Lawler, Iowa

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

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, King, Scheidel (arrived at 7:10pm)    Absent: Kuehner. Croell

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Stephanie Tangen, Ray Armel

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

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

WINDSTREAM	PHONE	$115.26
ARAMARK	RUGS	$186.14
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	$2,234.38
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO.	PEST	$54.50
STANTON ELECTRIC	PUMP SHED LIGHTENING	$2,067.86
TEETER SPECIALTY CO. LLC	CHECKS	$146.59
TEST AMERICA	DRINKING WATER	$59.85
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	$1,527.43
IPERS	IPERS	$1,047.16
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	$53.36
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	$28,221.10
PAUL NIEMANN CONSTRUCTION	LOVE CLASS A	$206.68
BLAZEK CORPORATION	DIG UP MUSKRAT HOLES IN LAGOON	$362.50
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	AUGUST COUNCIL MINUTES 2018	$109.80
INRCOT	FY’19 DUES	$210.72
MICK GAGE	RESTROOM RENTAL 08/2018-09/201	$90.00
MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC	M2 ANNUAL SOFTWARE SUPPORT	$1,950.00
CHICKASAW COUNTY TREASURE	PARCEL 190904176077	$286.00
IAWEA	ANNUAL CONFERENCE	$30.00
IOWA UTILITIES BOARD	IUB REMAINDER ASSESSMENT FY18	$63.00
DENNIS UNGS	FIXED EMAIL	$210.00
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	$4,984.12
	CLAIMS TOTAL	$44,216.45	REVENUE BY FUND
	GENERAL FUND	$7,632.92	GENERAL	$251.87
	SANITATION FUND	$2,234.38	SANITATION	$2,367.87
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	$649.39	ROAD USE TAX	$5,619.59
	WATER FUND	$1,321.99	LOST	$3,491.16
	SEWER FUND	$2,655.22	WATER	$8,487.46
	ELECTRIC FUND	$29,722.55	SEWER	$6,201.29
			ELECTRIC	$30,448.86
			DEPOSIT	$28.58
			TOTAL REVENUE	$56,896.68

John Izer discussed Irish Fest.  Kurt Croell had discussed hanging Lawler Memorabilia in the back meeting room in the city hall.  Nothing will be on the floor.  This will be tabled for next meeting.

Suzette updated that she received a copy of the construction permit the DNR sent to William Croell.  Nothing else was discussed, table for next meeting.

Ray Armel, County Assessor was here to discuss the vacating of an alley by Frank Wilson’s property.  Mr. Armel had copies from the Beacon website to show there is no alley north of Frank Wilson’s property.  Vacating the alley would serve no purpose.  Motion made by Scheidel to rescind the vacating of the alley.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed

Street Finance Report, Resolution 07042018 was discussed.  Motion made by King to approve Resolution 07042018.  Seconded by Izer.  All ayes. Motion passed.

Motion made by Izer to approve Bucky’s Liquor License.  Seconded by Scheidel.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

City Ordinance 6-6-21-Watercourses was discussed.  The ordinance states the land owner is responsible to keep the flat or level part of the bank of said waterway free of any weeds or grasses more that sins inches in height.  The council has decided to table this for next month.

Suzette would like the City Hall hours changed to Monday – Thursday 8:30am -12:30 pm and 1:00pm – 3:00pm.  Friday hours would be 8:30am – 12:00pm.   Jay stated that residents have come in before 9:00 am to pay bills and Suzette said very few residents come in from 3:00 pm to 3:30pm.  Motion made by Scheidel to change office hours to Monday – Thursday 8:30am -12:30 pm and 1:00pm – 3:00pm.  Friday hours would be 8:30am – 12:00pm.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

The Highland Park Restroom roof needs repaired.  The city has received insurance money for this repair.  Some of the council said they would volunteer time to help with this repair.  The city had a quote from Roger Dreckman for the repair.  Motion made by King to spend the insurance money for the roof and privacy wall.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.   Motion passed.

Suzette discussed the cities computer hard drive should be updated.  Dennis Ungs sent a quote to upgrade the current computer.  Motion made by Scheidel to accept quote from Dennis Ungs.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

The next meeting will be October 1, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

Motion by Scheidel and second by King to adjourn at 7:40 p.m.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

_________________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on August 6, 2018 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Frank Wilson, Deb Throndson

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

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

CLAIMS REPORT
VENDOR			REFERENCE	AMOUNT
ARAMARK			RUGS	186.14
BLACK HILLS ENERGY			GAS UTILITY	154.27
CASH INC			GAS	525.03
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RES			PER#1957001 FY19	210
EFTPS			FED/FICA TAX	1,643.14
FIVE STAR COOP			FERTILIZER PARKS	935.24
HAWKINS			WATER SUPPLIES	925.93
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE			SALES TAX	1,126.00
IOWA ONE CALL				33.4
IOWA RURAL WATER ASSOCIATION			2018 WATER MEETING	150
IPERS			IPERS	999.02
JENDRO SANITATION  SERVICES			GARBAGE CONTRACT	2,119.38
LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT			TRUCK PAYMENT	2,915.00
MICK GAGE PLUMBING & HEATING			CROELL PARK RESTROOMS	90
MIENERGY			ELECTRICITY	19,974.90
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE			JULY MEETING MINUTES	93.15
PAUL NIEMANN CONSTRUCTION			ROADS	87.66
QUILL CORPORATION				134.78
STANTON ELECTRIC			HOOK UP FOR BROWN ST HOUSE	200.18
TERRY DURIN CO			ELECTRIC METERS	400
TEST AMERICA			WATER TESTING	55.65
UPS				71.98
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS				2,613.45
WINDSTREAM			PHONE	106.44
TOTAL ACCOUNTS PAYABLE				35,750.74
PAYROLL CHECKS				5,686.23
DEPOSIT REFUNDS ON  7/24/2018				189.62
**** PAID    TOTAL *****				41,626.59
**** SCHED   TOTAL *****
***** REPORT TOTAL *****				41,626.59
REVENUE BY FUND
GENERAL	3,782.81
SANITATION	2,327.39
ROAD USE TAX	3,544.45
LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX	3,318.48
WATER	7,117.91
SEWER TOTAL	6,262.80
ELECTRIC	28,837.84
DEPOSITS-ELECTRIC	0
TOTAL REVENUE	52,001.65
TRANSFERS	6,518.75
Total Revenue and Transfers	58,520.40

 

Mark informed the Counsel of the Reap Grant recipients will be announced Thursday July 9, 2018.  This grant would be for the Croell Park Restroom Project.

Motion made by Izer to approve Bucky’s Cigarette Permit.  Seconded by King.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Suzette explained Resolution No. 06302018 to Transfer Funds from Local Option Tax to General Fund.    Motion made by King to approve Resolution No 06302018.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Frank Wilson discussed vacating his side of the alley on the WEST side of his home.  This would allow access to the houses on the other side of the alley.

Motion made by King to vacate 8ft of the alley on the WEST side of Frank Wilson’s house for $1.00 fee plus quit claim deed fees.  Seconded by Scheidel.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Ordinance 3-1-5 Section 6 Discharging Firearms and Fireworks (Code of Iowa, Sec. 727.2) was discussed.  It was discussed to amend the current ordinance to allow Fireworks 7 days before the 4^th of July and 7 days after the 4^th of July until 11:00 pm.  A permit will be required from the city with proof of homeowners insurance.

King made motion to amend Ordinance 3-1-5 Section 6.  Kuehner seconded. All Ayes. Motion passed.

The amendment for Ordinance No. 331 to change utility fees to add $5.00 monthly utility fee for Electric, $5.00 monthly utility fee for water, and $5.00 monthly utility for sewer.  Moved by Scheidel and seconded by King to approve the first reading of ordinance.  All ayes.  Motion passed. It was moved by King and seconded by Kuehner to wave the 2^nd and 3^rd readings. (According to Iowa code Section 380.3)  All ayes. Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Ordinance No. 331 Amendment.  Seconded by Izer.  All ayes.  Motion passed.

An update regarding the Annexation was discussed.   It will be tabled for next month.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.  Suzette will research what other small towns charge for deposits.  It was discussed to have landlords come to council meeting to discuss delinquent accounts.

The next meeting will be September 4, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

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

_________________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on July 9, 2018 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Frank Wilson, Lezley Johanson, Joe & Luke Langreck, Bill Croell, Ray Armel, Kurt Croell, Cindy Ohm, Mike Murray, Deb Merril

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

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

WINDSTREAM	PHONE	112.41
ARAMARK	RUGS	248.19
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	2,119.38
STANTON ELECTRIC	CO-OP DOWN LINES	260
UPS		48.26
RILEY’S	INK	539.8
TEST AMERICA	WASTEWATER TESTING	207.9
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,415.49
IPERS	IPERS	939.2
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAXES	810
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	50.53
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	24,398.33
CASH	BOOMTRUCK	462.23
FIVE STAR COOP	FIELDMASTER DYED DLVD	887.25
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	1,383.00
IOWA LEAGUE	DUES	542
HEARTLAND ASPHALT	UPM COLD MIX	491.05
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	JUNE COUNSIL MINUTES	158.91
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY	BUDGET PAYMENT	3,000.00
UNITES STATES POSTAL	10 ROLLS POSTCARD STAMPS	600
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR	HAZ-MAT FOR FY2018-2019	219.5
DNR	ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY FEE FY19	50.42
CHICKASAW COUNTY SHERIFF	DRIVE THRU PATROL	3,393.47
MICK GAGE	JUNE 24-JULY 24 2018	90
QUALITY PUMP	LIFT STATION ON SITE HOURS	553
MARK KRIENER	TILLING	200
NAPA	REINFORCED WIPES	129
IOWA ONE CALL		19
INSURANCE ASSOCIATES	INSURANCE AUDIT	29
STATE HYGIENIC LAB		835
HANAWALT	2 BUCKETS MULCH	74.9
HOLE	TREE CLEAN UP FOR HELP	38.63
MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL	CLEANING SANITART SEWERS	2,807.74
INDIGO STUDIO	FUNDRAISER CROELL PARK	325
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	4,734.68
	CLAIMS TOTAL	52,173.27	REVENUE BY FUND
	GENERAL FUND	13,597.78	GENERAL	5,038.34
	SANITATION FUND	2,119.38	SANITATION	2,330.65
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,385.44	ROAD USE TAX	3,652.34
	WATER FUND	2,976.14	LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX	3,318.48
	SEWER FUND	5,597.11	WATER	5,321.52
	ELECTRIC FUND	26,497.42	SEWER TOTAL	6,155.17
			ELECTRIC	21,046.56
			DEPOSITS-ELECTRIC	100.00
			TOTAL REVENUE	46,963.06
			TRANSFERS	5,282.50
			Total Revenue and Transfers	52,245.56

 

Lezley Johansen with Iowa Big North representing Turkey Valley discussed educational and life skill opportunities for students.  She discussed real world problems in the workplace to help students with learn to make mistakes and fix them.  Several companies have been helpful with this type of learning for students.  If a business in Lawler would be interested in this opportunity they can call Lezley Johansen.  Suzette has her number at City Hall.

Bill Croell gave an update on the affordable housing project.  Land was purchased from Joe Langreck and Don Kurtenbach.  HRS, LLC surveyed the parcel to be annexed into the city.  3.69 acres will be annexed into the city.  Bill discussed the final constructions plans from Fehr Grahm which included storm water permits and DNR right away.  Suzette will contact City attorney for letter to the county supervisors.

Moved by Scheidel to move forward with the annexation process.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Concerned citizens discussed someone lighting fireworks within city limits.  They were concerned with the safety hazards.  Cindy Ohm had called the sheriff’s department.  The ordinance was discussed.  I will be added to the agenda next month to amend the ordinance.

Street constructions were discussed with two bids, one from Black Hawk Asphalt for seal coating and Croell Redi Mix.   Seal coating was cheaper however concrete will last longer.  Street constructions would be Spring Street and East Street with Lincoln and Center Streets in the future.  Kurt Croell said it would be possible that he would help the city with working out a loan to be paid over time.

Moved by King to accept the Croell Redi Mix bid.  Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

City Laundry gave Suzette a bid for rugs in the city hall.  Currently the city uses Aramark.  City Laundry was cheaper.

Moved by Izer to contract City Laundry.  Seconded by Croell.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

There was on application for the part job.  Danielle Kuhlman filled out an application.  She has been mowing parks for the month of June.  \

Moved by Croell to accept Danielle Kuhlman for the part time help with back pay.  Seconded by Izer. Motion passed.

Mark had received a concerned citizen letter regarding residents putting parking cones and no parking signs along the boulevards during Irish Fest so no one could park on the side streets.  City property is 33ft from the middle of the road to the property and 8 ft. in from the street.  These signs were within the city boulevard.  A letter will be sent to this resident.

Ordinance No. 230 Amendment was discussed.  This is regarding the Weed Removal and Grass Cutting and Specifying Penalties.

Moved by King to approve Ordinance NO 230. Seconded by Izer.  All Ayes. Motion passed.

Move by King to waive second and third readings.  Seconded by Croell.  All Ayes.  Motion passed.

Utility Fee ordinance was discussed.  Discussion was regarding the apartment buildings.  It was brought up that the landlords pay the water and sewer for the apartments.  The landlord should be receiving this monthly fee for each apartment.  The ordinance amendment would need to be rewritten to add this statement to the ordinance.  This will be put on next month agenda for approval.

Suzette would like to attend Clerk School to help her with City finances and General Ledger Accounting.   Moved by Scheidel to send Suzette to Clerk School.  Seconded by Croell.  All Ayes. Motion Passed.

Employee raises were discussed.  Moved by Scheidel to give Jay and Suzette a 3% raise effective July 1, 2018.  Seconded by Croell.  All Ayes.  Motion Passed.

The next meeting will be August 6, 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

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.