Notice from City Clerk, Lawler

NOTICE
 
MiEnergy completed an electric study with the City of Lawler and will be raising rates to the city. As a result the City will be raising electric rates 8% effective with the August 2017 billing.
 
RAGBRAI – July 27, 2017
McHugh Street, Grove Street, and Diagonal Street will be closed from 6:00am – 6:00pm for the bike route.
Grove Street will have NO cross traffic, ONLY BIKES!!!
Please respectful to our visitors!!
 
Pets
When walking you pet please keep them on a leash. Please clean up after your pet. Fines will be accessed for violators.

July 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on July 5, 2017 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, Scheidel, Throndson, Zubrod and King.

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Cathy Humpal, Stephanie Gillen, Marty Heman

Moved by King, seconded by Zubrod to approve the Agenda.  All Ayes.

 

FMC LANDFILL LANDFILL FEE  $     120.00
IA DNR sewer treatment cert  $        120.00
WINDSTREAM PHONE  $        108.25
ARAMARK RUGS  $          62.20
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO OIL FILTER  $          25.47
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT  $    2,152.48
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. PEST  $          54.50
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC ATF TRANSMISSION FLUID  $            7.68
STANTON ELECTRIC BALLPARK  $        772.04
UPS SHIPING  $        118.81
TEETER SPECIALTY CO. LLC CHECKS  $        150.98
RILEY’S TONER  $        134.99
TEST AMERICA    $        224.30
EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES  $    2,816.65
IPERS IPERS  $    1,899.62
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES  $        275.00
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY  $        149.85
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY  $  17,091.22
IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY SRF LOAN  $  50,579.05
CASH PARKS  $        601.72
FIVE STAR COOP 219.83  $        550.79
HAWKINS AZONE 15 EPA REG #7870-5  $        264.50
BROWN SUPPLY CO BRASS METER COUPLING  $        680.25
TIFCO INDUSTRIES QWIK LOK EXTENSION CORD  $          79.95
DEPOSIT REFUNDS REFUND DATE 06/15/2017  $          75.00
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS  $    4,805.72
  CLAIMS TOTAL  $  83,921.02
  GENERAL FUND  $    5,518.68
  SANITATION FUND  $    2,272.48
  ROAD USE TAX FUND  $    1,317.14
  WATER FUND  $    2,484.72
  WATER SINKING FUND FUND  $  17,204.05
  SEWER FUND  $    2,664.99
  SEWER SINKING FUND FUND  $  33,375.00
  ELECTRIC FUND  $  19,008.96
  DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND  $          75.00

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by King to approve the minutes of the previous meeting with the following the following change, The Department of Agriculture not the DNR was in Lawler to discuss the spaying the ditches along the creek, and to add the flooding situation along the creek and Lawler All-Nighters and approve the bills presented to be paid.  All Ayes.

Suzette discussed the new accounting software and she is still learning the new program.   She introduced new reports which in the long run will be more beneficial for fund accounting.  She is in contact with the accounting software specialist daily.

Stephanie Gillen informed the city that she bought the Mike Leonard property and would like it to remain private.   She does not want the City to pile snow on the property.  It was moved by Scheidel and seconded by Zubrod to terminate the lease with Mike Leonard. All Ayes.

Sheriff Marty Heman was here to discuss RAGBRAI.  He informed the council that the entire department will be working all day.  They are planning to be in Lawler at 8:30am and will be here straight through the time the bike riders are in Lawler.  There will be a deputy directing traffic at McHugh Street and also at Bucky’s.  Shut down is at 3:30pm and the state patrol will be assisting with shut down.  The fire department will be a place to any sick riders to go and relax.   Grove Street will only be open to bikes – no cross traffic.

Marty Heman also discussed the Lawler All-Nighters.  The sheriff’s department will be in town longer than other years.  They will be using ID scanners; wrist bands and be more proactive.

Nuisances were discussed.  It was brought to attention of the counsil of woodchucks and other animals going in and out of vacant house.  This is a public hazard.  Notices will be delivered by the Sherriff.  Fines will be accessed after this notice.

It was moved by Izer and seconded by Throndson to use the meeting room for the Turkey Valley School Board election.

The flooding along the creek was discussed.  Suzette will send notices to the residents along the creek to clean out any brush and trees that have overgrown.   This is slowing up water flow and causing flooding problems.

It was discussed to close the intersection of Grove Street and Hwy 24 and the intersection of Diagonal Street and Grove Street for the Lawler All-Nighters.  It was moved by King and seconded by Izer to close the streets.  All Ayes.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Throndson to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 PM.  All Ayes.

Next Council Meeting is Wednesday, August 7, 2017 at 7:00pm

______________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

June 2017 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on June 5, 2017 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, Scheidel, Throndson, Zubrod and King.

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Kathy Humpal, Karen Wilson, Diane Gebel, Linda Alexander, Gail Stammeyer, Chad Pickar, Reed Palo, Carol Hopp, and Jacob Hackman

Moved by King, seconded by Scheidel to approve the Agenda.  All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Zubrod to approve the minutes of the previous meeting and approve the bills presented to be paid.  All Ayes.

 

       
MiEnergy Cooperative Service $17,094.22  
Treasurer State of Iowa sales tax May $1,009.51  
Treasurer State of Iowa IA Withholding $129.00  
United States Treasury FICA, with $1,377.38  
IPERS May $945.68  
Salaries Salaries $2,426.39  
Jendro Sanitation garbage May $2,152.48  
Windstream May $108.25  
Iowa Finance Authority Loan #MC119R $33,375.00 Sewer fund
Iowa Finance Authority Loan #D0345R $17,204.05 General fund
CASH   $601.72  
Paul Nieman Construction   $171.15  
TeamLab Chemicals $1,721.50  
Test America water & wastewater testing $276.40  
Black Hills Energy gas $149.85  
New Hampton Tribune council minutes $0.00  
Aramark rugs $62.20  
UPS   $119.54  
Heartland Asphalt   $577.43  
Five Star Coop   $78.63  
Sandean   $7.68  
Hawkins   $264.50  
Bodensteiner oil filter $25.47  
Pollard Pest   $54.50  
Riley’s Inc toner for HP $134.99  
Tifco Industries   $79.95  
Teeter Specialty Co. checks $150.98  
US Post Office postage $185.00 5/12/2017
Floyd Mitchell Chickasaw Landfill appliances $120.00  
Brown Supply Co   $680.25  
Iowa Department of Natural Resoures Jay-operator renewal certificate $120.00  
Stanton Electric locate, ball park, tree in line $772.04  
       
Total   $82,175.74  
       
Library Bills      
       
IPERS May $187.63  
Cathy Humpal & Jane Lynch wages $982.19  
Treasurer State of Iowa IA withholding $39.00  
INGRAM books $0.00  
The Iowan magazine $0.00  
Calmar Courier subscription $34.00  
Midwest Tape dvd’s $0.00  
Windstream April $0.00  
Prevention magazine $0.00  
Gluten Free & More magazine $0.00  
Demco office supplies $0.00  
Library Total   $1,242.82  
       
May Receipts      
Gas Tax Refund   $0.00  
Transfer of jurisdiction   $1,921.48  
Local Option Tax   $2,857.59  
Road Use Tax   $2,922.46  
Property Tax   $3,271.83  
Total   $10,973.36  
       

Suzette Byrne discussed the new accounting software.  Installation and training will be June 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th.  The city hall will be closed those days.

Gail Stammeyer with Crane Creek Trail discussed a thank you monument listing all who donated time and materials for the trail at Highland Park.   Also, the committee would like to hang a plexy glass frame on the outside of the restroom wall at Highland Park describing the phases of the trail.    A resident would like to donated park benches and a possible water fountain to the Highland Park.

John Izer discussed the Lawler All-Nighters with the council.  He will be running the All-Nighters, including concessions, streets and port-a-pottys.   He has discussed with Jason Byrne the rules and regulations regarding the games.  John will also be speaking with the Chickasaw County Sheriff Department.  No trespassing signs need to be put up by home owners by the ball field.  John will be taking gate.  He has 13 volunteers.

It was moved by Scheidel and seconded by King to open the public hearing.

Concerns from residents were discussed.  Linda Alexander was concerned about how it would affect snow removal.  Jay informed her that the snow removal will not be affected.  John Izer spoke with 3 different realtors regarding property value.  They all said that the closures will not affect the homeowner’s property values.

It was moved by King and seconded by Zubrod to close the public hearing.

It was moved by Scheidel and seconded by Izer to permantly close Center Street and Brush Street and keep Depot Street, Benz Street and Lincoln Street open with flashing lights and cross arms passing Resolution NO. 04032017.   All Ayes.

Diane Gebel was here to represent Irish Fest.  Everything will be set up the same at the previous year.  Chickasaw County Sheriff will help control traffic during parade.  The committee asked for permission to set up a petting zoo in Croell Park.   It would be ok, however they would need their own water since there is no water in the Park.

Cathy Humpal informed the council regarding two new board members to replace Pat Sheridan and Karen Franzen.  Steve Lynch and Renee Throndson accepted the positions.  It was moved by Izer and seconded by Throndson to appoint Steve Lynch and Renee Throndson to the Library Board.  All ayes.

Karen Wilson was here to discuss dog owners not cleaning up after their dogs.  She presented and article regarding the reasons to clean up after you pet.   She spoke with New Hampton and they charge a fine for not cleaning up after pets.   She requested to have signs installed at the city parks regarding cleaning up after dogs.  Suzette will type up an ordinance for pet owners to take responsibility to clean up after their pets.  It was moved by King and seconded by Throndson for Karen Wilson to order 6 signs from Sandy’s Sign Shop.  All Ayes.

The Chickasaw County Coalition discussed progress that the County and the City has done with underage drinking.  Carol Hopp went over the Summer/Fall 2016 Park Assessment Results.  She discussed a list of the Best Practices and Room for Improvements for 3 events, Parks, Irish Fest and the All- Nighters.   The Chickasaw County Sheriff will be available for Irish Fest and Ragbrai.

MiEnergy completed an electric rate study for the city.   It was being recommended to raise electric rates 8% since the cities wholesale rate increase 6%.

King moved to raise electric rates by 8% effective with the August 2017 billing since it has been close to 10 years since the last electric rate raise.   Seconded by Izer.  All ayes.

An ordinance relating to RAGBRAI activities with the City of Lawler was presented to the Council.

It was moved by King to pass 1st and 2nd readings of the ordinance.  Seconded by Scheidel.  All Ayes.

It was moved by Scheidel to pass the RAGRAI Ordinance No. 06052017 and seconded by Zubrod.  All Ayes.

RAGRAI will be here Thursday, June 8, 2017 for their inspection ride of the route.  John Izer will go over the map of vendors with them.  Currently, the city is on schedule for the event.

A Residential Lease Agreement for the use of Mike Leanard’s property for snow removal was presented to the council.  With recommendation from the City Attorney to change one paragraph in the Agreement regarding responsibility of liabilities and lawsuits to be replaced with Indemnification language.

A motion made by King and seconded by Zubrod to accept the Residential Lease Agreement with the attorney recommendation.  All Ayes.

Deb Zubrod planted flowers around the Croell Park sign and band stand.  Would like to put wood chips around band stand.  Croell Park is ready for the slide and diggers to be installed.

Wages were discussed for Jay Uhlenhake and Suzette Byrne.

A motion made by Izer and seconded by King to give the two employees a 1.5% raise effective July 1, 2017.  All ayes.

The DNR was in Lawler to discuss a resident spraying the ditches all a creek.   After walking along the creek it was noticed that a something in a barrel was spilled into the creek.  It will take 2-3 weeks for the DNR assess the damage.

Delinquent accounts were discussed.

Moved by King, seconded by Zubrod to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 PM.  All Ayes.

Next Council Meeting is Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at 7:00pm

______________________________

Suzette Byrne, City Clerk

City of Lawler Council Meeting Agenda June 2017

 City of Lawler

414 E. Grove St.

PO Box 215

Lawler, IA  52154

563-238-3614

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING

June 5, 2017

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:

  •  Summit – installing & training June 7, 8, 14, 15, 2017
  •  Public Meeting – 7:15pm
  •  MiEnergy Rate Study
  •  RAGBRAI – Ordinance
  •  Crane Creek Trail – sign
  •  Irish Fest
  •  Library Board Appointments
  •  Lawler All-Niter – John Izer
  •  Mary Brincks – ice skating rink Croell Park
  •  Residential Lease Agreement – Mike Leonard
  •  Karen Wilson
  •  Chickasaw County Coalition
  •  Park Committee – Deb Zubrod
  •  Employee wages
  •  Delinquent Accounts

    ADJOURNMENT.

 

 

Bill Riley Talent Show Coming to the Irish Fest

THIS POST CONTAINS THE CORRECT LINK FOR OBTAINING REGISTRATION FORM!

Have you ever thought about displaying your singing, dancing, guitar playing, or other musical ability to the world? Good news! Your time for fame and fortune has arrived.

You might even earn a place on the iconic Bill Riley Talent Show stage in August at the Iowa State Fair! And you can begin this journey at the local level by entertaining in front of friends and family at the Lawler Irish Fest on Saturday, June 17th.

Don’t be shy! Contact Amanda Blazek by phone (641.330.6445) or email (amandablzk@gmail.com) immediately for information about the rules and how to enter. But time is of the essence. She needs to hear from you by Saturday, June 10!

Go to link below in Bill Riley site and print application. Fill it out and send to: Amanda Blazek, 2820 160th Street, Lawler, IA 52154 before calling!

2017Registrationform_localshows.docx

Lawler Irish Fest V

Consciously or not, most of us schedule “Can’t Miss” events on our respective calendars.

One such happening on our calendar is a three-hour drive in June from the Des Moines suburb of Johnston to my hometown of Lawler for the annual Irish Fest.

I simply cannot miss it for all the obvious reasons that people love festivals: music, food, beverages, a parade, camaraderie, laughter, and reuniting with old friends.

But for me it’s more personal than for others. I just plain love my Irish heritage. All four of my grandparents enjoyed direct lineage to the Emerald Isle. When I grew up in Lawler between 1944-1964, the town had a lot of Irish families and an abundance of Irish Pride.

Prior to becoming a Turkey Valley Trojan, my buddies and I were thrilled to cheer for, and eventually represent, the Lawler High School Fighting Irish, claiming the Notre Dame fight song as our own.

Even as a youngster I was enchanted with Irish music such as ‘Danny Boy,’ ‘When Irish Eyes are Smiling,’ and ‘My Wild Irish Rose.’ At age 73 these and other Irish songs can still bring tears to my eyes.

Thankfully, perhaps through osmosis, I developed a love for Irish story-telling. It has only been in recent years that I’ve read about the great potato famine in Ireland that caused the little country to lose millions of citizens. Many to death and even more to migration. But during it all, they kept and transported their love of laughter and story-telling to the world. And some of that world is the village in northeast Chickasaw County by the name of Lawler.

And that brings me to another reason that the Fest is special to me.

I absolutely adore small towns.

I’m forever grateful for the privilege of not only growing up in one…but growing up in one of the best. Anything that enables the rest of our state’s larger cities to recognize and appreciate what the less populated communities have to offer is terrific. And the third weekend of June every year is a perfect example of one small town that exhibits its pride.

Bill Sheridan

Spring Clean Up Day — May 12, 2017

The city annual spring clean up day will be held on Friday, May 12. Have your items out by  7:00 am so you’re not missed.

Items that are NOT accepted:

  • tires
  • batteries
  • paint
  • oil
  • fuels
  • car & truck parts
  • hazardous waste
  • anti-freeze
  • chemicals

There is a 4 yard limit per household (that’s about a pickup box size).

Televisions, computer monitors, and microwaves will be picked up on May 13. There is a $20 charge for each of these items and this cost must be paid by May 11 at city hall. Any questions, call Suzie Byrne, city clerk, @ 563.238.3614.

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

The City of Lawler is hereby serving as Public Notice that on June 5, 2017, at 7:15 o’clock p.m., the City Council will hold a public hearing at City Hall to update residents of the community on possible road closings of Center Street and Brush Street.

This meeting will be held to provide residents with information concerning the railroad crossings.  Citizens are encouraged to attend and provide their input about the project.  Anyone having questions about the project or anyone requiring special accommodations to attend the hearing such as handicapped accessibility or translation services, may call the City Clerk at 563-238-3614.