By Sam Parsons

The Oskaloosa City Council met last night and heard the first formal presentation of the city’s new comprehensive plan, titled “PlanOsky,” from Charlie Cowell of RDG Planning and Design. No action was taken on it, but it was noted that the council will hold the final public hearing on it at their next meeting and consider its adoption. The city’s comprehensive plan is available for public viewing right now at planoskaloosa.com.

The council also received a presentation from strategic planning consultant Monica Allen on their Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024-2026. Allen said that the plan aims to achieve four goals: making Oskaloosa more vibrant, collaborative, safe & healthy, and thriving. The full strategic plan presentation can be viewed here and was approved unanimously.

Among other actions taken by the council, there was the approval of the purchase of a new system of body cameras and in-car cameras for the Oskaloosa Police Department, which will be done in partnership with the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office to bring the price point down. After a discount and community funding, the total cost for the city was just over $60,000.

The city also approved the 1st reading of a new ordinance instituting a 3-hour parking restriction in the vicinity of High Avenue and G Street.

The next regular council meeting for the city of Oskaloosa is scheduled for November 21.