 169. They agreed they would rather have Casey’s foot the entire bill for the proposed project.