City Council Hears Comments Over Proposed Church Expansion

Oskaloosa, Iowa – A potential sale and road closure drew a large crowd to the Oskaloosa City Council meeting on Monday night.

The council was engaged with members of the public for nearly an hour-and-a-half over the proposed expansion project by the Central Reformed Church.

Some area residents like Karl Wisbrock, who lives at 909 2nd Ave East, are opposed to the potential expansion of the church. Wisbrock said that as a property owner, “I don’t want a parking lot right on my porch. I do not want to live by a mall structure.”

Wisbrock said that 35 property owners signed a petition opposing the potential project and presented them to the Planning and Zoning Commission. “That’s 35 to 1 against this,” said Wisbrock.

Andy Baker, Director of Outreach at Central Reformed Church, shared that during his time in the ministry, he’s never seen a church that is “as much a net positive to the community as Central Reformed is to Oskaloosa.”

Baker said that increasing attendance to the church and its services are behind the proposed expansion. “Our attitude has always been, our building is not just ours, but it is the community’s.”

“Central Reformed is deeply committed to playing a central role in the betterment of this community. We want to be able to stay on our current property because we believe being in our neighborhood best positions us to help those in need,” said Baker.

The vote on the proposed sale of 2nd Avenue East between South 7th Street and South 8th Street to Central Reformed Church was continued to the July 20, 2015 meeting.

Also approved by the council:

• Application from the Southern Iowa Fair to close a portion of North I on July 17 for a parade.
• Released the retainage payment of $4,932.90 to Steven’s Concrete Ltd. for 1st Avenue East Sidewalk Project.
• The purchase of a 2015 Bobcat Model S650 T4 skid-steer loader from Capital City Equipment for $54,969.24
• The purchase of a 2014 Envirosight Rovver X, sewer inspection camera system from Trans Iowa Equipment in the amount of $158,912.00.
• The purchase of a 2015 John Deere Compact Utility Tractor from Van Wall Equipment in the amount of $35,000.00, to replace a 1958 Ford Tractor.
• Adopted the proposal for Fiscal Year 2016 Property, Liability, Automobile, Equipment and Worker’s Compensation Insurance for a cost of $219,541.00.
• Approved the conveyance of 603 North D Street to the Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $100.00.
• Entered into a 28E Agreement between the city of Oskaloosa, Iowa and the Forest Cemetery Association.
• Directed the Mayor to execute a professional services agreement with RDG Planning & Design for the purpose of completing a Corridor & Wayfinding Study.