Author: R Patrick Sheridan

Due to the death of Mayor Mueterthies’ father, the monthly city council meeting will be delayed one week. The July meeting is now scheduled for Monday, July 9 @ 7:00.

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on June 4, 2018 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, Croell, King    Absent: Scheidel, Kuehner

Others present: Jason Byrne and Sandy Reicks

Motion made by Croell to approve the Agenda.  Seconded by King.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Moved made by King, seconded by Croell to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid.  Suzette will price check with City Laundry.  She will also call the City Attorney to receive a more itemized bill.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

FMC LANDFILL	LANDFILL FEE	100
WINDSTREAM	PHONE	100.06
ARAMARK	RUGS	232.68
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO	BLADE	59.1
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	2,119.38
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO.	PEST	54.5
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC	tank truck	339.4
STANTON ELECTRIC	SWITCH POLES	3,822.82
UPS		170.58
TEST AMERICA	INVOICE 31177202	66.15
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,436.80
IPERS	IPERS	951.01
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	213.86
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	18,457.02
CASH	GASOLINE	455.33
HAWKINS	AZONE	389.1
PAUL NIEMANN CONSTRUCTION	CRANE CREEK TRAIL	4,194.93
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	1,225.00
BLAZEK CORPORATION	REPAIR INTERSECTION PITTS AND	3,459.47
TEAM LAB	SURFACTANT, WEED KILLER, ALGAE	2,277.00
HEARTLAND ASPHALT	COLD MIX	249.55
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	WATER QUILITY REPORT	56.62
DRILLINGS	weed eater	11.76
ANDERSON	LEGAL FEE	791.25
MICK GAGE	Croell park restrooms	90
MARC		836.51
CHICKASAW COUNTY RECORDER	RECORD DEED FOR POND	17
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES	COMM CYBER	750
GARY CUVELIER		30
B & R BLASTING	SANDBLASTING MERRY GO ROUND	267.5
HANAWALT	3 BUCKETS MULCH CROELL PARK	105
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	4,788.16
	CLAIMS TOTAL	48,117.54
	GENERAL FUND	10,622.66
	SANITATION FUND	2,219.38
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	4,092.36
	WATER FUND	2,790.52
	SEWER FUND	4,209.79
	ELECTRIC FUND	24,182.83

Jason Byrne discussed the All-Nighters ball tournament with the council.  He has the schedule planned and everything would stay the same as previous years.  John Izer will be in charge of the concession stand and gate.  John Izer will also be there in case of bad weather.  Motion made by Kin and second by Izer to close Grove Street from Hwy. 24 to Diagonal Street from Friday, July 20, 2018 to Sunday, July 22, 2018.  All ayes.  Motion passed.

The Utility Billing Rates were discussed.  Suzette prepared a spreadsheet for the council to review that compares the amount of revenue and expenses for the 3 Utility Funds. (Electric, Water, Sewer)   This was for the Current Fiscal Year.  The Electric Fund has more expense than what it brings in for Revenue.  Water and Sewer were bringing in more revenue than expense.  However, Suzette explained to the council that the Fund Balances do not have enough money in them for Emergency Maintenance Expenses for the Utilities.   For example the lagoon is in need of a repair and the Sewer Fund has never been built up for Expenses such as this.  Suzette has did research how to build these enterprise funds.  Cities charge an extra fee on utility bills to help with emergency expenses.  This money would go into a Utility Fund and can only be spent on Utilities.

Moved by King to charge a $15.00 utility fee starting with the August 2018 utility bill.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Part-time help has been discussed for city maintenance.  This would be a seasonal, on call job.  The applicant would need to be age 18+ years.

Moved by Croell to hang flyers in town describing the job.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

The Lawler Code of Ordinance Chapter 6 Trees and Weeds 6-6-18 Removal of Grass was discussed.   Currently a letter is sent to property owners whose lawn has exceeded 6 inches in height to abate the nuisance immediately.  The current ordinance would be amended to include the city would mow the grass if nuisance has not been abated within 48 hours.  The property owner would be charged $250.00 penalty to be paid with 30 days.  If not paid in 30 days, the city would access property taxes.

Moved by Croell seconded by King to amend current ordinance to include $250.00 penalty to abate nuisance or access property taxes.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

City Raises have been tabled for next month.

The Annexation has been tabled for next month.

Mark talked about the Seal Coat bid from Blacktop Service Co. since Jay could not be at meeting.  It was decided to table the seal coat bid for next month.

The next meeting will be July 2, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by King and second by Izer to adjourn at 8:30 p.m.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

________________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on May 7, 2018 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, Croell, King, Kuehner     Absent: Scheidel

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Kurt Croell, Dave Byrne, Hailey Reicks, Kelsey Kroth, Cathy Humpal, Joe & Luke Langreck, Joyce Hastings and Ray Armel

Motion made by King, seconded by Izer to approve the Agenda with the following additions Highland Park Bathroom, Cathy Humpal – Library Board, Streets.   All Ayes.

Moved made by  King, seconded by Croell to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid as presented.  All Ayes

WINDSTREAM	PHONE	102.08
ARAMARK	RUGS	155.12
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	2,119.38
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO.	PEST	54.5
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC	PICKUP	494.5
STANTON ELECTRIC	new pole	4,566.43
UPS		71.46
TEST AMERICA	DRINKING WATER	50.55
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,399.65
IPERS	IPERS	928.95
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	319.82
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	20,485.59
CASH	GASOLINE	485.27
FIVE STAR COOP	diesel fuel	61.95
HAWKINS	AZONE	292.35
BROWN SUPPLY CO		581.4
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	888
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE		356.61
QUILL CORPORATION	PAPER TOWEL	87.97
UNITES STATES POSTAL		301
DATA TECH	USER GROUP MEETING	95
IMFOA	2018-19 DUES APP	50
IWD	1ST QTR ST UNEMPLOYEMENT	18.68
JAY UHLENHAKE		1,902.31
MARK KRIENER	TILLING	100
NAPA	WIPERBLADES	45.87
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL	JD 6125 PAYMENT	6,849.62
STATE HYGIENIC LAB		197.5
MENARDS	SLIDE FOR CROELL PARK	209.6
GARY CUVELIER	SNOW REMOVAL	225
AUDITOR		1,200.00
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	4,683.53
	CLAIMS TOTAL	49,379.69
	GENERAL FUND	7,930.90
	SANITATION FUND	2,119.38
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,216.71
	DEBT SERVICE FUND	6,849.62
	WATER FUND	2,286.18
	SEWER FUND	2,103.73
	ELECTRIC FUND	26,873.17

Cathy Humpal let the Council know that Steve Lynch would like to be on the Library Board for the 6 year term.  Motion made by Izer to appoint Steve Lynch to the Library Board for the next 6 years.  Seconded by Kuehner.  All Ayes. Motion approved.

Hailey Reicks and Kelsey Kroth updated the counsel regarding Croell Park Shelter & Bathroom Fundraisers.  They have made up a flier for upcoming fundraiser activities.  They needed address list of residents to inform them of the Fundraisers.  The money would be sent to the city to be deposited in the park fund.  Dewey Brincks said he would be able to help with the construction of the shelter.  They also have been told more residents would rather donate to updating playground equipment before shelter.

Motion made by Izer to approve The Brite Spot liquor license renewal.  Seconded by Croell.  All Ayes.   Motion approved

Motion made by King to approve Bucky’s liquor license renewal.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion approved.

Motion made by Kuehner to approve Irish Fest liquor license renewal.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion approved.

Motion made by Izer to open the Urban Revitalization Ordinance No. 4-2-2018 -3 Public Hearing.  Seconded by Croell. All Ayes.  Motion approved

Ray Armel discussed Building Permits for the city.  Suzette and Ray put together new Building Permits for residents doing any construction on their property.  The resident will also receive an Application Form for Exemption as part of the Urban Revitalization Plan for Lawler.

Motion made by King to close the Urban Revitalization Ordinance 4-2-2018 -3 Public Hearing.  Seconded by Kuehner.  All Ayes  Motion approved.

Motion made by Izer to skip the second and third readings of the Urban Revitalization Ordinance 4-2-2018 -3. Seconded by Kuehner.  All Ayes.  Motion approved.

Motion made by King to approve Ordinance No.  4-2-2018-3. Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion approved.

Dave Byrne discussed who would carry the insurance for the  Veteran’s lawn mower for the Memorial.   Kuehner asked who owned the lawnmower.  He replied the Veteran’s own it.  A discussion followed why the Veterans don’t have insurance on it.  He was going to talk with his insurance agent.  It was decided to table this for next month.

Motion made by Izer to open the Public Hearing for Budget Amendment.  Seconded by King.  All Ayes.  Motion approved.

Suzette confirmed with the council it would be current FY18 to be amended.  No further discussion was made.

Motion made by King to close Public Hearing.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion approved.

Motion made by Kuehner to approve the FY18 Budget Amendments.  Seconded by Croell.  All Ayes.  Motion carried.

Kurt Croell presented a possible subdivision for the city of Lawler.  Joe Langreck has agreed to sell Kurt 10 lots of property for new infrastructure within the city.  He is asking the city to annex the property into the city.  Kurt will send a letter to explain his plan for this project for annexation.   The approximate phase 1 area would be 4.80 acres which would be 10 lots for housing.  The electricity would be from the city.  Kurt would be responsible for water and sewer connection.  Kurt would have concrete streets for this infrastructure, engineered ditches for proper drainage.   A letter to the County Supervisors would need to be sent to inform them of the annexation.

Kurt Croell also would be willing to finance cementing streets within the city for 2-5 years.  He would put new rock underneath.  Kurt will come up with some figures for cost.

A discussion about the ditches on homeowner’s property as to who is responsible for keeping the culverts cleaned out for water to drain properly.  Homeowners filled in their ditches in and now water cannot drain properly.  Certain ditches need to be cleaned out.  Jay knows of 12 residents in needing of cleaning their ditches out.

Motion made by Croell to send the 12 residents a letter regarding their ditches.  Seconded by Kuehner.  All ayes.  Motion approved.

Nuisance letters will be sent to certain residents that need to clean up yards from junk (City Ordinance No. 3-2-1(j).

The bathroom at Highland Park has some wind damage and needs repaired.  Suzette will speak to John Cuvelier regarding turning the damage into insurance.  Dewey Brincks has offered to donate his time to help repair damage.

Gene Blazek would like to purchase the old tanker fire truck from the city.

Motion made by Croell to offer tanker for what city paid for it. Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

The next meeting will be June 4, 2018 at 7:00pm.

Moved by King and Second by Croell to adjourn at 8:20pm.   All Ayes Motion passed.

____________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on April 2, 2018 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, Scheidel, King, Kuehner

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Frank Wilson, Reed Palo, Roger Dreckman, and Ray Armel

Moved by King, second by Kuehner to approve the Agenda with Ray Armel, Deputy Reed Palo and property Annexation additions. All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel second by Izer to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid as presented.  All Ayes

WINDSTREAM	PHONE	115.63
ARAMARK	RUGS	77.56
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO	OIL FILTER- TRACTOR	107.84
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	2,201.88
UPS		28.19
TEST AMERICA	DRINKING WATER TESTING	50.55
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,379.62
IPERS	IPERS	916.58
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAXES	796
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	362.97
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	22,125.97
CASH		149.84
FIVE STAR COOP	DIESEL FUEL	104.97
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	1,609.00
TEAM LAB	MEGA BUGS PUCK MEGA BUGS PLUS	1,636.50
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS		2,613.45
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY	BUDGET PAYMENT	4,300.00
QUILL CORPORATION	PAPER & ENVELOPS	223.95
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES		19,574.00
DEPOSIT REFUNDS	REFUND DATE 03/26/2018	188.54
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	4,622.97
	CLAIMS TOTAL	63,186.01
	GENERAL FUND	28,003.77
	SANITATION FUND	2,201.88
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,222.89
	WATER FUND	2,344.98
	SEWER FUND	4,343.43
	ELECTRIC FUND	25,069.06

Moved by King and second by Scheidel to renew Hole in the Wall Liquor license.  All Ayes

Move by King and second by Kuehner to renew Starlite Ballroom Liquor license.  All Ayes

Deputy Reed Palo discussed an invoice from the Chickasaw County Clerk of Court regarding dismissed court cases.  The council is seeking information regarding why the city owes the court fees.  Reed is going to be asking the clerk of court what this is for.  He will let the city know the information he will find.

Deputy Palo also discussed how to handle the bark dogs that have been a nuisance to the neighbors.  The city has sent several letters to the dog owner’s residence that the city ordinance is not being followed.  Deputy Palo suggests to the neighbors need to file a written complaint with the Sheriff Department.  Deputy Palo will discuss with Sheriff Marty Heman what to do next regarding a civil case.  He said that they would need to witness the barking as it is happening.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

Ray Armel, Chickasaw County Assessor, discussed the Urban Revitalization Plan for the City of Lawler. He reviewed two resolutions with the council.  Resolution No. 4-2-2018 #1 discussed the buildings and vacant property in the City needing restoration, preservation repair and improvement. Some incentives would be tax exemptions under the Urban Revitalization Plan proposed in Resolution NO. 4-2-2018 #2.  This resolution proposed approval of the Urban Revitalization Plan prepared by the Chickasaw County Assessor.  The plan proposal designates the entire City of Lawler.  The plan will be made available for the public to review at the City Hall.

Moved by King and seconded by Izer to approve Resolution No. 4-2-2018 #1.  All Ayes

Moved by Scheidel and seconded by Kuehner to approve Resolution No. 4-2-2018 #2.  All Ayes

Moved by Scheidel and seconded by King to set Public Hearing for the Ordinance approval to approve the Urban Revitalization Plan for Lawler, IA, May 7, 2018 at 7:15 pm.  All Ayes.

Croell Corp. would like to have some ground Annexed at city property to build a housing development.  Ray Armel went over Iowa Code 368.4-368.8 for Annexation.  The Croell Corp would also like property annexed for 3 greenhouses.  Croell would like the city to be the utility company for this project.  The city would need approval of Alliant Energy to turn over electric to MiEnergy so the City would be the utility for the development.

Jeremy Weber would like to use the ball field Thursday evenings during the summer.  The ball field is not being used on Thursdays.

Motion made by Izer to approve Hole in the Wall liquor license.  Second by Scheidel.  All ayes.

Motion made by King to approve Starlite Ballroom liquor license.  Second by Kuehner.  All ayes.

Suzette went over the Budget amendment.  Flood Control was not budgeted and there was expenses regarding flood damage last summer.  Need to make an amendment for the Public Safety Fund.  Public Works Fund also needs an amendment regarding garbage.  It was budget in the wrong fund.  Also the General Government needs to be amended.  The new accounting software and new printer for the office went over budget.

Motion made by King to set Public Hearing for Budget Amendment May 7, 2018 at 7:20pm.  Seconded by Izer.  All ayes.

Jendro will place a large dumpster by Depot Street May 12, 2018 from 7:00am – 10:30am for residents to put their garbage in.  Jendro will not pick up at residents houses.  Motion made by Izer to set May 12, 2018 as Spring Cleanup Day.  Seconded by Scheidel.  All ayes.

Lions Club discussed they would like a different location for their dinner during Irish Fest.

Motion made by King to close Spring to Grove Streets Thursday through Sunday during Irish Fest. Seconded by Kuehner.  All Ayes.

East Street was discussed.  The city will be collecting bids to seal coat East Street.  East Street will be on the agenda for May.

The next meeting will be May 7, 2018 at 7:00pm.

Moved by Scheidel and Second by King to adjourn at 8:30pm.   All Ayes

____________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on March 5, 2018 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, Scheidel, King, Kuehner

Others present: Roger Dreckman and Ray Armel

Moved by King, second by Izer to approve the Agenda. All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel second by King to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid as presented with the exception of Chickasaw Sheriff.  All Ayes

WINDSTREAM	PHONE	113.34
ARAMARK	RUGS	155.12
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	2,119.38
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC	antilock brake system	350.32
UPS		17.03
TEST AMERICA	J122833-1, J123818-1, J122833-	51.1
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAXES	1,385.59
IPERS	IPERS	920.49
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	373
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	25,678.64
FIVE STAR COOP	DIESEL FOR TRACTOR	128.48
HAWKINS	AZONE 15	321.65
BROWN SUPPLY CO		303.13
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	1,128.00
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	FEBRUARY COUNCIL MINUTES	46.97
IOWA UTILITIES BOARD	FY2018 2ND QTR DIRECT ASSESSME	1,082.58
IAMU	MEMBERSHIP DUES	1,299.00
DORSEY	SRF SEWER REVENUE PROJECT	700
DEPOSIT REFUNDS	REFUND DATE 02/07/2018	78.28
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	4,642.77
	CLAIMS TOTAL	40,894.87
	GENERAL FUND	8,355.58
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	957.22
	WATER FUND	2,171.91
	SEWER FUND	1,852.28
	ELECTRIC FUND	27,479.60
	DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND	78.28

Mayor Mueterthies signed the LTD Broadband Lease agreement for the use of the water tower for broadband communication equipment.  In exchange for the use of the water tower, the City Hall, Fire Department, Waste Water Plant will have free internet service.

Mayor Mueterthies discussed he will be attending the Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting with the county , March 13, 2018.  Jeremy Scheidel and Dale King will also be attending this meeting with Mayor Mueterthies.

A dog barking nuisance was discussed.  The city will give a ten day notice to the home owners to control the uncontrolled barking and have too many dogs at the residence.

Moved by Scheidel to open Public Hearing, seconded by Izer.  All ayes.

The Budget FY19 Resolution 3052018 was discussed.

Moved by King to close the Public Hearing, seconded by Izer.  All ayes.

Moved by Kuehner to approve the Budget FY19 Resolution 3052018, seconded by Scheidel.  All ayes

Ray Armel discussed Urban Revitalization with Chickasaw County.  He discussed with the council the criteria that would need to be followed, such as the area designated, property classes, types of improvements, value qualifications, exemption schedule.  He discussed the process the city would be following.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

The next meeting will be April 2, 2018 at 7:00pm.

Moved by Scheidel and Second by King to adjourn at 8:20pm.   All Ayes

____________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

City of Lawler

414 E. Grove St.

PO Box 215

Lawler, IA  52154

563-238-3614

 

 

AGENDA

                                                      REGULAR MEETING

                                                      MARCH 5, 2018

                                                      7:00 PM, CITY HALL

• ROLL CALL. 
• APPROVAL OF AGENDA WITH ANY ADDITIONS. 
• APPROVAL & CORRECTIONS, IF ANY, OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND APPROVAL OF THE BILLS PRESENTED TO BE PAID. 
• MAYORS COMMENTS. 
• BUSINESS:

Public Hearing – Budget FY 2018/2019

Tower Lease Agreement

Hazard Mitigation Plan, March 13

Urban Revitalization – Ray Armel

Nuisance

Delinquent Accounts

ADJOURNMENT.