Over the past few weeks, the City of Webster City found something interesting when hammering out its agreement with Webster City Daycare, located near the old water tower at 1317 Beach Street. It turned out that the land that playground equipment had sat upon wasn’t exactly in the childcare facility’s hands.

In its latest meeting, held this past Monday at the Council Chambers of City Hall, 400 Second Street in Webster City, the City Council of Webster City took care of that loose end.

The council unanimously approved of the lease, along with passing several other resolutions. The final resolution of the meeting was a grant agreement between the city and the childcare facility, which will provide more than $18,000 to assist with meeting childcare needs within the community.

With no public forum, Mayor John Hawkins read and signed the proclamation designating March 16 as “Honey Bee Day.” It is an initiative across the state of Iowa to preserve the honeybee and businesses supporting the insect.

After approving minutes, claims and licenses, the council passed a resolution approving the fire department work agreement for 2023 through 2026. The resolution between the City of Webster City and Iowa Association of Professional Fire Fighters, Local 1940, is a 4% increase for wage rates — which begins on July 1 and runs until July 1, 2025.

“It’s basically extending the current bargaining agreement for the next three years,” said Daniel Ortz-Hernandez, city manager.

The public hearing for the proposed offer to lease city-owned property off the 1300 block of Short Street then commenced.

With no written or oral concerns, the meeting closed within a minute’s time.

The council then approached the lease for the parcel of land north of Webster City Daycare.

“When we were agreeing to this with the daycare, (City Attorney Zachary Chizek) and I realized that the playground to the north of the building was not included in the original 2004 lease,” Ortiz-Hernandez said. “The lease is a short-term fix, so we can separate the water tower and secure all of the easements. The lease will also provide protection for the city and the daycare center.”

With that information in hand, the council approved of the lease.

Following the lease agreement, the council allowed the request proposals for the removal and replacement of 300 feet of root filled storm sewer pipe. Moments later, the council agreed to let Ortiz-Hernandez sign and execute an amendment with Synder and Associates for services needed for a wastewater system study.

The 2021 Second Street Reconstruction Project was addressed, before the council authorized bidding for crack sealing. The reviewing and bidding out city trash services were discussed, which was related to the city council’s goal from last year.

The signing of the grant agreement between the City of Webster City and Webster City Daycare was signed by Hawkins, and Chizek provided a report and update from his department.

Before adjourning, the council went into closed session.

The next council meeting is slated for 6 p.m. on March 20 at the Council Chambers in City Hall