The Lawler City Council met in regular session on June 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.
Council members present: King, Izer and Scheidel
Council members absent: Kuehner and Croell
Others present: Renee Huinker, Jane Lynch, Steve Lynch, John Cuvelier, Deb Throndson and Clyde Throndson, Sr.
Motion made by King to approve the Agenda.
Second by Izer. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills.
Second by Izer. All Ayes. Motion passed.
| ARAMARK | RUGS | 363.03 | |
| BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO | LAWNMOWER | 531.83 | |
| JENDRO | GARBAGE CONTRACT | 3,951.86 | |
| POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. | PEST | 59.51 | |
| STANTON ELECTRIC | WATER TOWER | 1,684.50 | |
| UPS | 93.01 | ||
| TEST AMERICA | WASTEWATER TESTING | 197.45 | |
| EFTPS | FED/FICA TAX | 1,505.50 | |
| IPERS | IPERS | 1,150.59 | |
| BLACK HILLS ENERGY | GAS UTILITY | 204.15 | |
| MIENERGY | ELECTRICITY | 16,881.97 | |
| IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY | 49,952.50 | ||
| CASH | PARKS | 1,177.37 | |
| HAWKINS | AZONE | 840.15 | |
| IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES | SALES TAX | 1,209.81 | |
| BLAZEK CORPORATION | culvert | 2,220.08 | |
| TEAM LAB | 4,330.00 | ||
| HEARTLAND ASPHALT | MIX 70% TIM SPELTZ $858.70 | 1,226.72 | |
| NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE | BUDGET AMENDMENT – 2 | 375.44 | |
| LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT | 2023 2ND TAXATION PYMT | 6,171.25 | |
| UNITES STATES POSTAL | 40 | ||
| K & W COATINGS LLC | FURNISH AND INSTALL KASCO MIXE | 14,000.00 | |
| RAPID PRINTERS | CORK BOARD FOR CROELL PARK | 50.49 | |
| MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING | BALL PARK BATHROOMS | 1,338.53 | |
| ANDERSON | 288 | ||
| MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC | RADIO READ | 1,725.66 | |
| STATE HYGIENIC LAB | 20 | ||
| GARY CUVELIER | 2022-2023 SNOW REMOVAL | 190 | |
| VISA – J UHLENHAKE | CHANGING TABLES | 1,425.60 | |
| VISA – S BYRNE | POSTAGE | 61.84 | |
| CHRIS RIGEL | CONSESSION STAND | 250 | |
| HAWKEY INTERCONNECT | PHONE | 44.54 | |
| BUSTA LAWN CARE | THATCHING PLAY GROUND | 100 | |
| CLEMENS-MR LAWN | PARKS | 458 | |
| FORT ATKINSON NURSERY | TREES | 2,550.00 | |
| BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS | ROAD ROCK | 304.62 | |
| DEPOSIT REFUNDS | REFUND DATE 05/24/2023 | 308.73 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 5,685.58 | |
| REVENUE | |||
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 122,968.31 | ||
| GENERAL FUND | 20,396.04 | 58509.76 | |
| SANITATION FUND | 3,951.86 | 2870.58 | |
| ROAD USE TAX FUND | 2,711.38 | 4239.8 | |
| WATER FUND | 17,227.42 | 6407.49 | |
| WATER SINKING FUND | 17,260.00 | 1626.67 | |
| SEWER FUND | 7,091.63 | 7117.48 | |
| SEWER SINKING FUND | 32,692.50 | 3093.33 | |
| ELECTRIC FUND | 21,363.68 | 27125..87 | |
| DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND | 273.8 | -314.95 | |
| STORM WATER | 1162.06 |
LIBRARY
| IPERS | IPERS | 273.29 |
| INGRAM | BOOKS | 159.14 |
| HGTV | 44.97 | |
| RILEY’S | TONER | 99.95 |
| MIDAMERICA BOOKS | 96.85 | |
| READER’S DIGEST | RENEWAL | 37.43 |
| COUNTRY SAMPLER | 38.52 | |
| BIBLIONIX | 800 | |
| COAST TO COAST | 74.78 | |
| FAMILY HANDYMAN | 24.61 | |
| HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT | PHONE | 31.47 |
| VISA | 6 | |
| TRADITIONAL HOME | 20 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 1,329.51 |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 3,036.52 | |
| GENERAL FUND | 3,036.52 |
John Cuvelier with Insurance Associates was here to discuss the cities insurance. The property portion of the policy saw the largest increase in premium. Since the city has had only 2 claims in the last two years, he recommends the city increase the deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 or $5,000. With the larger deductible the premium will remain the same.
Motion made by King to increase the cities deductible to $2,500. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed.
Clyde and Deb Throndson presented council with an application for a fireworks permit. They plan the fireworks display July 2, 2023 at dark with possible rain dates July 3, 2023 or July 8, 2023. They should be done by 10:30pm.
Motion made by Izer to authorize fireworks permits the Deb and Clyde Throndson. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Kuehner
Clyde and Deb Throndson let the council no they are working to clean up the shed on their property. John Izer stated if the city doesn’t see improvement with in the year the city can file for a Municipal Infraction against them.
Motion made by King to open the Public Hearing – Budget Amendment. Second by Izer
Ayes: King, Izer and Scheidel
Nayes; None
Absent: Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed.
Suzette presented Resolution #2023-06052023 to increasing the Community and Beautification Fund and Culture and Recreation Fund in the FY22-23 Budget.
No comments were made regarding the Budget Amendment.
Motion made by Scheidel to close the Public Hearing. Second by Izer.
Ayes: King, Izer and Scheidel
Nayes; None
Absent: Croell and Kuehner
Motion Passed
Motion made by Scheidel to approve Resolution No. 2023-06052023 to approve the Budget Amendment. Second by Izer.
Ayes: King, Izer and Scheidel
Nayes; None
Absent: Croell and Kuehner
Motion Passed
The council reviewed salaries of other cities the size of Lawler. Mayor Mark Mueterthies let the council know that other small cities have more than one maintenance employee and a deputy clerk. The City of Lawler has one. After reviewing the salaries of other cities the size of Lawler, it was decided the City Maintenance and City Clerk was in need of raise.
Motion made by King to give Jay Uhlenhake a 15% and Suzette a 10% raise as of July 1, 2023. Second by Izer.
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent Croell and Kuehner
Renee Huinker with Lawler Library Board was here to update the council with the expansion. The Library has applied for a grant.
Cathy Stevens term on the library board has expired. Ralph Steinlage will replace Cathy Stevens for a six year term on the Library Board.
Motion made by Izer to accept Ralph Steinlage to the Library Board. Second by King.
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed.
John Izer told the council the streets Irish Fest would like to be closed June 14, 2023-June 19, 2023. Grove Street will be closed from Benz St to Diagonal St. Railroad Street will be closed from Depot Street to Spring Street.
Motion made by King to close Grove Street will be closed from Benz St to Diagonal St. Railroad Street will be closed from Depot Street to Spring Street from June 14, 2023 – June 19, 2023. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed
Suzette informed the council regarding nuisance abatement letters the next step would be to file a municipal infraction against the property owner. This will cost up to $6,000 per property and the city would file with the county to receive the cost back through property owner property tax. This will take time. The council discussed the nuisance abatement letters mailed to property owners.
Motion made by King to file a municipal infraction against property 205 N. Center St. Second by Izer.
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed
Dale King informed the council the Lawler Lion’s Club would like to donate an electronic sign in Highland Park to inform community of what is going to be happening in Lawler.
Motion made by Izer to allow the Lawler Lion’s to proceed with electronic sign at Highland Park in Lawler. Second by Scheidel,
Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer
Nayes: None
Absent Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed
Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 8:10pm. Second by King.
Ayes: Izer, Scheidel and King
Nays: None
Absent: Croell and Kuehner
Motion passed.
Suzette Byrne
City Clerk
Someone from the City Council need to call the owners(my partners) of 205 N CENTER ST. on the phone and tell them what is up with the house or property before doing anything/why no one call or send letter that there property was on the agenda so they can come talk about it and they will tell you that they have done what the letter has said on and the roof on the house has five layers on it and insurance companies said was okay do not have to place the roof and also the mayor has lying to you guys every time he goes the council about using people’s words differently that he talk to people (that are allowed on property) then what they have said. So the mayor needs to get off their butts about it cuz this will go farther than anything else you guys want to happen. Also we check on the house about every month.
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