Author: <span class="vcard">Mary Gruenberg</span>

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on November 4, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Wilson and Roberson

Council members absent:   Croell

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Nick LaRosa-Fehr Graham, Isiah Corbon-INRCOG and Travis Suckow

Motion made by King to approve the agenda with the addition of barking dog complaints and window leak in library.

Second by Roberson

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

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

Second by King.

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

LIBRARY

Nick LaRosa with Fehr Graham gave the council an update on the box culvert improvements.  The project will be finished by November 28, 2024.  The change link fences are be constructed this week.  Bacon Concrete will be seeding grass for the residents along the creek.  Mayor Mueterthies requested an itemized invoice from Fehr Graham.

Nick also stated Lucas Elsbernd with Fehr Graham will go over the plans for the new well construction with Jay.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Bacon Concrete pay estimate #6.  Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, Roberson, Wilson and King

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Mayor Mueterthies informed the council the court date on January 23, 2025 at 10:30am for the nuisance at 201 N Benz St.  The property owners are working on selling the property.

Suzette will send letters to owners of barking dog with copy of ordinance.

Motion made by Scheidel to open the Public Hearing at 7:15pm.  Seconded by King.

Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Local Residents attending:  None

The Mayor opened the Public Hearing for the CDBG Application to address the construction of a new well.  2 people were in attendance. How the Need for the proposed activities was identified:  This Project was identified as a result of a needs assessment, DNR requirements, and engineering reports and was discussed at numerous Lawler City Council meetings.  The project was also addressed in an independent engineering report (facility plan) which was completed in August 2024.  Low and Moderate Income (LMI) Needs were identified through a local income survey, conducted in September 2024.  Said LMI percentage was determined to be 56.51 percent of persons in the community. Nature of Proposed Activities  As identified in the engineer’s facility plan, the proposed project would construct a third well for the City of Lawler. The well would be drilled to the Jordan aquifer, which is in the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer. This is deeper than the current Ordovician aquifer the existing wells draw from and is expected to produce better water quality, an estimated 1280 feet deep and cased to an estimated depth of 830 feet. The location of the new well is near the current Well #2. The existing wellhouse and treatment system for well #2 will be used to treat water from the new well, but without the polyphosphate/orthophosphate mix.  Funding sources: CDBG CDBG (Administration) State Revolving Loan Fund Total Est. Cost of the Project Estimated Budget $   276,750 $     28,000 $   270,250 $   575,000  Total requested amount of CDBG federal funds: $304,750.  Estimated portion of federal funds that will benefit persons of low and moderate income: $1,846.97/LMI person (165 total LMI persons).  The City has applied for $410,000 in SRF (State Revolving Loan Fund) loan for this project which will be used as local match.  This project allows for new and expanded service to the low-and moderate-income families in the region, including senior citizens and persons with fixed incomes.  Construction would begin in April 2026. Project is estimated to be completed by September 2027.  No one is expected to be displaced by the CDBG activities. If there were anyone being displaced the city would follow the HUD Relocation and Displacement Policy.  Project application will be submitted on or before January 1, 2025. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT Community Name: City of Lawler, Iowa COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF LOW- AND MODERATEINCOME PERSONS 1. Flood Improvements: In response to significant flooding challenges, the City has implemented and continues to pursue infrastructure enhancements to mitigate flood risks, particularly focusing on high-risk homes, many of which belong to low- and moderate-income households. This ongoing project is expected to reach completion in the near future, offering increased protection and resilience for vulnerable areas. (High) 2. ADA Compliance: With many older facilities not meeting ADA standards, the City has taken steps to update restrooms and pedestrian crossings to make city-owned facilities more accessible and accommodating for individuals with disabilities. (Medium) 3. Food Pantry Support: The City is committed to addressing food insecurity by actively supporting the local food pantry with regular donations and essential resources. This support enables the pantry to maintain a steady supply of nutritious food and basic necessities for low-income individuals and families in need throughout the community. These efforts ensure that vulnerable residents have consistent access to healthy food options, strengthening overall community well-being and resilience. (High) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING NEEDS OF NON-LMI RESIDENTS 1. Housing Development: The City actively promotes housing development projects within the community to meet residents’ housing needs, ensuring a variety of options are available to support a growing and diverse population. (High) 2. Library Renovations: The City has recently invested in a series of updates to the library, enhancing accessibility and expanding services to better serve community members. (Medium) 3. Bridge and Street Improvements: The City is actively working on replacing a vital bridge and enhancing street conditions to improve accessibility and ease of use for all residents. (High) PLANNED OR POTENTIAL ACTIVITIES TO ADDRESS HOUSING AND COMMUNITY NEEDS (SAMPLE) 1. Well Improvements: The City is committed to enhancing its water infrastructure by building an additional well to improve water quality and secure a reliable supply of safe drinking water for residents. This project involves infrastructure updates to prevent contamination and increase capacity. By prioritizing these improvements, the City aims to ensure long-term access to clean, safe water for current and future generations, reflecting a dedication to public health and environmental stewardship. (High) 2. Railroad Crossing Improvements: The City is actively working to enhance railroad crossings that are currently in poor condition and pose safety risks, aiming to make these areas safer and more reliable for residents and travelers. (Medium) Date and location of assessment: November 4, 2024, Lawler City Council Chambers

Motion by Scheidel to close public hearing for the proposed financial activity for the construction of water well at 7:29pm.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion made by Scheidel to accept Resolution #2024-11042024-1 Approving a community development block grant application.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Scheidel, King, Wilson and Roberson

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by King to accept Resolution #2024-11042024-2 authorizing the mayor to sign a memorandum of understanding with the INRCOG for the administration of the Community development contract with the Iowa Economic Development Authority.  Second by Roberson.

Ayes: King, Roberson, Wilson and Scheidel

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Motion made by Roberson to accept Resolution #2024-11042024-3 granting the Iowa Economic Development Authority certain financial assurances in conjunction with the Community Development Block Grant Application.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes: Roberson, Scheidel, Wilson and King

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion Passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to accept Resolution #2024-11042024-4 to fix a date for a public hearing proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in the principal amount not to exceed $60,000.  The Public Hearing will by December 2, 2024 at 7:15pm. Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, Roberson, Wilson and King

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

Next meeting will be December 2, 2024 at 7:00pm

Motion made by King to adjourn at 7:41pm.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  King, Wilson, Scheidel and Roberson

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

Click on the following link to Larry’s obituary.

https://hugebackfuneralhome.com/obits/lawrence-larry-hackman/

Click on the following link to Jim’s obituary.

https://hugebackfuneralhome.com/obits/james-jim-leibold/

Click on the following link to Diane’s obituary.

https://hugebackfuneralhome.com/obits/diane-marie-stolfus/

Click on the following link to Diane’s obituary.

https://hugebackfuneralhome.com/obits/diane-marie-maklenburg/