08/14/2026
Grand Junction City Council
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 10, 2026
Mayor Jason McDowell opened the regular Council Meeting of The City of Grand Junction at 6 pm on Monday, August 10, 2026, at City Hall. Council present were Spencer Kirk, Bryce Stevens, John L Thompson, Zach Dearborn, Tom Launderville. Mary Millard, City Clerk present. Absent: None
Motion by Kirk, seconded by Stevens to approve agenda. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Motion by Stevens, seconded by Launderville to approve consent agenda. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Public Comment: Cheri Kersey complimented how nice the roads are now with the Street project.
Discussion of Names submitted for Parks and Recreation Committee Members. Doug Jacobs, Alison Dearborn, Mandy Krieger wish to be on the committee. Zach Dearborn and Spencer Kirk advised they wish to be on the committee temporarily until two more members are appointed. Mayor McDowell appointed all five as members of the Park and Recreation Committee. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Motion by Kirk, seconded by Stevens to approve $500 payment match to the Region XII Council of Government Housing Trust Fund Grant FY2027. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Motion by Launderville, seconded by Thompson to approve 28E Agreement with Greene County Supervisors for Recycling at a 50% share cost. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Discussion of No Parking and Speed Signs in areas of Code Enforcement concerns between the Pump Station and 110 Elizabeth W. and around the ballpark to eliminate overnight parking. Ordinance addresses No parking signs can be placed at Mayor’s direction. Two speed limit signs posted on 18th St. Speed Limit on 18th is 25 mph.
Mayor McDowell approved to place No parking signs and Speed limits signs in these areas. D.O.T. will be contacted to obtain signage pricing and ordering.
Discussion of bids for Ballfield Expansion and upgrades/repairs. Spencer Kirk provided update on bids. Shorter fence in left field can be 6Ft. tp 8 Ft. The total project cost is approx. $58,000.00. Spencer suggests utilizing the LOST funds to pay for the project. 3rd bid was obtained for a higher amount. Suggestion of a Chaulk Scoreboard, obtaining bid.
Motion by Dearborn, seconded by Kirk to approve funding up to $58,000 from LOST funds for the Ballfield Expansion, upgrades, repairs. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: Thompson Absent: None
Discussion of selling City real property- vacant lot. Went over the publication, resolutions and code requirements from the City Attorney. Motion by Kirk, seconded by Thompson to move forward with the sell of the vacant lot305 8th St E, Grand Junction, IA. Present Resolution to propose sale and newspaper ad for approve at next meeting. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Discussion of sidewalk repairs and replacement at Lincoln Highway Museum and in front of the Fire dept at the fire hydrant approx. $4000. Extension of the sidewalk between Elizabeth and Sunset approx. $3500.
Motion by Dearborn, seconded by Launderville to approve the sidewalk repairs and replacement. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Discussion of Grand Junction Ordinances Updates:
1. Title IV – Animal/Chicken Control still pending with Attorney. Tabled for September meeting.
2. Chapter 9 Utilities – 6-9-8 Billing Charges Refuse Collection Rates: The council reviewed and approved the following change: There shall be collected by the City for its services in collecting garbage and rubbish, the following mandatory fees: 1. Resident Rates. For each resident with alley or curb pickup, $14.00 $17.00 per month for one garbage or rubbish collection each week. In addition, a landfill fee of $1.50 for each residence with alley or curb garbage pickup. In the event that alley or curb pickup for any residence is not feasible, the City Clerk is hereby empowered to enter into an agreement with such resident for any additional charge to be paid by such resident for any other location of pickup that may be agreed upon.
Motion by Kirk, seconded by Dearborn to approve the changes as noted for Chapter 9 Utilities – 6-9-8 Billing Charges Refuse Collection Rates from $14.00 to $17.00 in order to maintain services fees for garbage collection charges by Walters Sanitation of $16.85 per residential garbage can. Also approved to waive 2nd and 3rd reading of the ordinance changes and consider 1st reading final, approved and passed. Roll Call: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None Approved: Jason McDowell, Mayor Attest: Mary Millard, City Clerk
3. Chapter 2 Title II Section 9 Subsection 2 Amending 2-2-9 Residency Requirements of Board and Commissions: The council reviewed and approved the following change: 2. Residency Requirement. Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Code of Ordinances for a particular committee, board, or commission, no person shall be appointed or reappointed to a committee, board, or commission or ad hoc committee created by such committee, board, or commission unless such person is, at the time of such appointment or reappointment, a resident of the City of Grand Junction and/or of Greene County, Iowa. Each person so appointed or reappointed shall maintain, during the term of the appointment or reappointment, the residency qualification applicable to that appointment or reappointment. Any member of a committee, board, or commission or ad hoc committee created by such committee, board, or commission who fails to maintain such residency qualification shall be deemed removed as of the date of the change of residency. Also approved to waive 2nd and 3rd reading of the ordinance changes and consider 1st reading final, approved and passed. Roll Call: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None Approved: Jason McDowell, Mayor Attest: Mary Millard, City Clerk
4. Chapter 2 Title V and Chapter 3 Title – Establishing a Parks and Recreation Commission and Establishing a Pool Commission. Council read the ordinance as presented by the Attorney. The Council suggests changing to one ordinance adding one member of the commission to be the Pool liaison, one member to be the Park liaison, one member to be the Recreation liaison. All come together to present their commission and come to a consensus of agreement. 2nd reading at September meeting with changes.
Department Reports:
Mayor – a lot of calls regarding the swail/dip on main road after Manatt’s completed pavement project. Mayor McDowell advised the swail/dip is there for drainage to the storm grate at the corner of the other side of street. Without it, any rain water will pool and flood the businesses in the area. This stops that from happening. Mannatts’ will return to stripe the road and inspect the swail, making any necessary changes, if needed.
With the Owl not working again, Mayor advised to order an new one or find comparable replacement. Clerk Millard will look into a comparable replacement. Motion by Thompson, seconded by Launderville approved replacing the Owl for council meetings. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Council – compliments on the Railroad and 18th St street pavement project.
City Clerk – Resident wishes community service hours to maintain state assistance for college. Council and library director provided a list of community service needs. I will contact the Resident with this information.
Code Enforcement – Enforcement report reviewed with Sheriff input.
Library – Ala advised July attendance was great with 300 patrons.
Motion by Launderville, seconded by Kirk to adjourn at 6:50pm. Ayes: Kirk, Stevens, Thompson, Dearborn, Launderville Nays: None Absent: None
Next council meeting will be held on September 14, 2026 at 6pm at City Hall Meeting Room.
Approved: Attest:
Jason McDowell, Mayor Mary Millard, City Clerk
