"Home of the Annual Lawler Irish Fest–always the 3rd weekend in June"
Lawler Firefighters Foundation’s French Toast, Pancake, Sausage & Egg Breakfast
Please join us on Sunday, April 2nd at the Fire Station in Lawler for a French toast, pancake, sausage, and egg breakfast to benefit the Lawler Fire Department! The proceeds from this year’s event will be put towards a new thermal imaging camera. It will be out please to serve you!!
DRIVE THROUGH & CARRY OUT!
Breakfast served from 8:00 – 12:00
FREE WILL DONATIONS APPRECIATED!
Click on the following link to view OJ’s obituary.
https://www.hugebackfuneralhome.com/obituaries/James-OJ-Norman-Speltz?obId=27482027#/obituaryInfo
The Lawler City Council met in regular session on March 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.
Council members present: King, Kuehner and Scheidel
Council members absent: Izer and Croell
Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Cathy Humpal, Stephanie Tangen, Sandy Busta and Ryan Shawver
Motion made by King to approve the Agenda with the addition of Box Culvert on Benz St and Curb
Second by Kuehner. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills
Second by King. All Ayes. Motion passed.
| ARAMARK | RUGS | 242.02 | |
| JENDRO | GARBAGE CONTRACT | 2,730.49 | |
| POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. | PEST | 56.68 | |
| SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC | SNOW PLOW TRUCK | 319.17 | |
| UPS | 117.99 | ||
| EFTPS | FED/FICA TAXES | 1,443.11 | |
| IPERS | IPERS | 1,110.06 | |
| MIENERGY | ELECTRICITY | 50,325.35 | |
| CASH | GAS PICKUP | 436.24 | |
| HAWKINS | AZONE FREIGHT | 49 | |
| NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE | BUDGET FY23/24 PUBLIK HEARING | 210.71 | |
| QUILL CORPORATION | OFFICE SUPPLIES | 175.23 | |
| UNITES STATES POSTAL | 795 | ||
| MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC | RADIO READS | 1,725.66 | |
| DENNIS UNGS | CYBER INSURANCE QUESTIONS | 45 | |
| STATE HYGIENIC LAB | 20 | ||
| REGION 1 AWWA | water CLASS | 25 | |
| VISA – J UHLENHAKE | DIESEL | 212.3 | |
| HAWKEY INTERCONNECT | Feb-23 | 44.66 | |
| CITY OF WAUCOMA | RAGRAI VENDOR FEE | 400 | |
| DEPOSIT REFUNDS | REFUND DATE 02/22/2023 | 58.46 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 5,497.76 | REVENUE |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 66,039.89 | 56,018.49 | |
| GENERAL FUND | 4,998.77 | 4,044.20 | |
| SANITATION FUND | 2,730.49 | 2,462.51 | |
| ROAD USE TAX FUND | 1,445.80 | 3,905.69 | |
| WATER FUND | 2,001.19 | 5,923.36 | |
| SEWER FUND | 2,572.76 | 9,107.44 | |
| ELECTRIC FUND | 52,232.42 | 29,553.47 | |
| DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND | 58.46 | (150.00) | |
| STORM WATER | 1,171.82 |
LIBRARY
| IPERS | IPERS | 248.03 | |
| INGRAM | BOOKS | 98.22 | |
| JEREMY HUMPAL | 62.5 | ||
| BETTER HOMES | RENEWAL | 12 | |
| THIS OLD HOUSE | RENEWAL | 36 | |
| CONSUMER REPORTS | RENEWAL 2023 | 31.03 | |
| TASTE OF HOME | RENEWAL | 20 | |
| COUNTRY LIVING | RENEWAL | 21.37 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 1,216.29 | |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 1,745.44 | REVENUE | |
| GENERAL FUND | 1,745.44 | 3521.07 |
Sheriff Ryan Shawver with Chickasaw County discussed the Agreement for General Law Enforcement Services. The City will pay the County $6,090 (rate of $15.00 per person) for general law enforcement services during the term of the service agreement, July 1, 2023 – Jun 30, 2024. There are no set hours, only drive through services.
Motion made by Kuehner to accept Agreement for General Law Enforcement Services from Chickasaw County. Second by King.
Ayes: Kuehner, King and Scheidel
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion passed.
Motion made by King to approve B & J Good Eats LLC DBA: Hole in the Wall liquor license. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: Kuehner, King and Scheidel
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion made by Scheidel to approve Franzen Curt DBA: Starlite Ballroom liquor license. Second by Kuehner.
Ayes: Kuehner, King and Scheidel
Nayes: none
Absent: Croell and Izer
Spring cleanup dates were discussed. Suzette will call to ask if April 21st – April 23rdh or April 28th – April 30th will work for Jendro to drop off 2 dumpsters.
Motion made by Scheidel to open Public Hearing to approve Budget FY23-24, Resolution NO, 2023-03072023. Second by King
Ayes: Kuehner, King and Scheidel
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion passed.
The council reviewed Budget FY23-24 for approval. No questions were asked.
Motion made by Scheidel to close public hearing. Second by Kuehner.
Ayes: Kuehner, King and Scheidel
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion passed.
Motion made by Kuehner to approve Budget FY23-24, Resolution NO: 2023-03072023. Second by Scheidel.
Cathy Humpal discussed the library expansion. She let the council know she took a survey regarding the library needs. She said they would like a more comfortable place and more room and more privacy. She stated she had a case worker and a client meet there for a private conversation. Cathy also stated there were people complaining regarding the sand and salt on the curb and these people did not like walking through it. Suzette gave her a Citizen Complaint Form for these people to fill out and return to the city clerk, mayor or any council. No form was filled out. She didn’t think people should fill this out. She stated she should not be doing city maintenance work. She also made a comment regarding the City Hall hours. Some residents come to pay after 3:00pm. Suzette stated they could put payment in bill box or pay by credit/debit online. No decisions were made so this will be tabled until the April meeting.
Dale King told Cathy he called the city attorney regarding some comments at February meeting regarding privacy around the library computers and people who could be looking at porn and little children could see because of the lack of privacy. Dale informed Cathy that is not allowed in a public building according to the city attorney John Anderson. He said the city IT tech will care of it. Dale also stated if people have a problem with the street cleanup they are to come to the city.
Mark received a bid from Blazek Corporation to replace a box culvert on N Benz St and cleanout and shape drainage channel on the north side of town. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to clean the ditches.
Street maintenance was discussed. Chestnut St. from Pitts St to Hwy 24 will be resurfaced in FY22/23 to be completed before June 30, 2023. W. Pitts St from Chestnut St to Brown Street will be resurfaced FY23/24.
Motion made by Kuehner to use ARPA money for the street maintenance for W Pitts St. from Chestnut St. to Brown St. Second by King.
Ayes: Kuehner, King and Scheidel
Nayes; None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion passed.
The curb along Grove St in front of City Hall and the curb on S Depot St along Insurance Associates need to be maintained. Motion made by King to maintain the curbs along Grove St. and S Depot St along Insurance Associates. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: Kuehner, King, and Scheidel
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion passed.
A letter will be sent out to homeowners to clean up the portion of the water way along their property.
The city received a grant from Trees Forever. Suzette will be in contact to the residents who reached out to her for a tree for $25. You will not be allowed to plant within the boulevard (8ft from street)
Mark presented the Chickasaw County Firefighting Mutual Assistance Agreement for the council to review. Motion made by King to accept the Chickasaw County Firefighting Mutual Assistance Agreement. Scheidel second.
Ayes: Kuehner, Scheidel and King
Nayes: None
Absent: Croell and Izer
Motion passes.
Utility payment agreement was discussed. Suzette reached out to City Attorney John Anderson. The city can decide the date the past due needs to be paid in full by. If the customer doesn’t agree, but doesn’t disputed the bill, service can be disconnected as long it is not from November to April and prior notice has been given to the customer that if past due amounts are not paid, service will be disconnected.
Next meeting will be April 3, 2023 at 7:00pm
Motion made by Kuehner to adjourn at 8:00pm. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Kuehner
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Suzette Byrne
City Clerk
Click here 2023 Lawler Link Article Irish Fest 20232023 Lawler Link Article
This year’s theme for Lawler Irish Fest is:
Slainte! Irish & Proud
The Irish word for cheers is sláinte, which is pronounced somewhat similarly to “slawn-che.” Sláinte means “health”, and if you’re feeling brave, you can say sláinte is táinte (“slawn-che iss toin-che”), meaning “health and wealth”!
We are proud of our heritage and our community! Come celebrate both at Lawler Irish Fest IX the 3rd weekend in June, Friday, June 16th & Saturday, June 17th!
The Irish Fest Committee has been hard at work to bring you the best festival yet for 2023! Bringing the community together is a goal of the Fest & hope that you and your families will join us for another great weekend of entertainment!
Main Tent opens at 6pm on Friday, June 16th with opening ceremony at 6:30pm for the introduction of Grand Marshals past and for 2023!.
Grand Parade at 1pm., Sat. June 17th. Music all weekend from traditional Irish, Irish Rock, Country, Pop, Classic Rock & of course the Irish dancers to entertain and delight all ages!
Kids activities will be held at Croell Park. Movies in the park both Friday and Sat. night. Inflatables and games.
Activities will include Car Show & 5K.
Food, beverage and merchandise choices available throughout the weekend!
Follow us on Facebook or online at www.lawleririshfest.com for updates. Consider becoming a volunteer, this event would not happen without the great participation from the community!
Did you know as part of Giving Back to the Community, Lawler Irish Fest Volunteers, in conjunction with the Lawler Historical Society, have been delivering Meals on Wheels since April of 2020? An estimated 1200 meals have been delivered since then and continues to this day. If you have an idea of other projects for Giving Back to the Community, please let us know. You can email lawleririshfest@gmail.com or contact any board/committee member.
See you the 3rd weekend in June! June 16 – 17, 2023.
Click on the following link to view Linda’s obituary.
Click on the link below for information:
The Lawler City Council met in regular session on February 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.
Council members present: King, Kuehner, Croell and Scheidel
Council members absent: Izer
Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Renee Huinker, Travis Suckow, Cathy Humpal and Stephanie Tangen
Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Agenda
Second by King. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Croell to approve the previous minutes and current bills
Second by Scheidel. All Ayes. Motion passed.
| ARAMARK | RUGS | 242.02 | |
| JENDRO | GARBAGE CONTRACT | 2,730.49 | |
| STANTON ELECTRIC | 458.25 | ||
| UPS | 185.63 | ||
| TEST AMERICA | 191.2 | ||
| EFTPS | FED/FICA TAX | 1,504.16 | |
| IPERS | IPERS | 1,148.99 | |
| BLACK HILLS ENERGY | GAS UTILITY | 822.9 | |
| MIENERGY | ELECTRICITY | 26,156.48 | |
| CASH | MISC HARDWARY – SHOP | 844.12 | |
| HAWKINS | 1,473.78 | ||
| IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES | SALES TAX | 1,187.17 | |
| NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE | JANUARY 2023 MINUTES | 157.04 | |
| LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY | OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2022 | 3,450.00 | |
| BANK IOWA | DECEMBER 2022 SEWAR LOAN PYMT | 8,480.36 | |
| IWD | 2022 4TH QTR UNEMPLOYMENT | 6.75 | |
| PATHWAYS | FY22/23 DONATION | 468 | |
| MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC | RADIO READS | 3,451.32 | |
| JAY UHLENHAKE | 1,415.04 | ||
| IOWA ONE CALL | EMAILS | 7.2 | |
| HARLAND | DEPOSIT SLIPS | 75.98 | |
| MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL | sewer | 557.04 | |
| VISA – J UHLENHAKE | TRACTOR DIESEL | 146.63 | |
| HAWKEY INTERCONNECT | Dec-22 | 91.18 | |
| DEPOSIT REFUNDS | REFUND DATE 01/30/2023 | 89.18 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 5,676.38 | REVENUE |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 61,017.29 | 62,249.18 | |
| GENERAL FUND | 9,961.08 | 5,414.27 | |
| SANITATION FUND | 2,730.49 | 2,547.93 | |
| ROAD USE TAX FUND | 1,027.49 | 3,383.08 | |
| EMERGENCY FUND | 118.63 | ||
| DEBT SERVICE FUND | 8,480.36 | 2,020.75 | |
| LOCAL OPTION TAX | 5,005.61 | ||
| WATER FUND | 4,553.01 | 6,683.69 | |
| SEWER FUND | 3,832.18 | 7,091.87 | |
| ELECTRIC FUND | 30,343.50 | 29,922.53 | |
| DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND | 89.18 | 60.82 |
LIBRARY
| IPERS | IPERS | 287.07 | |
| CATHY HUMPAL | BOS MTG MILEAGE | 9.52 | |
| INGRAM | BOOKS | 171.41 | |
| DEMCO | 349.66 | ||
| THE IOWAN MAGAZINE | RENEWAL 2023 | 24 | |
| HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT | Jan-23 | 31.12 | |
| VISA | 39.61 | ||
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 1,391.09 | REVENUE |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 2,303.48 | 18.99 | |
| GENERAL FUND | 2,303.48 | 18.99 |
Travis Suckow, Chickasaw County Supervisor discussed with the council the 50% increase for the police. A monthly report was asked for from the sheriff.
The council reviewed the Budget FY23-24. Discussed how to cut expenses. Croell mentioned to look at utility rates we are currently billing customers.
Motion made by Scheidel to open Public Hearing at 7:15pm. Second by Croell.
Ayes: Scheidel, Croell, King and Kuehner
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
The Proposed Property Tax Levy for Proposed FY23-24 was presented. There was no public comment.
Motion made by King to close Public Hearing. Second by Croell.
Ayes: Scheidel, Croell, Kuehner and King
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Motion made by Croell to approve Resolution NO. 2023-02062023 approving the maximum property tax dollars requested for Fiscal Year July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024. Second by King.
Ayes: Croell, King, Kuehner and Scheidel
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Motion made by King to set Public Hearing to approve Budget FY23/24 for March 6, 2023 at 7:15pm. Second by Scheidel.
Ayes: King, Scheidel, Kuehner and Croell
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Cathy Humpal discussed the Library Budget for FY 23-24. She is asking for $200 more from the city.
Motion made by Croell to increase library budget by $200. Second by King.
Ayes: Croell, King, Scheidel and Kuehner
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Cathy Humpal asked the council to come in the library with her and Renee Huinker to discuss library expansion. She asked the council to sit down and Croell made a comment there aren’t enough chairs. She expressed that’s right there is not enough seating. She discussed the computers for public to use and made the comment they are close to each other and other people could see what is being done on the computers. The library expansion will be added to the agenda in March.
Next meeting will be March 6, 2023 at 7:00pm
Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 7:43pm. Second by Croell.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Kuehner and Croell
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Gwen Kuehner
The Lawler Lions host an annual event where all of the proceeds go to an organization that helps Chickasaw County residents and in the past couple years they have helped raise money for the 3D Mammography at Mercy One in New Hampton and the 6 libraries in the Chickasaw County. Unfortunately when COVID hit we were unable to host the annual event.
This year the funds will benefit New Hampton’s Kindness Square Inclusive Park. An Inclusive Playground welcomes people and especially children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together. They not only allow children of all abilities to play together but they allow adults of all ages and abilities to actively engage with children in their care. All Inclusive Play is universally designed and has a sensory rich environment that enables to children to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. It offers just the right level of challenges where all abilities have the chance to succeed. It’s a place where children and adults of all abilities can interact together and do what everyone wants to do; PLAY!
The last weekend of every January, the Lawler Lions host Cowboy Poetry, an awesome night of entertainment. Please come out and enjoy and evening of laughter and supporting a great cause! January 27th & January 28th.
Meeting Date is February 6th, 2023 at 7:15 PM at the City Hall.
Click link below for information
The Lawler City Council met in regular session on January 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM.
Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.
Council members present: Izer, King, Kuehner, Croell and Scheidel
Council members absent: none
Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Renee Huinker and Sandy Busta
Motion made by Croell to approve the Agenda
Second by Scheidel. All Ayes. Motion passed.
Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and current bills
Second by Croell. All Ayes. Motion passed.
| ARAMARK | RUGS | 249.7 | |
| JENDRO | GARBAGE CONTRACT | 2,789.31 | |
| STANTON ELECTRIC | CROELL BUILDING | 922.23 | |
| UPS | 46.5 | ||
| TEETER SPECIALTY CO. LLC | CITY CHECKS | 174.41 | |
| TEST AMERICA | DRINKING WATER TESTING | 95.6 | |
| EFTPS | FED/FICA TAXES | 1,663.63 | |
| IPERS | IPERS | 1,299.53 | |
| STATE WITHHOLDING | STATE TAXES | 803 | |
| BLACK HILLS ENERGY | GAS UTILITY | 441.1 | |
| MIENERGY | ELECTRICITY | 21,053.17 | |
| CASH | GAS | 407.35 | |
| BROWN SUPPLY CO | 286.12 | ||
| IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES | SALES TAX | 1,209.38 | |
| TEAM LAB | MEGA BUGS MUCK PUCK | 705 | |
| NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE | DECEMBER 2022 MINUTES | 71.24 | |
| WELLMARK BLUE CROSS | 1,694.25 | ||
| LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT | 2023 1ST HALF TAXATION PYMT | 6,171.25 | |
| ANDERSON | 264 | ||
| MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC | RADIO READS | 1,725.66 | |
| DOT | ROCK SALT | 718.38 | |
| VISA – J UHLENHAKE | DIESEL | 209.77 | |
| VISA – S BYRNE | DISPLAY SALES | 319.28 | |
| PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 7,423.34 | REVENUE |
| CLAIMS TOTAL | 50,743.20 | 68,136.27 | |
| GENERAL FUND | 15,726.50 | 8,860.82 | |
| SANITATION FUND | 2,789.31 | 2,832.72 | |
| ROAD USE TAX FUND | 996.52 | 10,419.72 | |
| WATER FUND | 2,612.07 | 7,452.30 | |
| SEWER FUND | 3,723.59 | 7,983.26 | |
| ELECTRIC FUND | 24,895.21 | 30,587.45 |
Appointments were made by council.
Appointments January 2023
Mayor pro-tem Dale King
Bank Bank Iowa
City Attorney John Anderson
City Clerk Suzette Byrne
Toxic Cleanup Jeremy Scheidel
Street Committee Kurt Croell, John Izer, Jay Uhlenhake
Utilities Committee Gwen Kuehner, Dale King, Jay Uhlenhake
Fire Dept. Rep. John Izer & Dale King
Tree Committee Dale King, Gwen Kuehner, 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
Linda Anderson 2025
Jeremy Scheidel 2025
Kurt Croell 2027
Roger Dreckman 2024
Frank Wilson 2025
Park Board 5 year term
Roger Dreckman 2026
Dale King 2026
Jeremy Scheidel 2025
Emergency Management Board
Mark Mueterthies
Dale King
REAP
Mark Mueterthies
Motion made by Croell to approve the 2023 appointments for the city. Second by Izer.
Ayes: Scheidel, Croell, Izer, Kuehner and King
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Renee Huinker, representing the Lawler Library Board would like to expand the library by giving the library the community room and the library would pay for the remodel for the expansion. The library would like more people to come into the library. The council asked if they would provide feedback from the public regarding the use of the library. The council will discuss in more detail at the February meeting.
Motion made King to set Public Hearing date for the Max Levy approval for February 6, 2023 at 7:15pm. Second by Croell
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Izer. Kuehner and Croell
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Mayor Mueterthies spoke with Jendro Sanitation to receive a quote to change the recycling from the current 15 gallon bins to a 65 gallon tote (like the trash totes) the price increase would be $3.00 per household. Every household would receive a Blue 65 gallon recycling tote. The city will need to update Ordinance Chapter 107 to include the price for recycling. The city will send notices to the residents in a few months notifying them about the price increase to their utility bill.
Mayor Mueterthies told the council he had discussed with INRCOG about funding for the repair of the bridges in town. They had told him about a loan to assist with payment for the repairs. The loan would need to be applied for by August 2023. Kurt informed the council he will be discussing this with the state in the next two days. This will be discussed further at the February meeting.
Council discussed budget item. Street repairs were discussed. Also, tennis court repairs, water tower repairs and salary increases were discussed. Suzette will run the numbers the council gave. Budget numbers will be discussed next month.
Next meeting will be February 6, 2023 at 7:00pm
Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 8:39pm. Second by King.
Ayes: Scheidel, King, Izer, Kuehner and Croell
Nayes: None
Motion passed.
Suzette Byrne
City Clerk