Marge Nerness- Council Member

Occupation: Business Process Analyst/Project Mgr. with Kreg Tool

Years as a Huxley Resident: 26

Why Did You Run for City Council: I wanted to get more involved in the community. Huxley was undergoing growth and change and I wanted to be sure long term citizens voices were heard.

What Goals Did You Have and Which of Those Did you Achieve: My goals included reducing reliance on TIF, upgrading infrastructure, lower property taxes, affordable housing and increasing our commercial base. Achieved goals include holding TIF budget percentage steady and in some years, lowering it. We have rebuilt First Street and our new wastewater treatment plant is now operational. We also installed a traffic signal on Highway 69 to help with traffic flow at peak times and most importantly, provide a safe crossing route for students. Many steps have been taken to grow our commercial base including the SE Annexation project, working with HDC to provide commercial lots and providing assistance to start up or expand existing businesses. It is important to note that the council’s role is to provide policy and direction. It is up to city staff to execute plans and drive results. None of these things would have been possible without the commitment and dedication of our staff. Huxley is very fortunate to have employees who take personal ownership and care deeply about the city and fellow citizens.

What Was Your Most Difficult Vote: One of my most difficult votes involved funding the wastewater treatment plant. To lower the amount of borrowed funds, we implemented a temporary sewer surcharge to build a pool of money. We understood it was a financial hardship for some, however felt it was the best option available to minimize long term borrowing.

What Accomplishments Are You Most Proud of: I am most proud of a current project; the purchase of Regency and long term redevelopment. This project, while in early stages, will positively change the lives of many, increase our residential tax base and improve community image. There have been many difficult decisions surrounding this project. My concerns have always been with the former owners, not the current residents and strongly believe intervention was necessary in order to improve the area. I am also proud of our efforts to bring an ambulance service to Huxley.

Vision for the City: Continue to improve the infrastructure and build commercial base to lower property taxes. Our population is currently slightly over 3,000. I would like to see continued growth until we are in the neighborhood of 5,000—6,000. That is a nice sized community while still maintaining a small town atmosphere.

Family: Single; large extended family including four sisters, one brother and 13 nieces/nephews.

Vacation: ?????

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Tracey Roberts -  (New) Council Member


Occupation:  State of Iowa/Income Maintenance Worker

Years as a Huxley Resident:  I have been a resident of the Ballard community most of my life - actual resident of Huxley for two years.

Why Did you Elect to Serve on City Council:  To follow through with the Prairie Ridge Development (Regency Mobile Home Park) and to get more involved in the community as a whole.

What Goals Do You Have for Your Four Year Term:  Economic development and debt reduction for the City of Huxley.

Vision for the City:  To grow the businesses in town and allow residents a voice in their city government. 

Personal Information:  I have two children, one who has graduated from Ballard and one who still attends middle school. I am a Ballard graduate myself! I was a former board member of the city's Zoning Board of Adjustments and an active participant in the 3C's Parks and Recreation programs. I have been a long standing member of the Fjeldberg Church and enjoy playing softball with the city's summer league.

Favorite Vacation Spot:  Florida, but would love to go to Colorado so I can snow ski!!!    

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Mark Baker - Mayor Pro Tem & Council Member

Occupation:  Sales Rep

Years as a Huxley Resident:  34

Years on the Council:  3

Why Did You Run for City Council:  I wanted to be involved in our community.

What Goals Did You Have and Which of Those Did You Reach: 

1) to represent the people of Huxley to the best of my ability—reached.

2) To instill as much plain common sense as possible to issues—in progress

3) Create a positive working environment with the citizens in our community—reached

4) Improve communications between the City of Huxley and its citizens—in progress

5) Improve the working environment with city staff—in progress

What Was Your Most Difficult Vote:  Purchase of Regency Park

What Accomplishment Are You Most Proud of:  Using LMI (low/moderate income) funding to create a new development in our community to benefit a segment of our population not addressed by the private sector.

Vision for the City: Create a positive environment for family living.  Have a city that has managed growth from residential to commercial development.

Family:  Wife—Gina, two sons—Grant and Weston, and a daughter, Sarah.

Favorite Vacation Spot:  Snow skiing in Colorado

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Dave Kuhn- Council Member

 

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Scott Wilson - Council Member

Occupation:  Finish carpenter and cabinet maker

Years as a Huxley Resident:  6

Years on the Council:  Second Year!

Why Did You Run for City Council:  I had a desire to get involved in the future of our community.

What Was Your Most Difficult Vote:  Purchase of Regency Park

What Accomplishment Are You Most Proud of: The City’s purchase and subsequent development project of the Regency Mobile Home Park to a Planned Urban Development (PUD).

Vision for the City: Steady, sensible growth, without losing the small town atmosphere that makes Huxley a great place to live and raise a family.

Family:  Wife—Tami, two daughters-Abby, 7 and Amanda, 2.

Favorite Vacation Spot:  Mississippi River at Guttenberg, IA