August 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

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

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer, Croell and Kuehner

Council members absent:  Scheidel

 

Others present:  Jay Uhlenhake, Aiden Holthaus, Eric Holthaus, Lee Moorman, Liz Nieman-Simmons, Renee Huinker, Steve Lynch, Jane Lynch, Sandy Busta, Ashley Ewing and Mike Wilcoxson

 

Motion made by King to approve the Agenda.

Second by Croell.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

Motion made by Izer to approve the previous minutes and current bills.

Second by King.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 271.4
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,198.25
SANDEAN & COOMPANY, INC TIRE CARLISLE 262.44
STANTON ELECTRIC   1,170.00
UPS   41.14
TEST AMERICA drinking water 95.6
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,650.81
IPERS IPERS 1,235.86
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 240.76
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 5,938.48
CASH   544.24
FIVE STAR COOP WEED SPRAY PARKS 137.5
HAWKINS AZONE 775.75
BLAZEK CORPORATION lagoon 715.09
TEAM LAB TERMINATOR II WEED KILLER 514.5
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE JULY MINUTES 86.11
ROGER DRECKMAN PITTS ST FROM CHESTNUT TO 54,332.00
ULINE PARK SUPPLIES 265.54
DNR ANNUAL PERMIT FEE 254.67
CHICKASAW COUNTY SHERIFF DRIVE THROUTH CONTRACT 6,090.00
ANDERSON ONE CONF. W/MARK 120
INRCOT FY24 DUES 215.18
IOWA RURAL WATER TRAING 170
USABLUEBOOK   1,079.32
MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC RADIO READS 1,725.66
IOWA ONE CALL EMAIL 9
STATE HYGIENIC LAB   21
VISA – J UHLENHAKE   113.21
VISA – S BYRNE   179.36
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT   39.68
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 6,059.95 REVENUE
  CLAIMS TOTAL 87,552.50 65382.95
  GENERAL FUND 11,784.63 3714.96
  SANITATION FUND 3,198.25 3115.69
  ARPA-AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUND 54,332.00
  ROAD USE TAX FUND 787.48 3838.88
  WATER FUND 4,237.27 7319.02
  SEWER FUND 4,094.05 7493.70
  ELECTRIC FUND 9,118.82 27793.98
LOST 4593.90
DEBT SERVICE 1495.70
WATER SINKING FUND 1685.00
SEWER SINKING FUND 3131.67
STORM WATER 1200.45

 

LIBRARY

EFTPS QTR 1 2023 PENALTY 36.23
IPERS IPERS 284.54
INGRAM BOOKS 209.72
PETTY CASH PETTY CASH 86.43
GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RENEWAL 2023 15.97
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT   31.36
MIDWEST LIVING   6
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,379.79
  CLAIMS TOTAL 2,050.04
  GENERAL FUND 2,050.04

 

Aiden Holthaus, a senior at Turkey Valley High School explained an Eagle Scout project he is working on.  He would like to put benches at Junko Park on concrete pads.  He is working with Jay of where to put these benches and concrete pads.  He is collected donations as part of the project.  Motion made by King to allow Aiden Holthaus to put is Eagle Scout in Junko Park.  Second by Croell.

Ayes:  King, Croell, Izer and Kuehner

Nayes; None

Absent: Scheidel

Motion passed.

 

Lawler Library Board updated the council regarding the Library Expansion.  FEH Design informed the library board the library will need the whole room about 1800 square feet.  FEH Design will need to plan out the different areas needed for the library.  Next step the library board will work on a budget plan.  The council has asked to keep contractor, plumbing, etc. with the local area.  The library has asked the council to make a couple of changes in the agreement to transfer room to library.  The library will be moving the kitchenette and changing the countertop.  There will be more discussion regarding changes in the September 2023 meeting.

 

Lee Moorman discussed the abatement letter he received regarding his property.  He asked the council if he could have a couple of months to find some help with shingles to get fixed and clean up the trees.   Motion made by Croell to give Lee Moorman time to find the help he needs to clean up the property.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Kuehner and King

Nayes: None

Absent: Scheidel

Motion passed.

 

Mike Wilcoxson and Ashley Ewing discussed the abatement letter they received regarding their property.  The city is asking for them to clean up the property.  Clean up would be stored on side of home.  Clean up and organize toys lying around property.  The council has let them know they cannot have more than one car per licensed driver living in home parked outside. The city was trying to explain the ordinance to them and they raised their voices.  Mike left the meeting before the council made a decision.

 

Liz Nieman-Simmons explained to the council Barb Smith donated a little library to the Turkey Valley Gala.  Mary Burns bought it and donated it back to Liz Nieman-Simmons and would like it to be set up at Highland Park in memory of her daughter, Lucy Nieman.  Liz is asking the council permission to set this up in Highland Park and would be temporary so it can be moved in the winter months.  Motion made by Croell to allow the little library to be set up in Highland Park.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Kuehner and King

Nayes: None

Absent: Scheidel

Motion passed.

 

The council reviewed the Municipal Infraction draft for the Curran property by the city attorney John Anderson.  Motion made by Croell for Mayor Mark Muetherthies to sign the municipal infraction and mail to City Attorney John Anderson to file with the court.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  Croell, Izer, Kuehner and King

Nayes: None

Absent: Scheidel

Motion passed.

 

Mark told the council the city has been approved for $1 million interest fee loan and 30% down payment to repair the 4 bridges within the city.  Jay will be seeking bids for contractors.  Kurt is also working the Governor Kim Reynolds for help with the creek.

Motion made by Croell to call engineer for the bridge repair. Second by Izer.

Ayes: Croell, Izer, Kuehner and King

Nayes: None

Absent: Scheidel

 

Mark spoke with the ambulance board regarding the 28E agreement with the city.  The ambulance is doing well in the first 6 months and if continue to do well, the payment per city can decrease.

 

Mayor Mark Muetherthies commented on the $50,000 of ARPA money the city asked the county for.  The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors turned the money down for the City of Lawler.  He tried to call Travis Suckow, Lawler’s county representation.  Mark wanted to know why Travis Suckow voted to give Nashua $50,000 for their dam repair who he doesn’t’ represent and voted against the $50,000 for Lawler where he does represent.  Travis did not return his call.  Kurt Croell will go to supervisors meeting August 14, 2023 to ask these questions.

 

Next meeting will be September 5, 2023 at 7:00pm.

 

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

Ayes:  Izer, Kuehner, Croell and King

Nays:  None

Absent: Scheidel

Motion passed.

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

 

City Elections

The City of Lawler will be holding an election this November.

The position of Mayor and 3 Council seats will be on the ballot.

The City of Lawler’s Mayor position has a 2 year term. Council seats have 4 year terms.  Current Mayor is Mark Mueterthies.  John Izer, Dale King and Jeremey Scheidel hold the Council Seats which will become open.  The people elected will begin serving January 1, 2024. The 2 Council seats that will be staying are Kurt Croell and Gwen Kuehner.

Candidates must be eligible electors of the City of Lawler. This means you must live within City Limits of Lawler, be a US citizen, be of legal voting age, and not have been convicted of a felony or other infamous crime for which your rights have not been restored by the Iowa Governor or by the President of the United States.

Each candidate must file an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions with Chickasaw County Auditor’s office.  Sheila Shekleton is Chickasaw County Auditor, and her office is in the courthouse in New Hampton.  An Affidavit of Candidacy and a Nomination Petition for City offices can be filed starting August 28, 2023 and must be filed by September 21, 2023.  Lawler only needs 10 signatures on the nomination petitions.  Contact Sheila at 641-394-2100.  Be part of Lawler’s Solutions.

 

 

The City of Lawler will be holding an election this November.

The position of Mayor and 3 Council seats will be on the ballot.

The City of Lawler’s Mayor position has a 2 year term. Council seats have 4 year terms.  Current Mayor is Mark Mueterthies.  John Izer, Dale King and Jeremey Scheidel hold the Council Seats which will become open.  The people elected will begin serving January 1, 2024. The 2 Council seats that will be staying are Kurt Croell and Gwen Kuehner.

Candidates must be eligible electors of the City of Lawler. This means you must live within City Limits of Lawler, be a US citizen, be of legal voting age, and not have been convicted of a felony or other infamous crime for which your rights have not been restored by the Iowa Governor or by the President of the United States.

Each candidate must file an affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions with Chickasaw County Auditor’s office.  Sheila Shekleton is Chickasaw County Auditor, and her office is in the courthouse in New Hampton.  An Affidavit of Candidacy and a Nomination Petition for City offices can be filed starting August 28, 2023 and must be filed by September 21, 2023.  Lawler only needs 10 signatures on the nomination petitions.  Contact Sheila at 641-394-2100.  Be part of Lawler’s Solutions.

June 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes

The Lawler City Council met in regular session on June 5, 2023 at 7:00 PM.

 

Mayor Mark Mueterthies presided.

 

Council members present:  King, Izer and Scheidel

Council members absent:    Kuehner and Croell

 

Others present:  Renee Huinker, Jane Lynch, Steve Lynch, John Cuvelier, Deb Throndson and Clyde Throndson, Sr.

 

Motion made by King to approve the Agenda.

Second by Izer.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

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

Second by Izer.   All Ayes.  Motion passed.

 

ARAMARK RUGS 363.03
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO LAWNMOWER 531.83
JENDRO GARBAGE CONTRACT 3,951.86
POLLARD PEST CONTROL CO. PEST 59.51
STANTON ELECTRIC WATER TOWER 1,684.50
UPS 93.01
TEST AMERICA WASTEWATER TESTING 197.45
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 1,505.50
IPERS IPERS 1,150.59
BLACK HILLS ENERGY GAS UTILITY 204.15
MIENERGY ELECTRICITY 16,881.97
IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY 49,952.50
CASH PARKS 1,177.37
HAWKINS AZONE 840.15
IOWA DEPT OF REVNUE/SALES SALES TAX 1,209.81
BLAZEK CORPORATION culvert 2,220.08
TEAM LAB 4,330.00
HEARTLAND ASPHALT MIX 70% TIM SPELTZ $858.70 1,226.72
NEW HAMPTON TRIBUNE BUDGET AMENDMENT – 2 375.44
LAWLER FIRE DEPARTMENT 2023 2ND TAXATION PYMT 6,171.25
UNITES STATES POSTAL 40
K & W COATINGS LLC FURNISH AND INSTALL KASCO MIXE 14,000.00
RAPID PRINTERS CORK BOARD FOR CROELL PARK 50.49
MIC’S PLUMBING & HEATING BALL PARK BATHROOMS 1,338.53
ANDERSON 288
MUNICIPAL SUPPLY INC RADIO READ 1,725.66
STATE HYGIENIC LAB 20
GARY CUVELIER 2022-2023 SNOW REMOVAL 190
VISA – J UHLENHAKE CHANGING TABLES 1,425.60
VISA – S BYRNE POSTAGE 61.84
CHRIS RIGEL CONSESSION STAND 250
HAWKEY INTERCONNECT PHONE 44.54
BUSTA LAWN CARE THATCHING PLAY GROUND 100
CLEMENS-MR LAWN PARKS 458
FORT ATKINSON NURSERY TREES 2,550.00
BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS ROAD ROCK 304.62
DEPOSIT REFUNDS REFUND DATE 05/24/2023 308.73
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 5,685.58
REVENUE
CLAIMS TOTAL 122,968.31
GENERAL FUND 20,396.04 58509.76
SANITATION FUND 3,951.86 2870.58
ROAD USE TAX FUND 2,711.38 4239.8
WATER FUND 17,227.42 6407.49
WATER SINKING FUND 17,260.00 1626.67
SEWER FUND 7,091.63 7117.48
SEWER SINKING FUND 32,692.50 3093.33
ELECTRIC FUND 21,363.68 27125..87
DEPOSITS – ELECTRIC FUND 273.8 -314.95
STORM WATER 1162.06

 

LIBRARY

IPERS IPERS 273.29
INGRAM BOOKS 159.14
HGTV 44.97
RILEY’S TONER 99.95
MIDAMERICA BOOKS 96.85
READER’S DIGEST RENEWAL 37.43
COUNTRY SAMPLER 38.52
BIBLIONIX 800
COAST TO COAST 74.78
FAMILY HANDYMAN 24.61
HAWKEYE INTERCONNECT PHONE 31.47
VISA 6
TRADITIONAL HOME 20
PAYROLL CHECKS TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS 1,329.51
CLAIMS TOTAL 3,036.52
GENERAL FUND 3,036.52

John Cuvelier with Insurance Associates was here to discuss the cities insurance.  The property portion of the policy saw the largest increase in premium.  Since the city has had only 2 claims in the last two years, he recommends the city increase the deductible from $1,000 to $2,500 or $5,000. With the larger deductible the premium will remain the same.

Motion made by King to increase the cities deductible to $2,500.   Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed.

 

Clyde and Deb Throndson presented council with an application for a fireworks permit. They plan the fireworks display July 2, 2023 at dark with possible rain dates July 3, 2023 or July 8, 2023.  They should be done by 10:30pm.

Motion made by Izer to authorize fireworks permits the Deb and Clyde Throndson.  Second by Scheidel.

Ayes: King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent: Croell and Kuehner

 

Clyde and Deb Throndson let the council no they are working to clean up the shed on their property.  John Izer stated if the city doesn’t see improvement with in the year the city can file for a Municipal Infraction against them.

 

Motion made by King to open the Public Hearing – Budget Amendment. Second by Izer

Ayes: King, Izer and Scheidel

Nayes; None

Absent: Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed.

 

Suzette presented Resolution #2023-06052023 to increasing the Community and Beautification Fund and Culture and Recreation Fund in the FY22-23 Budget.

 

No comments were made regarding the Budget Amendment.

 

Motion made by Scheidel to close the Public Hearing.  Second by Izer.

Ayes: King, Izer and Scheidel

Nayes; None

Absent: Croell and Kuehner

Motion Passed

 

Motion made by Scheidel to approve Resolution No. 2023-06052023 to approve the Budget Amendment. Second by Izer.

Ayes: King, Izer and Scheidel

Nayes; None

Absent: Croell and Kuehner

Motion Passed

The council reviewed salaries of other cities the size of Lawler.  Mayor Mark Mueterthies let the council know that other small cities have more than one maintenance employee and a deputy clerk.   The City of Lawler has one.  After reviewing the salaries of other cities the size of Lawler, it was decided the City Maintenance and City Clerk was in need of raise.

Motion made by King to give Jay Uhlenhake a 15% and Suzette a 10% raise as of July 1, 2023.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent Croell and Kuehner

 

Renee Huinker with Lawler Library Board was here to update the council with the expansion.  The Library has applied for a grant.

 

Cathy Stevens term on the library board has expired.  Ralph Steinlage will replace Cathy Stevens for a six year term on the Library Board.

Motion made by Izer to accept Ralph Steinlage to the Library Board.  Second by King.

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed.

 

John Izer told the council the streets Irish Fest would like to be closed June 14, 2023-June 19, 2023. Grove Street will be closed from Benz St to Diagonal St.  Railroad Street will be closed from Depot Street to Spring Street.

Motion made by King to close Grove Street will be closed from Benz St to Diagonal St.  Railroad Street will be closed from Depot Street to Spring Street from June 14, 2023 – June 19, 2023. Second by Scheidel.

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed

 

Suzette informed the council regarding nuisance abatement letters the next step would be to file a municipal infraction against the property owner.  This will cost up to $6,000 per property and the city would file with the county to receive the cost back through property owner property tax. This will take time.  The council discussed the nuisance abatement letters mailed to property owners.

Motion made by King to file a municipal infraction against property 205 N. Center St.  Second by Izer.

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed

 

Dale King informed the council the Lawler Lion’s Club would like to donate an electronic sign in Highland Park to inform community of what is going to be happening in Lawler.

Motion made by Izer to allow the Lawler Lion’s to proceed with electronic sign at Highland Park in Lawler. Second by Scheidel,

Ayes:  King, Scheidel and Izer

Nayes: None

Absent Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed

 

Motion made by Scheidel to adjourn at 8:10pm.  Second by King.

Ayes:  Izer, Scheidel and King

Nays:  None

Absent: Croell and Kuehner

Motion passed.

 

 

 

Suzette Byrne

City Clerk

 

Memorial Day Service

Memorial Day Service will be held, Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th.

11:00 AM Service at the Veterans Memorial Park with Turkey Valley Marching Band

Followed by a reception at the Starlite Ballroom with hamburgers, hotdogs, candy bars, popcorn and refreshments.

Public is invited.

Show your support for our Veterans on this Memorial Day by attending.

Lawler Little League Fundraiser – Lawler Apparel

Lawler Little League is having a fundraiser on t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, koozies, bags  and water bottles! Some items have Lawler Little League and some just have Lawler, Iowa printed on. The deadline is May 29th at midnight. Orders can be brought to Lawler or shipped.

Please click on the link and help support Lawler Little League!

https://lawlerlittleleaguefundraiser.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Lawler Historical Society at the Starlite Ballroom during Irish Fest

Click here also for this article Lawler Historical Society 2023

Lawler Historical Society

Take a walk back in time!
Hundreds of historical photos and artifacts! Lot’s of NEW displays!
L.H.S. at the Starlite Ballroom
(during the 2023 IRISH FEST)
Friday Evening June 16th
Saturday June 17th
Sunday Morning coffee & donuts June 18th

 

LHS’s MISSION and GOALS!
The Lawler Historical Society endeavors to establish a vital presence of Lawler’s history and culture for the benefit, enlightenment, and enjoyment of its residents, descendants, and visitors. To capture, preserve, promote, and present the history of the Lawler Community; past, present and future.

Why establish the LHS:
• A famous Lawler native, Bill Sheridan, has continued to keep the heart beat of Lawler in play through his rich and elaborate published writings.
• The Carnegie Cultural Center has been a depository of history for many towns with in Chickasaw County.
• Events such as the Lawler Irish Fest and RAGBRAI put Lawler back on the map! This Irish Fest has become a tradition for Lawler and the community, embracing heritage, creating a venue in bringing family and friends together near and far.
• A resurrection of Lawler’s history in the making. An early aspect of Irish Fest was the amazing displays of Lawler’s past.
• An ever growing interest over the years amongst individuals wanting to see the collecting and preserving of history. Through establishing and maintaining a physical and virtual gallery, LHS will exhibit collections of priceless artifacts, heirlooms, etc of historical importance and proudly present and promote the who, what, where and why of the Lawler Community for current and future generations.

LHS Goals:
• Downtown location – LHS envisions having a location that would facilitate displays and walkthrough viewing during festivities, special events and by appointment. Such a hard surface footprint may start small with growth opportunity. LHS is very fortunate to collaborate with Curt and Anita Franzen in utilizing the Starlite as an event location during the Lawler Irish Fest (2022 and 2023).
• The LHS Scrapbook – Will provide online virtual library of photos, articles and other information. Currently LHS is on Facebook and features weekly posts of historical interests.
• Books of Lawler Series – LHS will continue the successful ‘Books of Lawler Series’. To date the following books have been published “Team Pride. Team Spirit” (1st Edition 2014); “Main and Grove” (2nd Edition 2015); “Your Town Your History” (3rd Edition 2015). Next to come: Lawler Farming Community (2024/25).
• Collecting Artifacts – MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL To date, the contribution and collection of artifacts has been amazing in providing a foundation collection of historical memorabilia.

LHS Board:
Kurt Hemesath, Bonnie Kuehner, Verna Orvis, Kyle Kuehner, Nancy Cuvelier and Mary Burns. Like many of you, their family roots are deep within the Lawler community, and neither time nor distance has broken the bond.

LHS Welcomes Donations:
It is about the legacy of parents, grandparents, great grandparents, family and friends, who gave it their all in making Lawler a true and viable community. A time and place where settlers from various backgrounds and countries came here and through their perseverance, their love of land and country made it their “HOME”.
LHS endeavors not only to establish the means of a physical and visual history experience but to also provide a basis of the sensory aspect of Lawler’s history and its many family legacies with in its community.
Donations will be key to the success of the LHS. LHS graciously thanks those individuals, organizations and businesses to date that have supported and contributed in various respects, and anxiously await donation opportunities to come. Donations, in all forms, will be of great importance to the success of Lawler’s historical preservation for generations to come. LHS will work with donors in providing recognition for contributions.

Information: Please visit/contact us on Facebook – Lawler Historical Society
LHS was formed in March of 2020 and has 501(c)3 status from the Department of the Treasury effective March 23, 2020. Donors can deduct contributions they make to LHS under IRC Section 170. Tax ID #85-0532469.
Contact any one of the LHS Directors for donation opportunities, donation forms, and information.