The Lawler City Council met in regular session on March 8, 2022 at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.
Council members present: King, Scheidel, Croell and Kuehner(phone) absent: Izer
Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Cathy Humpal, Stephanie Tangen, Emily Eppens, Neil Jones, Lisa Agrimenti, Rodney Vrzak and Jason Byrne
Motion made by Croell to approve the Agenda with addition of Nuisances.
Second by King. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid.
Second by Croell. All Ayes. Motion passed.
| ARAMARK | RUGS | 208.82 | |
| JENDRO | GARBAGE CONTRACT | 2,560.88 | |
| POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. | PEST | 56.68 | |
| SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC | DUMP TRUCK | 1,932.18 | |
| UPS | 46.5 | ||
| TEST AMERICA | 75.6 | ||
| EFTPS | FED/FICA TAXES | 1,416.73 | |
| IPERS | IPERS | 1,072.42 | |
| BLACK HILLS ENERGY | GAS UTILITY | 743.36 | |
| MIENERGY | ELECTRICITY | 24,044.94 | |
| CASH | GAS PICKUP | 547.87 | |
| BROWN SUPPLY CO | WATER REPAIR | 365 | |
| NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE | PH BUDGET FY22/23 | 186.24 | |
| DRILLINGS | RANGER | 8,555.25 | |
| ANDERSON | PHONE CALL W/MAYOR RE: 204 S | 45 | |
| MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC | RADIO READS | 1,725.66 | |
| IOWA UTILITIES BOARD | IUB LABOR ASSESSMENT | 112.5 | |
| IAMU | MEMBER DUES | 2,181.00 | |
| VISA – J UHLENHAKE | GAS | 95.12 | |
| HAWKEY INTERCONNECT | 42.57 | ||
| BARCO PRODUCTS | CROELL PICNIC TABLES | 9,791.95 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 5,244.43 | |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 61,050.70 | REVENUE | |
| GENERAL FUND | 17,394.14 | 3154.18 | |
| SANITATION FUND | 2,560.88 | 2654.74 | |
| ROAD USE TAX FUND | 1,089.71 | 3781.88 | |
| WATER FUND | 5,232.69 | 7367.41 | |
| SEWER FUND | 4,830.82 | 9634.57 | |
| ELECTRIC FUND | 29,942.46 | 31668.29 |
Ordinance NO. 2021-3 to vacate portion City Street – Diagonal Street was reviewed for approval. Motion made by Scheidel to approve Ordinance NO, 2021-3. Second by King.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, and Kuehner (phone)
Nayes: None
Abstain: Croell
Motion passed.
The current Mienergy agreement still has the Hawkeye Tri-County Electric Cooperative name on it since July 2008. It should be updated to the correct name. Kurt mentioned to negotiate with other utility companies to possibly update the city transformers. Jay informed the council the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities is looking at rate studies to get pricing with other companies.
Spring cleanup dates were discussed. Suzette will call to ask if April 23rd or April 30th will work for them to drop off 2 dumpsters.
The city will be selling the 1990 Ford dump truck with a start of a minimum $6,000 sealed bid to be sent to city hall. Suzette will place an ad in the paper, Facebook and website.
Mark gave an ambulance update. A feasibility company will be having interviews with supervisors, hospitals, fire departments, city councils and entities. Jason Byrne let the council know they need more business for the feasibility study. Kurt will help with finding more business to interview. Mark said they need to contact Jeff Bernatz for an interview time.
Motion made by Croell to open Public Hearing to approve Budget FY22-23, Resolution NO, 2022-03072022. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: Croell, Scheidel, King and Kuehner(phone)
Nayes: None
Motion passed:
The council reviewed Budget FY22-23 for approval. No questions were asked.
Motion made by King to close public hearing. Second by Croell.
Ayes: King, Croell, Scheidel and Kuehner(phone
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to approve Budget FY22-23, Resolution NO: 2022-03072022. Second by King.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Croell and Kuehner(phone)
Nayes; Non
Motion passed.
Mark and Kurt gave update on the Flood Grant update. Mark had Jay and Suzette send pictures and flood damage costs to Mark Newell with the state. Kurt will follow-up with the Department of Ag.
Stephanie Tangen discussed with the council the property to the east of her property is deteriorating. The garage door was open and was concerned with the chance of dangerous animals could be living in there. Since the house and garage are deteriorating, it brings property values of surrounding property. The city will put this on the April agenda.
Motion by King to open the Public Hearing regarding the Soo Green project. Second by Croell.
Ayes: King, Croell, Scheidel and Kuehner(phone)
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Neil Jones with Soo Green HVDC Link presented a presentation regarding the project to maintain a new 525 kilovolt underground high –voltage direct current electric transmission line (Project)in the City and within City-owned property. The Project will transfer energy, including pints wet, between Mason City, IA and Yorkville, IL. The Project route within the City will be located entirely with existing railroad rights of way. Soo Green needs a franchise from the City authorizing Soo Green to erect, maintain and operate the Project.
Motion made by Scheidel to close the Public Hearing. Second by Croell.
Ayes: Scheidel, Croell, King and Kuehner(phone)
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to approve the franchise with Soo Green. Second by King.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Croell and Kuehner(phone)
Nayes: None
Motion passed:
Motion made by Croell to waive the 2nd and 3rd reading. Second by King.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Croell and Kuehner(phone)
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Delinquents were discussed.
Next meeting will be April 4, 2022..
Motion made by Croell to adjourn meeting. Second by King.
Ayes: King, Scheidel, Croell, Kuehner(phone)
Nayes: None
Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at 8:00pm
Suzette Byrne
City Clerk