(Community First Broadcasting Staff Photo)
Alta, Iowa (KAYL) — Alta’s long‑running 28E agreement with the Alta-Aurelia Community School District was back under review at its latest city council meeting, as members weighed how much the city is getting out of the partnership.
Mayor Desi Suter opened the discussion by saying the school board has not acknowledged Alta’s recent petition asking for Homecoming to return to town. She told the council she attended last Monday’s board meeting expecting at least a mention.
Council members said the district’s silence reinforces long‑standing concerns about communication — especially as the district continues using city‑owned property for drop‑off, pick‑up, parking, and youth activities, even as varsity football and track shift to Aurelia.
The council discussed the possibility of the city taking back the football field if the district no longer intends to maintain it. City Attorney Gary Armstrong commented on the current state of the facility.
Suter pushed for a long‑term extension of the 28E agreement, saying Alta needs assurance the district won’t walk away from the shared ball field when the current deal expires in 2032. She told the council she wants at least a 20‑year renewal to ensure the city retains control of the football field.
Armstrong reminded the council that the agreement calls for a facilities committee made up of two council members and two school board members — a committee he said hasn’t met in years. He told the council reactivating that committee is a necessary first step.
Council members agreed they want that committee reinstated before any negotiation begins. They also discussed charging the district for snow removal on Veterans Drive and the drop‑off loop — work the city has handled for years without reimbursement. Henderson said the district should expect a bill going forward.
The council did not take formal action last night, but reached broad consensus on three priorities:
- Pushing for a 20‑year extension of the 28E agreement
- Reestablishing the facilities committee
- Exploring whether the football field should return fully to city control
Suter said she will contact School Board President Tom Hinkeldey to set up a meeting.
