The City of Atkins Iowa

06/10/2026

Linn County Public Health will be hosting an informational meeting that may be of interest to you

The Linn County Board of Supervisors will hold a public meeting June 24 at 6 p.m. at the Linn County Public Service Center to share information about the air quality permitting process through Linn County Public Health. Residents have asked the Board of Supervisors to hold a meeting about this topic given the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center project on the west side of Linn County. This meeting is informational in nature and is not a public hearing on the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Center project.

During this public meeting, staff from Linn County Public Health will present the steps they are required to follow during the air quality permitting process. Staff will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of local Public Health officials, the Iowa DNR, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in reviewing air quality permit applications and compliance with air quality regulations. Additionally, Public Health staff will share information about the public comment period for air quality permit applications submitted through the Iowa DNR permitting system.

Dr. Peter Thorne, a professor at the University of Iowa and chair of the University’s Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, will also participate in the meeting to discuss the relationship between environmental conditions and human health.

The public will have an opportunity to ask questions during this meeting.

📍 Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, Formal Board Room | 935 2nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids
🕕 June 24, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Can't attend in person? Watch online: https://linncoia.portal.civicclerk.com/event/8931/files

06/09/2026

Atkins City Council meeting

06/09/2026

The City’s independent contractor, Ken-Way has recently completed work on the 4th and final phase of the Sanitary Sewer Collection System Cleaning and Televising Project

The Project involved the cleaning of sanitary mains to remove obstructions, debris, roots, etc., to provide a clean surface for video camera work to view pipeline with the ability to detect structural problems, and to perform root treatment work inside sanitary sewer pipes to prevent root re-growth.

The City’s system includes pipe sizes ranging from 8-inch to 18-inch diameter.

This project was awarded in March of 2023, following solicitation of competitive bids. The work was completed over 4 years and cost approximately $150,000.

The Project is intended to ensure that the City’s sanitary sewer collection system functions as intended to serve our residents.
Why Clean Sanitary Sewers

The cleaning and televising is performed as a preventative maintenance measure and to determine the overall condition of the sanitary sewer.

Cleaning the sanitary sewers helps to remove materials in the pipes such as grease, tree roots, and debris. It also helps remove other material that doesn't belong in the sewer, such as disposable wipes. Televising sanitary sewer lines involves proactively using a remote camera to inspect the sewer lines.

Ideally, most communities attempt to clean/jet 20-25% of their sanitary sewer mains each year.

06/09/2026

REMINDER OF ONE HOUR EARLIER START TIME ON SOLID WASTE, RECYCLING, AND YARD WASTE COLLECTION - JUNE 10TH

Due to the severe weather presently forecasted for tomorrow (June 10th) early afternoon, S & J Sanitation needed to make adjustments to our pick-up schedule to ensure the safety of their personnel and the general public; as well as getting solid waste picked up and hauled to the landfill prior to a possible closure.

As a result, garbage, recycling, and yard waste pick-up normally scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. will be moved one hour earlier to 5:00 a.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause, but the safety of the operators and residents is a top priority. By starting the pick-up process earlier, the hauler aims to minimize any disruptions caused by the storm and ensure that waste collection proceeds smoothly.

Please make sure to place your garbage bins out to ensure they are collected on time.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation!

06/08/2026

Attention City of Atkins. Please refer to this message from S&J about garbage & recycling pickup. Pickup will start at 5 AM this week only due to the high winds and weather on Wednesday.

🚨 Atkins 🚨

06/08/2026

The agenda for tomorrow night's City Council meeting is available below. Community members are always welcome to attend in-person.

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following governing body will meet at the date, time, and place herein set out. The tentative agenda for said meeting is as follows:

TENTATIVE AGENDA
ATKINS CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL – 480 3RD AVENUE
TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026
6:00 P.M.

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Brian Cruise

2. Roll Call by City Clerk

3. Approval of the Agenda by City Council.

4. Citizens’ Opportunity to address the Council:

- In conformance with the Iowa Open Meetings law, no action or deliberation can occur on items presented during the Citizens’ Forum
- Please walk to the front and state your name and address and the subject of your discussion
- Speakers are encouraged to limit their comments to three (3) minutes

5. Unfinished Business:

A. Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atkins, Iowa, by adding new sub-sections to Chapter 69.07 Parking Regulations (Temporary No-Parking and Parking on Residentially Zoned Property):

- Review by Scott L. Flory, City Administrator
- Motion to approve Ordinance #241, “An Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances of the City Atkins, Iowa, by adding new sub-sections to Chapter 69.07 Parking Regulations” (final reading)
- Discussion and consideration of Motion by City Council
- Roll Call Vote by City Clerk

6. New Business:

A. Consideration of approval of Fund Transfers:

- Review by Scott Flory, City Administrator
- Motion to approve Resolution #2026-06-01, “A Resolution authorizing the City Clerk/Treasurer to make transfers between funds for the City of Atkins, Iowa” by City Council.
- Discussion and consideration of Motion by City Council
- Roll Call Vote by City Clerk

B. Health Insurance “Opt-out Policy” for eligible Full-time City Employees:

- Review by Scott Flory, City Administrator
- Motion to approve Resolution #2026-06-02, “A Resolution adopting and establishing a ‘Health Insurance Opt-out & Alternative Benefit Policy’ for Eligible Full-time City Employees” by City Council.
- Discussion and consideration of Motion by City Council
- Roll Call Vote by City Clerk

7. City Administrator’s Report:

- Update on 1939 Water Tower Rehabilitation Work
- Phase 4 (final phase) of FY 23 Sanitary & Storm Sewer Main Jetting, Televising, & Root Saw Cleaning Project
- Utility Billing Software Transition – Paper Utility Bills & Monthly Newsletter, effective July, 2026.

8. Mayor’s Report:

9. Consent Agenda:

- Approval of May 26, 2026, City Council Meeting Minutes
- Approval of the bills & claims submitted by the City Clerk
- Approval of Financial Reports: Treasurer’s Report; Revenue & Expense Reports; and Bank Reconciliation
- Approval of Special Events Application, Temporary Outdoor Service Area extension privilege, and Ownership change for Tap Haus (76 Main)
- Approval of Special Events Application
- Approval of Mayor’s appointment of Vonna Hayes to the City’s Board of Adjustment for a 5-year term beginning on July 1, 2026 and ending on June 30, 2032
- Approval of street crack sealing proposal from Kluesner Construction in the amount of $40,734.72 (fiscal year 2027).

10. Other Business:

11. Closed Session – Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(i) “evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session”.

- Motion to enter closed session by City Council
- Discussion and consideration of Motion by City Council
- Roll Call Vote by City Clerk

12. Motion and possible action concerning closed session
13. Adjournment

NEXT REGULAR MEETING – JUNE 23, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

This notice is given pursuant to Chapter 21.4 (1) of the Code of Iowa and of the local Rules & Procedures of the Governing Body

*Written comments are welcome in advance of the meeting and may be received at the office of the City Clerk in-person, or by email at: [email protected] at Atkins City Hall, 480 Third Avenue, Atkins, IA 52206. Contact the City Clerk’s Office if you plan to speak before the Council on an agenda item and need any special assistance.

Note: Some members may participate by telephone, per Section 21.8 of the Code of Iowa

06/05/2026

🏷️ Atkins Community Garage Sale: This Weekend!

The community has come together to organize a town-wide garage sale this weekend, and we want to make sure everyone knows how to get involved, whether you're selling or shopping!

A few locals have put together some helpful resources to make the most of your treasure-hunting experience:

🗺️ Interactive Map
Find all the participating sale locations around town in one place!
https://bit.ly/4el8DBB?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExM0U1ZHZTakxpalNYd0NPNXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR66Fo2EYQPbMRxmstxCHMr6nMZcEm4JQgYJKJJcpaoAxuMcrvdtPBTDOvuKHQ_aem_O1i8f3VJB0ekyiuOEnSdEA

📋 Community List
Browse the full list of addresses and peek at what everyone is selling before you go!
https://bit.ly/4dOEomA

Please note that this event is organized by community members, not the City of Atkins. All questions can be directed to the organizers. We're just happy to help spread the word! 😊

Happy bargain hunting, Atkins! 🛍️☀️

Atkins Garage Sales Spring 2026

06/04/2026

📬 Atkins Utility Bills Are Getting a Makeover. Here's What You Need to Know!

You may have recently received a letter (or will soon!) from the City of Atkins explaining some exciting changes to how your utility bill works. With that letter is a SAMPLE Bill and the new City newsletter.

Here's the quick rundown so you're in the loop:

✅ New Software, New Look
Starting July 1, 2026, the City is switching to a new utility billing system. Your bill will now come on a full sheet of paper in an envelope instead of the postcard format you're used to.

📅 Key Dates to Know:
Meters were last read May 26th
Next meter read: June 30th
New paper bills mailed on or around July 2nd
Payment due: July 20th (not a change from before!)

💻 New Online Payment Portal
We're moving to a new system called Front Desk, which lets you link a credit card or bank account. The City does NOT have access to your payment information. There will be more details to come with how to set up your online account!

💌 Introducing The Atkins Vine
The back of your new bill will feature a monthly city newsletter with announcements, events, and updates.

💰 You can still pay by:
Mail
24-hour drive-up drop box outside City Hall
In person at City Hall

If you received this letter and have questions, don't hesitate to call us at 319-446-7870. We're happy to help walk you through anything! 😊

06/02/2026

🗑️ Heads up, Atkins! Garbage pickup is tomorrow — make sure your garbage bin is set out by 6:00 AM on 6/3. Early bird gets the… trash picked up! 😄

06/01/2026

LAWN MOWING REMINDER

We have received a few calls regarding lawn mowing regulations. Please remember to mow frequently and not allow grass to exceed 8 inches in residential areas, including ditches and right-of-ways along streets and highways.

Also, THANK YOU for not grass clippings into the street. This debris can cause build up in the City's stormwater infrastructure, reducing stormwater drainage capacity. Piles of clippings can be quite hazardous to bicyclists and motorcycles as well.

Thanks for doing your part!