Tiffin Civic Chronicletiffin.cc

History · 1980–1989

1980–1989: a water tower from the university, a new well, and the edges of town

· · All decades and themes

What the archive holds for 1980–1989

Council meetings
175
from June 16, 1980
With minutes
167
165 with motions recorded
With agenda items
0
before 2010 the record is the minutes
Pages in the archive
1,237
in 243 documents dated in the decade

The archive holds 175 council meetings of the 1980s, from June 16, 1980 to December 13, 1989, with 187 minutes documents, 68 ordinance documents and 1,311 pages of text.[1] Meetings per year run from 10 in 1980 to 24 in 1985 and 13 in 1989; there are no separate agenda items before 2010, so this chapter is built from minutes, ordinances and resolutions.[1] Every page was scanned by keyword and the cited pages were read in full; bill lists, receipts and most routine business were not read.[1] Money is given as printed, with its year; a figure in 2026 dollars is derived from the CPI-U and carries the Derived label.[1]

Sources
  1. The archive's coverage of 1980–1989: the coverage box of that chapter (counted from the archive's meetings and documents).

Counted from the archive's meetings and documents (about coverage).

A water system at capacity

In June 1981 Engineer Mike Kammerer presented a water and wastewater study based on a population of 413.[1] His report said the town had "virtually no fire protection", and that its treatment plant and well were at capacity with weak water pressure.[2] The council told the engineer to revise a loan application to the FHA for a 100,000 gallon water tower and plant, estimated at $200,000, and one well.[3]

By January 1982 the FHA had raised its interest rates and had no grant money, and the engineer ranked the work as a new well first, then a tower, then the plant or the mains.[4] He estimated that water rates could rise about $6.00 a month per unit if only a new well was drilled.[5] In July 1982 the engineer told the council the system was already at capacity, though one more house would not make a significant difference in pressure.[6] During the annexation hearings that month Councilman Jerry Cox put the link plainly: "Water system isn't large enough. Only way we can pay for a new one is by having annexation."[7]

At the end of the decade, in November 1989, Engineer Mike Hart proposed a main on Railroad Street that would tie the other mains into a loop.[8]

Sources
  1. June 10, 1981: The engineer's water and wastewater study presented to the council was based on a population of 413. As printed · document 4482, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Engineer Kammerer presented report on water and wastewater study based on population of 413.” (document 4482, p. 6)
  2. June 10, 1981: The engineer reported the town had virtually no fire protection, and that its treatment plant and well were at capacity with weak water pressure. · document 4482, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Water System: City has virtually no fire protection which creates high insurance rates. Treatment plant and well are at capacity and system has weak water pressure.” (document 4482, p. 6)
  3. June 10, 1981: The council instructed the engineer to revise a loan application to FHA for a 100,000 gallon water tower and plant at an estimated $200,000 and one well at an estimated $60,000. As printed · document 4482, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Madden second Rohret to instruct Engineer Kammerer to revise loan application to FHA for 100,000 gallon water tower and plant at an estimated cost of $200,000 and one well at an estimated cost of $60,000.” (document 4482, p. 6)
  4. January 13, 1982: The engineer reported FHA had raised interest rates and had no grant money available, and listed the priorities as a new well, then a tower, then plant or main work. · document 4466, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Engineer Kammerer reported that the FHA has raised interest rates and does not have any grant money available. Engineer estimated that water rates could raise about $6.00 per month per unit if only a new well was drilled. Listed priorities: 1) new well 2) tower 3) plant or main work.” (document 4466, p. 3)
  5. January 13, 1982: The engineer estimated that water rates could rise about $6.00 per month per unit if only a new well was drilled. As printed · document 4466, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Engineer estimated that water rates could raise about $6.00 per month per unit if only a new well was drilled.” (document 4466, p. 3)
  6. July 19, 1982: The engineer said the water system was already at capacity, though one more house would not significantly change pressure. · document 4457, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Water system is already at capacity but one more house would not cause a significant difference in pressure.” (document 4457, p. 3)
  7. July 14, 1982: A council member said the water system was not large enough and the only way to pay for a new one was annexation. · document 4458, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Cox: Water system isn't large enough. Only way we can pay for a new one is by having annexation.” (document 4458, p. 4)
  8. November 8, 1989: The engineer proposed that the city install the main on Railroad Street to tie a loop for the other mains, a long-standing recommendation that would benefit the city. · document 4316, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Hart then proposed that the city install the main on Railroad Street which would tie a loop for the other mains. This has always been a recommendation and would benefit the city.” (document 4316, p. 3)

A water tower from the university

In May 1983 a bidder told the council that a 100,000 gallon water tank owned by the University of Iowa was in good shape, and outlined how it could be moved to Tiffin.[1] When bids were opened on August 10, 1983, the lowest listed for taking down, moving and rebuilding the existing tank was $72,950.00, while bids for a new elevated tank started at $123,325.00.[2][3] On September 28, 1983 the council voted unanimously to award Service Enterprise Corporation the contract to dismantle, move and reassemble the tower for $75,290.00.[4] That is $75,290.00 as printed in 1983, about $250,000 in 2026 dollars.[5] Derived The records disagree on the price: the bid list of August 1983 prints $72,950.00 for the winning firm's alternate, and the September resolution awarding it the contract prints $75,290.00; the pages read do not explain the difference.[2][4]

The same August evening the attorney advised that general obligation bonds were more secure than revenue bonds and could still be repaid by raising taxes.[6] The council agreed by consensus to sell $65,000.00 of general obligation bonds, repaid over ten years, with money from the water fund making up the difference.[7] In December 1983 it adopted the resolution issuing $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds and levying taxes to pay them.[8]

In February 1984 the city engineer reported the contractor behind schedule but expecting to finish within its 270-day limit.[9] In August the council refused a 30-day extension to September 22 and held to the agreed date of August 27, 1984, every member on the roll call voting aye.[10] Painting was complete on October 9, 1984, with site work, fencing, seeding and electrical work still to do.[11] That month a council member said the next lowest bid had been ninety-five thousand dollars, so the choice had saved twenty thousand dollars but meant waiting about 100 days.[12]

In February 1985 the council considered a request from its engineers to release the contractor from about $4300.00 in liquidated damages, which the contract set at a daily rate.[13] In August 1985 it moved that, if the contractor did not answer a notice to terminate for failing to finish, the contract be ended and the remaining work paid from the balance, less liquidated damages.[14]

Sources
  1. May 11, 1983: A bidder reported that the water tank owned by the University of Iowa was in good shape and outlined specifications for moving it to Tiffin. · document 4429, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “about the inspection of the 100,00 gallon water tank owned by the University of Iowa. He stated that the tank was in good shape. He outlined specification for moving the tank to Tiffin and stated that he would bid on the project.” (document 4429, p. 4)

    Transcription: page reads '100,00 gallon'; quote kept as transcribed

  2. August 10, 1983: Bids on the water tower were opened; the lowest listed was $72,950.00 for demolition, transport and reconstruction of the existing 100,000 gallon tank. As printed · document 4423, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Service Enterprise Corporation - alternate no. 1 $72,950.00 with unit adjustment of $12.00.” (document 4423, p. 4)
    “Alternate no. 1 was for demolition, transport, reconstruction of existing 100,000 gallon elevated water storage tank.” (document 4423, p. 4)
  3. August 10, 1983: Bids on alternate no. 2, a new elevated water storage tank, ranged from $123,325.00 to $163,720.00. As printed · document 4423, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Universal Tank - alternate no. 2 $123,325.00 with unit adjustment of $6.00. Brown Steel Construction - alternate no. 2 $163,720.00 with unit adjustment of $9.00.” (document 4423, p. 4)
  4. September 28, 1983: The council awarded Service Enterprise Corporation the contract to dismantle, move and reassemble the 100,000 gallon water tower from the University of Iowa for $75,290.00, by a unanimous vote. As printed · document 4419, p. 8 · meeting
    The page's words
    “A RESOLUTION AWARDING SERVICE ENTERPRISE CORPORATION WITH CONTRACT TO DISMANTLE, MOVE AND REASSEMBLE 100,000 GALLON WATER TOWER FROM UNIVERSITY OF IOWA FOR $75,290.00” (document 4419, p. 8)
  5. September 28, 1983: The $75,290.00 tower contract of 1983 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4419, p. 8 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1983 annual average x 3.3829 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1983; from document 4419, p. 8
    The page's words
    “A RESOLUTION AWARDING SERVICE ENTERPRISE CORPORATION WITH CONTRACT TO DISMANTLE, MOVE AND REASSEMBLE 100,000 GALLON WATER TOWER FROM UNIVERSITY OF IOWA FOR $75,290.00” (document 4419, p. 8)
  6. August 10, 1983: The attorney told the council that general obligation bonds were more secure than revenue bonds and that repayment could still be raised by raising taxes. · document 4423, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Attorney stated that general obligation bonds are more secure and council could still raise the money for repayment by raising taxes.” (document 4423, p. 5)
  7. August 10, 1983: The council agreed by consensus to have the attorney contact the bonding attorney to sell $65,000.00 of general obligation bonds, repaid over 10 years, with $20,000.00 from the water fund making up the difference. As printed · document 4423, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council consensus to instruct attorney at contact bonding attorney in order to sell $65,000.00 general obligation bonds and repay it 10 years. Council will use $20,000.00 in water fund to make up the difference in cost.” (document 4423, p. 6)
  8. December 14, 1983: The council adopted a resolution providing for the issuance of $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds and for the levy of taxes to pay them. As printed · document 4415, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $65,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION WATER BONDS AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY THE SAME” (document 4415, p. 2)
  9. February 8, 1984: The city engineer reported the contractor was behind schedule on the water tower but expected to finish within a 270 day limit. · document 4412, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “He also reported that the contractor is behind schedule on the water tower but expects to be completed within his 270 day limit.” (document 4412, p. 4)
  10. August 21, 1984: The council denied the tower contractor's request for a 30 day extension to September 22, 1984, and held to the original extension agreement for August 27, 1984; every councilmember on the roll call voted aye. · document 4400, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Stevens second Spivey to deny request by Service Enterprise Corporation for 30 day extension to September 22, 1984 for completion of water tower project and to hold to original extention agreement for August 27, 1984. Roll call vote: Morgan, aye; Kobold, aye; Spivey, aye; Stevens, aye.” (document 4400, p. 3)
  11. October 10, 1984: The engineer reported painting of the water tower was complete on October 9, 1984 and that site work, fencing, seeding and electrical work remained. · document 4397, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Baker reported that all painting of the water tower was complete on October 9, 1984. Site work such as sand removal, grading, fencing, and seeding remain to be done as well as electrical work, and putting the light on top.” (document 4397, p. 3)
  12. October 10, 1984: In discussing the tower contractor, a council member said the next lowest bid was $95,000.00 and that going with the contractor saved $20,000.00 but meant waiting about 100 days. · document 4397, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “The next lowest bid was $95,000.00. We saved $20,000.00 by going with them, but had to wait 100 days.” (document 4397, p. 6)
  13. February 13, 1985: The council considered releasing the tower contractor from about $4300.00 in liquidated damages; the attorney said the contract provided $100.00 per day. As printed · document 4392, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council considered memo from Shive-Hattery requesting City to release Service-Enterprises Corporation from liquidated damages of approximately $4300.00 due to late completion of water tower project.” (document 4392, p. 2)
    “contract provides for liquidated damages of $100.00 per day” (document 4392, p. 2)
  14. August 14, 1985: The council moved that, if the tower contractor did not respond to a notice to terminate for failing to complete the work, the contract be terminated and the remaining work performed with the balance due sent less liquidated damages. · document 4385, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Spivey that upon failure of Service Enterprise Corporation to respond to notice to terminate contract for 100,000 gallon water storage tower due to failure to complete work, that the council terminate the contract and provide for performance of remaining work in contract and upon payment for remaining work, send balance due to Service Enterprise Corporation” (document 4385, p. 2)

A new well, and radium in the water

In July 1984 the engineer reported the FHA application complete and a new well the top priority.[1] In January 1986 the council hired Mike Hart to update the loan application to FmHA for a new well.[2] The records disagree on the loan amount: in March 1986 the engineer said the application would be for less than the previous $105,000.00, in April he reported it as $125,000.00 for a new well, filters and renovation of the treatment plant, and the December minutes speak of an $85,000.00 loan; the pages do not say whether these were different applications.[3][4][5] An ordinance printed as No. 1985-140 regulated the use of the 200 feet of land around a deep well site, reciting that the site had received preliminary approval.[6]

In December 1986 the council voted to decline the FmHA loan offer and sell general obligation bonds for the well instead, to save several thousand dollars in project costs and nearly a hundred thousand dollars in interest.[7] The minutes set the interest on the $85,000.00 FmHA loan at about two hundred thousand dollars, against about twenty-five thousand on a ten-year bond sale.[5] In January 1987 a resolution was introduced to award the Water System Utility Improvements Project to Greiner Well Service of Toddville for $37,231.56.[8] That is $37,231.56 as printed in 1987, about $110,000 in 2026 dollars.[9] Derived

In February 1987 Engineer Mike Hart reported that the Department of Natural Resources required the public to be told of a radium level above the standard, and that the city had one year to act.[10] He said the new well might lower the level, and that the department had agreed to wait until it was in operation.[11]

In August 1987, at a special session on permanent financing, the council approved a loan agreement and a $20,000.00 note, with a tax levy to pay it.[12]

Sources
  1. July 11, 1984: The engineer reported the FHA application was completed and that a new well was the top priority. · document 4405, p. 7 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Engineer reported that FHA application was completed and that new well is top priority.” (document 4405, p. 7)
  2. January 7, 1986: The council voted to hire Mike Hart to provide engineering services to update the loan application to FmHA for a new well. · document 4374, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Stevens second Stoner to hire Mike Hart to provide engineering services for update of loan application to FmHA for new well.” (document 4374, p. 2)
  3. March 12, 1986: The engineer reported the FmHA loan application asked for a new well and would be less than the previous amount of $105,000.00. As printed · document 4371, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “The application asks for a loan for a new well and would be less than the previous amount of $105,000.00.” (document 4371, p. 2)
  4. April 9, 1986: The engineer reported the FmHA loan application was for $125,000.00 for a new well, filters and renovating the water treatment plant. As printed · document 4370, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Hart reported that the FmHA loan application is for $125,000.00 for a new well, filters and renovating water treatment plant.” (document 4370, p. 2)
  5. December 10, 1986: The minutes compared interest on an $85,000.00 FmHA loan of about $200,000.00 with about $25,000.00 on a ten-year General Obligation Bond sale of $65,000.00. As printed · document 4360, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “which sets the interest paid on an $85,000.00 loan at about $200,000.00. The interest paid on a ten-year General Obligation Bond sale of $65,000.00 would be approximately $25,000.00.” (document 4360, p. 2)
  6. October 8, 1986: An ordinance printed as No. 1985-140 regulated the use of the surrounding 200 feet of land at a deep well site, reciting that the site had received preliminary approval. As printed · document 4781, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 140
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1985-140 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE REGULATION OF A DEEP WELL SITE WITHIN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, JOHNSON COUNTY, IOWA, BY REGULATING THE USE OF SURROUNDING 200 FEET OF LAND” (document 4781, p. 1)
  7. December 10, 1986: The council voted to pursue the sale of General Obligation Bonds to finance the new well and to decline the FmHA loan offer, to save several thousand dollars in project costs and nearly $100,000.00 in interest. · document 4360, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Runge second Flansburg to pursue to sale of General Obligation Bonds to finance the new well project and to decline the loan offer from FmHA in order to save the city several thousand dollars in project costs and nearly $100,000.00 in interest costs.” (document 4360, p. 2)
  8. January 14, 1987: The council introduced a resolution to award the Water System Utility Improvements Project to Greiner Well Service of Toddville, Iowa for $37,231.56. As printed · document 4358, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “A RESOLUTION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR WATER SYSTEM UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT to Greiner Well Service of Toddville, IA for $37,231.56” (document 4358, p. 2)
  9. January 14, 1987: The $37,231.56 well contract of 1987 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4358, p. 2 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1987 annual average x 2.9660 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1987; from document 4358, p. 2
    The page's words
    “A RESOLUTION TO AWARD CONTRACT FOR WATER SYSTEM UTILITY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT to Greiner Well Service of Toddville, IA for $37,231.56” (document 4358, p. 2)
  10. February 11, 1987: The engineer reported that the Department of Natural Resources required the public to be notified of a radium level in excess of standards, and that the city had one year to take action. · document 4357, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Hart reported that Department of Natural Resources requires that public be notified of radium level in excess of standards. Clerk will proceed with notifications. Hart has talked with USGS and found that all other wells in this area using the same aquifer have low radium levels. Oxford has a deeper well. City has one year to take action.” (document 4357, p. 3)
  11. February 11, 1987: The engineer said developing a new well might lower the radium level and that the Department of Natural Resources had approved waiting until the new well was in operation. · document 4357, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Hart stated that by developing new well a larger ring of influence would be created and the level might be reduced that way. He obtained approval from DNR to wait until new well is in operation.” (document 4357, p. 3)
  12. August 12, 1987: At a special session on permanent financing for the new well, the council adopted a resolution approving a loan agreement and the issuance of a $20,000.00 note with a levy of taxes to pay it. As printed · document 4348, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “in order to conduct a public hearing on permanent financing for the new well.” (document 4348, p. 2)
    “PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A $20,000.00 NOTE AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY THE SAME” (document 4348, p. 2)

The sewer plant: rates, a flood and pumps

A hearing notice of September 1981 said that since the sewer system was established in 1964 the rate had been raised only once, on January 1, 1980, to $5.25 per unit a month.[1] It said the population had grown by 102 people in ten years while revenues had not kept pace with inflation in operating costs.[2] Two proposals went to the hearing: $7.00 per unit a month, or a fee based on actual water use.[3] Five years later an ordinance printed as No. 1985-138 set the sewer charge at $10.00 a month for each dwelling unit, effective September 1, 1986.[4] That is $10.00 as printed in 1986, about $31 in 2026 dollars.[5] Derived

In July 1982 Councilman Dennis Brown reported that "the Clear Creek completely went out of its banks and flooded the sewer plant", and that a later rain backed sewers up into basements again.[6] At the same meeting a speaker in the community forum commended Councilmen Cox and Brown and other members of the volunteer fire department for their help with the flooded plant.[7] In October 1982 an interfund loan of $1,100.00 from the general fund to the sewer fund paid for finishing the dike at the plant.[8] In March 1983 the minutes noted that the plant lay in the flood plain on the map, and that unless the map was approved or changed the city could not get federal money to expand it.[9]

On April 6, 1983 the council met in special session about problems at the sewer plant, and a week later it voted to buy a Flygt pump for about $3,000.00.[10][11] By June the cost with the other parts stood at $3,862.24, and in August Mayor Glenn R. Potter said the city had spent over $3,600.00 on the pump to keep the plant from flooding and sewers from backing up into basements.[12][13]

In October 1985 a consultant reported that the 1980 census showed 42% of Tiffin households as low-to-moderate income, short of the 51% needed to qualify for most CDBG funds.[14] The council directed a telephone survey of households, with the aim of applying for CDBG funds for sewer improvements.[15] In September 1988 the council approved a final payment of $10,378.13 to Smelser Construction for repairs to the sewers.[16]

Sources
  1. September 9, 1981: A hearing notice said the sewer system was established in 1964, the rate had been increased only once, and on January 1, 1980 it went from $4.35 per unit per month to $5.25 per unit. As printed · document 4473, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Since the sewer system was established in 1964, the rate has been increased only once. On January 1, 1980 the rate went from $4.35 per unit per month to $5.25 per unit.” (document 4473, p. 2)
  2. September 9, 1981: The same notice said the population had increased by 102 people in the last ten years while revenues had not kept pace with inflation in operating costs. As printed · document 4473, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Even though the population increased by 102 people in the last ten years, the revenues have not kept pace with the effect of high inflation on operating costs.” (document 4473, p. 2)
  3. September 9, 1981: Two sewer rate proposals went to hearing: $7.00 per unit per month, or a sewer fee based on actual water usage. As printed · document 4473, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “One proposal for rate increase is to raise each unit to $7.00 per month. In order to make the system more equitable, some users might need adjustments to the number of units currently being assessed. The other proposal is to base the sewer fee on the actual water usage. Each customer would pay the same amount for sewer as for water.” (document 4473, p. 2)
  4. July 9, 1986: An ordinance printed as No. 1985-138 set the sewer rental charge at $10.00 per month for each single dwelling unit, effective September 1, 1986. As printed · document 4779, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 138
    The page's words
    “The sewer rental charge for each single dwelling unit shall be $10.00 per month.” (document 4779, p. 1)
    “Effective date of this rate increase is September 1, 1986.” (document 4779, p. 1)
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1985-138” (document 4779, p. 1)
  5. July 9, 1986: The $10.00 monthly sewer charge effective 1986 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4779, p. 1 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1986 annual average x 3.0743 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1986; from document 4779, p. 1
    The page's words
    “The sewer rental charge for each single dwelling unit shall be $10.00 per month.” (document 4779, p. 1)
  6. July 19, 1982: A council member reported that Clear Creek went completely out of its banks and flooded the sewer plant, and that a later rain caused sewers to back up and basements to flood again. · document 4457, p. 8 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Brown reported that the Clear Creek completely went out of its banks and flooded the sewer plant. City rented portable motors and were watched around the clock. A more recent rain caused sewers to back up and basements to flood again.” (document 4457, p. 8)
  7. July 19, 1982: During community forum a speaker commended Cox, Brown and other volunteer fire department members for their help with the flooding of the sewer plant. · document 4457, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “to commend Cox, Brown and other members of the volunteer fire department for their assistance with the flooding of the sewer plant.” (document 4457, p. 2)
  8. October 27, 1982: A resolution authorized an interfund loan of $1,100.00 from the general fund to the sewer fund to pay for finishing the dike at the sewer plant. As printed · document 4450, p. 1 · meeting · Res. 1982-009
    The page's words
    “Resolution No. 1982-9 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN INTERFUND LOAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FROM GENERAL TO SEWER” (document 4450, p. 1)
  9. March 9, 1983: The minutes recorded that the sewer plant was in the flood plain area on the map and that without the map's approval or a change the city could not get federal money to expand the plant. · document 4437, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “However, the sewer plant is in the flood plain area on the map. Unless the city approves the map or shows that the sewer plant should not be included in the flood plain area, the city will not be able to get any federal money for expansion of plant.” (document 4437, p. 3)
  10. April 6, 1983: The council met in special session to discuss problems at the sewer plant. · document 4433, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “The Tiffin City Council met in special session on Wednesday, April 6, 1983 at the Tiffin Methodist Church in order to discuss problems at the sewer plant.” (document 4433, p. 2)
  11. April 13, 1983: The council voted to buy a Flygt pump for the sewer plant at approximately $3,000.00. As printed · document 4431, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Cox second Brown to purchase Flygt pump model no. CS 3101 at a cost of approximately $3,000.00 for use in sewer plant.” (document 4431, p. 3)
  12. June 8, 1983: A council member said the $3,000.00 had been only an estimate for the pump, other parts were extra, and the cost was then $3,862.24. As printed · document 4425, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Brown stated that $3,000.00 was only an estimate for the pump and all other necessary parts were extra. The cost is currently $3,862.24.” (document 4425, p. 5)
  13. August 10, 1983: The mayor said the city had just spent over $3,600.00 to install a pump at the sewer plant to prevent flooding of the plant and sewers backing up into basements. As printed · document 4423, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Potter stated that city had just spent over $3,600.00 to install pump at sewer plant to prevent flooding of plant and sewer backing up into basements.” (document 4423, p. 6)
  14. October 29, 1985: A consultant told the council that the 1980 census showed 42% of Tiffin households as low-to-moderate income, while 51% was needed to qualify for CDBG funds for anything other than benefits to handicapped or elderly. · document 4381, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Rockwell reported that 1980 census showed 42% of households in Tiffin as low-to-moderate income. In order to qualify for CDBG funds for anything other than benefits to handicapped or elderly, Tiffin needs 51% LMI households.” (document 4381, p. 2)
  15. October 29, 1985: The council directed a telephone survey of households at an estimated cost of $30.00 to $50.00, with the aim of applying for CDBG funds for sewer system improvements. · document 4381, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Stevens second Spivey to direct Rockwell to make telephone survey of households in Tiffin for estimated cost of $30.00 to $50.00 using rate of $10.00 per hour. Carried unanimously. Clerk will provide list of residents and phone numbers. Rockwell estimated cost of making application at $250.00. Council consensus to apply for CDBG funds for improvements to sewer system” (document 4381, p. 2)
  16. September 14, 1988: The council approved a final payment to Smelser Construction for repairs to the sewer systems. As printed · document 4333, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Smelser Construction in the amount of $10,378.13 for repairs to sewer systems.” (document 4333, p. 3)

Annexation and the edges of town

In July 1982 the council met in special session to receive a petition for voluntary annexation.[1] The petitioners' attorney said the Code of Iowa required a land connection of at least 200 feet, so a 200-foot strip was offered to join the tract to the city.[2] He said annexation would bring the city $400 to five hundred dollars a year in taxes.[3] On July 19, 1982 the council adopted Resolution 1982-8 accepting the petition, three votes to two, with Councilmen Spivey and Rohret voting nay.[4] In December Councilman Dennis Brown said that his vote to annex one house did not mean he would vote for a large annexation.[5]

In October 1982 the county planner said the Board of Supervisors wanted the city to maintain the 150-foot stretch of county road between the old city limit and the new annexation, because the city now surrounded it.[6]

In the fringe-area talks of May 1983 Councilman Charles Rohret said 160 acres was too large for the present size of the city.[7] A planner said 30 to 40 homes a year was probably all the market could take, so the 160 acres could represent 30 years of growth.[8] In September 1983 a petition was presented for voluntary annexation of about 131 acres north of Tiffin.[9] The county planner said the county saw no problem with using the whole area over time but felt 40 acres at one time would be reasonable.[10] In November 1983 the council adopted, with one nay, Resolution 1983-12 accepting the annexation of about 53½ acres north of Tiffin.[11] The records disagree on that number: Resolution No. 1983-12 is also printed on the October 1983 resolution setting a meeting on the water bonds.[11][12]

The June 1984 agenda listed "Dedication of Roberts Ferry Road in Potterfield/Grace annexations".[13] In July 1986 a tentative proposal for Gracehill Addition showed 31 lots on the west side of Roberts Ferry Road.[14] In December a planner presented the plat, as Gracehill Estates, redrawn to meet the Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendations on street width, sidewalks, the lift station and water mains.[15]

In January 1985 representatives of Iowa-Illinois said they would buy 20 to 38 acres for an electric substation, with a projected cost of $6.5 million.[16] That is $6.5 million as printed in 1985, about $20 million in 2026 dollars.[17] Derived Ordinance 1983-111 created a new A2 zone, and the industrial section of the zoning ordinance was repealed and re-enacted three times, by Ordinances 1983-116, 1985-128 and 1989-158, each providing a new M-1 industrial zone.[18][19][20][21] In July 1987 a company proposed locating in Tiffin; the minutes recorded that it would employ 35 people in its opening year and grow to 60, and that the city would apply for grants on its behalf.[22]

Sources
  1. July 14, 1982: At a special meeting the council received a petition for voluntary annexation by Amanda Potterfield and John W. Grace. · document 4458, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “for the purpose of presenting petition for voluntary annexation by Amanda Potterfield and John W. Grace.” (document 4458, p. 2)
  2. July 14, 1982: The petitioners' attorney said the Code of Iowa required a land connection of at least 200 feet, so a 200 foot wide strip was offered to join the annexed tract to the city. · document 4458, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Attorney Johnston said the Code of Iowa states that in order for a piece of land to be annexed into city thay it must be connected by a minimum of 200 feet tract of land.” (document 4458, p. 2)

    Transcription: page reads 'thay'; quote kept as transcribed

  3. July 19, 1982: The petitioners' attorney said annexation would bring in $400-$500.00 in taxes each year. As printed · document 4457, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Annexation would bring in $400-$500.00 in taxes each year.” (document 4457, p. 3)
  4. July 19, 1982: The council adopted Resolution 1982-8 accepting the petition for annexation by Amanda Potterfield, John W. Grace and Betty Lou Grace, with the roll call recorded as Cox aye, Brown aye, Spivey nay, Rohret nay, Stevens aye. · document 4457, p. 6 · meeting · Res. 1982-008
    The page's words
    “Motion Brown second Cox to adopt Resolution No. 1982-8 accepting petition for annexation by Amanda Potterfield, John W. Grace and Betty Lou Grace” (document 4457, p. 6)
    “Roll call vote: Cox, aye; Brown, aye; Spivey, nay; Rohret, nay; Stevens, aye. Carried.” (document 4457, p. 6)
  5. December 8, 1982: A council member said that voting to annex one house did not mean he would vote for a large annexation. · document 4448, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Brown stated that because he voted to annex one house does not mean he will vote for a large annexation.” (document 4448, p. 2)
  6. October 13, 1982: The county planner said the Board of Supervisors asked the city to maintain the 150 foot stretch of county road between the old city limit and the new annexation, because the city surrounded it. · document 4451, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “the Board Of Supervisors requested that the stretch of road between the old city limit and the new annexation be maintained by the city because the city completely surrounds that 150 foot section of county road now.” (document 4451, p. 3)
  7. May 11, 1983: A councilmember said 160 acres was too large for the present size of the city, and the county planner said map one showed approximately 260 acres that would require a lift station. · document 4427, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Rohret stated that 160 acres is too large considering the present size of the city. Cox asked how many acres were in map one. TePaske stated that map one shows approximately 260 acres and city would have to go to lift station to service it.” (document 4427, p. 2)
  8. May 11, 1983: A planner said 30 to 40 homes a year was probably all the market could take, so the 160 acres could represent growth over the next 30 years. · document 4427, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Stoffer stated 30 to 40 homes per year in this area is probably all that the market could take. The 160 acres could represent growth over the next 30 years.” (document 4427, p. 4)
  9. September 14, 1983: A petition for voluntary annexation of approximately 131 acres north of Tiffin was presented on behalf of the landowner, John W. Grace. · document 4420, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “presented petition for voluntary annexation of approximately 131 acres north of Tiffin on behalf of John W. Grace.” (document 4420, p. 3)
  10. September 28, 1983: The county planner said the county saw no problem with using the whole area over time but felt 40 acres at one time would be reasonable. · document 4419, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “The county sees no problem with utilizing it all over a period of time, but feels that 40 acres at one time would be reasonable.” (document 4419, p. 3)
  11. November 9, 1983: Resolution 1983-12 accepting the voluntary annexation petition of John W. and Betty Lou Grace for approximately 53 1/2 acres north of Tiffin was adopted, with one nay. As printed · document 4416, p. 2 · meeting · Res. 1983-012
    The page's words
    “RESOLUTION NO. 1983-12 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PETITION BY JOHN W. AND BETTY LOU GRACE FOR APPROXIMATELY 53 1/2 ACRES NORTH OF TIFFIN was introduced by Brown and ready by the clerk. Motion Brown second Stevens to adopt Resolution No. 1983-12. Roll call vote: Brown, aye; Cox, aye; Spivey, aye; Rohret, nay; Stevens, aye. Carried” (document 4416, p. 2)
  12. October 12, 1983: A resolution numbered 1983-12 fixed a date for action on issuing $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds. As printed · document 4417, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council member Cox introduced the Resolution No. 1983-12 to fix a date for meeting at which it is proposed to take action for the issuance of $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds” (document 4417, p. 3)
  13. June 13, 1984: The agenda listed the dedication of Roberts Ferry Road in the Potterfield/Grace annexations. · document 4407, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Dedication of Roberts Ferry Road in Potterfield/Grace annexations” (document 4407, p. 1)
  14. July 9, 1986: A tentative proposal for Gracehill Addition would have 31 lots on the west side of Roberts Ferry Road in the Grace annexation. As printed · document 4366, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Stoffer presented a tentative proposal for Gracehill Addition which would consist of 31 lots on the west side of Roberts Ferry Road in the Grace annexation.” (document 4366, p. 2)
  15. December 10, 1986: A planner presented the preliminary plat of Gracehill Estates as redrawn to conform to Planning and Zoning recommendations on street width, sidewalks, lift station and water mains. · document 4360, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Stoffer presented preliminary plat of Gracehill Estates as redrawn to conform to all recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission concerning street width, sidewalks, lift station, looping of water mains and size of water mains.” (document 4360, p. 3)
  16. January 7, 1985: Representatives of Iowa-Illinois said they would buy between 20 and 38 acres on the Myron Walker Trust for an electric substation, with a projected cost of $6.5 million. As printed · document 4394, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Would buy between 20-38 acres and could rent back to farmer or to other industries. Projected cost is $6.5 million” (document 4394, p. 2)
  17. January 7, 1985: The $6.5 million projected substation cost of 1985 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4394, p. 2 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1985 annual average x 3.1314 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1985; from document 4394, p. 2
    The page's words
    “Would buy between 20-38 acres and could rent back to farmer or to other industries. Projected cost is $6.5 million” (document 4394, p. 2)
  18. May 11, 1983: Ordinance 1983-111 amended the zoning ordinance by creating a new A2 zone and regulating the uses allowed there. · document 4754, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 111
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1983-111 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 83, THE OFFICIAL ZONING ORDINANCE BY CREATING A NEW A2 ZONE AND REGULATING AND RESTRICTING THE USES ALLOWED THEREIN.” (document 4754, p. 1)
  19. October 12, 1983: Ordinance 1983-116 repealed and re-enacted Section 15 of the zoning ordinance to provide a new M1 industrial zone use classification. · document 4759, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 116
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1983-116 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 83 OF THE ORDINANCES OF TIFFIN, IOWA BY REPEALING SECTION 15 OF THE ORDINANCE AND ENACTING IN LIEU THEREOF SECTION 15 AS OUTLINED BELOW PROVIDING FOR A NEW M1 INDUSTRIAL ZONE USE CLASSIFICATION.” (document 4759, p. 1)
  20. April 10, 1985: Ordinance 1985-128 again repealed and re-enacted Section 15 of the zoning ordinance to provide a new M-1 industrial zone use classification. · document 4770, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 128
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1985-128 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1979-83 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF TIFFIN, IOWA, BY REPEALING SECTION 15 OF THE ORDINANCE AND ENACTING IN LIEU THEREOF SECTION 15 AS OUTLINED BELOW PROVIDING FOR A NEW M-1 INDUSTRIAL ZONE USE CLASSIFICATION.” (document 4770, p. 1)
  21. June 14, 1989: Ordinance 1989-158 a third time repealed and re-enacted Section 15 of the zoning ordinance to provide a new M-1 industrial zone use classification. · document 4799, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 158
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE 1989-158 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1979-83 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF TIFFIN, IOWA BY REPEALING SECTION 15 OF THE ORDINANCE AND ENACTING IN LIEU THEREOF SECTION 15 AS OUTLINED BELOW PROVIDING A NEW M-1 INDUSTRIAL ZONE USE CLASSIFICATION” (document 4799, p. 1)
  22. July 8, 1987: A company proposed locating in Tiffin; the minutes recorded it would employ 35 people the first year growing to 60, with fifty-one percent of employees from low-to-moderate income families, and that the city would apply for grants on its behalf. As printed · document 4350, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “The company would employ 35 people the first year with growth to 60 employees during the second year.” (document 4350, p. 3)
    “Fifty-one percent of the employees would need to come from low-to-moderate income families.” (document 4350, p. 3)
    “The city has to apply on behalf of the company.” (document 4350, p. 3)

Rules for daily life

In 1980 the council adopted ordinances on traffic on the streets and alleys (1980-86), on weeds and noxious growths (1980-92) and on mobile home parks (1980-93).[1][2][3] Ordinance 1981-97 revoked the 1980 ordinance on abandoned and junk vehicles, and Ordinance 1981-104 required sidewalks to be cleared of snow and ice, with the cost charged to the abutting property.[4][5] In 1982 the council adopted the 1982 edition of the Uniform Fire Code and a Code of Ordinances that made the revised ordinances the 1982 Municipal Code.[6][7] The records disagree on that code's number: the printed ordinance reads No. 1982-197, while the instrument register lists it as ordinance 107.[7]

In 1983 the water and sewer ordinances were changed so that bills were paid by the owner of the property rather than the tenant, and the water deposit was eliminated.[8][9] Ordinance 1984-121 set garbage collection at $9.60 a quarter for each dwelling unit from June 1, 1984.[10] An ordinance printed as No. 1985-139 set the minimum monthly water fee at $9.50 and charged $3.00 per 1,000 gallons, effective October 1, 1986.[11][12] That minimum is $9.50 as printed in 1986, about $29 in 2026 dollars.[13] Derived

Ordinance 1984-125 regulated dangerous and vicious animals, and Resolution 1985-5 set the annual animal license at $2.00 per animal.[14][15] In 1984 the attorney said Tiffin could adopt the state's uniform building code, and Councilman Ted Spivey answered that the city had no means of inspecting and enforcing it.[16] Ordinance 1987-144 adopted the Iowa State Building Code in June 1987, and two months later Ordinance 1987-145 replaced it with the C.A.B.O. one- and two-family dwelling code.[17][18][19] Ordinance 1988-153 adopted the revised ordinances as the 1988 Municipal Code, and Ordinance 1989-160 vacated the alley in Block 2 of the Original Town.[20][21]

Sources
  1. April 23, 1980: Ordinance 1980-86 provided rules and regulations for the movement and control of traffic on the public streets and alleys. · document 4735, p. 1 · Ord. 86
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1980-86 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT AND CONTROL OF TRAFFIC UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS AND ALLEYS IN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 4735, p. 1)
  2. July 11, 1980: Ordinance 1980-92 required that weeds and noxious growths be destroyed, with notice, destruction by the city, and assessment of the costs to the property if the owner fails to comply. · document 4738, p. 1 · Ord. 92
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1980-92 AN ORDINANCE REQUIRING THAT WEEDS AND NOXIOUS GROWTHS BE DESTROYED; PROVIDING FOR NOTICE TO DESTROY OR CUT; PROVIDING FOR SUCH DESTRUCTION BY THE CITY” (document 4738, p. 1)
  3. July 11, 1980: Ordinance 1980-93 was the City of Tiffin Mobile Home Park Ordinance. · document 4739, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 93
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1980-93 CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA, MOBILE HOME PARK ORDINANCE.” (document 4739, p. 1)
  4. April 8, 1981: Ordinance 1981-97 revoked Ordinance 1980-91, the ordinance on abandoned and junk motor vehicles. · document 4745, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 97
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1981-97 AN ORDINANCE REVOKING ORDINANCE NO. 1980-91 (AN ORDINANCE RELATING TO ABANDONED AND JUNK MOTOR VEHICLES AND MACHINERY LEFT UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS” (document 4745, p. 1)
  5. November 11, 1981: Ordinance 1981-104 provided for cleaning sidewalks and removing snow and ice and assessing the expense against the abutting property. · document 4744, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 104
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1981-104 CLEANING SIDEWALKS AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE CLEANING OF SIDEWALKS AND REMOVAL OF SNOW, ICE AND OTHER ACCUMULATIONS AND ASSESSING THE EXPENSE THEREOF AGAINST THE ABUTTING PROPERTY.” (document 4744, p. 1)
  6. July 19, 1982: Ordinance 1982-105 adopted the 1982 edition of the Uniform Fire Code. · document 4748, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 105
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1982-105 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 1982 EDITION OF THE UNIFORM FIRE CODE” (document 4748, p. 1)
  7. August 11, 1982: An ordinance adopting the Code of Ordinances of the City of Tiffin, printed as No. 1982-197, adopted the revised ordinances as the 1982 Municipal Code. · document 4750, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 107
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1982-197 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4750, p. 1)
    “hereby adopts the revised ordinances as the 1982 Municipal Code.” (document 4750, p. 1)
  8. February 9, 1983: Ordinance 1983-109 amended the water and sewer ordinances to require bills to be paid by the owner of the property rather than the tenant. · document 4752, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 109
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1983-109 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCES NOS. 62 AND 57 SO AS TO REQUIRE WATER AND SEWER BILLS TO BE PAID BY THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY RATHER THAN THE TENANT” (document 4752, p. 1)
  9. August 10, 1983: Ordinance 1983-113 amended the water ordinance to eliminate payment of a water deposit. · document 4756, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 113
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1983-113 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 62 RELATING TO THE WATER SYSTEM SO AS TO ELIMINATE PAYMENT OF A WATER DEPOSIT.” (document 4756, p. 1)
  10. June 1, 1984: Ordinance 1984-121 set the garbage collection charge at $9.60 per quarter for each dwelling unit, effective June 1, 1984. As printed · document 4763, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 121
    The page's words
    “Effective June 1, 1984, the charge for each dwelling unit described above shall be $9.60 per quarter” (document 4763, p. 1)
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1984-121” (document 4763, p. 1)
  11. August 13, 1986: An ordinance printed as No. 1985-139 set the minimum monthly water fee at $9.50, effective October 1, 1986. As printed · document 4780, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 139
    The page's words
    “the minimum monthly fee shall be $9.50” (document 4780, p. 1)
    “Effective date of rate increase shall be October 1, 1986” (document 4780, p. 1)
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1985-139” (document 4780, p. 1)
  12. August 13, 1986: The same ordinance charged water in increments of 1,000 gallons at $3.00 per 1,000. As printed · document 4780, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 139
    The page's words
    “charged in increments of 1,000 gallons at $3.00 per 1,000” (document 4780, p. 1)
  13. August 13, 1986: The $9.50 monthly water minimum effective 1986 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4780, p. 1 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1986 annual average x 3.0743 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1986; from document 4780, p. 1
    The page's words
    “the minimum monthly fee shall be $9.50” (document 4780, p. 1)
  14. October 10, 1984: Ordinance 1984-125 regulated dangerous and vicious animals within the city. · document 4767, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 125
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1984-125 AN ORDINANCE REGULATING DANGEROUS AND VICIOUS ANIMALS WITHIN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4767, p. 1)
  15. April 10, 1985: Resolution 1985-5 set the annual animal license fee at $2.00 per animal. As printed · document 4389, p. 3 · meeting · Res. 1985-005
    The page's words
    “Mayor Potter declared that Resolution No. 1985-5 duly passed and adopted. Annual license fee is $2.00 per animal.” (document 4389, p. 3)
  16. August 8, 1984: The attorney stated that Tiffin could adopt the state's uniform building code; a council member said the city lacked the means of inspecting and enforcing it. · document 4401, p. 6 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Attorney stated that Tiffin could adopt the state's uniform building code. Don't know if addresses issue of manufactured homes. Spivey: Don't have means of inspecting and enforcing it.” (document 4401, p. 6)
  17. June 10, 1987: Ordinance 1987-144 adopted the Iowa State Building Code for Tiffin. · document 4785, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 144
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1987-144 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE IOWA-STATE BUILDING CODE FOR TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4785, p. 1)
  18. August 12, 1987: Ordinance 1987-145 adopted the C.A.B.O. One and Two Family Dwelling Code and repealed the Iowa State Building Code for Tiffin. · document 4786, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 145
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1987-145 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE C.A.B.O. ONE AND TWO FAMILY DWELLING CODE, AND REPEALING THE IOWA STATE BUILDING CODE FOR TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4786, p. 1)
  19. August 12, 1987: Ordinance No. 145: the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code (history note) · document 4785, p. 1, document 4786, p. 1, document 4401, p. 6
    The page's words
    “AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE IOWA-STATE BUILDING CODE FOR TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4785, p. 1)
    “The Mayor then declared Ordinance No. 1987-144 duly passed and adopted on this 10th day of June 1987.” (document 4785, p. 1)
  20. August 10, 1988: Ordinance 1988-153 adopted the revised ordinances as the 1988 Municipal Code. · document 4794, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 153
    The page's words
    “ORDINAN 1988-153 AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 4794, p. 1)
    “hereby adopts the revised ordinances as the 1988 Municipal Code.” (document 4794, p. 1)

    Transcription: heading reads 'ORDINAN'; quote kept as transcribed

  21. July 12, 1989: Ordinance 1989-160 vacated the alley located in Block 2 of the Original Town of Tiffin. · document 4801, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 160
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1989-160 AN ORDINANCE VACATING THE ALLEY LOCATED IN BLOCK 2 OF THE ORIGINAL TOWN OF TIFFIN” (document 4801, p. 1)

Running the town: officers, pay and elections

In December 1981 Mayor Roger Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city for twenty consecutive years on the council, and read a proclamation making December 13, 1981 Glenn Potter, Jr. Day.[1][2] A year later the clerk read the resignation of Mayor James E. Brotherton, and a notice told electors they could petition to have the vacancy filled by a special election.[3][4] On December 21, 1982 the council appointed Glenn Potter, Jr. mayor for the rest of the term, to December 31, 1983.[5]

In December 1980 the council set the clerk-treasurer's salary at $5,400.00 a year from January 1, 1981.[6] That is $5,400.00 as printed in 1980, about $22,000 in 2026 dollars.[7] Derived By July 1986 the clerk-treasurer was paid $7.40 an hour on a 20-hour week, and in 1988 Resolution 1988-1 set the salary at $8184.80 a year.[8][9] That is $8184.80 as printed in 1988, about $23,000 in 2026 dollars.[10] Derived

In March 1981 the council voted to cut its own fee for special meetings to $10.00 from July 1, 1981.[11] Ordinance 1983-110 then set council pay from 1984 at $20.00 for each regular meeting and half that for a special meeting, and the mayor's at $500.00 a year.[12][13] That is $20.00 a meeting as printed for 1984, about $65 in 2026 dollars.[14] Derived

The city attorney's rate was $45.00 an hour in 1982 and in 1984, $50.00 from July 1985 and $60.00 in 1989.[15][16][17][18] In 2026 dollars the 1984 rate is about $150 an hour and the 1989 rate about $160.[19][20] Derived In 1989 the council raised the city engineer's rate to $40 an hour from July 1.[21]

Ordinance 1983-117 changed council terms from two years to four, the top vote-getters taking four-year terms and the rest two-year terms, with ties settled by lot.[22] The printed ordinance says it takes effect only after approval by the registered electors at a special election.[23] In November 1989 the clerk reported that, with three four-year terms and one two-year term open, everyone had chosen to run for four years, so six people ran for three offices and no one for the fourth.[24] Carrie Stratton and Pam Brown tied for a four-year seat, and under the state code the Board of Supervisors was to break the tie by drawing a name from a hat at the canvass.[25]

The 1980 agenda listed standing committees for police, community protection, human development, home and community, policy and administration, and water and wastewater; the 1987 list had no police committee.[26][27] Ordinance 1985-133 established a Park and Recreation Commission to plan and direct the city's playgrounds and parks, its members to serve without compensation.[28][29] In November 1985 the council appointed Carrie Stratton to the commission to fill the term Jean Flansburg was leaving.[30]

Sources
  1. December 9, 1981: Mayor Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city for twenty consecutive years as a councilmember and read a proclamation establishing December 13, 1981 as Glenn Potter, Jr. Day. · document 4469, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Mayor Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city in honor of his twenty consecutive years as a councilmember. Formanek also read a proclamation establishing December 13, 1981 as "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day.” (document 4469, p. 2)
  2. December 9, 1981: "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day": twenty years on the council (history note) · document 4469, p. 2
    The page's words
    “Mayor Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city in honor of his twenty consecutive years as a councilmember. Formanek also read a proclamation establishing December 13, 1981 as "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day."” (document 4469, p. 2)
  3. December 8, 1982: The clerk read a letter of resignation from James Brotherton as mayor, and the attorney outlined the procedure for filling the vacancy. · document 4448, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Clerk read letter of resignation from James Brotherton as mayor. Hoefer outlined procedure for filling the vacancy.” (document 4448, p. 3)
  4. December 16, 1982: A notice stated that electors could file a petition requiring the mayoral vacancy to be filled by special election. · document 4446, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Electors of the City of Tiffin have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled be a special election.” (document 4446, p. 1)

    Transcription: page reads 'be filled be a special election'; quote kept as transcribed

  5. December 21, 1982: The council appointed Glenn Potter, Jr. as mayor to fill the unexpired term of James Brotherton, who resigned effective December 8, 1982, a term expiring December 31, 1983. · document 4445, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Brown to appoint Glenn Potter, Jr. as mayor of the City of Tiffin to fill the unexpired term of James Brotherton who resigned effective December 8, 1982 and whose term expires on December 31, 1983.” (document 4445, p. 2)
  6. December 10, 1980: The council approved a clerk-treasurer salary of $5,400.00 per year effective January 1, 1981, with review in July. As printed · document 4494, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Rohret second Potter to approve clerk-treasurer's salary of $5,400.00 per year effective January 1, 1981 with review in July.” (document 4494, p. 2)
  7. December 10, 1980: The $5,400.00 yearly clerk-treasurer salary set for 1981 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived, 1980 index). · document 4494, p. 2 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1980 annual average x 4.0891 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1980; from document 4494, p. 2
    The page's words
    “Motion Rohret second Potter to approve clerk-treasurer's salary of $5,400.00 per year effective January 1, 1981 with review in July.” (document 4494, p. 2)
  8. July 1, 1986: The council approved a clerk-treasurer salary increase to $7.40 per hour, based on a 20 hour work week, effective July 1, 1986. As printed · document 4372, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Flansburg to approve salary increase for clerk-treasurer to $7.40 per hour based on 20 hour work week effective July 1, 1986.” (document 4372, p. 2)
  9. February 10, 1988: Resolution 1988-1 set the clerk-treasurer's annual salary at $8184.80 plus $20.00 for special meetings. As printed · document 4341, p. 2 · meeting · Res. 1988-001
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Spivey to approve Resolution No. 1988-1 setting annual salary for clerk-treasurer at $8184.80 plus $20.00 per special meetings” (document 4341, p. 2)
  10. February 10, 1988: The $8184.80 yearly clerk-treasurer salary of 1988 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4341, p. 2 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1988 annual average x 2.8482 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1988; from document 4341, p. 2
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Spivey to approve Resolution No. 1988-1 setting annual salary for clerk-treasurer at $8184.80 plus $20.00 per special meetings” (document 4341, p. 2)
  11. March 11, 1981: The council voted to reduce councilmen's fees for special meetings from $20.00 to $10.00 per meeting, effective July 1, 1981. As printed · document 4490, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Potter to reduce councilmen's fees for special meetings from $20.00 to $10.00 per meeting effective July 1, 1981.” (document 4490, p. 3)
  12. March 14, 1983: Ordinance 1983-110 set council pay at $20.00 for each regular meeting and $10.00 for each special meeting, beginning January 1, 1984. As printed · document 4753, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 110
    The page's words
    “$20.00 for each regular meeting attended by the Councilmember. $10.00 for each special council meeting attended by the Councilmember.” (document 4753, p. 1)
    “This Ordinance shall be in effect beginning January 1, 1984.” (document 4753, p. 1)
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1983-110” (document 4753, p. 1)
  13. March 14, 1983: The same ordinance provided that the Mayor shall receive $500.00 annually. As printed · document 4753, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 110
    The page's words
    “The Mayor shall receive $500.00 annually as compensation.” (document 4753, p. 1)
  14. March 14, 1983: The $20.00 per regular meeting council pay effective 1984 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived, 1984 index). · document 4753, p. 1 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1984 annual average x 3.2429 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1984; from document 4753, p. 1
    The page's words
    “$20.00 for each regular meeting attended by the Councilmember. $10.00 for each special council meeting attended by the Councilmember.” (document 4753, p. 1)
  15. January 13, 1982: The council appointed John R. Sladek as city attorney and Mary Hoefer as assistant city attorney for 1982 at $45.00 per hour. As printed · document 4466, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Rohret second Spivey to appoint John R. Sladek as city attorney and Mary Hoefer as assistant city attorney for calendar year 1982 at a rate of $45.00” (document 4466, p. 4)
  16. January 11, 1984: The council appointed Larry Lynch as attorney for 1984 and his associate Stephen Greenleaf, both at $45.00 per hour. As printed · document 4413, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Cox to appoint Larry Lynch as attorney for 1984 and his associate Stephen Greenleaf, both a rate of $45.00 per hour.” (document 4413, p. 2)
  17. July 10, 1985: The mayor appointed Stephen Greenleaf as city attorney for one year beginning July 1, 1985 at $50.00 per hour. As printed · document 4386, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Mayor appointed Stephen Greenleaf as City Attorney for period of one year beginning July 1, 1985 at $50.00 per hour.” (document 4386, p. 3)
  18. January 11, 1989: The council appointed Stephen Greenleaf and Bob Michael as city attorneys for 1989 at $60.00 per hour. As printed · document 4327, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Stratton to appoint Stephen Greenleaf and Bob Michael as city attorneys for 1989 at a rate of $60.00 per hour.” (document 4327, p. 3)
  19. January 11, 1984: The $45.00 hourly attorney rate of 1984 is about this many 2026 dollars per hour (derived). · document 4413, p. 2 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1984 annual average x 3.2429 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1984; from document 4413, p. 2
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Cox to appoint Larry Lynch as attorney for 1984 and his associate Stephen Greenleaf, both a rate of $45.00 per hour.” (document 4413, p. 2)
  20. January 11, 1989: The $60.00 hourly attorney rate of 1989 is about this many 2026 dollars per hour (derived). · document 4327, p. 3 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1989 annual average x 2.7173 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1989; from document 4327, p. 3
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Stratton to appoint Stephen Greenleaf and Bob Michael as city attorneys for 1989 at a rate of $60.00 per hour.” (document 4327, p. 3)
  21. February 8, 1989: The council increased the city engineer Mike Hart's hourly rate from $25 per hour to $40 per hour effective July 1, 1989. As printed · document 4326, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Morgan second Spivey to increase hourly rate of city engineer Mike Hart from $25 per hour to $40 per hour effective July 1, 1989.” (document 4326, p. 4)
  22. November 9, 1983: Ordinance 1983-117 changed council terms from two years to four years, with the majority of highest vote-getters elected to four-year terms, the remainder to two-year terms, and ties settled by lot. · document 4760, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 117
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1983-117 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 69 BY CHANGING THE TERM OF OFFICE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM TWO YEARS TO FOUR YEARS AND PROVIDING STAGGERED TERMS.” (document 4760, p. 1)
    “the majority of the elected council members who receive the highest number of votes are elected for four year terms. The remainder are elected for two year terms. In case of a tie, the Mayor and Clerk shall determine by lot” (document 4760, p. 1)
  23. November 14, 1983: The printed ordinance on four-year council terms states it takes effect after approval by the registered electors at a special election held for that purpose. · document 4760, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “after its approval by the registered electors of the City of Tiffin at a Special Election held for the purpose of approving this Ordinance.” (document 4760, p. 1)
  24. November 8, 1989: The clerk reported that three four year terms and one two year term were available, that everyone chose to run for four years, and that six people ran for three offices with no one running for one. · document 4316, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “three four year terms and one two year term was available. Everyone chose to run for four years. This is why the ballot had six people running for three offices and no one running for one office.” (document 4316, p. 5)
  25. November 8, 1989: The clerk reported that two candidates received a tied vote for a four year council term, and that the Board of Supervisors would break the tie by drawing a name from a hat during the canvass. · document 4316, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Clerk reported that Carrie Stratton and Pam Brown received a tied vote for a 4 year term on the council. According to the State Code, the Board of Supervisors will break the tie by drawing the name from a hat during the official canvas of votes.” (document 4316, p. 5)

    Transcription: page reads 'canvas'; quote kept as transcribed

  26. July 9, 1980: The agenda listed standing committee reports for Police, Community Protection, Human Development, Home and Community, Policy and Administration, and Water and Wastewater. · document 4502, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Police e. Community Protection f. Human Development g. Home and Community h. Policy and Administration i. Water and Wastewater” (document 4502, p. 2)
  27. July 8, 1987: The agenda listed standing committee reports for Community Protection, Home and Community (Streets), Human Development, Policy and Administration, Water and Sewer, with no Police committee. · document 4350, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “7. Standing Committee Reports a. Attorney b. Engineer c. Community Protection d. Home and Community (Streets) e. Human Development f. Policy and Administration g. Water h. Sewer” (document 4350, p. 1)
  28. May 8, 1985: Ordinance 1985-133 established a Park and Recreation Commission for the purpose of planning and directing the playgrounds and parks of the city. · document 4774, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 133
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1985-133 AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF PLANNING AND DIRECTING THE PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS OF THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4774, p. 1)
  29. May 8, 1985: The ordinance provided that members of the Commission shall serve without compensation. · document 4774, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 133
    The page's words
    “SECTION V. Compensation: Members of the Commission shall serve without compensation.” (document 4774, p. 1)
  30. November 13, 1985: The council appointed Carrie Stratton to the Park and Recreation Commission effective January 1, 1986, to fill a term expiring May 1988 vacated by Jean Flansburg. · document 4378, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council appointed Carrie Stratton to Park and Recreation Commission effective January 1, 1986 to fill term expiring May, 1988 being vacated by Jean Flansburg.” (document 4378, p. 2)

Neighbors and services

Tiffin bought library service from Coralville: $500.00 for fiscal 1981-82, and $900.00 for fiscal 1983, when Tiffin residents held 47 cards.[1][2] In February 1983 the Coralville library board asked $1300.00 as its minimum for the next year, and the attorney advised that the city could not legally reimburse individuals for library cards.[3][4] The council voted, with one nay, to let the contract end on July 1, 1983, and in 1984 agreed not to budget for a library contract in fiscal 1985 and to put more money into playground equipment.[5][6]

In March 1982 the council ended its contract with an individual for police protection on April 10 and agreed with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for community protection, about seven hours a week, at $4550.00 a year.[7][8] An addendum in 1983 raised it to $4732.00 a year from August 1, 1983, about $16,000 in 2026 dollars.[9][10] Derived In October 1980 Mayor Roger Formanek reported that the Tiffin Fire Association's attorney had advised it not to enter into the 28E agreement, so the agreements were not considered.[11]

County programs were shared by population: in 1988 the council gave $103.00 to JCCOG's hazardous waste disposal program, and in 1989 it approved 25 cents per capita to Johnson County Civil Defense for HAZ-MAT in fiscal 1991.[12][13]

In February 1981 a cablevision representative estimated that underground cable would cost $125,000.00 to install, at no cost to the city.[14] Ordinance 1988-150 granted Rugger Cablevision a non-exclusive franchise for fifteen years, and Ordinance 155 amended it on the proper party to hold the franchise.[15][16] In January 1989 the agenda listed a sale of the franchise to Vantage Cable.[17]

Sources
  1. November 12, 1980: The council voted to continue the contract with the Coralville Public Library at a cost of $500.00 for fiscal year 1981-82. As printed · document 4495, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Rohret second Madden to continue contract with Coralville Public Library at a cost of $500.00 for fiscal year 1981-82.” (document 4495, p. 3)
  2. July 19, 1982: Coralville stated that a contract for the year would not bind the next, that Tiffin residents had 47 card holders, and that Coralville agreed to a contract for $900.00 for fiscal year '83. As printed · document 4457, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Tiffin residents currently have 47 card holders. Coralville agreed to contract for $900.00 for fiscal year '83.” (document 4457, p. 2)
  3. February 9, 1983: The Coralville Public Library board asked $1300.00 as the minimum for next year's contract, or offered an eight month prorated contract for $1000.00. As printed · document 4440, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Clerk read letter from Coralville Public Library Board of Trustees asking $1300.00 as minimum for next year's contract or offering an eight month prorated contract for $1000.00.” (document 4440, p. 5)
  4. February 9, 1983: The attorney advised that it was not legal for the city to reimburse individuals for library cards. · document 4440, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Hoefer stated that it is not legal for city to reimburse individuals for library cards” (document 4440, p. 5)
  5. February 9, 1983: The council voted, with one nay, to terminate the service contract with the Coralville Public Library on July 1, 1983 by not renewing it. · document 4440, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Cox second Stevens to terminate the service contract with the Coralville Public Library on July 1, 1983 by not renewing the contract for another year. Roll call vote: Rohret, nay; Stevens, aye; Cox, aye; Brown, aye; Spivey, aye. Carried.” (document 4440, p. 5)
  6. February 8, 1984: In a budget workshop the council agreed by consensus not to budget for a library contract in FY '85 and to add money for playground equipment. · document 4412, p. 8 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council consensus not to budget for library contract in FY '85, but to add more money for playground equipment.” (document 4412, p. 8)
  7. March 10, 1982: The council invoked the thirty day option on its contract with an individual for police protection and ended the contract on April 10, 1982. · document 4464, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Rohret second Spivey to invoke the thirty day option on current contract with David R. White for police protection and to terminate the contract on April 10, 1982.” (document 4464, p. 2)
  8. March 10, 1982: The council agreed with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for community protection beginning April 1, 1982 for about seven hours per week at $12.50 per hour, $4550.00 per year. As printed · document 4464, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Stevens second Spivey to enter into an agreement with Johnson County Sheriff's Department for community protection beginning April 1, 1982 for approximately seven hours per week at the rate of $12.50 per hour for $4550.00 per year.” (document 4464, p. 2)
  9. February 9, 1983: The council approved an addendum with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department at $13.00 per hour for seven hours per week, $4732.00 per year, with payments beginning August 1, 1983. As printed · document 4440, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Rohret to approve addendum to agreement with Johnson County Sheriff's Department for community protection at a rate of $13.00 per hour for seven hours per week for $4732.00 per year beginning payments on August 1, 1983.” (document 4440, p. 4)
  10. February 9, 1983: The $4732.00 yearly sheriff contract of 1983 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived). · document 4440, p. 4 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1983 annual average x 3.3829 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1983; from document 4440, p. 4
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Rohret to approve addendum to agreement with Johnson County Sheriff's Department for community protection at a rate of $13.00 per hour for seven hours per week for $4732.00 per year beginning payments on August 1, 1983.” (document 4440, p. 4)
  11. October 8, 1980: The mayor reported that the Tiffin Fire Association's attorney advised the Association not to enter into the 28E Agreement, so the agreements were not considered. · document 4497, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “the Tiffin Fire Association's attorney advised the Association not to enter into the 28E Agreement. Due to this, the Agreements were not considered.” (document 4497, p. 3)
  12. February 10, 1988: The council approved JCCOG's request for a $103.00 contribution to the hazardous waste disposal program in Johnson County, based on Tiffin's population. As printed · document 4341, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “to approve request from JCCOG for $103.00 contribution to hazardous waste disposal program in Johnson County, amount based upon Tiffin's population.” (document 4341, p. 2)
  13. December 13, 1989: The council approved Johnson County Civil Defense's request of 25 cents per capita for HAZ-MAT for fiscal year '91. As printed · document 4315, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “to approve request by Johnson County Civil Defense for 25 cents per capita for HAZ-MAT for fiscal year '91.” (document 4315, p. 2)
  14. February 11, 1981: A cablevision representative told the council that installing underground cable would cost an estimated $125,000.00 at no cost to the city, with monthly customer costs ranging from $6.95 to 21.95. As printed · document 4492, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Estimated cost to install underground cable is $125,000.00 with no cost to the city. Monthly cost to each customer would be about the same as the costs in other locations which range from $6.95 to 21.95 depending on subscription.” (document 4492, p. 2)
  15. June 8, 1988: Ordinance 1988-150 granted Rugger Cablevision a non-exclusive franchise for cable television services in Tiffin for a period of fifteen years. · document 4791, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 150
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1988-150 AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO RUGGER CABLEVISION A NON-EXCLUSIVE FRANCHISE FOR CABLE TELEVISION SERVICES IN TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4791, p. 1)
    “for a period of fifteen (15) years.” (document 4791, p. 1)
  16. October 12, 1988: Ordinance 155 amended the cable ordinance regarding the proper party awarded the cable television franchise. · document 4796, p. 1 · meeting · Ord. 155
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 155 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 150 REGARDING THE PROPER PARTY AWARDED THE CABLE TELEVISION FRANCHISE.” (document 4796, p. 1)
  17. January 11, 1989: The agenda listed a sale of the franchise to Vantage Cable. · document 4327, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Rugger Communications: Sale of franchise to Vantage Cable” (document 4327, p. 1)

Main Street: stores, the fire station and town events

In April 1981 the council discussed additions to the ice cream store, and the attorney advised that every alteration needed blueprints, council approval and a building permit.[1] The council approved an overhang on the east side and a roof over a picnic area on the west, subject to blueprints and the permit fee.[2] In August it told the attorney to write to the owner that the store violated the zoning ordinance and its driveway needed a hard surface, and in September it set November 15, 1981 as the deadline for paving the driveway and parking lot.[3][4] In December the council let the store open in the spring on a verbal promise that the paving would be done by June 1, 1982, and in May 1982 it gave the city attorney authority to seek an injunction on June 1 if it was not.[5][6] In August 1989 the council approved a permit for a 20-by-44-foot expansion of the store at 231 Marengo Road, with an apartment above.[7]

Other businesses appear through licences and permits: the 1982 agenda listed a Class C liquor licence renewal for Slim's Saloon, and in 1984 cigarette permits were requested by Morgan's Standard, Lark, Grandpa's and Slim's.[8][9]

In June 1982 the council denied the Tiffin Fire Department a permit for a 40-by-50-foot addition to the fire station because it did not meet side-yard requirements, and in October it approved a 39-by-50-foot addition.[10][11] Mayor Glenn R. Potter said in June 1983 that the city should add money to the expansion to get a meeting room.[12] In February 1984 Fire Chief Tom Morgan asked the city to help build the addition, estimated at $20,000.00 with donated labor, saying the city could use the meeting room if it helped pay the heating costs.[13]

A clerk's notice announced a holiday open house at the fire station on December 13, 1981, with Santa and candy for the children, and that month's minutes recorded prizes for a holiday decorating contest, $15.00 for the winner.[14][15] In March 1982 the council said the city would pay for the prizes of a kite flying contest, and in May 1983 Mayor Glenn R. Potter reported that the Shriners would parade through town.[16][17] The August 1989 agenda listed a request to close Third Street in front of Slim's for a street dance.[18]

In July 1982, citing speeding and children crossing near the playground, the council voted unanimously for a four-way stop at Second and Main streets, and in 1986 it agreed on stop signs at Summerhays and Second streets.[19][20]

Looking for a ball field in 1985, the park committee found that the school-owned land north of Highway 6 was not big enough for a softball diamond.[21] In February 1986 a landowner asked $6500.00 an acre for land south of Highway 6 east of the creek, and the council voted not to pursue buying park land there because of the cost.[22] That asking price is $6500.00 an acre as printed in 1986, about $20,000 an acre in 2026 dollars.[23] Derived The August 1985 agenda listed spending up to $1500.00 on new playground equipment, in 1988 the council agreed to plow open ground east of a city storage building and seed it for a playground, and in 1989 the Park Commission sought repairs estimated at $700.00.[24][25][26]

Sources
  1. April 8, 1981: The council discussed structural additions to the ice cream store building, and the attorney advised that each alteration of a structure requires blueprints, council approval and a building permit. · document 4487, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council discussed structural additions made to Schneider's ice cream store building. Attorney Hoefer advised Council that each alteration or change made to a structure requires blueprints, Council approval and building permit.” (document 4487, p. 3)
  2. April 8, 1981: The council approved structural alterations to the ice cream store (an overhang on the east side and a roof over a picnic area on the west side) subject to blueprints and the permit fee. · document 4487, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Williams to approve structural alterations made to ice cream store building by John Schneider (overhang on east side and roof over picnic area on west side) subject to receipt of blueprints and permit fee.” (document 4487, p. 3)
  3. August 12, 1981: The council instructed the attorney to write to the ice cream store's owner that he was in violation of the zoning ordinance and to put a hard surface on his driveway. · document 4476, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Spivey second Rohret to instruct Attorney Hoefer to write letter to John Schneider concerning his Ice Cream Store and to inform him that he is in violation of Ordinance 1979-83, Zoning Ordinance, and to give him a minimal amount of time to comply with the ordinance and put a hard surface on his driveway.” (document 4476, p. 4)
  4. September 9, 1981: The council instructed Schneider Apartments to hard surface the driveway and parking lot at the Ice Cream Store by November 15, 1981 or the attorney would enforce the ordinance legally. · document 4474, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “to hard surface driveway and parking lot at Ice Cream Store according to specifications in Ordinance No. 1979-83 by November 15, 1981 or Council will instruct city attorney to enforce ordinance through the legal process.” (document 4474, p. 3)
  5. December 9, 1981: The council consented to let the ice cream store open in the spring on a verbal promise that the driveway and parking lot would be paved by June 1, 1982, or the council might bring legal action. · document 4469, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “It was the consensus of the Council to allow Schneider Apartments to open the Ice Cream Store in the spring with the verbal promise from John Schneider that the driveway and parking lot would be paved by June 1, 1982 or council may bring legal action against him.” (document 4469, p. 2)
  6. May 12, 1982: The council gave the city attorney authority to begin proceedings for an injunction on June 1, 1982 restraining the owner from operating the Ice Cream Store if the parking lot and driveway were not paved. · document 4460, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “to give city attorney authority to begin proceedings to issue an injunction on June 1, 1982 restraining John Schneider from operating the Ice Cream Store if parking lot and driveway are not paved according to Ordinance No. 1979-83.” (document 4460, p. 3)
  7. August 9, 1989: The council approved a building permit for a 20' by 44' expansion of the Ice Cream Store at 231 Marengo Road, including a second story with an apartment above. · document 4319, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “to approve request by John Schneider for building permit for 20' by 44' expansion including a second story with an apartment above the structure to Ice Cream Store at 231 Marengo Road.” (document 4319, p. 2)
  8. February 10, 1982: The agenda listed a request to renew the Class C liquor license for Slim's Saloon. · document 4467, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “renewal of Class "C" liquor license for Slim's Saloon” (document 4467, p. 1)
  9. June 13, 1984: The agenda listed cigarette permit requests by Morgan's Standard, Lark, Grandpa's and Slim's. · document 4407, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Cigarette permits - requests by Morgan's Standard, Lark, Grandpa's, Slim's” (document 4407, p. 1)
  10. June 9, 1982: The council denied a Tiffin Fire Department building permit for a 40' x 50' addition to the fire station because it did not meet side yard requirements of the zoning ordinance. · document 4459, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Rohret second Spivey to deny request by Tiffin Fire Department for building permit to expand fire station by adding a 40' x 50' addition to west side of existing station because it does not meet side yard requirements set forth on Zoning Ordinance.” (document 4459, p. 4)
  11. October 13, 1982: The council approved the Tiffin Fire Department's building permit to expand the fire station with an addition measuring 39 feet by 50 feet. · document 4451, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Stevens second Cox to approve request by Tiffin Fire Department for building permit to expand current fire station per drawing with an addition measuring 39 feet by 50 feet.” (document 4451, p. 2)
  12. June 8, 1983: The mayor said the city should add some money to the fire station expansion project in order to have a meeting room. · document 4425, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Potter stated that he thought the city should add some money to the fire station expansion project in order to have a meeting room.” (document 4425, p. 5)
  13. February 8, 1984: The fire chief asked the city to help build an addition to the fire station, saying the city could use the meeting room if it helped pay heating costs, and estimated the project at $20,000.00 with donated labor. As printed · document 4412, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Tom Morgan, Chief of Tiffin Fire Department, address council and asked if city would contribute money to help build addition to fire station. He stated that the city could use the meeting room if city helped to pay heating costs. He estimated total cost of project at $20,000.00 with donated labor.” (document 4412, p. 2)
  14. November 24, 1981: A clerk's notice announced a holiday open house at the Tiffin fire station on Sunday, December 13, 1981 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with Santa and candy for the children. · document 4470, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “The holiday open house will be held at the Tiffin fire station on Sunday, December 13, 1981 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Santa will have candy for the children.” (document 4470, p. 4)
  15. December 9, 1981: For a holiday decorating contest the minutes recorded first prize $15.00, second prize $10.00 and third prize $5.00. As printed · document 4469, p. 3 · meeting
    The page's words
    “First prize is $15.00, second prize is $10.00 and third prize is $5.00.” (document 4469, p. 3)
  16. March 10, 1982: The council indicated the city would pay for prizes for a kite flying contest planned for March 20 or 27, 1982. · document 4464, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “plans for kite flying contest on March 20 or 27, 1982. Council indicated that city would pay for prizes” (document 4464, p. 2)
  17. May 11, 1983: The mayor reported that the Shriners would hold a parade through town on Wednesday, May 18. · document 4429, p. 4 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Potter reported that the Shriners will hold a parade through town on Wednesday, May 18th.” (document 4429, p. 4)
  18. August 9, 1989: The agenda listed a request to close Third Street in front of Slim's for a street dance. · document 4319, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “request closing of Third St in front of Slim's for street dance” (document 4319, p. 1)
  19. July 19, 1982: The council voted unanimously to place a four-way stop sign at Second and Main Streets, citing speeding and children crossing near the playground. · document 4457, p. 7 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Motion Stevens second Cox to place a four-way stop sign at the corner of Second and Main Streets. Roll call vote: Cox, aye; Brown, aye; Spivey, aye; Rohret, aye; Stevens, aye. Carried unanimously.” (document 4457, p. 7)
    “complaints about speeding at that corner and that lots of kids play at the playground and cross the street there.” (document 4457, p. 7)
  20. June 11, 1986: By consensus the council agreed to place stop signs on the corners of Summerhays and Second Streets going north and south. · document 4368, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “council gave consensus to place stop signs on corners of Summerhays and Second Streets going north and south.” (document 4368, p. 2)
  21. May 8, 1985: A council member reported on park committee progress that the school-owned property north of Highway 6 was not big enough for a softball diamond. · document 4387, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Cox reported on Park Committee progress. The property north of highway no. 6 owned by the school is not big enough for a softball diamond.” (document 4387, p. 5)
  22. February 5, 1986: A landowner asked $6500.00 per acre for land south of Highway 6 east of the creek, and the council voted not to pursue buying land for a park because of the cost. As printed · document 4373, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “asked $6500.00 per acre for land on the south side of highway 6 east of the creek. Motion Flansburg second Stevens not to pursue purchase of land for park on east edge of town between highway 6 and railroad tracks due to cost of land.” (document 4373, p. 2)
  23. February 5, 1986: The $6500.00 per acre asked in 1986 is about this many 2026 dollars per acre (derived; an asking price, not a sale). · document 4373, p. 2 · meeting
    Derived CPI-U CUUR0000SA0 1986 annual average x 3.0743 to 2026-09 (cpi.adjust, data/cpi_u.yaml retrieved 2026-10-18); printed in 1986; from document 4373, p. 2
    The page's words
    “asked $6500.00 per acre for land on the south side of highway 6 east of the creek. Motion Flansburg second Stevens not to pursue purchase of land for park on east edge of town between highway 6 and railroad tracks due to cost of land.” (document 4373, p. 2)
  24. August 28, 1985: The agenda listed approval to spend up to $1500.00 for new playground equipment; the council tabled it for lack of a quorum of its sponsor, Cox. As printed · document 4384, p. 1 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Approval to spend up to $1500.00 for new playground equipment” (document 4384, p. 1)
    “Council tabled discussion of purchase of playground equipment due to absence of Cox.” (document 4384, p. 2)
  25. October 2, 1988: The council agreed by consensus to use a building for storage of city equipment and to plow the open area to the east and plant it with grass for a playground area. · document 4332, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “Council consensus to use building for storage of city equipment and to plow up open area to the east and plant with grass for use as playground area” (document 4332, p. 2)
  26. September 13, 1989: The Park Commission wanted repairs to the playground equipment and removal of the sold maintenance shed's foundation, estimated at $700.00. As printed · document 4318, p. 8 · meeting
    The page's words
    “the Park Commission wanted to make repairs and improvements to the current playground equipment and break up some of the cement from the foundation of the maintenance shed which was sold. These improvements are estimated at $700.00.” (document 4318, p. 8)

Not in the records

The earliest 1980 council minutes in the archive are dated June 16, 1980, and the archive holds no council meeting between May 9, 1979 and that date.[1] Ordinance 1980-86, on traffic, is dated April 23, 1980, inside that hole, so the meeting that passed it is not in the archive.[1][2] This chapter rests on a keyword scan of all 1,311 pages and a full reading of the cited pages; most routine business, bill lists and receipts were not read.[1]

No page read prints what the University of Iowa was paid for its water tank, or the final amount paid for moving and rebuilding it.[1] The debt register holds no 1980s issue: the $65,000 water bonds and the $20,000.00 well note appear on minutes pages only.[1][3][4] No page read prints the result of the special election that Ordinance 1983-117 required for four-year council terms, though the 1989 minutes show four-year terms in use.[1][5] The council's action on the 1984 dedication of Roberts Ferry Road was not found.[1] The texts of Ordinance 1981-103, the sewer rates adopted in September 1981, and of Ordinance 120 are not in the archive.[1]

Land prices are thin: the only per-acre figure is the 1986 asking price, and no page read prints both a sale price and an acreage.[1][6] The research recorded one proclamation from the decade's minutes, Glenn Potter, Jr. Day in 1981; the other pages that mention proclaiming were not opened.[1][7] Several ordinances carry a printed year earlier than the meeting that adopted them, such as those printed 1985-138, 1985-139 and 1985-140, adopted in 1986, and some ordinance documents have no date of their own.[1] The decade's minutes reach December 13, 1989; after them the archive holds no council meetings from 1991 through 1995.[1][8]

Sources
  1. The archive's coverage of 1980–1989: the coverage box of that chapter (counted from the archive's meetings and documents).
  2. April 23, 1980: Ordinance 1980-86 provided rules and regulations for the movement and control of traffic on the public streets and alleys. · document 4735, p. 1 · Ord. 86
    The page's words
    “ORDINANCE NO. 1980-86 AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE MOVEMENT AND CONTROL OF TRAFFIC UPON THE PUBLIC STREETS AND ALLEYS IN THE CITY OF TIFFIN, IOWA” (document 4735, p. 1)
  3. December 14, 1983: The council adopted a resolution providing for the issuance of $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds and for the levy of taxes to pay them. As printed · document 4415, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF $65,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION WATER BONDS AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY THE SAME” (document 4415, p. 2)
  4. August 12, 1987: At a special session on permanent financing for the new well, the council adopted a resolution approving a loan agreement and the issuance of a $20,000.00 note with a levy of taxes to pay it. As printed · document 4348, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “in order to conduct a public hearing on permanent financing for the new well.” (document 4348, p. 2)
    “PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A $20,000.00 NOTE AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY THE SAME” (document 4348, p. 2)
  5. November 8, 1989: The clerk reported that three four year terms and one two year term were available, that everyone chose to run for four years, and that six people ran for three offices with no one running for one. · document 4316, p. 5 · meeting
    The page's words
    “three four year terms and one two year term was available. Everyone chose to run for four years. This is why the ballot had six people running for three offices and no one running for one office.” (document 4316, p. 5)
  6. February 5, 1986: A landowner asked $6500.00 per acre for land south of Highway 6 east of the creek, and the council voted not to pursue buying land for a park because of the cost. As printed · document 4373, p. 2 · meeting
    The page's words
    “asked $6500.00 per acre for land on the south side of highway 6 east of the creek. Motion Flansburg second Stevens not to pursue purchase of land for park on east edge of town between highway 6 and railroad tracks due to cost of land.” (document 4373, p. 2)
  7. December 9, 1981: "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day": twenty years on the council (history note) · document 4469, p. 2
    The page's words
    “Mayor Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city in honor of his twenty consecutive years as a councilmember. Formanek also read a proclamation establishing December 13, 1981 as "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day."” (document 4469, p. 2)
  8. The archive's coverage of 1990–1999: the coverage box of that chapter (counted from the archive's meetings and documents).

Moments

December 9, 1981
"Glenn Potter, Jr. Day": twenty years on the council

Mayor Roger Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city for twenty consecutive years as a council member, and read a proclamation making December 13, 1981 "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day". Potter, on the council since the early 1960s, was later mayor (to 2007).

“Mayor Formanek presented Glenn Potter with a plaque and a key to the city in honor of his twenty consecutive years as a councilmember. Formanek also read a proclamation establishing December 13, 1981 as "Glenn Potter, Jr. Day."” (document 4469, p. 2)

Sources: document 4469, p. 2 (regular meeting of 1981-12-09) · People: Glenn R. Potter, Roger Formanek · Chapter: 1980s

August 12, 1987
Ordinance No. 145: the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code

In August 1987 the council adopted the CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code and repealed the Iowa State Building Code for Tiffin. (In 1984 the city attorney had told the council that Tiffin could adopt the state's building code; when it did is Ordinance 1987-144, passed June 10, 1987, effective July 1, 1987.)

“AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE IOWA-STATE BUILDING CODE FOR TIFFIN, IOWA.” (document 4785, p. 1)
“The Mayor then declared Ordinance No. 1987-144 duly passed and adopted on this 10th day of June 1987.” (document 4785, p. 1)

Sources: document 4785, p. 1 (Ordinance No. 1987-144, "An Ordinance Adopting the Iowa-State Building Code for Tiffin, Iowa", passed 1987-06-10, effective 1987-07-01); document 4786, p. 1 (Ordinance No. 145, "An Ordinance Adopting the C.A.B.O. One and Two Family Dwelling Code, and Repealing the Iowa State Building Code"); document 4401, p. 6 (1984-08-08: "Attorney stated that Tiffin could adopt the state's uniform building code"; Spivey: "Don't have means of inspecting and enforcing it") · Ord. 145, Ord. 1987-144 · City Code chapter 155 · Chapter: 1980s · Theme: Ordinances

All 356 dated items of 1980–1989 on the timeline

People of the decade

Mayor
Roger Formanek 1980–1981, James E. Brotherton 1982, Glenn R. Potter 1982–1989
Council member
Glenn R. Potter 1980–1981, Delores Madden 1980–1981, Charles Rohret 1980–1983, Ted Spivey 1980–1989, Lloyd Williams 1980–1981, Dennis Brown 1982–1983, Greg Stevens 1982–1986, Jerry Cox 1982–1985, Kandy Kobold 1984–1985, Sandra Morgan 1984–1989, Bill Runge 1985–1988, Dave Stoner 1986–1989, Jean Flansburg 1986–1987, Carrie Stratton 1986–1989, Sharon Eggers 1987–1989, Jim Bartels 1989, Paul Slaymaker 1989
Mayor Pro-Tem
Glenn R. Potter 1980, Delores Madden 1980–1981, Jerry Cox 1982–1983, Greg Stevens 1986, Sandra Morgan 1986–1989
City Clerk / Clerk-Treasurer
Adelia S. Kern 1980–1989
Interim City Clerk
Barbara Murray 1981

From the terms of office the minutes record (who served when).

Ordinances and resolutions adopted

68 ordinances and 30 resolutions adopted in the decade, by the instrument register. All ordinances · all resolutions

Projects active

The decade in figures

DateFigureAs printedIn today's dollars DerivedSource
Sep 1, 1986Sewer: monthly charge (flat, minimum or base), inside the city (Ord. 1985-138)$10.00 per monthabout $30.74document 4779, p. 1
Oct 1, 1986Water: monthly minimum or base charge, inside the city (Ord. 1985-139)$9.50 per monthabout $29.21document 4780, p. 1
September 10, 1980The council increased Ralph Brown's salary by eleven percent to $14,846 per year, retroactive to July 1, 1980.14,846 $ per yeardocument 4499, p. 2
October 8, 1980The council reviewed a public transit system survey: 145 questionnaires mailed, 63 returned, 51 in favor, 9 opposed and 3 with no opinion; no action was taken.145 questionnairesdocument 4497, p. 3
November 12, 1980The committee's Community Development Block Grant proposal included rehabilitation of 14 houses at $14,240.00 and community building and fire station construction at $30,000.00, 39% paid by grant money.$14,240about $58kdocument 4495, p. 7
November 12, 1980The council voted to continue the contract with the Coralville Public Library at a cost of $500.00 for fiscal year 1981-82.$500about $2,045document 4495, p. 3
December 10, 1980The council approved a clerk-treasurer salary of $5,400.00 per year effective January 1, 1981, with review in July.5,400 $ per yeardocument 4494, p. 2
December 10, 1980The $5,400.00 yearly clerk-treasurer salary set for 1981 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived, 1980 index).5,400 $ per yearDeriveddocument 4494, p. 2
February 11, 1981A cablevision representative told the council that installing underground cable would cost an estimated $125,000.00 at no cost to the city, with monthly customer costs ranging from $6.95 to 21.95.$125,000about $463kdocument 4492, p. 2
March 11, 1981The council voted to reduce councilmen's fees for special meetings from $20.00 to $10.00 per meeting, effective July 1, 1981.10 $ per meetingdocument 4490, p. 3
June 10, 1981The council instructed the engineer to revise a loan application to FHA for a 100,000 gallon water tower and plant at an estimated $200,000 and one well at an estimated $60,000.$200,000about $741kdocument 4482, p. 6
June 10, 1981The engineer reported the sewer pumping station had a capacity of 500 and could be boosted to 600.500 peopledocument 4482, p. 6
June 10, 1981The engineer's water and wastewater study presented to the council was based on a population of 413.413 peopledocument 4482, p. 6
September 9, 1981The same notice said the population had increased by 102 people in the last ten years while revenues had not kept pace with inflation in operating costs.102 peopledocument 4473, p. 2
September 9, 1981A hearing notice said the sewer system was established in 1964, the rate had been increased only once, and on January 1, 1980 it went from $4.35 per unit per month to $5.25 per unit.5.25 $ per unit per monthdocument 4473, p. 2
September 9, 1981Two sewer rate proposals went to hearing: $7.00 per unit per month, or a sewer fee based on actual water usage.7 $ per unit per monthdocument 4473, p. 2
December 9, 1981For a holiday decorating contest the minutes recorded first prize $15.00, second prize $10.00 and third prize $5.00.$15about $56document 4469, p. 3
December 9, 1981The council approved a building permit to enclose part of the west sun trellis at the Ice Cream Store on receipt of plans and a $25.00 permit fee.$25about $93document 4469, p. 3
January 13, 1982The council appointed John R. Sladek as city attorney and Mary Hoefer as assistant city attorney for 1982 at $45.00 per hour.45 $ per hourdocument 4466, p. 4
January 13, 1982The engineer estimated that water rates could rise about $6.00 per month per unit if only a new well was drilled.6 $ per month per unitdocument 4466, p. 3
February 10, 1982The council approved a contract with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for telecommunications for FY '83 at $140.00 per month.140 $ per monthdocument 4467, p. 3
March 10, 1982The council agreed with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department for community protection beginning April 1, 1982 for about seven hours per week at $12.50 per hour, $4550.00 per year.4,550 $ per yeardocument 4464, p. 2
May 12, 1982The engineer gave a conservative estimate of $6,000.00 to extend a 6" water main about 200 feet to place a fire hydrant in front of the high school.$6,000about $21kdocument 4460, p. 3
July 19, 1982The petitioners' attorney said annexation would bring in $400-$500.00 in taxes each year.400 $ per yeardocument 4457, p. 3
July 19, 1982Coralville stated that a contract for the year would not bind the next, that Tiffin residents had 47 card holders, and that Coralville agreed to a contract for $900.00 for fiscal year '83.$900about $3,142document 4457, p. 2
October 27, 1982A resolution authorized an interfund loan of $1,100.00 from the general fund to the sewer fund to pay for finishing the dike at the sewer plant.$1,100about $3,841document 4450, p. 1
February 9, 1983The Coralville Public Library board asked $1300.00 as the minimum for next year's contract, or offered an eight month prorated contract for $1000.00.$1,300about $4,398document 4440, p. 5
February 9, 1983The council approved an addendum with the Johnson County Sheriff's Department at $13.00 per hour for seven hours per week, $4732.00 per year, with payments beginning August 1, 1983.4,732 $ per yeardocument 4440, p. 4
February 9, 1983The $4732.00 yearly sheriff contract of 1983 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).4,732 $ per yearDeriveddocument 4440, p. 4
March 14, 1983The $20.00 per regular meeting council pay effective 1984 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived, 1984 index).20 $ per meetingDeriveddocument 4753, p. 1
March 14, 1983Ordinance 1983-110 set council pay at $20.00 for each regular meeting and $10.00 for each special meeting, beginning January 1, 1984.20 $ per meetingdocument 4753, p. 1
March 14, 1983The same ordinance provided that the Mayor shall receive $500.00 annually.500 $ per yeardocument 4753, p. 1
April 13, 1983The council voted to buy a Flygt pump for the sewer plant at approximately $3,000.00.$3,000about $10kdocument 4431, p. 3
June 8, 1983A council member said the $3,000.00 had been only an estimate for the pump, other parts were extra, and the cost was then $3,862.24.$3,862about $13kdocument 4425, p. 5
August 10, 1983The council agreed by consensus to have the attorney contact the bonding attorney to sell $65,000.00 of general obligation bonds, repaid over 10 years, with $20,000.00 from the water fund making up the difference.$65,000about $220kdocument 4423, p. 6
August 10, 1983The mayor said the city had just spent over $3,600.00 to install a pump at the sewer plant to prevent flooding of the plant and sewers backing up into basements.$3,600about $12kdocument 4423, p. 6
August 10, 1983Bids on the water tower were opened; the lowest listed was $72,950.00 for demolition, transport and reconstruction of the existing 100,000 gallon tank.$72,950about $247kdocument 4423, p. 4
August 10, 1983Bids on alternate no. 2, a new elevated water storage tank, ranged from $123,325.00 to $163,720.00.$123,325about $417kdocument 4423, p. 4
September 28, 1983The clerk-treasurer said that year's road use tax, liquor profit and state municipal assistance totaled approximately $40.00 per person.40 $ per persondocument 4419, p. 3
September 28, 1983The council awarded Service Enterprise Corporation the contract to dismantle, move and reassemble the 100,000 gallon water tower from the University of Iowa for $75,290.00, by a unanimous vote.$75,290about $255kdocument 4419, p. 8
September 28, 1983The $75,290.00 tower contract of 1983 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).$75,290Deriveddocument 4419, p. 8
October 12, 1983A resolution numbered 1983-12 fixed a date for action on issuing $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds.$65,000about $220kdocument 4417, p. 3
November 9, 1983Resolution 1983-12 accepting the voluntary annexation petition of John W. and Betty Lou Grace for approximately 53 1/2 acres north of Tiffin was adopted, with one nay.53.5 acresdocument 4416, p. 2
December 14, 1983The council adopted a resolution providing for the issuance of $65,000 General Obligation Water Bonds and for the levy of taxes to pay them.$65,000about $220kdocument 4415, p. 2
January 11, 1984The $45.00 hourly attorney rate of 1984 is about this many 2026 dollars per hour (derived).45 $ per hourDeriveddocument 4413, p. 2
January 11, 1984The council appointed Larry Lynch as attorney for 1984 and his associate Stephen Greenleaf, both at $45.00 per hour.45 $ per hourdocument 4413, p. 2
February 8, 1984The fire chief asked the city to help build an addition to the fire station, saying the city could use the meeting room if it helped pay heating costs, and estimated the project at $20,000.00 with donated labor.$20,000about $65kdocument 4412, p. 2
June 1, 1984Ordinance 1984-121 set the garbage collection charge at $9.60 per quarter for each dwelling unit, effective June 1, 1984.9.6 $ per quarterdocument 4763, p. 1
January 7, 1985Representatives of Iowa-Illinois said they would buy between 20 and 38 acres on the Myron Walker Trust for an electric substation, with a projected cost of $6.5 million.$6,500,000about $20.4Mdocument 4394, p. 2
January 7, 1985The $6.5 million projected substation cost of 1985 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).$6,500,000Deriveddocument 4394, p. 2
February 13, 1985The council considered releasing the tower contractor from about $4300.00 in liquidated damages; the attorney said the contract provided $100.00 per day.$4,300about $13kdocument 4392, p. 2
April 10, 1985Resolution 1985-5 set the annual animal license fee at $2.00 per animal.2 $ per animaldocument 4389, p. 3
April 10, 1985Meetings with Iowa-Illinois representatives indicated the west 850 feet running from Highway 6 to the railroad tracks, approximately 38 acres, would be sufficient for substation use.38 acresdocument 4389, p. 2
May 8, 1985An ordinance printed as No. 1983-132 added a late fee of ten percent of the water fee.10 %document 4773, p. 1
May 8, 1985Ordinance 1985-134 amended the pay ordinance to provide $10.00 for additional meetings attended by the mayor, and left the Mayor's annual pay at $500.00.500 $ per yeardocument 4775, p. 1
July 10, 1985The mayor appointed Stephen Greenleaf as city attorney for one year beginning July 1, 1985 at $50.00 per hour.50 $ per hourdocument 4386, p. 3
August 28, 1985The agenda listed approval to spend up to $1500.00 for new playground equipment; the council tabled it for lack of a quorum of its sponsor, Cox.$1,500about $4,697document 4384, p. 1
February 5, 1986The $6500.00 per acre asked in 1986 is about this many 2026 dollars per acre (derived; an asking price, not a sale).6,500 $ per acreDeriveddocument 4373, p. 2
February 5, 1986A landowner asked $6500.00 per acre for land south of Highway 6 east of the creek, and the council voted not to pursue buying land for a park because of the cost.6,500 $ per acredocument 4373, p. 2
March 12, 1986The engineer reported the FmHA loan application asked for a new well and would be less than the previous amount of $105,000.00.$105,000about $323kdocument 4371, p. 2
April 9, 1986The engineer reported the FmHA loan application was for $125,000.00 for a new well, filters and renovating the water treatment plant.$125,000about $384kdocument 4370, p. 2
July 1, 1986The council approved a clerk-treasurer salary increase to $7.40 per hour, based on a 20 hour work week, effective July 1, 1986.7.4 $ per hourdocument 4372, p. 2
July 9, 1986A tentative proposal for Gracehill Addition would have 31 lots on the west side of Roberts Ferry Road in the Grace annexation.31 lotsdocument 4366, p. 2
July 9, 1986An ordinance printed as No. 1985-138 set the sewer rental charge at $10.00 per month for each single dwelling unit, effective September 1, 1986.10 $ per monthdocument 4779, p. 1
July 9, 1986The $10.00 monthly sewer charge effective 1986 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).10 $ per monthDeriveddocument 4779, p. 1
August 13, 1986The same ordinance charged water in increments of 1,000 gallons at $3.00 per 1,000.3 $ per 1,000 gallonsdocument 4780, p. 1
August 13, 1986An ordinance printed as No. 1985-139 set the minimum monthly water fee at $9.50, effective October 1, 1986.9.5 $ per monthdocument 4780, p. 1
August 13, 1986The $9.50 monthly water minimum effective 1986 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).9.5 $ per monthDeriveddocument 4780, p. 1
October 8, 1986An ordinance printed as No. 1985-140 regulated the use of the surrounding 200 feet of land at a deep well site, reciting that the site had received preliminary approval.200 feetdocument 4781, p. 1
December 10, 1986The minutes compared interest on an $85,000.00 FmHA loan of about $200,000.00 with about $25,000.00 on a ten-year General Obligation Bond sale of $65,000.00.$85,000about $261kdocument 4360, p. 2
January 14, 1987The $37,231.56 well contract of 1987 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).$37,232Deriveddocument 4358, p. 2
January 14, 1987The council introduced a resolution to award the Water System Utility Improvements Project to Greiner Well Service of Toddville, Iowa for $37,231.56.$37,232about $110kdocument 4358, p. 2
March 11, 1987A resolution authorized a promissory note for interim financing of up to $30,000.00 for the new well project from First National Bank.$30,000about $89kdocument 4355, p. 3
April 8, 1987The council authorized a change order for the well contract with Greiner Well Service for a timer to blend three wells in sequence at a cost of approximately $1500.00.$1,500about $4,449document 4354, p. 2
May 13, 1987The clerk read a resolution amending the city budget by $53,150.00 to include the new well project and increased insurance fees.$53,150about $158kdocument 4352, p. 2
July 8, 1987A company proposed locating in Tiffin; the minutes recorded it would employ 35 people the first year growing to 60, with fifty-one percent of employees from low-to-moderate income families, and that the city would apply for grants on its behalf.35 employeesdocument 4350, p. 3
July 8, 1987A resolution directed the mayor and clerk-treasurer to request $11129.69 in interim financing from First National Bank for the new well project.$11,130about $33kdocument 4350, p. 2
August 12, 1987At a special session on permanent financing for the new well, the council adopted a resolution approving a loan agreement and the issuance of a $20,000.00 note with a levy of taxes to pay it.$20,000about $59kdocument 4348, p. 2
February 10, 1988Resolution 1988-1 set the clerk-treasurer's annual salary at $8184.80 plus $20.00 for special meetings.8,184.8 $ per yeardocument 4341, p. 2
February 10, 1988The $8184.80 yearly clerk-treasurer salary of 1988 is about this many 2026 dollars (derived).8,184.8 $ per yearDeriveddocument 4341, p. 2
February 10, 1988The council approved JCCOG's request for a $103.00 contribution to the hazardous waste disposal program in Johnson County, based on Tiffin's population.$103about $293document 4341, p. 2
September 14, 1988The council approved a final payment to Smelser Construction for repairs to the sewer systems.$10,378about $30kdocument 4333, p. 3
January 11, 1989The $60.00 hourly attorney rate of 1989 is about this many 2026 dollars per hour (derived).60 $ per hourDeriveddocument 4327, p. 3
January 11, 1989The council appointed Stephen Greenleaf and Bob Michael as city attorneys for 1989 at $60.00 per hour.60 $ per hourdocument 4327, p. 3
February 8, 1989The council increased the city engineer Mike Hart's hourly rate from $25 per hour to $40 per hour effective July 1, 1989.40 $ per hourdocument 4326, p. 4
September 13, 1989The Park Commission wanted repairs to the playground equipment and removal of the sold maintenance shed's foundation, estimated at $700.00.$700about $1,902document 4318, p. 8
December 13, 1989The council approved Johnson County Civil Defense's request of 25 cents per capita for HAZ-MAT for fiscal year '91.0.25 $ per capitadocument 4315, p. 2

"As printed" is the figure on the page, of its year. "In today's dollars" is derived: the printed amount × the CPI-U ratio (hover for the factor). Budgets are adjusted from the year the fiscal year began.

Data last updated October 23, 2026. Built from the archive's documents; see how the data is built.