Lawler, Iowa

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on February 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

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

Council members absent:

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Renea Huinker, Ryan Wicks and Nick LaRosa

 

Motion made by King to approve the Agenda with an addition regarding City Burning.

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
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	16,309.29
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC	DUMP TRUCK	153.2
UPS		122.91
TEST AMERICA		95.6
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAXES	1,709.89
IPERS	IPERS	1,292.33
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	21,911.01
CASH		446.16
HAWKINS	AZONE	488.19
BLAZEK CORPORATION	Clean culvert Brush St	770
TEAM LAB	SUPER BUGS	804
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	JANUARY 2024 MINUTES	129.71
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY	OCT NOV DEC 2023 PAYMENT	3,500.01
ROGER DRECKMAN	CLEAN CULVERT BRUSH ST AND	1,000.00
QUILL CORPORATION	COPY PAPER	72.96
IOWA ONE CALL	EMAIL	4.5
ROSENBAUM AUTO	SNOW PLOW	996.47
VISA – J UHLENHAKE	SNOW PLOW	1,517.66
VISA – S BYRNE	USA FILING	380.19
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT		37.32
FEHR GRAHAM	BOX CULVERT ENGINEERING	36,750.00
HACH	CHLORINE	274.41
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	6,355.47	REVENUE
	CLAIMS TOTAL	95,398.14	55610.99
	GENERAL FUND	9,320.42	4615
	SANITATION FUND	16,419.29	3088.68
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	2,863.05	3996.58
	CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND	38,520.00
	WATER FUND	2,203.81	6324.64
	SEWER FUND	2,815.01	7073.1
	ELECTRIC FUND	23,256.56	29298.3
	STORM WATER FEE		1214.69
CITY OF LAWLER 2023 GROSS WAGES
SUZETTE BYRNE	26,969.45
JAY UHLENHAKE	63,405.00
CATHERINE HUMPAL	584.55
GWEN KUEHNER	175.00
MARK MUETERTHIES	1,200.00
DALE KING	300.00
JOHN IZER	250.00
JEREMY SCHEIDEL	275.00

 

LIBRARY

IPERS	IPERS	288.12
INGRAM	BOOKS	225.3
BETTER HOMES	RENEWAL 2024	16
PREVENTION		51.36
MAGNOLIA JOURNAL	RENEWAL 2024	15
VISA		154.08
HAWKEYE ALARM & SIGNAL		31.12
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING		86.73
CASH		8,016.00
MARYJANESFARM		21.95
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,459.93
	CLAIMS TOTAL	10,365.59
	GENERAL FUND	10,365.59

 

Ryan Wicks and Nick LaRosa were here to present the council with the plans for the Box Culverts construction.  They went through each culvert with the council and answered questions.

 

Renea Huinker showed the council the updated library.  She explained they are still waiting on a grant she applied for to help the library with expenses.

 

Mayor Mueterthies told the council he asked John Izer to be on the Board of Adjustment and he agreed.  Motion made by Croell to appoint John Izer to the Board of Adjustment.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  Croell, Scheidel, King, Roberson and Wilson

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

The council discussed the Public Hearing for the Proposed Tax Rate for FY24/25.  Suzette explained to the council this Public Hearing will need to be a separate council meeting.  Motion made by Wilson to have the Public Hearing for the Proposed Tax Rate April 1, 2024 at 7:05pm.  Second by King.

Ayes: Wilson, King, Scheidel, Croell and Roberson

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Suzette presented the counsel with the Budget FY24/25 for their review.  She explained to the council that property tax went because of the Debt Levy since the city had a new loan for the box culvert project.

 

Wilson informed the council of a citizen burning and said not just wood.  A nuisance letter will be sent to resident with a copy of the ordinance.

 

Next meeting will be March 4, 2024

 

Motion made by Croell to adjourn at 6:58pm.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Wilson, King, Scheidel, Roberson and Croell

Nays:  None

 

Motion passed.

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on January 2, 2024 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

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

Council members absent:

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Jane Lynch, Travis Suckow, Dave Burns and Renea Huinker

 

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
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	3,477.50
STANTON ELECTRIC	ROGER DRECKMAN NEW SERVICE	5,435.63
UPS		132.84
TEST AMERICA	DRINKING WATER	95.6
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAXES	1,861.24
IPERS	IPERS	1,439.05
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAXES	772.09
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	419.52
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	21,091.66
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	1,234.32
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	DEC 2023 MINUTES	92.11
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS		5,034.75
LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT	1ST HALF 2024 TAXATION	6,171.25
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR	1ST QTR 28E AGREE AMBULANCE	10,886.40
BANK IOWA	DEC 2023 LOAN PRINCIPAL PYMT	8,474.24
STATE HYGIENIC LAB	DRINKING WATER TEST	21
VISA – J UHLENHAKE	FUEL PICKUP	95.41
VISA – S BYRNE	ADOBE	50.63
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT		45.9
FEHR GRAHAM	BOX CULVERT IMPROVE	10,500.00
DONS TRUCK SALES		114.99
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	8,156.77
	CLAIMS TOTAL	85,879.76	REVENUE
	GENERAL FUND	25,468.59	7,896.08
	SANITATION FUND	3,477.50	2,705.79
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,611.31	4,708.52
	DEBT SERVICE FUND	8,474.24	2,119.80
	CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND	10,500.00	1,000,000.00
	WATER FUND	2,983.83	7,440.70
	SEWER FUND	3,735.14	8,115.07
	ELECTRIC FUND	29,629.15	27,700.46

 

LIBRARY

EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,312.54
IPERS	IPERS	290.57
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAX	102.84
CATHY HUMPAL	WEEBLY	33.9
INGRAM	BOOKS	25.67
ILA	MEMBERSHIP	30
MID-AMERICA PUBLISHING	BOOKS	68.85
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT		31.22
VISA	CRAFTS	78.84
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING	LIBRARY EXPANSION	6,900.44
KENNEDY & KENNEDY	CONFERENCE CALL RENEA HUINKER	44
RENEA HUINKER	DOOR SIGN	18.61
CASH		665.64
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,548.02
	CLAIMS TOTAL	11,151.14
	GENERAL FUND	11,151.14

 

Cole Roberson has agreed to fill Gwen Kuehner’s council seat after her resignation.  Motion made by Scheidel to appoint Cole Roberson to the council to replace Gwen Kuehner’s council seat.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Scheidel, Wilson, Croell and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies, Karen Wilson, Dale King, Jeremy Scheidel and Cole Roberson to their Oaths.

 

Appointments were made by council for 2024.  The Board of Adjustment will need another appointment to for a replacement until 2025

 

Appointments January 2024

Mayor pro-tem                                    Dale King

Bank                                                    Bank Iowa

City Attorney                                      John Anderson

City Clerk                                           Suzette Byrne

Toxic Cleanup                                    Jeremy Scheidel

Street Committee                                Kurt Croell, Cole Roberson, Jay Uhlenhake

Utilities Committee                            Karen Wilson, Dale King, Jay Uhlenhake

Fire Dept. Rep.                                   Cole Roberson & Dale King

Tree Committee                                  Dale King, Karen Wilson, Jay Uhlenhake

Health Officer                                     Dr. Lukas Brinkman

Street Superintendent                         Jay Uhlenhake

Water Superintendent                         Jay Uhlenhake

Landfill Committee Rep.                    Jay Uhlenhake

 

Board of Adjustment                          5 year term

2025

Jeremy Scheidel                                  2025

Kurt Croell                                          2027

Roger Dreckman                                2024

Frank Wilson                                      2025

 

Park Board                                          5 year term

Roger Dreckman                                2026

Dale King                                            2026

Jeremy Scheidel                                  2025

 

Emergency Management Board

Mark Mueterthies

Dale King

 

REAP

Mark Mueterthies

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Appointments for 2024 with the Board of Adjustment to be tabled until February.  Second by Wilson.

Ayes: Scheidel, Wilson, King, Croell and Roberson.

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Dave Burns cleaned up under the city culvert near his house.  The City did not hire him to do this work and he did not get paid for this.  Kurt Croell thanked him for his volunteer work.  Mr. Burns also handed out a flier regard a Lawler TEAM Challenge to volunteer to help cleanup Dry Run Creak through town.  Suzette stated the property owners along the creek receive letters to clean up their half of the creek that runs along their property.

 

Renea Huinker with the Library Board gave the council an update on the library remodel.  The furnace room has been moved and is functional.  The outside windows to the south and west have been installed.   The library will be applying for a grant the Chickasaw Foundation.  She informed the council the winter hours for the library will be closing at 4:30pm.

 

Mayor Muetherthies informed the council the city will need a new air conditioner in the city hall.  Mic’s Plumbing & Heating informed him a coil was rusted in current air conditioner.  Motion made by Croell to purchase a new air conditioner.  Second by King.

Ayes: Croell, King, Scheidel, Wilson and Roberson

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Lucas Elsbernd sent the council a schedule for the Box Culvert Improvements. The council needs to date and time for bid opening for the Box Culvert Improvements projects and set date and time for the public hearing on the proposed Contract Documents and Estimated Costs for the Box Culvert Improvements project. Motion made by Croell to set bid opening date February 28, 2024 at 10:00am. Second by Wilson.

Ayes: Croell, Wilson, Roberson, Scheidel and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Croell to set public hearing date to accept bid on March 4, 2024 at 7:15pm.  Second by King.

Ayes: Croell, King, Scheidel, Roberson and Wilson

Nayes: None

Motion Passed.

 

Chickasaw County Supervisor Travis Suckow was at the meeting.  Croell was asking why the City of Nashua received the $50,000 to fix their damn.   Travis also voted to give $50,000 to the secondary roads near Alta Vista.  Croell asked Mr. Suckow to start representing his district.  The City of Lawler could use some help with the replacement of the 4 box culverts within the city.

 

The council worked on the Budget FY24-25.  Street repairs were discussed.  Not much will be able to be done this year since the box culverts are being replace.  Jendro Sanitation raised their prices of the garbage pickup.  Jay stated increase in chemical prices for the water, sewer and parks.  Suzette will run the numbers the council gave.  Budget numbers will be discussed next month.

 

 

Next meeting will be February 5, 2024 at 7:00pm.

 

Motion made by Croell to adjourn at 9:00pm.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Wilson, King, Scheidel, Roberson and Croell

Nays:  None

 

Motion passed.

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

 

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on December 4, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer, Scheidel and Croell

Council members absent:

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake and Karen Wilson

 

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 Izer.    All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK	RUGS	276.86
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	3,376.37
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC		100
STANTON ELECTRIC		233.7
UPS		61.48
RILEY’S		48.12
TEST AMERICA		470.45
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,687.22
IPERS	IPERS	1,259.86
BLACK HILLS ENERGY	GAS UTILITY	151.14
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	22,897.05
IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY	2023 INTEREST PYMT	4,191.25
CASH		712.24
FIVE STAR COOP		649.2
HAWKINS	AZONE AND LPC- 4	1,061.19
BLAZEK CORPORATION	CLEAN DITCH & CULVERT BY	1,835.00
TEAM LAB	MEGA BUGS	1,185.50
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	AFR 06 30 2023	288.85
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR	ELECTIONS	478.78
ANDERSON		456
MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC		1,580.00
MARK MUETERTHIES	2023 MILEAGE	165
IOWA ONE CALL	EMAIL	19.8
ROSENBAUM AUTO	TRUCK TIRES	1,014.24
VISA – S BYRNE		936.53
MISSION	LIFT STATION	371.4
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT		43.85
FEHR GRAHAM	BOX CULVERT IMPROVEMENTS	15,750.00
IOWA SURVERILLANCE TEAM	EAST PARK CAMERA	7,618.79
DEPOSIT REFUNDS	REFUND DATE 11/22/2023	192.41
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	6,171.87
	CLAIMS TOTAL	75,284.15	REVENUES
	GENERAL FUND	17,245.97	9261.13
	SANITATION FUND	3,376.37	3257.39
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,014.74	3778.94
	CAP PRO STORM DRAINAGE FUND	15,750.00
	WATER FUND	2,910.01	7203.58
	SEWER FUND	4,106.38	7682.74
	SEWER SINKING FUND	4,191.25	3131.67
	ELECTRIC FUND	26,652.53	26941.32
	DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND	36.9	94.74

 

LIBRARY

 

IPERS	IPERS	272.49
INGRAM	BOOKS	117.43
RILEY’S	TONER	359.85
TRIBUNE	RENEWAL 12 MONTHS	56
WOMAN’S DAY		26.72
DEMCO		246.22
THE IOWAN MAGAZINE	RENEWAL	24
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT	Nov-23	34.03
VISA	DOOR ALARM AND LOCK	203.59
ROGER DRECKMAN CONST	HANDICAP STOP BACK DOOR	2,500.00
MIDWEST FLOORS LLC	DOWNPAYMENT CARPETING	7,750.00
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,425.64
	CLAIMS TOTAL	13,015.97
	GENERAL FUND	13,015.97

 

Mark notified the Council of an invoice from Dave Burns for moving dirt from under the Lincoln Street culvert.  The City did not hire him to do this.  He did the work on his own time.  Suzette will type a thank you letter and Council man King will deliver and talk with Dave Burns.

 

Counsel Gwen Kuehner has resigned from the remainder of her term on council.  The city would need to appoint a new person to take the remainder of her term which ends December 31, 2025.  Dale has talked with a fee residents about taking over Kuehner’ term.  Kurt will talk with Cole Roberson about taking over the term.

Suzette presented Budget Worksheets FY 24-25 to the Mayor, Council and Jay to start gathering upcoming expenses.  The city will need to budget for the box culvert repair, water improvement system and street repairs.  It was brought to the attention the current lawnmower is ending and would need to look for a new one.  The city will need prices.  This will be discussed further at next month’s meeting.

 

Suzette mentioned small cities are putting speed traffic cameras on main highways through the city.  The city would receive a percentage of any traffic tickets sent.  This money could be used for and city fund.  Kurt mentioned that people may not want to come back to Lawler if they receive a ticket because of speed camera.

 

Jay explained to the council the nitrates within the city well are high and it has been recommended to him the city would need to dig a deeper well.  The city received a Water System Study proposal from Fehr Graham. The cost will be $19,500 with all plan reproduction and distribution costs along with publication and permit fees will be paid direct by City and are not included in the $19,500.  The current budget was checked and the city can pay the $19,500 this fiscal year.

Motion made by Croell to accept the Fehr Graham Water System Proposal agreement. Second by Scheidel.

Ayes: Croell, Scheidel, King and Izer

Nays: None

Motion passed.

 

Next meeting will be January 2, 2024 at 7:00pm.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 7:35pm.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  Izer, King, Scheidel and Croell

Nays:  None

 

Motion passed.

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk