In other action:
*The City Council approved an amendment to the City of Atlantic Personnel Handbook, repealing and replacing the section on “Meal Reimbursement.”
During a meeting on March 7, the Personnel & Finance Committee reviewed the City’s meal reimbursement policy and proposed several changes:
- The City previously had no policy regarding meal tips. The new policy sets a maximum reimbursable tip at 20%.
- Meal reimbursement limits have been increased by $5.00 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- While alcohol has never been reimbursable, the City is now explicitly prohibiting its purchase with City credit cards. Employees must pay for alcoholic beverages separately using personal funds.
The Committee recommended these amendments, and the City Council unanimously approved the changes.
*The Atlantic City Council approved hiring former City Clerk Barb Barrick for temporary professional City Clerk services. She will also train new City Clerk Laura McLean to ensure she can confidently fulfill her role.
Financial consultant Teresa Rotschafer, from the Iowa League of Cities, has been assisting Atlantic but must now shift focus to Spencer, which faces leadership vacancies and financial strain from last year’s flooding. Given these challenges, the Personnel & Finance Committee met on March 7, 2025, to discuss hiring Barb, who is uniquely qualified due to her expertise with Atlantic’s financial processes and gWorks software.
Barb is prepared to begin upon Council approval, offering remote and in-person support. Her assistance is crucial, particularly for the upcoming budget deadline on April 5th, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in financial reporting.
*The Council approved Resolution #44-44 on July 10, 2024, adopting the preliminary plat for the Camblin Hills Development Subdivision. Atlantic City Administrator John Lund says the Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the final plat during their regular meeting on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, and unanimously adopted it, recommending approval by the City Council. Paper copies of the final plat are available in my office and will be provided at your Council seats during the meeting.
