City to consider lease agreement with OFMP

FORT MADISON – The Fort Madison City Council will consider a new lease agreement with Old Fort Madison Preservation, Inc. regarding operations of the Old Fort museum at Tuesday’s regular meeting.
The council will also hold a discussion on the use of electric micromobility devices including scooters, e-bikes, and e-unicycles.
The lease agreement discussion follows a discussion on April 7 where the OFMP committee requested an increase in contributions from the city from $37,000 to $50,000 annually during the term of the 25-year lease. That would amount to $1.25M over the 25 years, representing a $325,000 increase in the ask.
According to a council report, at the meeting two weeks ago, Bill Napier, a member of the OFMP committee, updated the council on the progress of their project. The city has requested to change the request from $37,000 to $50,000 each year for operational costs. Included in that lease, the city would be responsible for a commitment of the $50,000 which would be evaluated each year based on the financial health of OFMP and the status of operations.
The city would continue to be responsible for maintaining the roadway, grass areas, and parking areas for the Old Fort including mowing and snow removal. The city would also maintain insurance on the property which would be close to $10,000 annually with estimated increased costs for additional structures on the property when the project is completed.
OFMP would be responsible for presenting a financial report to the city and city manager in November each year as the city begins to prepare for its annual budget. OFMP would also be responsible for any general liability and worker’s compensation insurance for any staff hired.
The group will also be responsible for paying for utilities with the exception of regular park public area lighting which will remain the responsibility of the city.  Any taxes on the buildings and repairs, and snow removal on sidewalks to and around the Old Fort Property, is also responsibilty of the group.
The city is requesting a full inventory exhibit from OFMP before moving forward with the lease agreement.
Funding from the city is proposed to come from the city’s allocation of hotel/motel tax distributions.
The new ordinance regarding electronic micromobility devices is being presented by City Police Chief  Cody Potthast The new law comes after an accident involving an e-bike with two youth on it and a vehicle near Fort Madison High School last year.
The new ordinance would identify what vehicles are allowed on what public streets and sidewalks and define speed limits and equipment requirements as part of city code. The ordinance would also limit usage to those 16 and older.
The city will also consider a resolution to approve the 2026-27 fiscal year budget at Tuesday's meeting.