City finalizes rezoning for Casey's west end project

CASEY'S PROJECT

We had talked about the annexation at the last meeting where everything is squared away and we have approved our annexation. So, I think all those things are going well.”

Laura Liegois, FM City Manager

FORT MADISON – A final rezoning approval has opened the way for Casey’s General Stores to build a large truck-stop outlet on the city’s west side.
The Fort Madison City Council approved the final reading of an ordinance that would allow the property located at 6130 Avenue O to be rezoned from single-family dwellings (R-1) to Business District (B-2).
The city approved annexing the property into city limits at a June meeting. However, the county balked at the annexation because of some minor errors in reporting per Iowa Code to the county attorney’s office.
City Manager Laura Liegois said those issues have been cleared up and the development is free to move forward.
“We had talked about the annexation at the last meeting where everything is squared away and we have approved our annexation. So, I think all those things are going well,” Liegois said.
“I know with the roadway, we’re working with Iowa DOT right now and everything's kind of moving forward, and this will just finalize the rezoning which then allows Casey’s to move forward with the purchase of the property and start doing their thing.”
Casey’s has also requested a sign variance to allow a retail sign to be seen on the Hwy. 61 bypass for several miles to give motorists ample time to react to the new location. The city did approve a sign waiver for businesses in the area near the intersection of Highways 61 and 2 due to the increase in elevation around the intersections.
The new sign ordinance allows 100-foot signs in that specific designated area.
Mayor Matt Mohrfeld asked when Casey’s was expected to break ground and City Building Director Doug Krogmeier said the city hasn’t received that information yet, as Casey’s had been waiting for the city to complete their processes for zoning and signage.
The move to approve the zoning ordinance change passed unanimously.
In an unrelated issue, the council also approved the mayor signing off on agreements with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission to oversee administration of a state revolving loan and Community Development Block Grant for funding to assist with the upcoming 10th Street sanitary sewer separation.
Liegois said the city has already been awarded the CDBG grant, but the state requires  groups experienced with the state’s CDBG process to apply for funding. SEIRPC has extensive experience with CDBG and helped secure funding for the new Meller Family Health Center on behalf of Lee County.
The administrative fee is paid out of grant proceeds so there is no direct cost to the city for SEIRPC to administer the block grant. There is a fee for the revolving loan services, but Liegois said that fee was more than worth the expense.
Public Works Director Mark Bousselot said the city is still waiting on environmental reviews on the property. He said the project could go to bid in the fall or winter with construction to begin in 2026.
City Councilman Rusty Andrews asked Bousselot for a meeting to review the plans for the project that is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency. It will separate the city’s sanitary and storm sewer systems at around 10th Street and Avenue G.
In other action, the council:
• approved a bid from Meller Excavating for the city's asphalt overlay program for $3.29 per square foot. Bousselot said the city will be redoing four blocks; 22nd from Avenues I to L, and from Avenue C to E on 23rd Street.