CITY OF MISSOURI VALLEY, IOWA CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2026 – 11:00 a.m. CITY HALL CONFERENCE ROOM, 223 E ERIE ST, MISSOURI VALLEY, IA (Amended February 5, 2026, at 11:40 a.m.) Mayor Marshall presided over the meeting, which was called to order at 11:00 a.m. with the following Council Members present: Tuttle (Zoom), Keizer (Zoom), Meadows, and Gilpin. Councilman Struble was absent. Citizens present were “Good Citizen,” Daniel Kline, Kevin Taylor, Rich Gochenour, Brandon Fender, Bob Wagner, Wayne Kester, Bill Huey, Mike H, Nick McCessenoy, Eric Harkless, Pat Skelton, John Harrison, Evelyn Marshall, and Lori White. Tammy from SWIPCO joined the meeting on the phone. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Motion to approve agenda for February 6, 2026, made by Tuttle, seconded by Meadows. Roll Call: Tuttle, Keizer, Meadows, and Gilpin all ayes. Motion passes. Motion to consider and approve payment of 500 E Erie St invoice #21 in the amount of $36,341.76 for economic development loan project work, to prevent contractor withdrawal from jobsite, made by Gilpin, seconded by Meadows. A discussion was held on whether the contract has been signed for the additional loan. Kester replied that he would like a couple of items updated on the “Personal Guaranty.” Gilpin asked who the partners are with the LLC. Jared Horton is Kester’s partner. Gilpin would like him to also sign the contract with Kester. Gilpin recommended that the city not pay the requested amount unless he signs the “Personal Guaranty.” Kester apologized for putting the city in this position; this is not at all what he expected when he first started this project. His goal is to finish the project and make it a success for himself and the city. Tammy, SWIPCO, stated that leases must be signed, contract work must be done, and paperwork must be turned in by the end of May. She also stated this project has received three (3) extensions already, and there would probably be no more. Kester stated that until the items are updated, he will not sign the contract. Tuttle questioned if this was Kester’s first major grant process and funding. This is Kester’s and his partner’s first project using grant funding. Tuttle stated that there is a local person on social media who is spreading the word that Kester has successfully completed another project in a different city using grant funding. Kester stated he did apply for a grant for 800 E Erie St, and it got denied. The LLC also applied for a grant in Malvern, which was cancelled. Kester stated that he successfully renovated 401 and 403 E Erie St in Missouri Valley. Tuttle stated that he does have a track record of successfully renovating our downtown main street. He thanked Kester for all the work he did on those two buildings. Kester stated that they don’t have a lot of time; they will make it, but losing time is not recommended. Gilpin stated that he is not worried about paying back the grant money. He has been speaking to the Iowa League of Cities, and they said there is a general obligation bond for the city. Mayor Marshall stated that we would have to pay that back; a general obligation bond is a loan. Pat Skelton, Location President of Midstates Bank, stated that one thing that Missouri Valley needs is housing. This project would have six (6) housing units and would bring in tax revenue eventually, which is positive. Gilpin stated that he is still not recommending giving him the money. Roll Call: Gilpin, Meadows, Tuttle, and Keizer all nays. Motion fails. At 11:53 a.m., Councilmembers Tuttle, Keizer, and Meadows departed the meeting. With the departure of a majority of councilmembers, quorum was lost and the meeting automatically terminated pursuant to Iowa Code § 21.4(4). Roger Marshall, Mayor Attest: Turri Colglazier, City Administrator HCTR 2-18-26
