A Fun Memory From Lawler-Past

This is a little story from “Depot Street Memories-The Lawler Stories” that still makes me smile. Periodically I intend to put one of these on the site or something else that I’ve written, but not part of the book. Hope you enjoy:
The Silent Bells of Mt. Carmel
I would like to be able to blame my buddy, George Timlin, who had a knack for getting me into trouble when we were kids. A year older than me, he always had creative ideas on endeavors that were fun but all too often led to a bad ending.
Truth told, however, this one was on me.
The custodian of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church of Lawler, Iowa in 1955 was Billy Cutsforth. George and I liked Billy because he would allow us to ring the church bells at noon if we were around. To be more accurate—there was only one bell with two ropes. One was responsible for tripping a mechanism to hit a smaller ringer against the bell and the other to emit a louder sound with a bigger ringer. Of course, we had no idea how any of that worked, incorrectly assuming that there were two bells in the tower.
The small bell had a skinnier rope and was to be pulled nine times for something called the “Angelus.” This was immediately followed by the big bell which was to be rung twelve times, and had a rope that was strong enough to lift an 11-year-old up in the air a few feet. It was great fun to pull those ropes and announce to the little town of five hundred that lunch time had arrived.
On this particular day it was my turn to pull the small rope. As 12-year-old George waited his turn for the big one, I began to wonder what would happen if we pulled them both at the same time, but I said nothing to him.
“…six…seven…eight…nine.” I was finished.
My friend began his portion of the gig by dutifully tugging on his rope when I began to say aloud, “I wonder what would happen if…”
But for some reason I chose not to finish my sentence aloud. Instead, in the middle of George’s sixth ring, I simultaneously pulled on the skinny rope.
Bad move!
Suddenly there was silence.
Sickly, deadly silence.
Deafening silence.
Painful silence.
Ear-piercing silence.
I looked at George.
George looked at me.
We both looked to make sure that Billy Cutsforth was not around and did the most logical thing we could think of—run for home as fast as our little legs could take us! I’m not sure what George did when he got to his house, but I hid under my bed and prayed for a miracle.
It has been fifty-two years since the unfortunate incident, so I can’t recall all the sordid details of crime and punishment. I mostly remember that the church bells in Lawler, Iowa did not ring for at least two weeks, my nick-name for the rest of the summer was “Dinger;” and we were never asked to perform that coveted chore again.
I also realize now that if I had not impulsively pulled that rope when I did, I would have missed out on a wonderful adventure to share with my grandsons.
(Bill Sheridan)

January City Council Meeting Minutes

The mayor and council members were sworn into office prior to the meeting.

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on January 4, 2016 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Frank Wilson, Ashley Ewing & Cathy Humpal.

Moved by King, seconded by Izer to approve the Agenda with the addition of discussion on pickup trade in. All Ayes.

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

 

Hawkeye   REC Service

$17,838.16

Treasurer   State of Iowa Sales tax

$1,009.00

United   States Treasury FICA,   with

$1,733.62

IPERS December

$1,166.42

Salaries Salaries

$6,638.82

Jendro   Sanitation December   garbage

$2,078.18

Post   Office Postage

$119.00

Windstream December

$88.51

Black   Hills Energy natural   gas

$162.14

Fehr   Graham water   project fees

$2,922.50

United   Parcel Service shipping

$78.98

USA   Bluebook water supplies

$128.93

Office   Depot printer

$349.79

Hawkins water   supplies

$170.93

TestAmerica water   & wastewater testing

$192.80

Blazek   Corporation replace   hydrant

$8,545.50

Liz   Murray utility   refund

$163.63

Lawler   Fire Department allotment

$2,756.25

Mic’s   Plumbing check   furnace

$67.95

Municipal   Supply meter   reader

$7,500.00

City of   Lawler electric   at lift station

$280.02

Stanton   Electric repairs

$588.51

 

Total  

$55,041.64

 

Library   Bills  

 

IPERS December

$181.39

Cathy   Humpal wages

$965.26

People   Magazine subscription

$116.07

Redbook subscription

$23.51

Country   Magazine subscription

$29.98

Windstream November

$85.33

Midwest   Tape dvd’s

$38.48

INGRAM books

$153.51

This Old   House subscription

$15.00

Linda   McCann books

$20.00

Lawler   Library petty   cash

$105.44

The   Courier subscription

$91.85

Treasurar   State of Iowa withholding

$77.00

Internal   Revenue Service FICA

$754.68

 

Library   Total  

$2,657.50

 

November   Receipts

General

$238.12

Received   from CDBG

$51,724.00

Received   from SRF

$61,891.62

Road Use   Tax

$4,010.30

Property   Tax

$5,567.14

Local   Option Tax

$3,595.88

Park   Donations

$886.55

Library

$10.00

Charges   for Services

$41,542.41

Total

$169,466.02

 

Ashley Ewing was present to discuss nuisances.  All vehicles are licensed and in operable condition.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by King to appoint Heather Busta to the Library Board for a six year term and to appoint Gwen Kuehner to the Library Board for the four year unexpired term created by the resignation of Deb Speltz.  All Ayes.

Cathy Humpal, Library Director presented the FY 2016/2017 library budget to the council.  The council toured the Library and discussed the services that the Library provides to the community with the director.

Mayor Mueterthies made the following appointments:

Mayor pro-tem                                    Dale King

Bank                                                    Bank Iowa

City Attorney                                      Richard Zahasky

City Clerk                                           Sue Cutsforth

Toxic Cleanup                                     Jeremy Scheidel

Street Committee                                Jeremy Scheidel, John Izer, Jay Uhlenhake

Utilities Committee                             Deb Zubrod, Dale King, Jay Uhlenhake

Fire Dept. Rep.                                   John Izer & Dale King

Tree Committee                                  Dale King, Deb Throndson, Jay Uhlenhake

Health Officer                                     Dr. Moberly

Ambulance Service Rep.                     Mark Mueterthies

Street Superintendent                         Jay Uhlenhake

Water Superintendent                         Jay Uhlenhake

Landfill Committee Rep.                    Jay Uhlenhake

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Izer to approve the mayor’s appointments.  All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Izer to appoint Frank Wilson to the Board of Adjustment for a five year term.  All Ayes.

Moved by Zubrod, seconded by Throndson to appoint Jeremy Scheidel to the Park Board for a five year term.  All Ayes.

Snow removal was discussed.  The snow from the business district will be put on the well property and by the grain bins.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by King to allot Helping Services for Northeast Iowa $100 and Northeast Iowa Community Action $329.25 for FY 2016/2017. All Ayes.

The FY 2016/2017 budget estimate was discussed.

There will be estimates on pickup trade in for the next meeting.

Moved by King, seconded by Zubrod to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 PM.  All Ayes.

_____________________________

Sue Cutsforth, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on December 7, 2015 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

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

Absent Zubrod.

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Mike Murray & Deb Merrill

Moved by King, seconded by Izer to approve the Agenda with the additions of:  Mike Murray building permit inquiry and discussion of nuisances. All Ayes.

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

Hawkeye REC Service

$16,740.13

Treasurer State of Iowa Sales tax

$986.00

United States Treasury FICA, with

$1,511.70

IPERS November

$987.86

Salaries Salaries

$6,638.82

Jendro Sanitation November garbage

$2,090.56

Post Office Postage

$119.00

Windstream November

$88.22

Black Hills Energy natural gas

$79.69

Fehr Graham water project fees

$2,324.25

United Parcel Service shipping

$45.70

Five Star Coop fuel  October

$46.45

ARAMARK rental

$71.74

Office Depot supplies

$62.52

Hawkins water supplies

$774.25

Iowa One Call locates

$10.90

TestAmerica water & wastewater testing

$98.70

Helping Services allotment

$100.00

Iowa Finance Authority water note interest

$517.81

Iowa Finance Authority wastewater note interest

$10,065.00

Insurance Associates insurance – new well house

$20.00

Paul Niemann Construction rock

$81.22

Chickasaw County Auditor election fees

$651.61

Blazek Corporation water supplies

$193.78

New Hampton Tribune proceedings

$365.50

Data Technologies license & support fee

$1,118.33

CASH, Inc. fuel & supplies

$350.35

Iowa Rural Water membership fee

$225.00

L & R Manufacturing repairs

$271.38

Intuit payroll subscription

$519.00

Stanton Electric repairs

$1,659.91

Bucky’s fuel October

$47.93

Flagshooter, Inc. utility marking flags

$263.13

Mark Mueterthies mileage

$124.00

Mark Mueterthies mayor

$1,200.00

John Izer 10 mtgs.

$250.00

Dale King 13 mtgs.

$325.00

Jeremy Scheidel 10 mtgs.

$250.00

Deb Throndson 13 mtgs.

$325.00

Deb Zubrod 12 mtgs.

$300.00

Schueth Hardware supplies

$29.95

Jay Uhlenhake repairs

$524.64

Five Star Coop fuel November

$126.47

Bucky’s fuel November

$63.52

Sandean, & Co. chain sand truck

$46.55

Display Sales decoration

$405.50

Total

$53,559.07

Library Bills
IPERS November

$174.48

Cathy Humpal wages

$931.13

Garden gate subscription

$20.00

Penworthy books

$62.45

Cathy Humpal mileage

$7.60

Windstream October

$84.62

Midwest Tape dvd’s

$78.77

INGRAM books

$163.39

Library Total

$1,522.44

November Receipts
General

$581.14

Received from CDBG

$53,793.00

Received from SRF

$42,007.23

Road Use Tax

$6,365.92

Property Tax

$2,868.88

Local Option Tax

$31.28

Park Donations

$18.28

Library

$112.29

Charges for Services

$40,426.13

Total

$146,204.15

Moved by King, seconded by Scheidel to approve payment estimate #4 in the amount of $111,291.43 from Blazek Corporation for Well #2 and Water Main Improvement Project.  All Ayes.

Moved by Izer, seconded by Throndson to send the owner of the property at 315 E Grove Street a bill for sidewalk replacement, building repair and snow removal.    This property will be discussed further at the next meeting.  All Ayes.

Mike Murray inquired about a building permit for a 24’ x 16’ building.  DNR approval will be needed for the permit being the property is in a flood plain.  A permit can be issued by the City if the DNR approves the building.

Mayor Mueterthies opened the public hearing on the Well #2 and water main project.  The following announcements were made:

  • This public hearing is being held to update residents on the City’s well #2 and water main improvements project.  This project is funded in part by a Community Development Block Grant and DNR/SRF Funding.
  • The need for and goals of the project have not changed since the CDBG application was submitted to the State of Iowa in the fall of 2013.
    • Blazek Corporation is the contractor for the project. Work on the project is approximately 55% complete.
  • The grant is scheduled to close-out June 30, 2017.
  • To date, $240,276.00 in CDBG funds have been requested and $192,265.59 in matching funds have been expended.

There were no oral or written comments or objections at this time.

Moved by Izer, seconded by Scheidel to close the public hearing on the well #2 and water main project.  All Ayes.

The FY 2016/2017 budget estimate was discussed.

Several nuisances of barking dogs, non-licensed vehicles and junk were discussed.  Property owners will be sent notice on these nuisances.

Moved by King, seconded by Izer to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 PM.  All Ayes.

______________________________

Sue Cutsforth, City Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

November City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on November 2, 2015 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: King, Scheidel, Throndson & Zubrod.

Absent: Izer.

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake.

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

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Zubrod to correct the previous minutes to read:  all events that take place at Junko Park will be fenced off at the discretion of the City Council.  All Ayes.

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

Hawkeye REC Service

$18,760.26

Treasurer State of Iowa Sales tax

$1,046.00

United States Treasury FICA, with

$1,511.72

IPERS September

$987.86

Salaries Salaries

$6,638.82

Jendro Sanitation October garbage

$2,101.56

Post Office Postage

$217.00

Windstream October

$87.03

Black Hills Energy natural gas

$62.79

Fehr Graham water project fees

$10,297.50

United Parcel Service shipping

$89.96

Team Lab road patch

$464.50

ARAMARK rental

$107.61

Office Depot supplies

$84.27

Summit Supply park supplies

$222.37

Iowa One Call locates

$11.70

TestAmerica water testing

$50.00

Pollard pest control

$54.50

Smartsign signs

$24.84

Insurance Associates insurance – new well house

$230.00

USA Bluebook water supplies

$331.50

Sandy’s Sign Shop signs

$75.00

Blazek Corporation water main repair

$1,590.00

Terry-Durin Company electric supplies

$730.88

Culver-Hahn electric supplies

$718.58

CASH, Inc. fuel & supplies

$304.11

Roger Dreckman Construction street work

$22,630.00

L & R Manufacturing repairs

$98.70

Iowa Utilities Board remainder assessment

$255.21

Stanton Electric well house & repairs

$18,243.38

 

Total  

$88,489.65

 

Library Bills  

 

IPERS October

$184.85

Cathy Humpal wages

$982.32

Jane Lynch wages

$88.66

New Hampton Tribune subscription

$46.00

Readers Digest subscription

$16.98

SHAPE Magazine subscription

$14.99

Real Simple subscription

$24.00

Windstream September

$84.30

Country Sampler subscription

$18.00

Midwest Tape dvd’s

$61.94

INGRAM books

$153.75

Petty Cash postage & supplies

$73.26

 

Library Total  

$1,749.05

 

October Receipts  

General

$674.32

Received from CDBG

$59,363.00

Received from SRF

$46,559.03

Road Use Tax

$3,492.74

Property Tax

$30,119.93

Local Option Tax

$6,981.34

Park Donations

$170.00

Library

$358.50

Charges for Services

$41,654.94

Total

$189,373.80

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by King to approve payment estimate #3 in the amount of $85,502.67 from Blazek Corporation for Well #2 and Water Main Improvement Project.  All Ayes.

Moved  by King, seconded by Zubrod to approve Bucky’s liquor license renewal.  All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Throndson to hold a public hearing on December 7, 2015 at 7:15 PM for the purpose of providing public information concerning the progress, scope, budget and status of the water system improvement project.  All Ayes.

Mayor Mueterthies opened the public hearing on ordinance #320 RE: an ordinance granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise.  There were no oral or written comments or objections at this time.

Moved by King, seconded by Scheidel to close the public hearing on ordinance #320 RE: an ordinance granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise.  All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Throndson to pass resolution #110215 a resolution dispensing with the special election requirement on the matter of granting a gas franchise to Black Hills Energy.  All Ayes.

Moved by King, seconded by Zubrod to pass ordinance #320 RE: an ordinance granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise into its first reading.  All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Throndson to suspend the requirements and pass ordinance #320 RE: an ordinance granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise into its third and final reading.  All Ayes.

A letter from the Iowa DOT in regard to the pond property was reviewed.  The City will take ownership of the property when the trail committee is further along with development plans.

Moved by King, seconded by Scheidel to purchase materials for the construction of a rail fence at Junko Park.  This fence will be approx. 192 ft.  The Lions Club will help with the construction and will be completed as time allows.  All Ayes.

Moved by King, seconded by Scheidel to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 PM.  All Ayes.

November City Council Agenda

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 2, 2015
7:00 PM, CITY HALL

1.  ROLL CALL.

2.  APPROVAL WITH ANY ADDITIONS OF AGENDA.

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:

a.    APPROVE PAYMENT ESTIMATE 3 FOR WELL #2 AND WATER MAIN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT.

b.    PUBLIC HEARING 7:15 PM – ORDINANCE #320 RE: AN ORDINANCE GRANTING BLACK HILLS ENERGY A NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE.

c.    FIRST READING ORDINANCE #320 RE: AN ORDINANCE GRANTING BLACK HILLS ENERGY A NATURAL GAS FRANCHISE.

d.    SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE – INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROGRESS, SCOPE, BUDGET AND STATUS OF WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.

e.    BUCKY’S LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL.

f.    LETTER FROM DOT CONCERNING OWNERSHIP OF POND PROPERTY.

g.    ESTIMATE ON RAIL FENCE FOR PARK.

7.  ADJOURNMENT.

The Lawler Link — October 2015

THE LAWLER LINK

Mayor’s Letter

Another spring and summer has come and gone. I hope the city water project wasn’t too big of an inconvenience for the residents. Water lines were looped where needed and some new fire hydrants were installed to replace outdated ones. By the time this newsletter is received, the well house should be nearing completion and the well brought up to code. This should meet the requirements for government regulations.

With fall upon us and daylight savings time ending, please remember to keep a watchful eye for kids and school buses, along with the increase in farm equipment on city streets.

Jay will be picking up leaves again this fall.

In closing, we hope for a safe fall harvest for our farm neighbors, a joyous holiday season, and of course, a mild winter.

Mark

Lawler City Council

Mayor Mark Mueterthies

Council Members—

John Izer, Dale King, Jeremy Scheidel, Deb Throndson and Deb Zubrod

Lawler Halloween Party

The Lawler Lions Club is sponsoring a Halloween Party on Sunday, October 25th from 4:00-5:00 at the Fire Station. Please join us for games, prizes & treats. Town trick-or-treating to follow the party.

THE CITY WILL BE FLUSHING THE WATER HYDRANTS ON OCTOBER  21 – 22                                                     

WHAT’S NEW AT THE LIBRARY ?

In July, we downsized our patron computers to two instead of three, but both of them are fast and will serve our community for years to come. ABC Mouse is also installed on them, which is a great learning program for early elementary students and got lots of use during the summer.

We have two EAGLE Programs coming up in the fall. The first is “Big Scary Monster”, about a monster who thinks the villagers look pretty small from his view on top of the mountain. This will be held Monday, Oct. 19 at 4:30 pm. The second, “Dinosaur Roar” is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 9, also at 4:30 pm. and will teach about opposites and dinosaurs. EAGLE Programs are intended for children age 3-5 and their parents. Siblings are always welcome to attend.

For some time, there has been interest in starting a book club at the library. After a planning meeting, we have decided to give it a try. Our first discussion will be on Saturday morning, Oct. 17, at 10:00 am. The group has decided to read “The Girls of August” by Anne Rivers Siddons. If this is something you would be interested in, stop in. I can get extra copies through interlibrary loan for you to read. We are all new at this and welcome suggestions and people who enjoy reading and discussing good books.

Remember, the library has a website and facebook page to keep you current on what is going on. One small change to remember is that in November winter hours start. Instead of 1:00, I open at 12:30 on Monday and Tuesday, and close at 5:00 instead of 6:00 on Monday. Happy reading!

HOLIDAY GARBAGE & RECYCLING SCHEDULE

Thanksgiving Holiday—No trash pickup Friday , November 27th.  Trash will be picked up Monday, November 30th.

Christmas Holiday— There will be no trash pickup on Friday, December 25th.  Trash will be picked up on Monday, December 28th.

New Year Holiday—There will be no trash or recycling pickup on Friday January 1.  Trash and recycling pickup will be Monday, January 4, 2016.

**There will be leaf pickup again this year. Have your leaves at the side of the street on Monday & Friday morning and they will be picked up.**

PLEASE KEEP ALL VEHICLES  FIVE FEET OFF THE TRAVELED PORTION OF THE STREETS DURING SNOW REMOVAL.  ALSO KEEP DISTANCE FROM SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT.   THIS WILL KEEP EVERYONE SAFE DURING THE SNOW REMOVAL SEASON !!

CITY HALL OFFICE HOURS

9 AM-12:30 PM AND 1 PM-3:30 PM MONDAY-THURSDAY

NOTICE

All appliance rebates that Hawkeye REC offers are available to the electric customers of Lawler.  You may call Hawkeye REC at 563-547-3801 for details on their latest rebates.

SNOW AND ICE  REMOVAL FROM  SIDEWALKS

It is the responsibility of the property owner to remove snow and ice promptly from sidewalks.  If snow and ice are not removed within 24 hours, the City may do so and assess the costs to the property owner.

October City Council Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on October 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM.

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: Izer, King, Throndson & Zubrod.

Absent: Scheidel.

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Paul Rosenbaum, Gail Stammeyer, Deb Speltz, Larry Hruska, Frank Wilson & Luella Junko.

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

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

Hawkeye REC Service

$23,681.85

Treasurer State of Iowa Sales tax

$1,108.00

United States Treasury FICA, with

$1,511.72

IPERS September

$987.86

Salaries Salaries

$6,638.82

Jendro Sanitation September garbage

$2,102.94

Post Office Postage

$105.00

Windstream September

$86.35

Black Hills Energy natural gas

$60.22

Fehr Graham water project fees

$8,909.50

United Parcel Service shipping

$110.52

Hawkins Inc. water supplies

$220.83

ARAMARK rental

$60.80

Iowa DNR water permit

$99.00

Wellmark health insurance

$3,438.45

Iowa One Call locates

$8.10

TestAmerica water testing

$50.00

Five Star Coop fuel

$142.27

Jay Uhlenhake lodging reimbursement

$239.80

Stanton Electric electric repairs

$4,371.91

MARC supplies

$262.96

IAWEA class fee

$25.00

Julianna Henderson deposit refund

$75.00

City of Lawler electric at lift station

$296.69

Bodensteiner Imp. supplies

$474.96

Iowa Workforce Development unemployment

$9.98

Treasurer State of Iowa withholding

$804.00

New Hampton Newspapers proceedings

$85.86

Richard Zahasky legal fees

$450.00

 

Total  

$56,880.39

 

Library Bills  

 

IPERS September

$171.03

Cathy Humpal wages

$913.07

Time magazine subscription

$72.24

Arthirites Today subscription

$14.95

Farm & Ranch Living subscription

$18.00

The Oprah Magazine subscription

$35.28

Windstream August

$84.23

The Courier subscription

$100.39

MidAmerica Books books

$67.80

Midwest Tape dvd’s

$70.69

INGRAM books

$239.99

Treasurer State of Iowa withholding

$78.00

Internal Revenue Service FICA

$741.20

 

Library Total  

$2,606.87

 

September Receipts

General

$103.01

Received from CDBG

$93,535.00

Received from SRF

$107,495.33

Road Use Tax

$4,566.19

Property Tax

$1,610.48

Park Donations

$1,006.24

Library

$1,165.06

Charges for Services

$39,724.30

Total

$249,205.61

Moved by King, seconded by Throndson to approve change order #2 on the Well #2 and Water Main Improvement Project reflecting a $5,760.00 decrease in the contract with Blazek Corporation.  All Ayes.

Moved by Izer, seconded by Zubrod to approve payment estimate #2 in the amount of $97,012.53 from Blazek Corporation for Well #$2 and Water Main Improvement Project.  All Ayes.

The Black Hills Energy Franchise Agreement was reviewed.

Moved by King, seconded by Izer to hold a public hearing on November 2, 2015 at 7:15 PM for the consideration of ordinance #320 RE:  An Ordinance granting Black Hills Energy a natural gas franchise.  All Ayes.

Installing fence at Junko Park was discussed.  Moved by Izer, seconded by Zubrod to have whoever is responsible for the Lawler All-Niter fence off the event.  All Ayes.

Gail Stammeyer and Deb Speltz from the Crane Creek Trail Committee were present to discuss plans for the trail.  The committee is looking into constructing a trail at Highland Park and also around the pond east of town.

Moved by Zubrod, seconded by Throndson to have Al Powers, electrical engineer do a study on the compatibility of solar power with the city electrical system.  This study should cost about $500.  All Ayes.

Dale King reported the Lawler Fire Department is moving forward with the purchase of a new fire truck.

Moved by Izer, seconded by King to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 PM.  All Ayes.

______________________________

Sue Cutsforth, City Clerk