November 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

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

 

October 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on October 2, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer, Scheidel, Kuehner and Croell

 

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

 

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 Kuehner    All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 135.7
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,234.73
STANTON ELECTRIC MIC PH 1,126.15
UPS 64
RILEY’S TONER 716.63
TEST AMERICA DRINKING WATER TEST 362.45
EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,627.18
IPERS IPERS 1,219.22
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES 769.97
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 24,016.76
CASH 467.87
HAWKINS AZONE 1,203.97
BLAZEK CORPORATION REPLACE 2 FIRE HYDRANTS 21,832.41
TEAM LAB MEGA BUGS WINTERBLEND AND GLYP 1,228.00
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE SEPTEMBER 2023 MINUTES 112.81
WELLMARK BLUE CROSS 4,694.25
LAWLER PUBLIC LIBRARY JULY-SEPT 2023 3,500.01
ROGER DRECKMAN CHESTNUT FROM PITTS TO HWY 24 56,050.00
QUILL CORPORATION RECEIPT BOOKS 175.9
CHICKASAW COUNTY AUDITOR 4TH QTR 2023 28E AGREEMENT 10,368.00
DNR 224 ANNUALY WATER FEE 115
IAWEA 2023 WATER CLASS 40
MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL WATER METERS 1,267.04
BMC AGGREGATES LC ROADSTONE 104.06
VISA – J UHLENHAKE FMC LANDFILL 90
VISA – S BYRNE POSTAGE 453.19
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT Sep-23 39.52
CLEMENS-MR LAWN 458
DSG SIGN POST 827.42
ANDERA TREE SERVICE LLC TREE REMOVAL BLVD 350
DEPOSIT REFUNDS REFUND DATE 09/27/2023 1,064.41
DEPOSIT REFUNDS REFUND DATE 10/03/2023 82.13
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 5,980.01
CLAIMS TOTAL 143,776.79 REVENUE
GENERAL FUND 22,464.33 6,611.16
SANITATION FUND 3,324.73 2,961.77
ROAD USE TAX FUND 57,503.76 5,333.82
WATER FUND 27,079.99 7,390.41
SEWER FUND 4,675.98 7,407.27
ELECTRIC FUND 28,645.87 35,787.54
DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND 82.13 300.00

 

LIBRARY

 

EFTPS FED/FICA TAXES 1,217.38
IPERS IPERS 250.78
STATE WITHHOLDING STATE TAXES 96.52
INGRAM BOOKS 213.69
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT Sep-23 31.76
VISA 48.24
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,228.67
CLAIMS TOTAL 3,087.04
GENERAL FUND 3,087.04

 

Renea Huinker explained the library board is continuing to work on designed layout.  The contractors will be in October 6, 2023 in the afternoon to start working on changes.  The library has applied for a $50,000 Grant.  The grant review is October 19, 2023.

 

The council discussed Ordinance #69.12(1) Outdoor Storage of Motor Vehicles.  Motion made by King to change Ordinance #69.12(1) to permit the parking of  2 registered vehicles per licensed driver out-of-doors for more than 30 days.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Izer, Scheidel, Kuehner and Croell

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

The council discussed Ordinance #155.04 Property Maintenance.  Suzette explained to the council she spoke with the City Attorney regarding this ordinance and he doesn’t think the current ordinance needs to be changed.  He said the ordinance needs to be enforced.

 

Nuisance at 307 E Spring St. was discussed.  The property owners sent a letter regarding the Nuisance letter they received.  Counsel person Izer said he spoke with the property owners regarding the race track in back yard.  Motion made by Croell to send a letter to property owners to either eliminate race track or they need to put of 7ft fence up and have the track fully enclosed.  John volunteered to deliver letter.  Second by King.

Ayes:  King, Izer, Scheidel, Kuehner and Croell

Nayes: None

Motion passed.

 

Mayor Mueterthies gave an update regarding the current nuisance abatement at 205 N Center St.  The city is currently waiting for the court date.  The mayor and one counsel person will be required to testify on behalf of the City.

 

Mayor Mueterthies updated the council regarding the box culvert loan.  Mayor Mueterthies and Jay Uhlenhake spoke with Mark Newell an aide to Governor Reynolds.  Mayor Mueterthies informed them the information has been sent to engineers.  Jay has received the locates so the engineers will be in Lawler.

 

The waterway through town will need to be cleaned out.  The property owner’s along the waterway are responsible for cleaning their side of the waterway.  This will be tabled until November meeting.

 

Next meeting will be November 6, 2023 at 7:00pm.

 

Motion made by Croell to adjourn at 7:40pm.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  Izer, Kuehner, Scheidel, Croell and King

Nays:  None

 

Motion passed.

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

 

September 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

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

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer, Scheidel and Kuehner

Council members absent:  Croell

 

Others present:  Jane Lynch, Renee Huinker, Karen Wilson, Steve Lynch and Samantha Njus

 

Motion made by Kuehner to approve the Agenda.

Second by King   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by King to approve the previous minutes with a wording change regarding the  cleanup for a resident’s property from “Clean up would be stored” to “Clean up items stored” and approval of  current bills.

Second by Scheidel    All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 407.1
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,237.46
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. PEST 63.68
UPS   80
TEST AMERICA DRINKING WATER 97.65
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,737.66
IPERS IPERS 1,292.01
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 27.17
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 33,158.69
FIVE STAR COOP   319.28
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES SALES TAX 2,756.41
TEAM LAB TERMINATOR WEED KILLER 515.5
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE AUGUST 2023 MINUTES 128.07
QUILL CORPORATION ENVELOPES 159.98
CHICKASAW COUNTY TREASURE FARMLANDS FY23-24 294
STATE HYGIENIC LAB MIC PH 1,126.15
MUNICIPAL PIPE TOOL SEWER CLEANING 4,091.75
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT   40.91
TREE DOCTOR TREATMENT OF ASH TREES 1,108.80
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 6,319.39 REVENUE
  CLAIMS TOTAL 56,961.66 72327.18
  GENERAL FUND 5,167.48 2666.29
  SANITATION FUND 3,237.46 3251.88
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 787.48 3796.18
  WATER FUND 2,490.60 7688.14
  SEWER FUND 7,639.11 7685.98
  ELECTRIC FUND 37,639.53 33426.72
LOST 6285.26
DEBT SERVICE 1411.4
WATER SINKING FUND 1685
SEWER SINKING FUND 3131.67
STORM WATER 1298.66

 

LIBRARY

 

IPERS IPERS 294.19
INGRAM BOOKS 73.56
CONSUMER REPORTS   32.1
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT   32.27
VISA ANNUAL FEE 12
FEH DESIGN   2,500.00
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,422.90
  CLAIMS TOTAL 4,367.02
  GENERAL FUND 4,367.02

 

Samantha Njus let the council know she has been working on the cleanup of her property.  The council has notice her starting to cleanup her property and will keep checking with her.

 

Renee Huinker presented the council with a proposed layout of the changes for the library expansion.  The furnace room will need to be moved.  The kitchenette will need to be moved.  Window will be put in to the south and west.  They will a drop ceiling.  Mic’s Plumbing and Heating and Brinks Construction will be the contractors for the expansion work.  The library board is applying for a McElroy Trust Grant for this expansion.  Motion made by King to accept the proposed expansion and layout of the library.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Izer, Kuehner and Scheidel

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

The council reviewed the Annual Street Finance Report.  Motion made by King to approve Resolution #2023-09052023.  Second by Kuehner.

Ayes: King, Izer, Kuehner and Scheidel

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Bucky’s Amoco Liquor license was presented to be approved.

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Bucky’s Amoco Liquor license.  Second by Izer.

Ayes: King, Izer, Kuehner, and Scheidel

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Mark told the council he had been talking with the City Attorney, Jon Anderson regarding the some of the City Ordinances, specifically Ordinance #155.04 Property Maintenance.  He would like a paragraph about what can be considered lawn landscape, specifically old rubber tires.  It needs to also specify how many feet from property lines can the tires be placed.  Suzette will be calling other cities to see how their ordinance is read.

 

Mark also spoke with the city attorney about Ordinance #69.12 Outdoor Storage of Motor Vehicles.  Mark would like this ordinance revised.  Suzette will call other cities regarding this Ordinance.

 

The Ordinance discussion will be tabled until October meeting.

 

The Clyde Throndson Jr property at 307 E Spring was discussed.  He has a motor bike track in his back yard.  The city mailed a certified abatement letter to Clyde Throndson Jr in August to inform him of the ordinance in violation.  John Izer agreed to speak with Clyde regarding the motor bike track.

 

An abatement letter was mailed to James Bergeson property at 105 S Benz St to inform him of the ordinances in violation.  He has not requested a hearing with City Council.  The next step is the call attorney for the city to abate the nuisance.  Motion made by King to start the abatement process with city attorney.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Izer, Kuehner and Scheidel

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

Dawn Croell filled a Citizen Complain form for the council to review.  Her complain was the Hole In the Wall had broken equipment behind the building.  Jay went behind the Hole In Wall and didn’t see any broken equipment and spoke with Brittney.  She told them they had a broken pizza under a tarp on her property.  They are waiting for an insurance claim on the oven before they can through it out.

 

Mark discussed the Box Culvert project.  Fehr Graham Engineering & Environment sent over the proposal for Civil Design and Construction Engineering services Box Culvert Improvements for Mark to sign.  This will put the project up for bids.  Motion made by King to accept the Fehr Graham proposal.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Izer, Kuehner and Scheidel

Nays: None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

 

Next meeting will be October 2, 2023 at 7:00pm.

 

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

Ayes:  Izer, Kuehner, Scheidel and King

Nays:  None

Absent: Croell

Motion passed.

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk