(Atlantic) At the regular Atlantic City Council meeting on Wednesday, the Council will discuss and may issue a recommendation regarding the future funding of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce.
According to the meeting packet, Mayor Grace Garrett has sought legal counsel on this matter. This discussion follows the recent charges against former Atlantic Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith, who turned herself in last week on a warrant issued by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office. The charges against her include Ongoing Criminal Conduct – Unlawful Activity, Fraudulent Practice in the 1st Degree, Theft in the 1st Degree, and Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card over $10,000.
On August 29, 2025, the Chamber Board placed Ms. Smith on unpaid administrative leave due to concerns regarding financial matters. After conducting an internal review, the Board terminated her employment on September 15, 2025. The Chamber has fully cooperated with law enforcement throughout this process.
The other items on the agenda include:
*Order to reappoint Mark Smith to the Airport Commission
*Presentation by Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO) Executive Director, Jennifer McEntaffer on a Proposal to Sponsor a Business Plan Competition. 8. Order Regarding the Sponsorship of a Business Plan Competition Using Funds from the LOST Progress Fund, Commercial Development Services Line Item.
*Resolution No. 63-25 “Setting the Date and Time of Public Hearing on the Transfer and Sale of 302 Birch, for the November 5, 2025, Council Meeting.”
*Resolution #64-25 “Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute a Minimum Assessment Agreement Pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 403.”
*Resolution #65-25 “Designating Mental Wellness Checks as a Health & Wellness Benefit for Atlantic Police Department Employees.”
*Third and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 1063 “Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Atlantic, Iowa, By Adding a New Chapter Regulating the Use of Electric Scooters, Motorized Scooters, and Low-Speed Vehicles.”
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
