DeKleine Sworn In During Oskaloosa City Council Meeting

Justin DeKleine (left) was sworn is as Oskaloosa’s newest police officer on Monday. Oskaloosa Mayor Dave Krutzfeldt (right) administered the oath of office. DeKlein’s wife, Makayla (center), pinned on her husband’s badge.

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa City Council swore in officer Justin DeKleine on Monday evening.

DeKleine recently joined the ranks of the Oskaloosa Police department to fill vacancies left after the departure of several other officers who took positions with other departments.

DeKleine started his duties with the Oskaloosa Police Department on August 13th, 2018. He has been a resident of What Cheer and attended Tri-County High School, where he participated in football, basketball, golf, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

With a business degree from Indian Hills Community College, DeKleine went to work for the family construction company, before deciding to move into law enforcement.

DeKleine had his badge pinned on by his wife, Makayla DeKleine.

The Council also conveyed the city-owned property located at 1214 1st Avenue West to Mahaska County Habitat for Humanity for $500.

The board then took under consideration a resolution approving the preliminary plat for Gateway Commercial Park subdivision, which would be located on the west side of Gateway Drive.

Area residents may remember dirt work that was completed last summer on the piece of ground west of the Gateway Church of the Nazarene. The new development is 22.89 acres and would consist of 9 commercial lots.

The new development would also provide 60 feet of public right away for a 31-foot-wide public road, currently labeled as Gateway Court, that would be constructed through the subdivision.

The development may also spark other sidewalk installations, including those for the nearby Nazarene Church.

The city will work with the developer to provide sidewalks in a development agreement at a future date.

The motion approving the preliminary plat for the Gateway Commercial Park passed.

The council then heard about a proposed self-service laundromat that is being planned for the old Hardees location in Oskaloosa.

The new facility, Alexander Laundry, would be 2600 square feet, and provide 12 parking spaces.

Council members questioned the type of building, which is being planned as a metal type building, asking what the aesthetics of the structure will be like.

The developer said that the rendering the council members had wasn’t accurate, and the planned building would have more windows, and the color of the building hasn’t yet been decided.

Council member Scottie Moore asked, “Could you do some nice landscaping around the exterior to kind of soften the steel look? You know it’s right downtown on A Avenue you know. We want it to be attractive.”

The developer said things would look better when they get the grass and trees in. “As far as plants, stones and that kind of thing, we actually are not sure where we’re at budget wise, as far as if we’re over budget or under budget. Obviously, we want it to look as nice as it possibly can cause we’re trying to attract business.”

The developer agreed to bring the council an updated rendering of the building, and the council approved the site plan.

The council also approved the site plan for the Burrell Apartment Complex which will be located at 1315 B Avenue West.

The project area is 4.44 acres and will be multi-family residential that will consist of 5 12 unit apartment buildings.

The site will be developed in phases and will start with two buildings initially, and the remaining three built over time, with the project completed within five years.

The developer has publically stated the apartments will be market-rate housing and not Section 8 housing.

The council thanked the developers for bringing the project to Oskaloosa.

The council also approved payments totaling $30,467.66 for work associated with the facade improvement project.

Council also passed a resolution accepting a 2018 Community Development Block Grant for the next phase of the downtown facade improvement project. With that came approval of resolutions for professional services agreements with Curtis Architecture & Design PC, and Area 15 Regional Planning Commission for work on the next phase for the facade improvement project.

The city council will meet in their next regular session on September 3, 2018, beginning at 6 pm in the council chambers of city hall.