Author: Diana Gebel

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.

VESTIS	RUGS	429.68
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO	LAWNMOWER	5,200.00
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	3,494.22
UPS		182.47
TEST AMERICA	DRINKING WATER	110.95
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,775.26
IPERS	IPERS	1,364.66
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAXES	412.77
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	495.5
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	22,117.57
CASH	LUMBER	281.01
HAWKINS	AZONE	1,302.51
BLAZEK CORPORATION	wELL #3	370
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE		413.85
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS	Apr-26	2,209.31
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY		1,333.33
ULINE	PARK SUPPLIES	375.92
UNITES STATES POSTAL		735
STOREY KENWORTHY	UTILITY BILLS	660
NAPA	BATTERY SPEED SIGN	429.34
IAMU	MEMBERSHIP DUES	2,503.00
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES	RENEWAL POLICY CYBER SECURITY	1,526.62
STATE HYGIENIC LAB		22.5
AUDITOR	ANNUAL EXAM 2025	425
VISA – J UHLENHAKE		301.6
VISA – S BYRNE		39.17
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT	Mar-26	128.45
DSG	WATER	3,367.39
FEHR GRAHAM	Well #3 construction	8,016.25
IOWA DEPT OF REVENUE	SALES TAX FEBRUARY 2026	1,623.21
KEITH D. OLTROGGE CPA	ANNUAL EXAMINATION 2025	4,250.00
INRCOG	SALARY & FRINGE BENEFITS	271.44
SPEER FINANCIAL, INC		5,000.00
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	6,879.07
	CLAIMS TOTAL	78,047.05	REVENUE
	GENERAL FUND	20,654.62	3,172.91
	SANITATION FUND	3,494.22	3,136.98
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,635.09	3,240.42
	CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND	1,416.25
	WATER FUND	9,467.57	8,998.62
	WATER CAPITAL PROJECT FUND	11,970.00	70,090.04
	SEWER FUND	3,402.08	7,118.36
	ELECTRIC FUND	26,007.22	35,674.07

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EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,320.91
IPERS	IPERS	318.81
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAX	118.17
CATHY HUMPAL		21
INGRAM	BOOKS	122.93
ALLRECIPES MAGAZINE		27
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT		62.12
PIONEER WOMAN		19.97
MID-AMERICA BOOK		71.85
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,560.96
	CLAIMS TOTAL	3,643.72
	GENERAL FUND	3,643.72

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.

VESTIS	RUGS	276.86
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	3,441.59
UPS		147.69
TEST AMERICA		110.95
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,780.10
IPERS	IPERS	1,367.75
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	476.94
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	27,535.75
CASH		3.87
HAWKINS	AZONE	555.44
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY	Jan-26	1,333.33
LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT	REMAINING 1ST HALF TAXATION 26	903.47
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR	2026 QTRLY PMT	3,000.57
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING	WELL HOUSE	225
IWD	4TH QTR UNEMPLOYMENT 2025	8.21
USABLUEBOOK	METERD MAGNETIC LOCATOR	1,838.34
IOWA ONE CALL		14.4
STATE HYGIENIC LAB		22.5
VISA – J UHLENHAKE		556.62
VISA – S BYRNE		100.48
FEHR GRAHAM		5,350.00
IOWA DEPT OF REVENUE	DECEMBER 2025 SALES TAX	1,431.37
INRCOG		1,480.48
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	6,893.41
	CLAIMS TOTAL	58,855.12	REVENUE
	GENERAL FUND	10,165.10	8,625.19
	SANITATION FUND	3,441.59	3,125.55
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	872.1	3,931.05
	WATER FUND	6,402.61	8,730.49
	WATER CAPITAL PROJECT FUND	5,350.00	–
	SEWER FUND	3,372.39	6,980.56
	ELECTRIC FUND	29,251.33	35,350.38

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IPERS	IPERS	317.15
INGRAM	BOOKS	73.18
WOMAN’S DAY	2026 RENEW	26.72
BETTER HOMES	2026 RENEW	32
VISA	TECHNOLOGY	155.98
SMITHSONIAN	2026 RENEW	49.99
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,553.48
	CLAIMS TOTAL	2,208.50
	GENERAL FUND	2,208.50

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.

VESTIS	RUGS	276.86
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	3,475.64
STANTON ELECTRIC	204 S BENZ	4,739.62
UPS		263.75
TEST AMERICA		219.02
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAXES	2,093.06
IPERS	IPERS	1,585.95
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAXES	458.32
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	312.6
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	23,198.86
HAWKINS	AZONE	508.72
BLAZEK CORPORATION	LAGOON WORK	4,402.00
TEAM LAB	ICE MELT	280.5
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	BIDDERS NOTICE 2025	313.02
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS		6,140.55
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY		1,333.33
LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT	2026 1ST HALF TAXATION	6,267.78
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR	CITY/SCHOOL 2025	665.04
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING	CITY SHOP	174.69
PATHWAYS		468
CHICKASAW COUNTY TREASURE	SALT	1,413.21
CROELL INC	FILL SAND	91.73
TERRY DURIN CO		1,982.50
NAPA	SHOP SUPPLIES	210.77
MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL	JET/VAC CLEANING SANITARY SEWE	6,746.40
VISA – J UHLENHAKE		364.45
VISA – S BYRNE		39.17
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT		84.51
ZIP’S	SNOW PLOW	458.76
FEHR GRAHAM	GIS MAPPING SERVICES	2,500.00
IOWA DEPT OF REVENUE	NOVEMBER 2025 SALES TAX	1,383.11
OMNISITE		290
INRCOG		1,160.11
WAUCOMA TIRE CO	TRACTOR TIRES	1,453.75
DEPOSIT REFUNDS	REFUND DATE 12/23/2025	301.38
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	9,239.22
	CLAIMS TOTAL	84,896.38	REVENUE
	GENERAL FUND	22,202.66	4595.44
	SANITATION FUND	3,475.64	3256.09
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	2,150.21	3788.4
	WATER FUND	7,233.42	10017.59
	SEWER FUND	16,201.04	7645.3
	ELECTRIC FUND	33,480.88	31850.95
	DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND	152.53	43.31

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EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,347.34
IPERS	IPERS	319.71
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAX	126.48
INGRAM	BOOKS	54.48
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT		31
VISA	BOOKS	32.03
MID-AMERICA BOOK		99.8
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,550.11
	CLAIMS TOTAL	3,560.95
	GENERAL FUND	3,560.95

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