The Stuart City Council held two meetings last week.

On Monday at 6pm, a joint board meeting with the Stuart Municipal Utility board was held, where presentation by business owner Nate Westre, Stuart Economic Development Director Matt Funk, and City Engineer Forrest Aldrich. Many things were discussed, but nothing acted upon.

The regular meeting of the City Council started afterwards at 6:40pm. Citizen Robert Cook made a presentation to the Council, regarding scheduling town clean up for May 5th and 6th, and the Council approved those two days. They also approved the resolution setting maximum tax dollars from certain levies for the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget, and then adopted the budget.

The Council also approved a request made by Stuart Police Sergeant Katie Guisinger. Sergeant Guisinger let the Council know that Stuart Police Department Community Programs (SPDCP) was applying for the Trees 4 Kids Grant through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. If the SPDCP is awarded the grant, the city will cover the initial cost of $2,500 for purchase of trees, and then be reimbursed once SPDCP receives the grant money.

The Council also approved a mowing contract with TCB Lawn Care, LLC for $17,500 for mowing various City properties, to table a decision on making repairs on White Pole Road until more information is available on what needs done, the voluntary annexation of a property and the City Audit for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022. They also approved a $291,062 bid for the Safe Routes to School Project.