City Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the City Council meet? City council meetings are held on the first and third Monday each month in the city council chambers on the 2nd floor of city hall.
   
2. How do I get to speak to the City Council? At each council meeting the agenda includes a time for audience comments when members of the public can speak to the City Council on any matter that is not already on the agenda for that meeting. If it is an item that requires action by the City Council, it must be placed on the city council agenda prior to the council meeting. For a request to be placed on the city council agenda the request should be submitted to the City Manager by noon on the Wednesday prior to the council meeting.
   
3. How do I get garbage pickup in the city? The city does not provide garbage pickup as a city operation. There are several private haulers that serve Oskaloosa that may be contacted. They can be found in the yellow pages of the local telephone directory.
   
4. How do I obtain emergency service? The city provides fire and police protection. The Mahaska Health Partnership provides ambulance service out of Mahaska Hospital. In an emergency any of these services can be reached by dialing 9-1-1 for dispatch.
   
5. Are there airport services available? The Oskaloosa Municipal Airport is located about eight miles southeast of the city off of Highway 23. A five-member citizen board oversees the operations of the airport. The airport can be reached at (641) 933-4316. The Des Moines airport is approximately 1.5 hours from Oskaloosa and provides a full range of air transportation.
   
6. Where do I sign up for water service? Water service is provided by the Oskaloosa Water Department, which is located at 211 S. 1 st Street, (641) 673-8476.
   
7. How do I rent a park shelter? Park shelters are reserved through the Housing and Community Development Office in city hall, at (641) 673-8362. Shelters may be rented by the whole day or half day. Shelter reservation fees are nonrefundable.
   
8. Where do I get a building permit? The building official at 804 South D Street, (641) 673-7472, issues building permits.
   
9. Is there a map available showing the recreational trail? There are maps in the brochures available at city hall and at the Oskaloosa Area Chamber and Development Group office. The trail map is also on display at www.teammahaska.org under the heading of recreation.