Minutes of the City of Crescent Regular Council Meeting
Monday, May 11th, 2026. Meeting called to order at 7:00p.m. by Mayor Chuck Hildreth. Council members present: Aldrich, Flott, Hargens, Powers and Schmidt. Fire Chief Peterson present.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Flott to approve, seconded by Schmidt; Aldrich, Hargens, Powers; all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION
Eric Hough gave presentation on the future expansion of West Fair. West Fair started in 1954. No significant updates in 52 years. $10M project. Asked Council for a Letter of Support for IA Economic Development Grant. Council is in favor. Clerk will submit letter.
DISCUSSION
Andrew Wicks, Pott. Co. Engineer gave presentation on the Safe Streets for All Grant he is applying for which would revamp the roadway through Crescent in hopes to slow traffic. According to a heat map showing recorded accident, OLH has the highest number in Pott Co. He presented a preliminary sketch adding curb and gutter, rumble strips, narrowing highway with parking and sidewalk. The County would cover the majority of the costs. They may ask for a cost share on a portion of the project. Asked Council for a Letter of Support for the Grant. Explained that the design is preliminary and can easily be changed to meet our needs. Council is in favor of doing something to help slow traffic as long as it doesn’t take away parking. Clerk had letter, Council signed and gave to Andrew.
INTRODUCTION
Red Barn School Update
Sharon Oamek introduced new principal, Amber Dembowski, 10 years administrative experience and has been researching the nature school concept. They’ve hired 3 highly-qualified teachers. Maximum enrollment for this year is 45, with Crescent kids taking priority.
MOTION
Approval of Casey’s liquor license
Motion by Powers to approve, seconded by Flott; Aldrich, Hargens, Schmidt; all ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION
Approval of Going Ape Fireworks License
Motion by Flott to approve, seconded by Aldrich; Hargens, Powers, Schmidt; all ayes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 166-2026
Acceptance of Planning Commission Approvals/Denials
A. FENCE PERMIT
JoAnn Higgins at 1315 Silver Lane. P&Z approved via email. Motion by Powers to approve, seconded by Flott; Aldrich, Hargens, Schmidt; all ayes. Motion carried.
B. ACCESSORY BUILDING PERMIT
Earl Bascue at 1323 Copper Mountain Dr.. P&Z approved via email. Motion by Flott to approve, seconded by Powers; Aldrich, Hargens, Schmidt; all ayes. Motion carried.
C. ACCESSORY BUILDING PERMIT
James McDonald at 1319 Silver Lane. P&Z approved via email. Motion by Flott to approve, seconded by Schmidt; Aldrich, Hargens, Powers; all ayes. Motion carried.
RESOLUTION 167-2026
Resolution setting the date for public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Sewer Improvement Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder. Council agreed to set date for next Council meeting on June 8th at 7p. Motion by Powers to approve, seconded by Schmidt; Aldrich, Flott, Hargens; all ayes. Motion carried.
DISCUSSION
From 8-yr Periodic Exams to Annual Exams because we now have an annual budget of over $2,000,000.
DISCUSSION
Monthly clean of both parks restrooms
Clerk has contacted current cleaning company for bids. Also contacted a local contractor to repair the roof damage.
DISCUSSION
Signs at T-Intersection
The City has been approached by several businesses wanting to post signs at the T-Intersection. Council agrees that we are trying to clean that area up and would prefer no signs after Marne Elkhorn takes theirs down.
DISCUSSION
Set Date to Approve Budget Amendment
May 26th at 10am – Details
FYI
IPAIT Bill was killed so we can keep the investment accounts intact.
INTRODUCTION
Steve McKern, Candidate for Pott Co. Supervisor introduced himself and asked to be considered for Supervisor.
MAYOR
Vet’s Park – Mayor would like to remove fence as it’s rotted. Will add curbstops for parking. Wants to redo GO and SRF loan transfer amounts to build up water and sewer accounts. Would like to pay both water and sewer funds $9500 to cover admin and testing by clerk and public works. Will have $1100 left from transfers. Water tower work started this week. The bypass is working great. Water bills: PeopleService has not charged minimum fees as directed. Mayor listed minimums for various surrounding cities. All are higher than Crescent.
MAINTENANCE
No Report. Out of town. Found curbstops that have not been possible to locate.
PEOPLESERVICE | Report
PARK BOARD
Closing ball park for Zip Code Day.
CVFD
31 calls for April, 127 for the year. They have received grants for training. They’ve added a couple new members with a couple more applications coming.
PUBLIC FORUM
Audience member asked about the ditch at Vet’s Park. That is a County highway. The County has added gravel, but it goes away. Mayor will talk to County again.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Hargens, seconded by Aldrich to adjourn; Flott, Powers, Schmidt; all ayes. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.