May 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on May 1, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer, Croell and Scheidel

Council members absent:    Kuehner

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Renee Huinker, Jane Lynch, Stephanie Tangen, Deb Speltz, Gail Stammeyer, Steve Lynch and Ryan Izer

 

Motion made by Izer to approve the Agenda.

Second by King.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills with addition of Mark Kriener bill.

Second by King.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 242.02
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 2,737.15
STANTON ELECTRIC FLAG POLE LIGHTS 307.5
UPS   221.96
TEST AMERICA   184.9
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,442.92
IPERS IPERS 1,107.61
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAX 107.15
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 457.52
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 17,366.14
CASH   433.73
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES SALES TAX 1,117.00
BLAZEK CORPORATION   141
TEAM LAB TERMINATOR WEED KILLER 2,816.50
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE ORDINANCE #2023-1 31.46
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY QUARTER 1 2023 3,550.02
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING CROELL PARD DRAIN PIPE LEAK 37.5
ANDERSON PHONE CONFERENCES 168
IWD 1ST QTR 2023 UNEMPLOYMENT 21.55
MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC RADIO READS 1,839.93
MARK KRIENER TILLING VOLLEYBALL COURTS 175
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES Insurance 40,843.00
VISA – J UHLENHAKE WASTEWATER CLASS 60
VISA – S BYRNE SAM.GOV RENEWAL 306.93
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT Apr-23 43.96
CLEMENS-MR LAWN 1st application fertilizer  ball 458
DSG STRIPING PAING 177.59
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 5,481.10
REVENUE
  CLAIMS TOTAL 81,877.14    92,047.21
  GENERAL FUND 50,285.55    43,626.02
  SANITATION FUND 2,737.15      2,432.87
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 721.36      3,826.46
  WATER FUND 2,542.26      5,921.49
  SEWER FUND 5,216.59      6,845.08
  ELECTRIC FUND 20,374.23    28,202.41
STORM WATER FEE      1,192.88

 

LIBRARY

IPERS IPERS 218.17
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,081.02
  CLAIMS TOTAL 1,299.19
  GENERAL FUND 1,299.19

 

Resolution #2023-05012023 Authorizing transfer of fund from the Local Option Sales tax fund to the General Fund in order to cover the costs of funding the expenses associated with city it is necessary to transfer the funds in the amount of $50,000.00.

Motion made by Croell to transfer funds from LOST Fund to General Fund in amount of $50,000.00. Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  Croell, Scheidel, Izer and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Deb Speltz and Gail Stammeyer with the Crane Creek Trail committee would like the city permission to extend the current trail in Highland Park.  The committee would like to extend and outlet on the corner to McHugh St.

Motion made by Croell to allow Crane Creek Trail Committee to extend the trail at Highland Park to McHugh Street.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Scheidel, Izer and King

Nayes: None

Motion Passed

 

Deb Speltz also stated the Irish Fest 5k money raised would like to go to the City to update the trail around the pond on Highway 24.  Crane Creek Trail will to Roger Dreckmen regarding the 10 year mitigation with wetlands from state.  Jay will also talk with Roger.

 

Motion made by Croell to open Public Hearing at 7:15pm for Public Opinion regarding Library Expansion.  Second by Izer.

Ayes: Croell, Izer, Scheidel and King

Naye: None

Motion Passed.

 

Renee Huinker, President of Library Board explained she had a State Consultant look over the plans the Library Board would like to expand.  They will need and architect.  The board will also be signing up for a Utilizing Grant of $3,000.  She is working with other libraries that have expanded library.  The State Consultant also took pictures.  This would involve taking the sink and cupboards from the room where the library would expand.

 

Motion made by Croell to close Public Hearing at 7:27pm.  Second by Izer

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Scheidel and King

Nayes: None

Motion Passed

 

Motion made by Croell to transfer the Community Center room to Lawler Public Library pending the agreement to transfer room to library.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  Croell, Scheidel, King and Izer

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Nuisance letters were discussed.  The city has had one property owner abating the property owned.  Motion made by King to start the next step of the abatement process as printed within the City Code of Ordinances.   Second by Croell.

Ayes: Kind, Croell, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Suzette stated a Budget Amendment will need to happen for the Tree Committee for the Community Beautification Fund.

Motion made by Scheidel to set Public Hearing June 5, 2023 at 7:15pm. Second by Izer

Ayes:  Scheidel, Izer, Croell and Izer

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Izer to approve the Brite Spot liquor license. Second by King.

Ayes: Scheidel, Izer, Croell and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by King to approve the Irish Fest liquor license. Second by Croell.

Ayes: Scheidel, Izer, Croell and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Bucky’s liquor license.  Second by King.

Ayes: Scheidel, Izer, Croell and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Jay will tighten volleyball nets at Highland Park.  Ryan Izer let the council know the Volleyball League should start Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

 

Deb Speltz let the council know Irish Fest may donate for basketball hoops for Highland and Croell Park.  Dale King has been cleaning up at Junko Park.  Mary Gruenberg had been working on the utility shed at Junko Park.

 

Mark made a comment; he has talked with John Cuvelier regarding the city insurance increase.  John will be at next council meeting to discuss.

 

Next council meeting will be June 5, 2023 at 7:00pm

 

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 7:50pm.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Scheidel and King

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

 

Lawler Little League Registration

Lawler Little League Registration will be held this Sunday, April 30th at the Lawler Fire Department from 3:00 – 4:00 pm.  Lawler Little League is open to current Kindergarten – 4th grade girls and boys.

If you are unable to attend please contact Mary Gruenberg at 641-210-9871 or by email at gruenberg.mary@gmail.com right away.  T-shirt orders will be placed on Wednesday, May 3rd.

Blue Recycling Totes

The Blue Recycling totes are to replace the small blue recycling boxes. The blue recycling totes are to be used immediately. This was discussed at a public hearing in April. Yes, there is a recycling charge. If you would like your recycling picked up you need to use the big recycling totes! If you refuse the totes, you will not have recycling picked up! Please call the City of Lawler with questions. 563-238-3614

 

Suzette Byrne

Volunteers Needed

The City of Lawler is working with Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy for a community-based tree-planting project.

The city will be planting trees Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 8:00am.  Please consider volunteering to help with city or your neighbors!

*********************************************

This is a great opportunity to work together as a community!!

Notice of Public Hearing Re: transfer community room in City Hall to Library

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LAWLER

 

You are hereby notified that the City Council of Lawler, IA will hold a public hearing at 7:15 o’clock p.m. on the 1st day of May, 2023 in the Council Chambers in the City of Lawler, IA on the question of the proposal to transfer community room in City Hall to Library.

 

You are further notified that the City proposal agreement between City of Lawler and Lawler Library will be on fill in the City Hall.

 

At the said time and place comments will be received at the public hearing by the City Council on the question of the conveyance and transfer of said transfer.

 

BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL this 3rd day of April 2023.

 

 

__________________________

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

April 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on April 3, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

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

Council members absent:    None

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Stephanie Tangen, Sandy Busta, Jane Lynch, Renee Huinker, Steve Lynch and Travis Suckow

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Agenda with the addition of Highland Park.

Second by King.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Izer to approve the previous minutes and current bills

Second by Croell.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 242.02
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 2,652.63
STANTON ELECTRIC city property 180
UPS 2022 WATER QUALITY REPORT 175.09
TEST AMERICA DRINKING WATER TEST 95.6
EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,504.87
IPERS IPERS 1,148.64
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES 658.78
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 1,405.08
CASH GAS 154.44
FIVE STAR COOP FIELDMATER DYED 353.56
HAWKINS AZONE 459.28
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE MARCH 2023 MINUTES 216.32
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS   4,694.25
ULINE ENVELOPES 158.83
QUILL CORPORATION ENVELOPS 232.98
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR AMBULANCE 28E AGREEMENT 10,368.00
IMFOA DUES FY23/24 50
MARC WEED KILLER 1,473.42
CHICKASAW COUNTY RECORDER RANGER PLATE 23.75
IAMU MEMBER DUES 2,375.00
AUDITOR EXAM FEE 2023 1,500.00
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT   46.12
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 5,673.06 REVENUE
  CLAIMS TOTAL 35,841.72    61,034.34
  GENERAL FUND 19,207.47      2,734.56
  SANITATION FUND 2,652.63      2,722.97
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 1,519.58      2,266.05
  WATER FUND 3,459.21      7,231.95
  SEWER FUND 4,849.63      8,152.03
  ELECTRIC FUND 4,153.20    36,653.20
STORM WATER FEE      1,273.58

 

LIBRARY

EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,204.94
IPERS IPERS 287.07
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES 94.47
INGRAM BOOKS 183.27
RILEY’S PRINTER COPIER 1,200.00
READER’S DIGEST   34.98
US POSTAL SERVICE BOX RENT 2023 80
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT Mar-23 63
TV EDUCATION FOUNDATION MEMORY OF LINDA ANDERSON 50
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,391.09
  CLAIMS TOTAL 4,588.82
  GENERAL FUND 4,588.82

 

The Lawler Library board discussed the Library expansion project.   Renee Huinker explained they would like to put a wall in the back meeting room of the city community room.  A needs assessment should be done by the state library before any action be taken.  The council let the library board know the city attorney would be called because they would need a contract with city for the use of the room.    There have been families using the community for holidays.  The city will need the room available for any emergencies that should arise within the city.  The city will need a public hearing to hear public opinions because this is a public building.

A motion made by Izer to transfer a portion of community room to the library.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  Izer, Scheidel and Croell

Nays; Kuehner and King

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by King to hold public hearing for public opinion for Library Expansion May 1, 2023 at 7:15pm.   Second by Croell

Ayes: Izer, Scheidel, Croell, Kuehner and King

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by King to open Public Hearing to discuss Ordinance 2023-1 Amending Section 6-5-20 of the Lawler Municipal Code of Regarding Refuse and Recycling Collection Rates for the City of Lawler.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  King, Croell, King, Kuehner, Scheidel and Izer

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

The council reviewed Ordinance #2023-1 to add recycling fee of $3.00 per dwelling unit.

No public response.

 

Motion made by Croell to close Public Hearing.  Second by Kuehner.

Ayes: King, Croell, Kuehner, Scheidel and Izer

Nays: None

Motion Passed.

 

Motion by Croell waive second and third reading and adopt Ordinance #2023-1. Second by King.

Ayes: King, Croell, Kuehner, Scheidel and Izer

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Jay Uhlenhake informed the council the DNR said the water tower is in need of a new mixer.  Jay received to quotes from KLM for$14,500 and K& W for $14,000.

Motion made by Croell to go with K & W for $14,000 for the mixer for water tower. Second by Scheidel.

Ayes: Croell, Scheidel, Kuehner, Izer and King

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

The city requested consideration for the state Contingent Fund loan for damages sustained under the governor’s proclamation 2021-17 dated August 30, 2021.  The flash flooding occurred on August 28, 2021 and caused significant damage to the city’s infrastructure resulting in the city needing to replace multiple culverts within the city to repair flood damage at an estimated cost of $1,377,070.  The city work with Iowa Homeland Security and Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments for a federal grant for funding.  These efforts have not been successful.  The city has been approved for a state contingent fund loan to make repairs necessary to the city’s infrastructure.  The city will receive a loan for 1,000,000.00 to be paid over the next 20 years.

Motion made by Croell to approve Resolution #2023-04032023 for the statutory repayment of state disaster aid for losses incurred due to Severe Weather/Flooding on August 28, 2021.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Croell, King, Scheidel, Kuehner and Izer

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

Trees Forever and Black Hills Energy will be planting trees within the city May 6, 2023.  Would like volunteers.  Suzette will be checking with Turkey Valley for student volunteers.  If you would like to volunteer, let Suzette know at the city hall.

 

Nuisances within the city were discussed.  The city has several dangerous buildings or structures that are structurally unsafe.  Mayor Mueterthies read the ordinance regarding Dangerous Buildings, Chapter 145 in the City Ordinance book.  The city will be sending by certified mail written notice to property owners.  The property owner will have 48 hours to commence either the required repairs or improvements or demolition and removal of the building or structure.  All work will be completed within 90 days from date of notice or the owner can request a hearing before the Council by filing a written request within the 90 days.

Motion made by Croell to proceed with sending the certified letters to property owners.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Kuehner, Scheidel and King

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

Dale King will be donating baby changing tables for the park restrooms.  Jay will get them ordered.

 

Izer stated there has been interest in getting a volleyball league started at Highland Park.  The city will be discussing new volleyball nets and new basketball hoops at next council meeting.

 

Next council meeting will be May 1, 2023 at 7:00pm

 

Motion made by Croell to adjourn at 8:10pm.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Scheidel, Kuehner and King

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk