Author: R Patrick Sheridan

May City of Lawler Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on May 6, 2019 at 7:00 PM

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Cathy Humpal, Steve Hruska, Bill Croell, James Bailey, Emily Schwickerath, Jason Byrne, Mary Kay Gruenberg and Duane Pitz

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

Moved made by King, seconded by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

WINDSTREAM PHONE 104.7
ARAMARK RUGS 234.84
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO OIL FILTER-PARKS 35.96
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 2,152.48
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC DUMP TRUCK 685.1
STANTON ELECTRIC LINCOLN ST CHANGE POLE 5,378.35
UPS   148.4
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,417.90
IPERS IPERS 1,059.60
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 228.88
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 21,586.04
CASH FLOODING 472.12
FIVE STAR COOP DIESEL FUEL 305.29
HAWKINS AZONE 379
TEAM LAB MEGA BUGS 1,453.00
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE WATER QUALITY REPORT 166.05
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY MAR APRIL 2019 PAYMENT 2,133.34
ROGER DRECKMAN CONCRETE FLOOR HIGHLAND PARK 4,910.00
ULINE HIGHLAND PARK BATHROOM 380.57
QUILL CORPORATION OFFICE SUPPLIES 164.41
UNITES STATES POSTAL 12 MONTH BOX RENTAL 64
DRILLINGS POWER SWEEP 340.95
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING HIGHLAND PARK- LIGHTENING 2,063.99
ANDERSON LEGAL 855
NAPA NAPAGOLD OIL FILTER 130.31
MARC LAGOON-WASTE WATER 1,224.00
IAMU DUES 1,906.00
DENNIS UNGS REMOVED MALWARE 35
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL   8,458.81
GARY CUVELIER SNOW REMOVEAL 2018-2019 420
SPELTZ ELECTRIC LLC HIGHLAND PARK BATHROOM 3,060.44
ALL FLAGS LLC 2 IA FLAGS AND 2 US FLAGS 228.69
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 5,133.92
  CLAIMS TOTAL 67,317.14 REVENUE
  GENERAL FUND 19,349.74 33292.71
  SANITATION FUND 2,152.48 2357.38
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 1,023.02 2022.74
  DEBT SERVICE FUND 8,458.81
  WATER FUND 2,204.14 10234.14
  SEWER FUND 4,565.42 8626.49
  ELECTRIC FUND 29,563.53 36935.86

Motion made by King and seconded by Izer to approve Bucky’s Liquor License.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel and seconded by Izer to approve Brite Spot Liquor License.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel and seconded by King to approve Bucky’s Cigarette License.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel and seconded by Izer to approve Irish Fest Liquor License.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Motion made by King to open the Public Hearing.  Second by Kuehner.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

No comments were made.

Motion made by Kuehner to close the Public Hearing.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to Approve Resolution #05062019 adopting Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan for Chickasaw County.  Second by King.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Bill Croell was here to discuss the Protective Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Croell’s First Addition to the City of Lawler. Suzette spoke with the city attorney regarding the Covenants.  He was concerned with the 2.11 about no building can be leased, subleased rented.  Any violation would be the responsibility of the city.   The city attorney didn’t think it should be the responsibility of the city.  The counsel was fine with this covenant.  The attorney was also concerned about who would be responsible for the paving of the road.  Bill said Croell would be responsible for the paving of the road.  A motion made by Izer and Second by Scheidel to approve the Croell Subdivision.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.  The resolution will be approved next month.

Mark discussed the Storm Water Improvement Fee.  The fee would be used for improvements to the city flooding including putting in culverts in the area of town with flooding.  It will also be used to help with bridges and the small creek that runs in town.  Tekippe Engineering as looked at the area needing improvement.  They will put in box culverts and ditch cleaning with 6ft bottom/2.5 ft. high berm to help slow the flow of water during rains.  To help with payment with Storm Water Improvements the city would like to implement a monthly $5.00 storm water fee per resident in the City of Lawler.  The fee will be included on the monthly utility bill.  The fee will be used for improvements to culverts, ditches, creek bed, and bridges.  Mark asked all those present at the meeting what their thoughts were.  No concerns.

A motion made by King to start the $5.00 monthly storm water fee.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

An ordinance will be presented at next month’s council meeting.

Mark said the lagoon lining will need to be repaired before the storm water repairs.  Gene Blazek with Blazek looked at the lagoon.  He recommends rolling liner back and pack with blue clay.   He will send in a new quote to fix the problem.  Mark commented to work to pay for part in the current Fiscal year and remainder in the FY19-20.    Suzette had discussed a possible bank loan with Bank Iowa.  Emily Schwickerath with Bank Iowa was at the meeting to discuss the possible loan.  The bank would charge 4.5% interest which is 1 under prime for 5 years fixed.  We would need a letter from the City Attorney stating we are a government agency.  Suzette is working with INRCOG for a CDBG grant also.  Also, the $5 monthly sewer improvement fee can help with some of this.   As of April 30, 2019, $7895.00 has been collected.

A motion made by King to table the sewer repair until next month’s council meeting.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Mark discussed the Chickasaw Ambulance Service.  Jeremy McGrath presented the Chickasaw Ambulance board with a contract with payment of $340,000 the first year, $365,000 the 2nd year and $365,000 the 3rd year.  He presented a second proposal $165,000 first year, $365,000 year 2 and 3 with an amendment to break the contract at any time.   The Ambulance Board is not allowed to break contract any time.  Mark had voted no to this agreement.  The ambulance board asked for a 1 year contract to allow more time to find funding.  Jeremy McGrath said no to the deal.  The cities have no money for this.  Jason Byrne with the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors discussed a need to take up a vote in November to make ambulance essential service with in the county.  Then it would be assessed to the value of property.  Then the cities and county could levy for ambulance service.  Currently, an Ambulance Service is not considered an essential service in the State of Iowa.

An Intergovernmental Agreement between Chickasaw County and the cities within the county needs to be updated.

A motion made by Izer to have Mark Mueterthies to represent City of Lawler with the Chickasaw County Ambulance Council.  Second by King.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Some residents were concerned with a resident in Highland Park carrying a gun in the holster when he is playing with his kids in the park.   Mark and Suzette have spoken with Sheriff Marty Hemann regarding this.  Mr. Hemann said this resident does have a Gun Permit.   The Code of Iowa states he can carry in the holster, however cannot take it out of the holster in public.

Don Kurtenbach has been discussing electronic speed signs to be put on Highway 24 to help slow traffic going through town.  Don Kurtenbach has offered to purchase the signs.

Motion made by Izer to allow Mr. Kurtenbach to purchase signs for the City of Lawler.  Second by King.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by Izer and second by King to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

_________________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

April 2019 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on April 1, 2019 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Cathy Humpal, Duane Pitz

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Agenda.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Moved made by Scheidel, seconded by Izer to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

WINDSTREAM PHONE 95.77
ARAMARK RUGS 224.84
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO SNAP RING – TRACTOR 10.86
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 2,152.48
UPS   159.44
TEST AMERICA DRINKING WATER 59.85
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,373.34
IPERS IPERS 1,031.93
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES 809.00
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 404.15
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 22,254.40
CASH GASOLINE 491.75
TEAM LAB FINE ROAD PATCH 428.00
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE MARCH 2019 MINUTES 50.85
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS   2,979.45
UNITES STATES POSTAL 7 ROLLS POSTCARD STAMPS 575.00
DATA TECH 2019 USER GROUP MEETING 100.00
ANDERSON Alliant franchise fee 551.25
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES INSURANCE 21,019.00
AUDITOR FY 2018 FEES 1,200.00
MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL CROELL WATER METER 946.87
PV BUSINESS SOLUTIONS 2019 OSHA COMPLIANCE JOURNAL 298.50
DEPOSIT REFUNDS REFUND DATE 03/07/2019 1,036.85
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 5,009.24
  CLAIMS TOTAL 63,262.82 REVENUE
  GENERAL FUND 28,396.92 724.81
  SANITATION FUND 2,152.48 2,388.19
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 1,911.36 3,273.15
  WATER FUND 2,750.95 6,645.77
  SEWER FUND 2,709.72 7,582.54
  ELECTRIC FUND 25,289.96 26,259.30
  DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND 51.43 -51.43

Izer made a motion to approve the Hole in the Wall Liquor License.  Second by Scheidel. All Ayes.  Motion passed.

King made a motion to approve the Starlite Ballroom Liquor License.  Second by Scheidel.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Jay informed the council there is no need to build a new Sand and Salt Shed.   Motion made by Izer to table. Seconded by Scheidel.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Suzette explained the Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Department needs a Procurement Policy approved to receive the remainder of the FEMA money from the 2017 flood at Junko Park.  Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Procurement Policy.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Tekippe Engineering discussed with Mark and Jay what would help with the flooding in town.  He discussed a ditch to go along the area where the water is coming into town.  This ditch will help with water retention and slow water coming into town. It will hold up to 4” water per 1 hour.  We would need to put in a 2 ½ in Berm, tile land to slow the water.  The city will need easements from property owners.

Several small towns have a $5.00 fee per resident to help fix flooding problems in town.  This could also help with the creek that runs through town.  The council will discuss this at next month’s meeting.

Croell made a motion to table until next month meeting.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

INRCOG needs a current Resolution adopting a Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation plan for Chickasaw County.    A motion made by King to set Public Hearing May 6, 2019 at 7:10 p.m. to approve Resolution adopting Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Jay discussed the street crack filling to be done.  The frost boils are popping up on Lincoln St.  Would need to start patching.  Street construction for Spring Street will be starting this week.

Jay will get 3 bids to make the sidewalk by the Post Office handicapped accessible.  Motion made by King to receive 3 bids to make sidewalk handicapped accessible.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

The next meeting will be May 6, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by King and second by Kuehner to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

______________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

Why We Need Friends Who Tell it Like it is.

Local author, Bill Sheridan, writes articles for “Those Catholic Men.” Enjoy . . .

I must have been a freshman or sophomore in high school around 1958-1959. Stepping out onto our front porch in Lawler, Iowa, there was no doubt in my mind that GQ Magazine would be asking to feature me on their next cover.

I felt quite dapper looking into the mirror before going outside to impress the world. Well, if not the world, at least my buddies down at Martin’s Café. I was looking very fine, thank you!

I had on a white shirt, white pants, a white belt, and (you guessed it) white buck shoes. My only concern was how to successfully fight off all the girls who would be clamoring to get at me.

But that dream was short-lived.

My dear friend and neighbor, Joe Scally, was self-appointed chief of the Lawler Fashion Police. To my delight, he happened to be standing in his front yard.

“Sheridan, get over here. I want to check this out.”

This was great. Scally was about to compliment me on my attire. Perhaps even ask me where the ensemble was purchased, so he could run right out and copy my style. I was about to become a trendsetter.

Frankly, I was totally unprepared for the next thing that came out of his mouth. “That’s cool. I didn’t know that you got a job at the creamery!”

After which he doubled up in laughter.

Suddenly the whiteness from my neck to my toes was offset by the embarrassing redness in my face. I turned around without saying a word and rushed back into the house, changing into blue jeans and a tee shirt before another soul on the planet could see me.

Even after slamming the front door behind me, I could hear Fashion Chief Scally howling in the background.

To this day I’m not sure whether to thank him profusely, or punch him in the nose.

Based on what would have most likely happened, had I not seen Joe first and walked into Martin’s Café in front of the usual gang, something tells me that a long overdue thank you is probably the appropriate choice.

But more importantly, the entire humorous episode has become an important life-lesson in my Catholic-Christian life. Am I always able to see my real self? Do I have true friends in my life today (like my buddy Joe) who have the courage and kindness to tell me what I need to hear rather that just what I want to hear?

Friends like that are a true blessing. The type of friends I want to have and the type of friend I want to be.

Lawler City Council Meeting Minutes — March 2019

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on March 4, 2019 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake

Motion made by King to approve the Agenda with Addition of EMA.  Seconded by Kuehner.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Moved made by Izer, seconded by King to approve the previous minutes and current bills to be paid.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

WINDSTREAM PHONE 101.26
ARAMARK RUGS 224.84
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 2,152.48
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. PEST 54.50
SANDEAN & COMPANY, INC PICKUP 70.43
STANTON ELECTRIC LINCOLN STREET CUTOUTS 2,398.58
UPS 210.02
TEST AMERICA DRINKING WATER 50.75
EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,361.13
IPERS IPERS 1,023.41
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 411.74
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 24,819.61
CASH GAS 358.58
FIVE STAR COOP DIESEL FUEL DUMP TRUCK AND 295.88
HAWKINS AZONE 15 379.00
IOWA DEPT OF REVENUE/SALES SALES TAX 830.00
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE FEB 2019 MEETING MINUTES 105.30
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY DEC 2018 – FEBRUARY 2019 3,200.01
NAPA wiper blades 45.47
CHICKASAW COUNTY RECORDER RESOLUTION 02042019 37.00
REGION 1 AWWA WATER WORKS OPERATOR MTG 25.00
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 4,968.54
CLAIMS TOTAL 43,123.53 REVENUE TOTAL
GENERAL FUND 6,952.69 5,092.96
SANITATION FUND 2,152.48 2,313.94
ROAD USE TAX FUND 1,162.65 4,150.07
WATER FUND 2,143.61 6,565.17
SEWER FUND 2,077.13 9,322.79
ELECTRIC FUND 28,634.97 26,584.63

The state will no longer be providing brine to cities for free.  This means more sand and salt will be used during the winter months.  Mark would like to build an addition to the current sand shed.  He received bids from CASH for materials, Roger Dreckman for concrete and Loren Franzen for Labor.  It came to a total of $14,525.7 to be charged to street fund.   Jay didn’t think he would need to build this.  The council discussed how this amount of money could affect road repair budget.

Motion made by King to table the Sand Shed addition until April Meeting.  Second by Kuehner.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Motion made by Kuehner to open the Public Hearing to approve Budget Fy19/20.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion Passed.

There were no objections the Budget proposal.

Motion made by King to close Public Hearing.  Second by Izer. All Ayes.  Motion passed.

A Motion by Kuehner to pass Resolution NO. 3042019 to adopt Annual Budget fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.  Second by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Suzette briefly explained the Franchise Fee Agreement Ordinance with Alliant Energy.  The city attorney reviewed the agreement sent by Alliant Energy and made a fee change.  Suzette emailed the changes to Alliant Energy.  As soon as Alliant Energy agrees to the changes the City can adopt the ordinance.

Mark discussed the Emergency Management.  The EMA board hired a lawyer to assist with the discussion of Chickasaw Ambulance Service with Jeremy McGrath.  The cities in the county will need to split the lawyer fee.  He wanted the City Council to be aware of the possible lawyer bill.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

The next meeting will be April 1, 2019 at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by King and second by Kuehner to adjourn at 7:45 p.m.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

________________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

City of Lawler Council Meeting Agenda — March 2019

City of Lawler

414 E. Grove St.

PO Box 215

Lawler, IA  52154

563-238-3614

AGENDA

                                                      REGULAR MEETING

                                                      March 4, 2019

                                                      7:00 PM, CITY HALL

 

  1. ROLL CALL.
  2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA WITH ANY ADDITIONS.
  3. APPROVAL & CORRECTIONS, IF ANY, OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND APPROVAL OF THE BILLS PRESENTED TO BE PAID.
  4. MAYORS COMMENTS.
  5. BUSINESS:
  6. Public Hearing Budget FY19/20
  7. Annexation Electric Franchise agreement
  8. Sand Shed Addition
  9. Delinquents
  10. ADJOURNMENT.