When the City Council of Webster City meets tonight, it will consider two initiatives that have not previously been publicly discussed or debated.

If approved, they would commit the city to restoration of an endangered building downtown, and the development of a new, city-owned sports complex.

Both projects have the potential to affect quality of life in Webster City for generations into the future.

Both would also require significant sums of tax and grant money.

The first project would require the City of Webster City to take ownership of 707 Second Street, then apply for grant funding to stabilize and redevelop it and lease it back to its present tenant, Lotus Community Project, of Vincent.

Lotus operates an emergency shelter for single women and families in Fort Dodge, and provides case management and support for its clients. Lotus Treasures is a thrift shop on the main floor of 707 Second Street, whose proceeds support Lotus in providing its services.

The July 28, 2025 edition of The Daily Freeman-Journal identified seven downtown buildings in danger of collapse from failing brickwork. Among them was 707 Second Street. Although not cited in the proposed contract between the city and Lotus, it is expected that two second-floor rental apartments would be part of the restoration project scope at 707 Second St.

The second proposed project asks the city to consider acceptance of a donation of farmland from Reveiz Family Farms, Inc., dependent on the city agreeing to “build and complete a new sports complex for public use with ground-breaking and construction beginning prior to July 1, 2027, and completion no later than July 1, 2028.”

If it accepts the land, the city would be responsible for any land transfer, survey, platting and engineering costs. The new facility would be named in honor of Dr. Eduardo Reveize, M.D., who practiced in Webster City.

Also on the Council’s agenda tonight are a proposal to spend $283,500 to buy and install a new water filter at the outdoor swimming pool; a measure to close out the 2025 chip seal program that paved parts of Union, Water, Walnut and Mary Lane streets this summer; and a change order for $71,785 of unexpected costs in the Fair Meadow Drive #2 Reconstruction project. Most of the change order went to replace failed Orangeburg sewer pipe serving homes along Fair Meadow Drive.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers, City Hall, 400 Second Street, Webster City. All City Council of Webster City meetings are open to the public.