Lawler, Iowa

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on May 4, 2026 at 7:00PM.

Mayor Mark Muetherthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

Council members absent:

Others present:  Gary and Janel Kuennen

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the agenda.   Second by Roberson

             All Ayes:  Motion passed.

Motion made by King to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills to be paid.

Second by Croell.    

            All Ayes.  Motion passed.

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Scheidel made motion to approve building permits for Travis and Lori Gebel and Daniel Leach.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed.

Motion made by Croell to set Public Hearing for Ordinance approval for June 1, 2026 at 7:10p.m.  Second by Roberson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Motion made by Croell to open the Public Hearing.  Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Isiah Corbin with Inrcog discussed with council the Status of Funds Regarding the CDBG Grant for Well #3 Improvements. He provided a handout with the summary of Expenditures through March 31, 2026 (through CDBG Draw #6).

Motion made by King to close the Public Hearing.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Shawver Well Partial Payment #2 and Change order for Well #3 Improvement  project.  Second by King.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Motion made by Croell to approve the 3 phase electric for Pitts and Depot Streets.  Second by King.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Motion made by Croell to approve quote from Blazek Corporation to install culverts on West Spring Street and South Chestnut.   Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the liquor license for the The Brite Spot.  Second by King.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

The softball field will be tabled until June meeting.

Motion made by King to rescind the motion in April for the Man Hold Painting Project. Second by Croell.      Croell commended Karen Wilson for the project idea.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed.

Motion made by Croell to accept the quote from Boland Recreation for a handicap swing for Highland Park playground.  Second by Roberson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed.

Next meeting will be June 1, 2026 at 7:00pm

Motion by Croell to adjourn at 7:26pm.  Second by Roberson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Meeting adjourned.

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk      

The Lawler City Council met in special session on April 6, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Wilson and Croell

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Chuck Stanton, Janel Kuennen, Roger Dreckman, and Megan Mueterthies

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Agenda

Second by Croell.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to open public hearing on Proposed Property Taxation for Fiscal Year July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Second by Croell,

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nayes: None

Motion passed.

Suzette informed the council no questions or comments were received at city hall.   No questions or comments were made during public hearing. 

Motion made by Croell to close public hearing.  Second by King.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nayes: None

Motion passed.

Motion made by Croell to approve Proposed Property Taxation for Fiscal Year July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027, Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nayes: None

Motion passed.

Motion made by King to adjourn at 7:11pm.  Second by Scheidel

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed.

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on April 6, 2026 at 7:20 PM.

Mayor Mark Muetherthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

Council members absent: Roberson 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Chuck Stanton, Roger Dreckman, Janel Kuennen and Megan Mueterthies

Motion made by King to approve the agenda.   Second by Scheidel

             All Ayes:  Motion passed.

Motion made by Croell to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills with the addition of the Shawver Well Invoice. 

Second by Scheidel.    

            All Ayes.  Motion passed.

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Motion made by King to set a Public Hearing to approve Budget FY26-27 in a special meeting April 20, 2026 at 7:02pm.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the liquor license for the Starlite Ballroom and the Hole in the Wall.  Second by Croell. 

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Janel Kuennen and Roger Dreckman explained the Irish Fest Committee would like to change the parade route in June for Irish Fest.  The new route will be posted on the Lawler Irish Festival facebook page. Motion made by Scheidel to change the Irish Festival parade.  Second by Croell. 

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Suzette explained to the council the need to increase utility deposit rates.  There have been some residents to leave the city and leave a final bill after the utility deposit has been applied.   Motion made by Croell to raise apartment deposits to $200 and house deposits to $250.  Second by Wilson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Motion made by King to open public hearing to rescind and replace the Floodplain Management Chapter 160 at 7:30pm.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

The Floodplain Management Chapter 160 was discussed with the council. 

Motion made by Croell to close public hearing.  Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Motion made by Croell to rescind and replace the Floodplain Management Chapter 160. Second by Scheidel

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

King informed the council he has been donating his time and expense to update the Junko Park Bathrooms. 

Spring clean-up will take place May 16, 2026 from 7:00am – 5:00pm.    Jendro will have 2 dumpsters at the Lawler Compost site.  A dump truck will be at compost site for steel.  Jay will be picking up TVs, microwaves, computer monitors.  A $25 fee is required for pick up.

Suzette presented the council with a Cash Payment Policy to approve.  Residents who pay utilities with cash will need to pay the exact amount or round up and the credit is applied to the next utility bill.  Change will not be given for overpayment.  Motion made by King to approve the Cash Payment policy.  Second by Croell. 

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Roger Dreckman with the Lawler Lion’s Club explained to the city they are raising money to help make Highland Park handicap accessible.  They would like to put a handicap swing in the playground.  Megan Mueterthies explained to the counsel she would like to put on a 3k run to help with the handicap swing cost.  Motion made by Croell to allow the Lawler Lions club and Megan Mueterthies to put a handicap swing in the playground at Highland Park.  Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

Karen Wilson presented the council with a community project with no cost to the city.  She would like to have an art contest to paint a manhole cover and make it colorful, fun and about 10 feet wide.  Participants will provide their own paint.  Motion made by Croell to approve the manhole cover painting to Make Lawler Lovely.  Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Roberson

Motion passed. 

The council discussed the recent city exam.  Suzette informed the council she has discussed with the CPA’s the recommendations they attached which was helpful.

Next meeting will be May 4, 2026 at 7:00pm

Motion by Scheidel to adjourn at 8:05pm.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Meeting adjourned.

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk      

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on Feb. 2, 2026 at 7:00pm.

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Council members absent:   Croell     

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Bob Vrzak, Maggie Burger, Kim VanDriel, Michele Quandt, Sherry Iverson and Jason Byrne

Motion made by King to approve the agenda with the addition of Sherry Iverson.  Second by Roberson.

             All Ayes:  Motion passed.

Motion made by Roberson to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills.

Second by King.    

            All Ayes.  Motion passed.

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Michele Quandt with Camp Companion discussed what they plan to do to help the city with the stray cat population.  She explained she would set of traps in the areas where the cats are most populated and then take them to Dr. Kim Van Driell, Veterinarian to be spade, neutered, rabies shots, distemper and microchipped.  She will bring them back to Lawler.  What will help is getting the cats spayed and neutered so the cats can’t have kittens. Female cats are $88.00 and male cats are $68.00.  Camp Companion will split the cost of the spay with the city. 

Motion made by Scheidel to accept Camp Companion with the cat population.  Second by Wilson

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Bob Vrzak with Vrzak Insurance provided the council with health insurance quotes for the city employees. After discussion, Scheidel made a motion to accept the Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield silver with dental.  Second by King.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent:  Croell

Motion passed

Jay Uhlenhake presented the council with bids for a lawnmower and ATV.  The council discussed the bids given.  Motion made by Scheidel to purchase Lawnmower.  Second by Roberson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Maggie Burger with Speer Financial discussed with the council the SRF Loan to help fund the payment of the Well #3 Improvement Project.  She suggested the council amend the current Water Ordinance #2024-1 to increase the Minimum rate from $20.00 to $22.00 per residential household and $31.00 per commercial property.  Motion made by Scheidel to set public hearing to amend Ordinance #2024-1 water rates March 2, 2026 at 7:10pm at the Lawler City Hall.  Second by King.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Resolution #2026-020326-1 to approve contract and performance and payment bonds for Well No. 3 Improvements Project.  Second by Roberson.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Resolution #2026-020326-2 to set date for public hearing to enter into Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in principal amount not to exceed $445,000. Second by Roberson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Next meeting will be March 2, 2026 at 7:00pm

Motion made by King to adjourn at 8:25pm.  Second by Wilson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Meeting adjourned.

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk      

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on January 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

Council members absent:   None

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Renea Huinker and Justin Hoehn

Motion made by King to approve the agenda. Second by Croell

             All Ayes:  Motion passed.

Motion made by Croell to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills.

Second by King.    

            All Ayes.  Motion passed.

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Mayor Mark Mueterthies, Kurt Croell and Cole Roberson took their Oaths.

Appointments were made by council for 2026. 

Appointments January 2026

Mayor pro-tem                                   Dale King

Bank                                                    Bank Iowa

City Attorney                                      John Anderson

City Clerk                                           Suzette Byrne

Toxic Cleanup                                    Jeremy Scheidel

Street Committee                               Kurt Croell, Cole Roberson, Jay Uhlenhake

Utilities Committee                            Karen Wilson, Dale King, Jay Uhlenhake

Fire Dept. Rep.                                   Cole Roberson & Dale King

Tree Committee                                 Dale King, Karen Wilson, Jay Uhlenhake

Health Officer                                     Dr. Lukas Brinkman

Street Superintendent                         Jay Uhlenhake

Water Superintendent                         Jay Uhlenhake

Landfill Committee Rep.                    Jay Uhlenhake

Board of Adjustment                          5 year term

Jay Uhlenhake                                    2030

Jeremy Scheidel                                 2030

Kurt Croell                                         2027

Roger Dreckman                                2030

Frank Wilson                                      2030

Park Board                                          5 year term

Roger Dreckman                                2030   

Dale King                                           2030

Jeremy Scheidel                                 2030

Emergency Management Board

Mark Mueterthies

Dale King

REAP

Mark Mueterthies

Motion made by Croell to approve Appointments January 2026.  Second by Scheidel.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

Motion passed.

Justin Hoehn spoke to the council regarding Dave Njus’s hired hand hauling manure and spilling onto the city streets.  He was asking if the city could speak to Dave Njus to possibly take a different route other than the city streets or not overflowing the wagon with manure.  The city will speak with Dave.  Mr. Hoehn also was asking the city what can be done regarding the stray cats in Lawler.  The cats are making a mess on sidewalks and other property.   The council discussed possibly setting traps to catch the cats humanely and possibly finding farmers who would take them.  The council also asks residents to stop feeding them.  Motion made by Croell to set traps to rehome the cats.  Second by King. 

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed.

Scheidel spoke with the American Legion representatives.  They agreed the 28E Agreement between the City of Lawler and American Legion needs to be updated.  They are looking into getting it update.

The council discussed Health Insurance for the 2 city employees.  The city will speak to Bob Vrzak with Vrzak Insurance for quotes for the city.  This is tabled until February meeting. 

Renea Huinker with the Lawler Public Library discussed the library upcoming budget.  They are asking for an additional $500 from the city.  The library board is looking into opportunities to bring more people into the library. 

The council worked on the Budget FY26-27.  Street repairs were discussed.    Suzette will run the numbers the council gave.  Budget numbers will be discussed next month. 

Delinquents were discussed.  Motion made by Scheidel to refund deposits.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Robeson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Motion passed

Next meeting will be February 2, 2026 at 7:00pm

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 8:30pm.  Second by Croell.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Croell, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

Meeting adjourned.

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk      

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on December 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Council members absent: Croell

Others present:  Jackson Knutson – Fehr Graham

Motion made by King to approve the agenda.  Second by Scheidel.

             All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills.

Second by Roberson 

            All Ayes.  Motion passed.

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Motion made by Scheidel to open Public Hearing to review plans, specifications, and contract documents and estimated cost for Well #3 Improvements at 7:15pm.  Second by King.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Jackson Knutson with Fehr Graham discussed with council the plans, specifications, contract documents and estimated cost for Well #3 Improvements. The estimated cost for the Well #3 plans is $444,730.00.

Motion made Scheidel to close Public Hearing.  Second by Wilson.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Resolution #2025-12012025-1 final approving of plans, specifications, form of contract and cost for Well #3 Projects.  Second by King.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Bids for the Well #3 Project were discussed.  Fehr Graham recommended Shawver Well Company in Fredericksburg with a bid of $549,013.00.  Motion made by Scheidel to accept Shawver Well Company. Second by Roberson.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Resolution #2025-12012025-2 to award Shawver Well Company with a bid of $549,013.00 for the Well#3 project.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Well #3 Amendment to include Build America by America (BABA) language into Professional Service Agreement. Second by King.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

The council discussed the 28E agreement with the American Legion.  The agreement states the Legion will provide adequate insurance coverage for the premises.  The city has been paying the insurance premium since the 28e agreement dated September 12, 2007.  Scheidel agreed to speak with the Legion Commander.  Motion made by King to discuss at January 2026 meeting.  Second by Wilson.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the engagement letter for city exam with Keith Oltrogge, CPA, P.C. Second by Roberson.

            Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays: None

            Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Next meeting will be January 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 7:24pm.  Second by Roberson.

            Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

            Nays:  None

            Motion passed.

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk