August 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on August 5, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Wilson, and Roberson

Council members absent:   Croell

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Nick LaRosa-FehrGraham, Isiah Corbin –INRCOG, Renea Huinker and Jason Byrne

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the agenda,

Second by King

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills.

Second by Roberson.

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

VESTIS RUGS 276.86
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO 2024 LAWNMOWER 7,778.10
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,306.20
STANTON ELECTRIC   937.5
UPS   182.85
TEST AMERICA   521.25
EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,811.42
IPERS IPERS 1,354.49
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 240.99
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 23,316.88
CASH   674.89
HAWKINS AZONE 579.58
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE MINUTES 07 01 2024 152.56
ROGER DRECKMAN CONCRETE PATCH FROM WATER MAIN 2,150.00
ULINE TOILET TISSUE & PAPER TOWELSW 336.17
DNR ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY FEE FY25 144.54
K & W COATINGS LLC WATER TOWER INTERIOR CLEANING 1,200.00
IWD 2ND QTR UNEMPLOYMENT 2024 24.06
IOWA ONE CALL email 53.1
STATE HYGIENIC LAB WATER 824.5
VISA – S BYRNE   769.37
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT   86.33
FEHR GRAHAM BOX CULVERT IMPROVEMENT 12,029.00
IOWA DEPT OF REVENUE JUNE 2024 SALES TAX 1,108.70
BACON CONCRETE PAY ESTIMATE #3 128,392.98
MDT DRONE SPRAY LAGOON 500
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 6,635.16
  CLAIMS TOTAL 195,387.48 REVENUE
  GENERAL FUND 13,795.82 3030.88
  SANITATION FUND 3,306.20 3017.88
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 2,994.99 3884.54
  CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND 140,421.98
  WATER FUND 4,762.26 6398.62
  SEWER FUND 3,581.11 6982.17
  ELECTRIC FUND 26,525.12 24976.41

 

LIBRARY

 

IPERS IPERS 309.23
INGRAM BOOKS 87.41
OVERDRIVE INC   397.44
RILEY’S   109.95
OUR IOWA   39.98
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT   62.12
VISA   51.5
MID-AMERICA BOOK   137.7
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,568.16
  CLAIMS TOTAL 2,763.49
  GENERAL FUND 2,763.49

 

Nick LaRosa with Fehr Graham explained the culvert progress on Diagonal Street and Owl Street is close to being finished.  Bacon is will be regrading corner gravel and need to put fencing. Diagonal & Owl should be completed in 2 weeks depending on weather.  The culvert on Depot Street has been started.

 

Motion made by King to approve Bacon payment #3.  Seconded by Roberson.

Ayes: King, Roberson, Scheidel and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

 

Nick LaRosa with Fehr Graham explained the probable cost of the new well and location south of Pitts street.  After review of the probable cost, Jay noticed the item of Well controls and electrical for $25,000 should not be there since this is already set up. Fehr Graham will remove this item and let the council review at September’s meeting.

 

Isiah Corbin, with INRCOG spoke to the council regarding help with a CDBG grant for the Water Well project.  Communities with population less than 1,000 can receive up to $300,000.  These federal funds are competitive.  The city LMI (low to moderate income) must be less than or equal to 51%.  The city will be mailing a LMI survey to residents of Lawler to be completed in September.  In November a draft of application and the city will hold public Hearing. The application will be submitted December of 2024.  If the city does not receive 50% of the surveys back the city council will go door to door.

 

Renea Huinker with the library wanted to know if the council was going to enclose the city clerk’s office.  According to the agreement with the library, the library would need to pay for this change and would like to know regarding their budget.  Motion made by King not to enclose the city clerk’s office per agreement.  Seconded by Wilson.

Ayes:  Wilson King, Scheidel and Roberson

Nays:  None

Absent: Croell

 

Several property nuisances were discussed.  Suzette will mail nuisance letters to property owners.

 

City Clerk performance was discussed.  Mark informed the council Suzette apologized to him for her being upset in the lumberyard.  Dale apologized to Suzette for walking in and yelling at her and admitted he was wrong.

 

The property line on north Center Street was discussed for the need to help mitigate water from the corn field.   The city will be asking permission for the property owners along the property line.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 8:00pm.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Wilson, King, Scheidel, and Roberson

Nays:  None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

July 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on July 1, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Wilson, and Roberson

Council members absent:   Croell

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake,  Nick LaRosa-FehrGraham, Deb Throndson, Frank Wilson and Sam Njus

 

Motion made by King to approve the agenda,

Second by Roberson

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills.

Second by Wilson.

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

VESTIS RUGS 415.29
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,306.20
STANTON ELECTRIC TREE IN LINE 625
UPS 86.63
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,616.40
IPERS IPERS 1,232.72
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES 759.3
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 125.91
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 15,960.04
CASH 362.25
FIVE STAR COOP 239.06
HAWKINS 1,138.82
IOWA LEAGUE MEMBER DUES 488
TEAM LAB WEED KILLER LAGGOON 2,147.50
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE 134.07
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS 07/01/2024-09/30/2024 5,034.75
ROGER DRECKMAN REPLACE CURB & GUTTER WEST SID 5,590.00
LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2ND 2024 TAX PYMT 6,171.25
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR HAZ-MAT FY2023-2024 203
CHICKASAW COUNTY SHERIFF FY 24/25 DRIVE THROUGH 6,699.00
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING AIR CONDITIONER 5,152.87
ANDERSON LEE MOORMAN MUNICIPAL INFRACTI 550
BANK IOWA JUNE 2024 PRINCIPAL 8,462.47
IOWA RURAL WATER 2024 WATER CONFERENCE 180
VISA – S BYRNE TECHNOLOGY 86.59
CARROT – TOP 543.68
TREE DOCTOR TREATMENT OF 6 ASH TREES 907.2
CLEMENS-MR LAWN 458
FEHR GRAHAM 22,607.25
BACON CONCRETE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 114,087.91
RYAN MEIER ELECTRIC SAM NJUS-CITY PORTION 150
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 6,082.07 REVENUE
CLAIMS TOTAL 211,603.23     49,654.75
GENERAL FUND 27,198.10       1,444.86
SANITATION FUND 3,306.20       3,034.22
ARPA-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUND 5,590.00                    –
ROAD USE TAX FUND 1,521.23       5,443.28
DEBT SERVICE FUND 8,462.47                    –
CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND 136,995.16
WATER FUND 3,788.03       6,567.25
SEWER FUND 5,837.75       7,305.28
ELECTRIC FUND 18,904.29     25,859.86

 

LIBRARY

 

EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,349.50
IPERS IPERS 300.54
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAX 104.25
CATHY HUMPAL MILEAGE 31.36
PENWORTHY COMPANY LLC BOOKS 155.72
INGRAM BOOKS 81.48
JEREMY HUMPAL CAMERA 50
ALLRECIPES MAGAZINE 22
FAMILY HANDYMAN RENEWAL 2024 26.75
VISA 348.71
RENEA HUINKER HOSPISE MEETING 17.97
CASH EXPANSION EXENSE 2,072.52
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,573.61
CLAIMS TOTAL 6,134.41
GENERAL FUND 6,134.41

 

Mayor Mueterthies informed the council, Frank Wilson found grants for the water project to apply for.  Nick LaRosa with Fehr Graham Engineering informed the council they can help with the grant applications.  Fehr Graham will need to re-estimate the water project.  The new well location will be moved to help with the cost of the project.

 

Nick LaRosa also gave updates on the culvert project in town.  The project is currently behind schedule due to the rain.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to accept the Partial Pay Estimate number two for Bacon Concrete, LLC.  Seconded by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, Roberson, King and Wilson

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by King to open public hearing to amend section 92.02 of Municipal Code regarding water rates.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes: King, Scheidel, Wilson and Robeson

Nayes:None

Absent: Croell

 

Ordinance # 2024-1 amending Section 92.02 of the Lawler Municipal Code regarding Water Rates for Service in the City of Lawler was discussed.   Motion made by Scheidel to approve Ordinance #2024-1.   Second by King.

Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to close the public hearing.  Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Motion by Scheidel to waive 2nd and 3rd readings.  Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Deb Throndson presented council with application for fireworks permit to be set of July 5th or July 6th, 2024.  Motion made by King to accept the fireworks permit for Deb Throndson. Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

The city received quotes from Hacker, Nelson, CPA and Keith Oltrogge, CPA to perform the city annual examination.  Motion made by King to accept Keith Oltrogge, CPA to perform the city annual examination.  Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Samantha Njus explained issues with her house electricity.   She would like the city to pay a portion of her bill with Ryan Meier Electric.  Motion made by Wilson for the city to pay $150.00 towards Samantha’s bill form Ryan Meier Electric.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes: Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Mayor Mueterthies discussed Nuisance properties within the city.  Letters will be sent to property owners.

 

Fixing the curb and gutter in front of city hall has been put on hold for 2 years.

 

Next meeting will be August 5, 2024

 

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 7:44pm.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Wilson, King, Scheidel, and Roberson

Nays:  None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

 

Notice of Public Hearing

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF LAWLER

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

You are hereby given notice that a public hearing will be held at ______7:15 ______P.M. on _____July 1 ____, 2024,   at the Council Chambers in the City Hall in Lawler, Iowa, on the proposal to amend the City Code Ordnance 92.02 RATES FOR SERVICE. Water service shall be furnished at the following monthly rates within the City:

(Code of Iowa, Sec. 384.84)

RESIDENTIAL WATER RATES
Gallons Used Per Month Rate
up to 1,500 $20.00 (minimum bill per household)
1,501 and over $20.00, plus $9.00 per 1,000 gallons
Monthly Utility Fee $5.00 per household (Whereas landlord pays water usage , the landlord will be charged $5.00 per unit.)
COMMERCIAL WATER RATES
Gallons Used Per Month Rate
up to 1,500 $29.00 (minimum bill per household)
1,501 and over $29.00, plus $10.50 per 1,000 gallons
Monthly Utility Fee $5.00 per business
Commercial loads will be $50.00 access fee per day for a minimum of 5,000 gallons billed at commercial rates per 1,000 gallons.

June 2024 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on June 3, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  Scheidel, King, Wilson, Croell and Roberson

Council members absent:   None

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Renea Huinker, Nick LaRosa-FehrGraham

 

Motion made by King to approve the agenda,

Second by Croell

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the previous minutes and approval of current bills.

Second by King.

All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 276.86
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO   1,434.62
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,827.46
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. PEST 62.49
STANTON ELECTRIC   569.1
UPS   67.6
TEST AMERICA DRINKING WATER 95.6
EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,695.10
IPERS IPERS 1,282.91
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 177.84
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 17,595.32
IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY   51,498.75
CASH   416.41
BLAZEK CORPORATION WATER MAIN REPAIR 1,785.00
TEAM LAB ROAD PATCH AND MEGA BUGS 4,880.75
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE   18.53
ANDERSON PHONE CONF. REGARDING 24
QUALITY PUMP LIFT STATION 932
BMC AGGREGATES LC ROADSTONE 111.19
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT   44.93
CLEMENS-MR LAWN   458
FEHR GRAHAM BOX CULVERTS 27,457.00
OMNISITE 3 YEAR WIRELESS SERVICE 378
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 6,312.35 REVENUE
  CLAIMS TOTAL 121,401.81    133,535.54
  GENERAL FUND 6,134.54      76,799.74
  SANITATION FUND 3,827.46        3,354.18
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 787.98        3,887.84
  CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND 27,457.00
  WATER FUND 4,084.98        6,670.96
  WATER SINKING FUND FUND 18,110.00        1,685.00
  SEWER FUND 7,978.85        7,643.16
  SEWER SINKING FUND FUND 33,388.75        3,131.67
  ELECTRIC FUND 19,632.25      30,362.99

 

LIBRARY

 

INGRAM BOOKS 241.85
BIBLIONIX   800
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT   33.78
RENEA HUINKER   227.69
DUNGEY’S FURNITURE   1,540.00
RAPID PRINTERS   47
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,545.85
  CLAIMS TOTAL 4,436.17
  GENERAL FUND 4,436.17

 

Nick LaRosa with Fehr Graham went over the Preliminary Engineering Report for the Water System Study. The city will need a new well.  The council discussed the expense related to this project and will need to raise water rates.  Motion made by Croell to set a Public Hearing July 1, 2024 at 7:15pm to update the Ordinance to increase city water rates.  Seconded by King.

Ayes:  Croell, King, Roberson, Wilson and Scheidel

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Croell to accept the Partial Pay Estimate number one for Bacon Concrete, LLC.  Seconded by Scheidel.

Ayes: Croell, Scheidel, Roberson, King and Wilson

Nays: None

Motion passed.

Motion made by Scheidel to accept Change Order No. 1 for the Box Culvert improvements.  Second by Croell.

Ayes: Scheidel, Croell, Wilson, Roberson and King

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to accept Resolution No 2024-06032024 to approve temporary easements for the box culvert improvements project. Second by Roberson.

Ayes: Scheidel, Roberson, Wilson, Croell and King

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Renea Huinker with the library informed the city Steve Lynch will no longer be on the library board and his replacement will be Randy Kuennen. Motion mad by King to accept Randy Kuennen to a 6 year term with the Lawler Library Board.  Second by Croell.

Ayes: King, Croell, Wilson, Roberson and Scheidel

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Renea also informed the council the library will have an open house Saturday, June 15, 2024 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm during Irish Fest.  A St Croix Hospice meeting will take place June 19, 2024 at 10:30am in the library.  She also informed the council the library would like to use memorial money to have a Story Walk around the trail at Highland Park.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to accept the purchase agreement from Bodenstiener Implement for the purchase of a lawn mower.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  Scheidel, Croell, Wilson, Roberson and King

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

Suzette spoke with Dana Davis with the Office of Auditor of State regarding the annual examination.  Miss Davis informed Suzette the city will need to send out a request to at least 2 CPA firms in the area.  Motion made by King to call Hacker Nelson and Bergen Paulson.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  King, Croell, Wilson, Scheidel and Roberson

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to close Grove St from Diagonal Street to Benz Street and Depot from the Brite Spot to Insurance Associates during Irish Fest, June 14th – 15th.  Second by Croell.

Ayes: Scheidel, Croell, Roberson, Wilson and King

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Next meeting will be July 1, 2024

 

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 7:47pm.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  Wilson, King, Scheidel, Croell and Roberson

Nays:  None

Motion passed.

 

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk