Lawler, Iowa

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

 

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on November 6, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer, Scheidel

Council members absent:  Kuehner and Croell

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Jane Lynch, Renee Huinker, Steve Lynch, Stephanie Tangen and Karen Wilson

 

Motion made by King to approve the Agenda with addition of truck tire quotes.

Second by Scheidel  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	415.29
JENDRO	GARBAGE CONTRACT	3,430.04
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC	PICKUP OIL CHANGE	202.98
UPS		80
TEST AMERICA	DRINKING WATER TEST	226.95
EFTPS	FED/FICA TAX	1,670.48
IPERS	CORRECT #9065228	7,780.06
MIENERGY	ELECTRICITY	22,908.65
CASH		289.77
HAWKINS	AZONE	534.9
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES	SALES TAX	1,329.99
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE	OCTOBER MINUTES	95.38
QUILL CORPORATION	RENEWAL	158.95
UNITES STATES POSTAL		82
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING		155.13
ANDERSON	CURRAN NUISANCE ABATMENT	680.7
IWD	3RD QTR UNEMPLOYMENT	12.96
IOWA RURAL WATER	DUES 01/01/2024-12/31/2024	305
USABLUEBOOK	NITROGEN TESTS	397.24
PATHWAYS	DONATION	468
MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC	WATER METERS	276.29
IOWA UTILITIES BOARD	DIRECT ASSESSMENT	80
DENNIS UNGS	SCAN COMPUTER FOR MALWARE	90
VISA – J UHLENHAKE	HOTEL FOR WATER CLASS	272.8
GWORKS	ANNUAL LISCENSE FEE 2024	3,196.00
VISA – S BYRNE	ADOBE	21.19
SCHUETH ACE HARDWARE	BATTERIES	17.99
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT	Oct-23	46.48
DSG	STOP SIGN	1,556.07
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	6,117.52
	CLAIMS TOTAL	52,898.81	REVENUE
	GENERAL FUND	13,127.17	59,572.19
	SANITATION FUND	3,430.04	3,188.11
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	1,384.12	3,832.87
	WATER FUND	4,684.81	9,150.27
	SEWER FUND	3,988.26	13270..16
	ELECTRIC FUND	26,284.41	34,299.94

 

LIBRARY

 

IPERS	CORRECT #17164171	1,632.91
CATHY HUMPAL	MILEAGE	11.2
INGRAM	BOOKS	142.51
MIDAMERICA BOOKS		32.95
HOUSE BEAUTIFUL	REMEWAL 2023	37.42
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT	Oct-23	31.72
SMITHSONIAN	MAGAZINES 2023	14.99
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	1,501.08
	CLAIMS TOTAL	3,404.78
	GENERAL FUND	3,404.78

 

Renea Huinker with the Library explained the library received a $10,000 check for the McElroy Grant.  She stated the library is working with Stanton Electric to improve the lighting in library.  The board is working with Midwest Flooring for new carpet.   She also stated she received a quote from Mic’s Plumbing & Heating for a new air conditioner for the library.  She had stated it is not in the library budget for an air conditioner and would like the city to pay for this.  This is not in the city budget for this expense.  Motion made by King to table the air conditioner unit expense until July 2024 FY 24-25. Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

 

The library board presented the council with a list of items in the community room.   The council will go through the list and decide what to keep.  They will discuss at next meeting.

 

Renea said she checked with the Iowa Library about use of the library for the Chickasaw Board of Health to give flu shot when the library is closed.  Renea said she is will to work with them.  Renea also stated the library board 1205 is not ready to sign the Agreement to transfer room to Library.  She would like the library attorney to look at.

 

Ordinance #69.12 Outdoor Storage of Motor Vehicles what discussed with council.  The council was going to change the ordinance to allow 2 vehicles per licensed driver on the property.  After discussion the council decided that would be too many cars that could be stored on property.  Motion made by King to keep original ordinance as stated in the Ordinance Book.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  Izer, King, and Scheidel.

Nayes: None

 

The city had filed a nuisance infraction against property owners at 107 S Benz St (house) and 105 S Benz (garage).  The city attorney sent a copy of the Municipal Infraction. The council reviewed the draft.  Motion made by Scheidel to continue with the abatement process.  Second by Izer.

Ayes: Izer, King, and Scheidel

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

John Izer explained to the property owners the council said they can keep the race track in their yard if they put a fence up around the track or they will need to make the tack grass.  The property owner asked if they could decide next spring.  Motion made by Scheidel to table the nuisance at 307 E Spring St until spring of 2024,  Second by Izer.

Ayes: Scheidel, Izer and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

The Annual Financial Report was presented to council for review.  Motion made by Scheidel to approve the Annual Financial Report.  Second by King.

Ayes: Scheidel, King and Izer

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

The city received surveillance camera quotes from Iowa Surveillance Team for cameras in Croell Park, Junk Park and the front of City Hall.  Suzette said it would be in the budget numbers for FY 23-24.   The council will need to watch the spending in the Culture and Recreation fund.

Motion made by Scheidel to install cameras in Croell Park, Junko Park and front of City Hall. Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Izer, Scheidel and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Jay reported the bridge on Lincoln Street had been cleaned up November 6, 2023.

 

Kurt Croell cleaned up the water way through town.  A big thank you to Kurt for doing the clean-up.  The council discussed sending letters to property owners to keep the water way cleaned up going through your property.  Motion made by King to send the letters to property owners with copy of Ordinance stating it is property owner responsibility.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  Scheidel, Izer and King

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Jay presented council with a quote from Rosenbaum Auto and Sandean for new tires for the city truck.  The council reviewed each quote.  Motion made by Izer to accept Rosenbaum Auto.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes Scheidel, King, and Izer

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Next meeting will be December 4, 2023 at 7:00pm.

 

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

Ayes:  Izer, King and Scheidel

Nays:  None

 

Motion passed.

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk