The Stuart City Council met Monday night in regular session.

The meeting started with a closed session for the ag business park. Following the closed session, the Council approved to continue discussions of pursuing the business park. The Council then set a public hearing on July 12th for a gas franchise fee, approved cigarette permits for the 2022 fiscal year and a bid from Unplugged Wireless for $43,360 to install two storm sirens. Additionally, the Council approved a grant agreement for Saints Center for advancement of tax increment financing of $30,000 by July 15th, along with a certificate of approval for the All Saints Addition, pending two minor corrections and $45 payment to DGR Engineering for electrical services for the project.

The Council also approved to renew a five year agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation to maintain and repair primary roads, increase taxes from five to seven-percent for hotel/motel tax fund by a 4-1 vote with Council member Mick Askren, and a two-percent across the board raises for city employees, with exception of the police department. It was also decided that the City would work with Douglas Galliano and Melinda Partlow about the changes of garbage pickup from alleys to streetside and amend ordinance to include golf carts with certain requirements to operate within the City limits. 

Following a lengthy discussion, the Council approved the second reading to amend an ordinance to prohibit parking on city access easements. A landowner brought up a concern about vehicles still being parked and having access to the easement. The Council decided to work with the landowner to possibly find a solution, otherwise litigation would happen. The Council tabled their decision to approve the purchase of a new ambulance, pending final review of the recommended bid.