March 2013 City Council Minutes

Lawler City Council Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting   March 4, 2013   7:00 PM   City Hall

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

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

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake, Curt Franzen, Tony Blazek, Jason Byrne & Marty Hemann.

Moved by King ,seconded by Zubrod to approve the Agenda with the addition of Lawler Irish Fest Committee.  All Ayes.

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

Hawkeye REC Service

$23,937.65
Treasurer State of Iowa Sales tax

$1,015.00
United States Treasury FICA, with

$1,361.16
IPERS February

$873.74
Salaries Salaries

$6,046.68
Jendro Sanitation Garbage-February

$2,001.25
Post Office Postage

$99.00
United Parcel Service shipping

$168.56
Windstream February

$73.40
Black Hills Energy natural gas

$210.95
Bodensteiner Imp supplies

$25.71
Marshall & Swift rental

$37.12
Richard Zahasky legal fees

$498.62
CASH, Inc. fuel & supplies

$272.49
Marion Water Dept. class fee

$20.00
IAMU dues

$1,016.00
New Hampton Tribune proceedings

$101.82
Five Star Coop fuel

$124.80
Total

$38,345.95
Library Bills
IPERS February

$146.48
Good Housekeeping subscription

$26.72
INGRAM books

$146.20
Midwest Tape DVD’s

$204.66
Mitinet, Inc. computer expense

$299.00
MidAmerican Books books

$67.80
Rapid Printers mailings

$129.00
Petty Cash Petty Cash

$35.00
Windstream phone

$82.33
Cathy Humpal wages

$1,013.74
Library Total

$2,150.93
February Receipts
General

$199.54
Property Tax

$238.21
Road Use Tax

$4,642.22
Local Option Tax

$3,506.72
Library

$100.00
Charges for Services

$39,693.86
Total

$48,380.55

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Zubrod to approve the Starlite Ballroom liquor license renewal.  All Ayes.

The Lawler Irish Fest committee is proposing to close the street at the intersection of Grove and Depot north 180’ June 21-23 and Grove Street from Depot to Benz on June 22 after the parade.  The streets would be re-opened on the morning of June 23.  The council will consider the street closings when more definite plans are made.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Zubrod to open the public hearing on the FY 2013/2014 budget estimate. All Ayes. There were no oral or written comments or objections at this time.

Moved by King, seconded by Njus to close the public hearing on the FY 2013/2014 budget estimate.  All Ayes.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Izer to adopt the FY 2013/2014 budget estimate.  All Ayes.

Spring Cleanup Day was tentatively set for May 3rd.  The Lions Club will be having a scrap drive on April 27th.  A newsletter will be sent out in April with the details.

Police report was given by deputy Marty Hemann.

Railroad Crossing Improvement Grant was discussed.  The railroad will be checking into the possibility of some improvements.  Stop signs with lights will also be checked into.

The City Clerk attended the kick-off meeting on the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.  This plan will include the entire county, cities no longer file separate plans.  The planning meetings are set for March 26th, April 23rd, May 21st and June 11th at 6:30 PM.  All meetings are open to the public.

The county will be rocking the road north of McHugh Street.  A portion of that road is owned by the city.  Moved by Scheidel, seconded by King to have Chickasaw County rock the portion of the road north of McHugh that is owned by the city. The city will pay for the rock.  All Ayes.

Moved by King, seconded by Zubrod to allot Chickasaw Council on Aging $500 for the FY 2012/2013 and $500 for FY 2013/2014.  All Ayes.

Moved by Njus, seconded by King to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM.  All Ayes.

Accommodations

Click here for link to Chickasaw County Tourism

You’ll find links to B&Bs, Camping, Motels, etc.

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Camping

Limited number of campsites available at the Lawler Park. Contact Sue Cutsforth, City Clerk, @ 563.238.3614 (email address: lawlercityclerk@iowatelecom.net) to reserve your space!

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Campsites in Waucoma and New Hampton but not sure how to reserve them. You would need to call the appropriate City Halls for information.

Motels

Discounts offered to those attending the Irish Festival. (Make certain they are aware that you’re attending the Irish Fest to receive the discount.)

************************

Super 8, New Hampton, 10% Discount

(only six rooms left; blocked until May 31)

Phone: 641.394.3838

Email: super8nh@mediacombb.net

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Southgate Inn, New Hampton, 10% Discount

(only 20 rooms left; blocked until June 7)

Phone: 641.394.4145

Website: www.southgateinn.com

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The next closest cities are Cresco, West Union, and Decorah.

Contact Information

This page will include contact information. The names/addresses/telephone numbers listed will be those of the specific event chair.

Festival Chairs

  • Tony & Amanda Blazek
  • Debi Speltz
  • Pat Sheridan

Parade

P.J. Rosenbaum, chair, email: pj_rose@windstream.net ; phone: 319.240.9400

Merchandise/Vendors

Tammy Vrzak, chair; email: tvrzak@turkey-v.k12.ia.us; phone: 563.380.2462

5K Run

Debi Speltz, chair, email: speltzd@iowatelecom.net; phone: 641-330-2136

Volleyball Tournament

John Otters, chair, email: jkotters@hotmail.com; phone: 563.380.7030

Bean Bag Tournament

Jason Byrne, chair, email: brite_spot1@yahoo.com; phone: 563.238.2300

Children’s Activities

Liz Nieman, co-chair, email: lanieman81@gmail.com; phone: 319.464.6476

Caroline Scheidel, co-chair, email: csheidel@turkey-v.k12.ia.us; phone: 641.330.7555

Public Relations

Pat Sheridan, co-chair, email: pat.sheridan@windstream.net; phone: 563.238.2402

Amanda Blazek, co-chair, email: amandablzk@gmail.com; phone: 641.330.6445

Diana Gebel, co-chair, email: dianagebel@iowatelecom.net ; phone: 563.238.2571

Jack McKone, co-chair, phone: 563.238.3234

Volunteer Committee

Luke and Mary Reicks, co-chairs, email: mreicks@myclearwave.net; phone: 319.415.4911

Security

John Izer, chair, email: johnizer@hotmail.com, phone: 641-330-6186

Logistics

John Izer, chair, email: johnizer@hotmail.com, phone: 641-330-6186

Beer Tent

Kurt Croell, c0-chair, email: kurt.croell@croell.com; phone: 319-240-8090

Harold Busta, co-chair, email: harold.busta@croell.com; phone: 319-240-4165

Fund Raising

chair, email: ; phone:

Entertainment

Tony and Amanda Blazek, co-chair, email: amandablzk@gmail.com; phone: 641.330.6445

Stage Maintenance

chair,

Belgian Waffle Breakfast

Debi Speltz, co-chair, email: speltzd@iowatelecom.net; phone: 641.330.2136

Gail Stammeyer, co-chair, email: stam_fam@hotmail.com; phone: 641.330.0392

First Aid

Debi Speltz, chair, email: speltzd@iowatelecom.net; phone: 641.330.2136

Transportation

Jerry Vrzak, chair, phone: 563.380.2127

 

Donor List

View our current list of donors. We’d love to add your name to our list. There are many expenses involved and the more money we’re able to raise the more we can offer you. Please consider helping us out in this, our first endeavor. Thank you!

Designations to be included on this site as well as programs distributed during the festival; let’s add your name.

Emerald
 $2,500 +
Diamond $1,000 — $2,499
Platinum $500 – $999
Gold $250 – $499
Silver $100 – $249
Bronze $25 – $99

Donations may be sent to Debi Speltz, PO Box 162, Lawler, IA 52154
Checks should be made payable to “Lawler Irish Fest”

Current Contributors

Go raibh míle maith agat
(Celtic “Thank You”)

Emerald ($2,500 +)

* Kurt Croell, Croell Redi-Mix, Inc.

* Patrick B. Dillon, Attorney at Law (Sumner)

___________________

Diamond ($1,000 +)

* Bank Iowa

____________________

Platinum ($500 +)

* John Kuennen (Ron & Kay Kuennen Family)

* Anonymous

* John & Leslie Cuvelier, Insurance Associates of Lawler

* Anonymous (In Memory of Vincent and Gertrude Martin)

* Nick & Kara Speltz

* Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home

* Mike & Sherri Blazek Family

____________________

 Gold ($250 +)

* R. Patrick & Janet Sheridan

* Anonymous

* Kohlmeyer, Inc. (Pat & Joanne Costigan)

* Anonymous (In memory of Daniel W. & Sadie L. McFarland)

* Paul & Rosemary Timlin

____________________

Silver ($100 +)

* Boeding & Speltz Family Dentistry (New Hampton)
(Barb Boeding DDS and  Kara (Sheridan) Speltz DDS)

* Jack & Ruth McKone Family (for purchase of 23 Irish flags for parade route)

* Mabel Croell Banwell

___________________

Bronze ($25 +)

* Tom & Eileen Carolan

* William & Renee Sheridan

* Greg & Mary Lee Timlin

Program

We’re in the process of getting the program organized. I’ll begin with a tentative, sketchy schedule so give you an idea where we stand as of today. I will update as decisions are made firm.

Friday, June 21, beginning at 5:00 pm.

  • Casual get-together; time to visit old and new friends
  • FREE admission to Entertainment
  • Beer tent
  • 5K Run
  • Lil’ Miss and Lil’ Lad Contest (limited to Lawler citizens OR children of Lawler descendants)
  • Specials at local establishments
  • Picture gallery

Saturday, June 22, beginning with parade @ 10:30 am

  • 10:30 Parade
  • Volleyball tournament
  • Children’s activities
  • Shanachie — Irish story telling with Bill Sheridan & panel
  • Vendors
  • Picture gallery
  • Beer tent entertainment
  • Lion’s Club barbeque chicken dinner
  • Best legs in kilts (men)
  • 8:00 pm to midnight; Nineteen Pints (Chicago entertainment)

Sunday, June 23, beginning with Mass @ 8:00 am

  • Mass @ Our Lady of Mount Carmel
  • Belgian waffle breakfast with entertainment
  • Bean bag tournament; 1:00 to 5:00
  • Food vendors
  • “Sounds of Nashville” paid dance @ The Starlite Ballroom; 1:30 – 5:30

 

Comment Page — Questions? Comment?

I moved the comment section to a new page since our first page was getting too crowded.

  • sounds like a wonderful idea..

  • Pat Sheridan says:

    We expect to see a large Croell contingency in attendance, Mabel! ;-)

  • Dave the Golden Son Kuennen says:

    I’m assembling a polka/c&w MP3 player for dad maybe it ‘ll be done for the festivities….!!!!

  • Dave the Golden Son Kuennen says:

    Yeah like I typed

  • Pat Sheridan says:

    We’re looking forward to your creativity, Dave! Actually, though, we’re really looking forward to the O’Kuennen showing up in their kilts. Will we see there? (Pat)

  • Jane McKone says:

    Oh Awesome! Count me in! But, uh, Barbeque Chicken at an Irish Fest?

    • Pat Sheridan says:

      Yup! Barbecue Chicken, Jane. Actually, this is the Lions Club annual affair and you can rely on some great soul food. :-)

      I knew the McKones would show up; I look forward to seeing you guys. (Pat)

    • Amanda Blazek says:

      You just wait Jane. We will be having some Irish food as well:)

  • Jane Milcoff says:

    My sister Joann saw this on facebook and of course told our family about it. Our Mom was a Wichman who grew up in Lawler. She can’t wait. She loves her Irish heritage. We plan to be there. That is her birthday weekend as well so she can also celebrate that. She will be turning 80 on June 24th.

    • Pat Sheridan says:

      We look forward to having the Wichman family with us. I’m wondering if your Mom is Madonna Einwalter and I had you as a student? (Pat Sheridan)

  • John ” Disco ” Kuennen says:

    Please contact me as I would Love us to become a Platinum $ 500.00 supporter in the name of Ron & Kay Kuennen family …. again contact me @ johnkuennen@hotmail.com

  • Pat Sheridan says:

    This is our first online donation, John. Thank you so much. I’ll have Debi Speltz contact you.

  • Teresa Croell Johnson says:

    This has all the earmarks of a fantastic weekend, I am really looking forward to it and hope I get to see all my “old” friends (No pun intended). Pat if you got this all started THANK YOU , and THANK YOU to all who were part of this plan.

  • Pat Sheridan says:

    The plan was devised by Tony and Amanda Blazek and Debi Speltz. I will make sure they see your compliment. They’ve already spent hours and hours on the project. I’m a late participant to the committee.

    • Amanda Blazek says:

      Thank you Teresa and Pat. If it wasn’t for your assistance Pat, we wouldn’t be as far as we are right now!! Deb and Tony have been staying on top of everything. Thank goodness for them pressing on.

  • Jess McKone Powell says:

    Sounds like a lot of fun! Can’t wait!

  • Karla Busta Pisarik says:

    Sounds like a great time—the Czech’s will be celebrating with the Irish that weekend :)

    • Pat Sheridan says:

      Getting Arnie to an Irish Fest twice in one year? Ummmmm . . . maybe we’ll be changing his last name to O’Busta? We’re looking forward to your clan as well, Karla.

  • Jane McKone says:

    History in the making… this is going to be a time to remember! BBQ chicken and all! I will be signing up to volunteer right away! Thanks cousin Pat!

    • Pat Sheridan says:

      We’re in the midst of getting a volunteer sheet designed so it can possibly be completed online. Keep watching, Cousin! :-)

  • Jane McKone says:

    When you guys are getting to making plans for Sunday Mass… can you please let me know who to contact about asking to participate as a reader of 1st or 2nd readings?? Tx! Bless this Frst!!

  • Jane McKone says:

    Thanks cousin… and I apologize for my typo… I meant to say: BLESS THIS FEST!!!

  • Paula Martin Herold says:

    I am not on Face Book, and just got this info from Mark Scally! I will be checking in for information. I hope to be there!!! Thanks to the committee for their work on this! Paula H

    • Pat Sheridan says:

      We’ll be looking forward to seeing lots of “old” Lawlerites, Paula. Make sure Jim and your other siblings get this link. Wouldn’t your old classmate Mike (Sheridan) have been in 7th Heaven with an event like this . . . he loved Lawler, and he loved being Irish!

  • Teresa Croell Johnson says:

    Mike would have loved it, he would have swaggered in with his memorable strut. What great memories, but I am sure he will be watching!

  • Kara Speltz says:

    Looks like it’s all coming together. Can’t wait! We were thinking of entering a “Sheridan” float in the parade. Will be contacting Amanda to see if she would know anyone with extra trailors to use for us to decorate. I’m pretty sure I have a daughter who will want to be part of the LIttle Miss also!

March Agenda for City Council Meeting

City of Lawler

414 E. Grove St.

PO Box 215

Lawler, IA  52154

563-238-3614

AGENDA

 

REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 4, 2013
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:

  1. PUBLIC HEARING – FY 2013/2014 BUDGET ESTIMATE 7:15 PM.
  1. POLICE REPORT
  1. STARLITE BALLROOM LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL.
  1. SPRING CLEANUP DAY.
  1. RAILROAD CROSSING IMPROVEMENT GRANT.
  1. HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN – MEETING DATES.
  1. STREETS – ROAD ROCK.

6.  COMMENTS.

7.  ADJOURNMENT.

February 2013 Council Minutes

Lawler City Council Meeting Minutes

Regular Meeting   February 4, 2013   7:00 PM   City Hall

Mayor Mueterthies presided.

Council members present: King, Njus, Scheidel & Zubrod. Absent Izer.

Others present: Jay Uhlenhake & Sheriff Todd Miller.

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

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

 

Hawkeye REC Service

$18,893.43
Treasurer State of Iowa Sales tax

$1,015.00
United States Treasury FICA, with

$1,366.14
IPERS December

$873.74
Salaries Salaries

$6,046.68
Jendro Sanitation Garbage-January

$2,011.91
Post Office Postage

$112.45
United Parcel Service shipping

$304.15
Windstream January

$71.81
Stanton Electric electric repairs

$469.11
Brown Supply Company street signs

$1,064.31
Black Hills Energy natural gas

$283.20
Five Star Coop fuel-December

$197.11
Hawkins, Inc. water supplies

$299.50
TestAmerica water testing

$50.00
Bodenstiener Imp supplies

$75.29
Marshall & Swift rental

$37.12
Lawler Fire Dept allotment

$2,756.25
Goldstar Products street patch

$584.90
A-1 Duct Cleaning duct cleaning

$800.00
Sensus meter reader annual support

$1,524.60
TeKippe Engineering water system services

$400.00
Pollard pest control

$52.50
Five Star Coop fuel-January

$141.98
New Hampton Tribune proceedings

$61.59
Schueth Hardware supplies

$44.97

 

Total  

$39,999.74

 

Library Bills  

 

IPERS January

$164.20
All You subscription

$35.04
INGRAM books

$80.49
Midwest Tape DVD’s

$102.96
The Courier subscription

$65.15
Country Woman subscription

$26.98
Cathy Humpal wages

$1,136.28
Petty Cash Petty Cash

$35.00
Demco supplies

$82.19
Quill Corporation supplies

$118.42
Windstream phone

$165.73
Cathy Humpal magazine reimbursement

$67.00

 

Library Total  

$2,079.44

 

 

December Receipts

General

$1,008.72
Property Tax

$466.33
Road Use Tax

$2,884.43
Local Option Tax

$3,506.70
Library

$114.00
Charges for Services

$36,596.80

 

Total  

$44,576.98

Sheriff Todd Miller gave a presentation explaining law enforcement services, 28E agreements and costs per capita for law enforcement.    At $7.50 per capita law enforcement drive through services would be $3,292.50 per year for the City of Lawler. The January police report was reviewed.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Njus to purchase an approx. 54’ x 120’ parcel of land from Don Blazek Sr. for $12,000.  This parcel is near the water tower and is being purchased for the purpose of a new well house.  All Ayes.

The 5 year garbage contract with Jendro Sanitation will be expiring on June 30.  Bids for garbage services will be reviewed at the April meeting.

Moved by Zubrod, seconded by King to get more information from the railroad regarding a railroad crossing improvement grant.

Moved by King, seconded by Zubrod to have the City Attorney send notice to the owner of the property at 315 E Grove Street as per draft letter.  All Ayes.

Moved by King, seconded by Njus to enter into a 28E agreement with Chickasaw County for Law Enforcement drive through service in the amount of $3,292.50 per year beginning July 1, 2013.  The County Attorney will draft the 28E agreement for council review.  All Ayes.

Moved by King, seconded by Scheidel to increase the Library allotment $1,500 per year beginning July 1, 2013.  All Ayes.

The $3,750 requested by the fire department for equipment upgrade will be included in the FY 2013/2014 budget.

Moved by Scheidel, seconded by Zubrod to hold a public hearing on March 4, 2013 at 7:15 PM on the FY 2013/2014 budget estimate.  All Ayes.

Moved by King, seconded by Njus to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 PM.  All Ayes.

______________________________Sue Cutsforth, City Clerk

 

A Lesson Learned in my Depot Street Back Yard

Lifelong values and viewpoints can be taught to impressionable young minds in a variety of ways. The following little vignette occurred sometime in the early 1950s, and still affects my thinking as this is  written in 2013. It comes from “Depot Street Memories…The Lawler Stories.” (Bill Sheridan)

Chapter Forty

Facing the Music

            Do you ever wonder when, where, how, and from whom you learned that it wrong to cheat, lie, and steal? That integrity really does mean how you act when no one is looking? That you feel better when you do the right thing, even when it means that accepting the consequences might not be easy?

In my case, the who is a combination of Mom, the Presentation Sisters with those daily catechism classes, and other significant adults in my life.

WHEN was a summer morning when I was about nine years old.

WHERE was in the back yard of our Depot Street home.

HOW resulted from an incident with our neighbor to the south, Mrs. Jones.

I think that Mr. and Mrs. Jones were in their mid 70s when the incident occurred. They were not mean people. Rather, they were elderly and preferred that we not kick or hit balls into or play in their yard. I don’t think they ever had children and simply didn’t have the stamina to tolerate commotion. We tried to be respectful and never had any ‘little kids vs. old people’ altercations with them. It was clearly understood that it was in everyone’s best interest not to cause them grief.

What happened that day was both innocent and accidental. Several of my little pals (probably the Scallys and Timlins) and I were playing an impromptu game of kickball in our back yard. It was a relatively small rectangle-shaped area that had a basketball hoop with a wooden pole, wooden backboard, and rim with no net, on the north end. Our property was about twenty yards in length and separated from the Joneses’ garden by a shoulder-high wire fence on the south side.

We were having a lot of fun, running around doing what competitive little boys do, when someone kicked the nearly deflated basketball that we were using high into the air. It soared swiftly upward, heading south at a high rate of speed. To my horror, its path was on a direct trajectory directly toward the back of Mrs. Jones’ head as she was facing away from us, digging a spade into the ground.

Although it took only seconds, I can still picture that large ball making its way almost in slow motion toward the back of her neck. Suddenly it happened.

WHOMP!

 THUD!

The elderly woman let out a startled shriek. Then I heard her moan before falling against the spade. The shovel kept her upright, but bent forward, in obvious pain. Everyone ran out of our yard in fear, shame, and embarrassment.

Everyone but me.

I was terrified because it was possible that she was seriously hurt. Every fiber of my being told me to run. She had no way of knowing who actually kicked the ball, and we all could have lied. But for some reason I knew that I should not run. I could not run. It happened in my yard with my friends and we should have been more careful. But we weren’t, and we had hurt an elderly lady who was my neighbor tending to her garden. So I walked up near the fence and timidly asked, “Are you okay, Mrs. Jones?”

It took a few moments before she was able to answer, and she never turned around even once. “Yes, I think I’m okay.”

“Is there anything I can do for you? Should I go get Mr. Jones? I am so sorry.”

“It’s okay. I just need to stand here for awhile. It’s okay. You can leave.”

And so I did.

But I’ve never forgotten about what happened and how relieved I was that she wasn’t hurt and how proud I was for accepting the consequences of my actions and thankful to Mrs. Jones that she wasn’t mad at my friends and me and determined never to let something so dumb like that ever happen to her again.

I was grateful to Mrs. Jones who taught me a lesson about forgiveness. Even though she must have been angry, she knew that we didn’t mean to hurt her so forgave us in an instant.

And grateful to my mom, and those nuns, and the catechism books that taught me that it may not always easy to do the right thing, but it’s always best to do the right thing.