City Council Work Session - October 12, 2026

The City of Burlington, Iowa City Council work session on October 12, 2026, discussed a proposed restoration of Shakespeare Garden in Crapo Park. The Parks Superintendent presented a two-phase project, expected to finish by summer 2028, which would repair and refresh the historic garden and add a Shakespeare statue. Linda Gardner and her family offered to fund the entire project as a gift; council members expressed support, but no vote was taken at the work session. A resolution to accept the gift is expected at the following week’s meeting. The council also received a pool-project update and heard a state legislative briefing that included Iowa funding for water and wastewater infrastructure, including $25 million for nitrate-removal infrastructure and an additional $12 million for wastewater and drinking-water needs.

Other procurement and property matters included a proposed contract with the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to administer the city’s EPA Brownfield Multipurpose Grant, with $35,000 for cooperative-agreement oversight and $35,000 for outreach and engagement. Council also reviewed a proposed $5,000 purchase of a permanent easement at 857 Washington Street for the Jefferson Street Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements Project; the purchase would be fully funded by a Section 130 rail grant. Public-hearing items addressed property disposition and a private encroachment agreement. An initial purchase offer for 1100 Division Street was withdrawn, and the city plans to continue seeking offers. No votes on these items were reported during the work session.