Council Approves Memorandum For Economic Development Groups
National Historic Preservation Act certificate – Oskaloosa, Iowa (photo by Ginger Allsup)
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa City Council met in regular session on Monday, August 7, 2017.
The council first heard from Beth Danowsky, who is on the MCDG board, in regards to a memorandum of understanding for Mahaska Development Partners (MDP). The vision is to outline better how existing groups like the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group (OACDG), Mahaska County Agricultural and Rural Development (MCARD), Oskaloosa Main Street, and Mahaska Community Development Group (MCDG) all work together with a single focus of building the Mahaska Community.
The Mahaska County Supervisors had approved the memorandum earlier in the day, and both they and the city are significant financial partners for the mentioned groups.
The resolution was a signal by the city that they support the Mahaska Development Partners Business Plan and Memorandum of Understanding.
MDP states that the purpose and mission is “To provide vision and coordination in growing the economy and enhancing the quality of life throughout all the Mahaska community.”
MDP says that locally elected officials need to be involved in casting the broad vision for the community.
Along with government officials, the group will be seeking input through organizations like Mahaska Community Recreation Foundation (MCRF), Mahaska County Conservation Board, Oskaloosa Housing Trust Fund, and Mahaska County Community Foundation.
The agreement didn’t change any level of financial support from either the county or the city.
Councilman Doug Yates called the move, “The beginning of the journey, and we need to support it.”
The resolution passed.
The council then took up a resolution to issue debt in the amount of $1,650,500.00 for Lacey Complex Road Improvements, due to be completed in December of 2018.
The measure passed unanimously.
Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt then spoke about a letter the City of Oskaloosa received from the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs recognizing Oskaloosa as one of 1,966 communities across the nation with a certified program for historic preservation.
The National Parks made certificates for the 93 certified Iowa governments, and Oskaloosa joined the program back in 1986.
The certificate is in celebration of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.
The council then moved into closed session.
Additional reporting by Ginger Allsup
