The Lawler City Council met in regular session on May 6, 2019 at 7:00 PM
Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.
Council members present: King, Izer, Kuehner, Scheidel Absent: Croell
Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Cathy Humpal, Steve Hruska, Bill Croell, James Bailey, Emily Schwickerath, Jason Byrne, Mary Kay Gruenberg and Duane Pitz
Motion made by King to approve the Agenda. Seconded by Izer. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Moved made by King, seconded by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid. All Ayes. Motion passed.
| WINDSTREAM | PHONE | 104.7 | |
| ARAMARK | RUGS | 234.84 | |
| BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO | OIL FILTER-PARKS | 35.96 | |
| JENDRO | GARBAGE CONTRACT | 2,152.48 | |
| SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC | DUMP TRUCK | 685.1 | |
| STANTON ELECTRIC | LINCOLN ST CHANGE POLE | 5,378.35 | |
| UPS | 148.4 | ||
| EFTPS | FED/FICA TAX | 1,417.90 | |
| IPERS | IPERS | 1,059.60 | |
| BLACK HILLS ENERGY | GAS UTILITY | 228.88 | |
| MIENERGY | ELECTRICITY | 21,586.04 | |
| CASH | FLOODING | 472.12 | |
| FIVE STAR COOP | DIESEL FUEL | 305.29 | |
| HAWKINS | AZONE | 379 | |
| TEAM LAB | MEGA BUGS | 1,453.00 | |
| NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE | WATER QUALITY REPORT | 166.05 | |
| LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY | MAR APRIL 2019 PAYMENT | 2,133.34 | |
| ROGER DRECKMAN | CONCRETE FLOOR HIGHLAND PARK | 4,910.00 | |
| ULINE | HIGHLAND PARK BATHROOM | 380.57 | |
| QUILL CORPORATION | OFFICE SUPPLIES | 164.41 | |
| UNITES STATES POSTAL | 12 MONTH BOX RENTAL | 64 | |
| DRILLINGS | POWER SWEEP | 340.95 | |
| MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING | HIGHLAND PARK- LIGHTENING | 2,063.99 | |
| ANDERSON | LEGAL | 855 | |
| NAPA | NAPAGOLD OIL FILTER | 130.31 | |
| MARC | LAGOON-WASTE WATER | 1,224.00 | |
| IAMU | DUES | 1,906.00 | |
| DENNIS UNGS | REMOVED MALWARE | 35 | |
| JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL | 8,458.81 | ||
| GARY CUVELIER | SNOW REMOVEAL 2018-2019 | 420 | |
| SPELTZ ELECTRIC LLC | HIGHLAND PARK BATHROOM | 3,060.44 | |
| ALL FLAGS LLC | 2 IA FLAGS AND 2 US FLAGS | 228.69 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 5,133.92 | |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 67,317.14 | REVENUE | |
| GENERAL FUND | 19,349.74 | 33292.71 | |
| SANITATION FUND | 2,152.48 | 2357.38 | |
| ROAD USE TAX FUND | 1,023.02 | 2022.74 | |
| DEBT SERVICE FUND | 8,458.81 | ||
| WATER FUND | 2,204.14 | 10234.14 | |
| SEWER FUND | 4,565.42 | 8626.49 | |
| ELECTRIC FUND | 29,563.53 | 36935.86 |
Motion made by King and seconded by Izer to approve Bucky’s Liquor License. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel and seconded by Izer to approve Brite Spot Liquor License. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel and seconded by King to approve Bucky’s Cigarette License. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel and seconded by Izer to approve Irish Fest Liquor License. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by King to open the Public Hearing. Second by Kuehner. All Ayes. Motion passed.
No comments were made.
Motion made by Kuehner to close the Public Hearing. Second by Izer. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to Approve Resolution #05062019 adopting Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Chickasaw County. Second by King. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Bill Croell was here to discuss the Protective Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Croell’s First Addition to the City of Lawler. Suzette spoke with the city attorney regarding the Covenants. He was concerned with the 2.11 about no building can be leased, subleased rented. Any violation would be the responsibility of the city. The city attorney didn’t think it should be the responsibility of the city. The counsel was fine with this covenant. The attorney was also concerned about who would be responsible for the paving of the road. Bill said Croell would be responsible for the paving of the road. A motion made by Izer and Second by Scheidel to approve the Croell Subdivision. All Ayes. Motion passed. The resolution will be approved next month.
Mark discussed the Storm Water Improvement Fee. The fee would be used for improvements to the city flooding including putting in culverts in the area of town with flooding. It will also be used to help with bridges and the small creek that runs in town. Tekippe Engineering as looked at the area needing improvement. They will put in box culverts and ditch cleaning with 6ft bottom/2.5 ft. high berm to help slow the flow of water during rains. To help with payment with Storm Water Improvements the city would like to implement a monthly $5.00 storm water fee per resident in the City of Lawler. The fee will be included on the monthly utility bill. The fee will be used for improvements to culverts, ditches, creek bed, and bridges. Mark asked all those present at the meeting what their thoughts were. No concerns.
A motion made by King to start the $5.00 monthly storm water fee. Second by Izer. All Ayes. Motion passed.
An ordinance will be presented at next month’s council meeting.
Mark said the lagoon lining will need to be repaired before the storm water repairs. Gene Blazek with Blazek looked at the lagoon. He recommends rolling liner back and pack with blue clay. He will send in a new quote to fix the problem. Mark commented to work to pay for part in the current Fiscal year and remainder in the FY19-20. Suzette had discussed a possible bank loan with Bank Iowa. Emily Schwickerath with Bank Iowa was at the meeting to discuss the possible loan. The bank would charge 4.5% interest which is 1 under prime for 5 years fixed. We would need a letter from the City Attorney stating we are a government agency. Suzette is working with INRCOG for a CDBG grant also. Also, the $5 monthly sewer improvement fee can help with some of this. As of April 30, 2019, $7895.00 has been collected.
A motion made by King to table the sewer repair until next month’s council meeting. Second by Izer. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Mark discussed the Chickasaw Ambulance Service. Jeremy McGrath presented the Chickasaw Ambulance board with a contract with payment of $340,000 the first year, $365,000 the 2nd year and $365,000 the 3rd year. He presented a second proposal $165,000 first year, $365,000 year 2 and 3 with an amendment to break the contract at any time. The Ambulance Board is not allowed to break contract any time. Mark had voted no to this agreement. The ambulance board asked for a 1 year contract to allow more time to find funding. Jeremy McGrath said no to the deal. The cities have no money for this. Jason Byrne with the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors discussed a need to take up a vote in November to make ambulance essential service with in the county. Then it would be assessed to the value of property. Then the cities and county could levy for ambulance service. Currently, an Ambulance Service is not considered an essential service in the State of Iowa.
An Intergovernmental Agreement between Chickasaw County and the cities within the county needs to be updated.
A motion made by Izer to have Mark Mueterthies to represent City of Lawler with the Chickasaw County Ambulance Council. Second by King. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Some residents were concerned with a resident in Highland Park carrying a gun in the holster when he is playing with his kids in the park. Mark and Suzette have spoken with Sheriff Marty Hemann regarding this. Mr. Hemann said this resident does have a Gun Permit. The Code of Iowa states he can carry in the holster, however cannot take it out of the holster in public.
Don Kurtenbach has been discussing electronic speed signs to be put on Highway 24 to help slow traffic going through town. Don Kurtenbach has offered to purchase the signs.
Motion made by Izer to allow Mr. Kurtenbach to purchase signs for the City of Lawler. Second by King. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Delinquent accounts were discussed.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
Motion by Izer and second by King to adjourn at 8:20 p.m. All Ayes. Motion passed.
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Suzette Byrne, City Clerk