City Manager John Harrenstein honors departing Councilman Matt McKinney Monday during the council meeting.

At City Hall Monday, two newly-elected members of the City Council of Webster City, Ashley Allers and John Marvel, were sworn-in. Mayor John Hawkins, who’s served since 2016 and who was re-elected in the November election, also took the oath of office.

Two long-serving Council members, Matt McKinney and Logan Welch, whose terms will end December 31, were honored with plaques and the key to the city.

A measure to let a contract to T.K. Concrete, Inc., Pella, for $831,610 for Portland cement concrete work across Webster City in 2026. Ten bids were received, with two being rejected as they were submitted in unsealed envelopes. Section 26 of the Code of Iowa, known officially as “Iowa Construction Bidding Procedures Act” spells out the acceptable form for all bids where public monies are spent.

Street Department Supervisor Brandon Bahrenfuss commented, “Our budget for this project was $946,000, so we’ve come in well under that with the winning bid. It’s a good price from a good contractor.”

The project will see concrete patching and manhole adjustments on 17 streets in Webster City, including: Collins Street, Short Street, College Street, Grand Street, Ohio Street, Steiner Boulevard, Wall Street, N. Terrace Drive, South Street, Thomas Street, Georgetown Road, Southfield Drive, Crestview Drive, E. Closz Drive, Virginia Parkway, East Second Street, and Edgewood Drive. Weather permitting, work on the project will begin in April 2026, and conclude at the end of July.

Referring to the long construction season in 2025, during which two large hot melt asphalt projects were delayed by a combination of wet weather and scheduling of contractor personnel, City Manager John Harrenstein said, “This project is 100% funded by sales taxes, and provides excellent value for residents of Webster City. We’re happy to give them, and the neighborhoods, a reprieve next year by spreading the work of this project across the city, rather than concentrated in just a few locations, as was the case in 2025.”

On the recommendation of the Traffic Committee, the Council voted to hold a public hearing on a measure that would create new 35 mph and 45 mph speed limit zones on Mackinlay Kantor Drive, from James Street to the city’s north corporate limit. The first of three readings was held Monday. Two additional readings must pass before the measure can become law.

Bahrenfuss told the Council, “There’s presently no speed limit on this road, so we’re recommending new 45 mph and 35 mph zones in the interest of public safety.”

Bahrenfuss went on to say, “We’re reviewing speed limits on all entrances to town, and may have more recommendations like this.”

In other action, the Council:

— Heard an appeal from Kassandra Walker, of Boone, who is seeking to locate her business, Arachnid Ink, a tattoo parlor in the building at 1505 Lynx Avenue. The building was previously occupied by Lynx Wellness, and served as a church prior to that. City Attorney Zach Chizek explained the building cannot be used as the site of a business as the property is zoned R-3.

Chizek explained spot zoning is not allowed in Webster City, but “council could decide to allow a special exception for the entire R-3 zone. The Council referred the matter to the Planning & Zoning Commission for review, who will report back to Council with a recommendation.

— Heard an explanation from City Manager Harrenstein on why he withdrew his offer to purchase city property on Wall Street near the Iowa Central Community College campus.

“I learned that two individuals have wanted to purchase the entire acreage at this site for possible residential development, and an improvement to the city’s tax base. To maintain public trust in local government, I have withdrawn my offer.” Council member Welch said to Harrenstein, “I do appreciate your putting your interests aside to keep us from becoming auctioneers.”

Monday’s meeting was the final City Council of Webster City meeting in 2025.

Councilman Logan Welch, who is also departing the City Council of Webster City, was accompanied by family as he accepted his award.