The City Council of the City of New Hampton met in regular session in the Council Chambers at 112 East Spring Street, New Hampton Iowa at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 16, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts. Council members present were Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Porath and Denner were absent. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Conrad Rosendahl and Casey Mai.
1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve Regular City Council Minutes of June 2, 2025.
3. Approve City Claims of $337,781.44
4. Fire Department Minutes of May 5th & June 2nd
5. Dept Head Minutes of June 3, 2025
6. Class B Retail Alcohol License: Dollar General 910 E Main #LG0000763
7. Class B Retail Alcohol License:Owner Amendment: Dollar General 910 E Main #LG0000763
8. Library Minutes June 3 & June 9, 2025
9. Park & Rec Minutes June 4, 2025
10. City Clerk office Request to Pay bills as budget allows prior to July 1, 2025
11. July 1st – Appointments and Re-appointments to Boards and Commissions
12. Street Closure Request: Holy Family Fall Festival August 23-24, 2025
13. Finance Reports
FUND RECEIVED DISBURSED
GENERAL $111,262.44 $150,011.25
ROAD USE TAX $43,902.59 $41,150.17
SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN $18,831.92 $18,457.21
SELF INSURANCE FUND $8,922.36 $22,468.69
LOCAL OPTION TAX $59,873.23 $0.00
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX $3,121.78 $2,595.80
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES $1,534.88 $0.00
TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL $45,090.88 $185,644.00
DEBT SERVICE $2,235.17 $87,167.50
LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS $760.54 $553.89
COMM CENTER RENOVATION $0.00 $396.00
ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS $10,597.18 $11.05
STORMWATER CAPITAL PROJ $6,123.12 $5.53
CAPITAL PROJECTS $32,266.65 $27,290.76
WATER UTILITY $46,130.73 $39,328.73
SEWER UTILITY $119,453.24 $54,691.74
WASTEWATER PROJECT $0.00 $480.27
SOLID WASTE $32,359.65 $34,755.50
CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER $6,817.31 $5.53
CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER $5,087.33 $5.53
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS $1,958.00 $1,148.00
TOTAL $556,329.00 $666,167.15
Mayor Geerts approved the following re-appointments to city boards and commissions:
Name: Board/Commission: Term Ending:
Denise Larkin Planning & Zoning 7/1/2030
Rodney Pearce Planning & Zoning 7/1/2030
Kurt Hemaseth Board of Adjustment 7/1/2030
Suellen Kolbet Board of Adjustment 7/1/2030
Mick Gage Cemetery Board 7/1/2028
Brian Quirk Tree Board 7/1/2028
Denise Straw Tree Board 7/1/2028
Mayor Geerts approved the following appointments to city boards and commissions
Name: Board/Commission: Term Ending:
David Boss Library Board 7/1/2027
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Motion carried.
7:00 PUBLIC HEARING ON SALE OF CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing on the proposed sale of real estate described as:
A portion of land owned by the City Of New Hampton and is located south of Parcel #191112451010, 532 West Garfield Street, includes approximately 0.171 acres of land.
The Council investigated and found that the time and the place of the hearing had in accordance with the law and as directed by the City Council been published in the New Hampton Tribune on the 5th day of June 2025 in New Hampton, Chickasaw County. Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed.
Public works director shared the history of this property parcel. This area is a swamp and does not serve a purpose for the City of New Hampton. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; That Resolution No. 6735 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY, MINIMUM BID OF $1,340.00 PLUS SURVEYING COSTS AND RECORDING FEES; SEALED BIDS ARE DUE MONDAY, JULY 7, 2025 BY 4:30 PM WITH BID OPENING AT THE JULY 7, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 7:00 PM, be approved. Ayes: Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
Mayor Geerts announced this is the third and final reading of the ordinance change regarding ATV’s and UTV’s. Subsection 75.08 of the City Code is replaced and amended as follows:
No person shall operate an ATV, off-road motorcycle, or off-road utility vehicle within the City in violation of Chapter 321I of the Code of Iowa or a snowmobile within the City in violation of the provisions of Chapter 321G of the Code of Iowa or in violation of rules established by the Natural Resource Commission of the Department of Natural Resources governing their registration, equipment and manner of operation.
A person operating a UTV or ATV in the New Hampton city limits shall have a valid driver’s license and shall be at least 18 years of age and carry proof of financial liability coverage in accordance with Iowa Code Section 321.234A. (Code of Iowa, Ch. 321G, Ch. 321I, & Ch. 321.234A)
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; That an Ordinance #900 entitled A ORDINANCE REVISING ATV’S AND UTV’S REGULATIONS receive its third and final consideration, be approved.
Ayes: Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Mayor Geerts declared Ordinance #900 duly adopted.
Mayor Geerts announced this is the third and final reading of the ordinance change regarding amending sewer and water rates and infrastructure maintenance fees. The approved rates will take affect with the July 2025 billing.
SECTION 1: SEWER SERVICE CHARGES REQUIRED. Section 99.01 of the City Code is repealed,
and the following is adopted in lieu thereof:
SEWER SERVICE CHARGES REQUIRED. Each residential and commercial/industrial contributor shall pay a sewer rental based on the amount of water used by said contributor in accordance with the following schedule:
A. Each contributor shall pay a fee for a minimum of 1,000 gallons regardless of usage per month as follows:
1) Commencing July 1, 2025, $4.25 per 1,000 gallons used; and
2) Commencing July 1, 2026, $5.44 per 1,000 gallons used; and
3) Commencing July 1, 2027, $6.96 per 1,000 gallons used; and
4) Commencing July 1, 2028, $8.92 per 1,000 gallons used; and
5) Commencing July 1, 2029, $11.40 per 1,000 gallons used.
B. Sewer Service Fee. Effective July 1, 2025, in addition to the sewer usage rates provided for in Section 99.01 of the City Code, each residential dwelling unit and commercial/industrial contributor, as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance, shall pay a sewer service fee in accordance with the following schedule:
1) Each contributor shall pay a service fee per month as follows:
(a) Effective July 1, 2025, $25.00 per residential user and $49.00 per commercial/industrial user; and
(b) Commencing July 1, 2026, $29.00 per residential user and $58.00 per commercial/industrial user; and
(c) Commencing July 1, 2027, $34.00 per residential user and $69.00 per commercial/industrial user; and
(d) Commencing July 1, 2028, $40.00 per residential user and $82.00 per commercial/industrial user; and
(e) Commencing July 1, 2029, $47.00 per residential user and $97.00 per commercial/industrial user.
C. The rate per 1,000 gallons used and the sewer service fee will increase 3% per year annually thereafter June 30th, 2030, unless changed by resolution of the council.
SECTION 2. RATES FOR SERVICE. Section 92.02 of the City Code is repealed, and the following is adopted in lieu thereof:
WATER SERVICE CHARGES REQUIRED. The City shall provide water service to each user at the following monthly rates:
A. Each contributor shall pay a fee for a minimum of 1,000 gallons regardless of usage per month as follows:
1) Effective July 1, 2025, $3.03 per 1,000 gallons used; and
2) Commencing July 1, 2026, $3.12 per 1,000 gallons used; and
3) Commencing July 1, 2027, $3.21 per 1,000 gallons used; and
4) Commencing July 1, 2028, $3.31 per 1,000 gallons used; and
5) Commencing July 1, 2029, $3.41 per 1,000 gallons used.
B. Water Service Fee. Effective July 1, 2025, in addition to the water usage rates provided for in Section 92.02 of the City Code, each residential dwelling unit and commercial/industrial user, as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance, shall pay a water service fee in accordance with the following schedule:
1) Effective July 1, 2025, each user shall pay a $12.00 per month basic service fee.
C. The rate per 1,000 gallons used and the water service fee will increase 3.0% per year annually thereafter, unless changed by resolution of the council.
SECTION 3. INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE. Section 92.03 of the City Code is repealed, and the following is adopted in lieu thereof:
INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE. In addition to the rates for water and sewer services provided for elsewhere in Chapter 92 & 99 of the City Code, each residential dwelling unit and commercial/industrial contributor, as defined in the City’s Zoning Ordinance, shall pay the amended monthly fee for the maintenance, improvement, and operation of the City’s infrastructure. Effective July 1, 2025, the infrastructure maintenance and operation fee shall be as follows:
A. Road Maintenance, Equipment, & Storm water Infrastructure – $12.00 per residential user and $15 per commercial/industrial user.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; That an Ordinance #901 entitled ORDINANCE AMENDING SEWER AND WATER RATES AND INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION FEES receive its 3rd and final consideration, be approved. Ayes: Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved. Mayor Geerts declared Ordinance #901 duly adopted.
Bids were received for the 2025 Street Restoration project until 4:30 pm June 2, 2025. The following two bids were opened at the June 2, 2025 City Council Meeting.
Bids Amount
Blacktop Service Company $3.13 / square yard of seal coat
Prairie Road Builders $2.42 / square yard of seal coat
A third bid was delivered to the Director of Public Works office prior to the June 2nd deadline; the bid was not brought to the attention of the Clerk’s office prior to the meeting. The third bid was $2.98 per square year of seal coat from Fahrner Asphalt Sealers, LLC. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Humpal; that Resolution No. 6736 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE 2025 STREET RESTORATION BID FROM PRAIRIE ROAD BUILDERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2.42 PER SQUARE YARD, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
City employee Eric Kuehn has accepted the City of New Hampton’s salary offer for his successful completion of his Grade 4 Wastewater Certification with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The effective date of the new salary is retroactive to May 5, 2025. Moved by Humpal, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No. 6737 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PAY INCREASE TO ERIC KUEHN FOR THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE GRADE 4 WASTEWATER CERTIFICATION AND ATTAINING THE POSITION OF WASTE WATER OPERATOR IN CHARGE, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
Name Position 24-25 Rate 25-26 Rate
Anderson, Kyle Street, Water & Sanitary Superintendent $ 65,000.00 $ 67,600.00
Baltes, Megan Economic Dev Assistant $ 20.60 $ 21.42
Douglas, Ken Car Allowance $ 60.00 $ 60.00
Douglas, Ken Meter Reader $ 16.00 $ 16.64
Equipment Operators Part-Time/ As Needed $ 16.00 $ 16.00
Fire Dept Firefighter $ 17.00 $ 17.00
Gorman Clemens, Karen City Clerk $ 71,180.00 $ 74,027.00
Kuehn, Eric Wastewater Superintendent $ 70,000.00 $ 86,840.00
Lechtenberg, Courtney Deputy City Clerk $ 23.83 $ 24.78
Mai, Casey Public Works Director $ 84,003.00 $ 87,363.00
Marvin, Dennis Interim Water Superintendent $ 28.22 $ 29.35
Riehm, Troy Park Time Police Officer $ 29.25 $ 30.68
Robinson, Tammy Economic Dev Director $ 70,760.00 $ 73,590.00
Rosendahl, Conrad Chief of Police $ 78,165.00 $ 81,292.00
Schmitt, Karen Police Dept Secretary $ 16.45 $ 17.11
Todd Prichard City Attorney $ 3,318.00 $ 3,450.72
Truck Drivers Part-Time/ As Needed $ 21.00 $ 21.00
Van der Meer, Jenny Financial Clerk $ 22.05 $ 22.93
Moved by Humpal, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6738 A RESOLUTION APPROVING SALARIES AND WAGES FOR NON-BARGAINING UNIT PERSONNEL EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
The 2025-2026 Fee Schedule and City Citation Fees were presented for City council approval.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6739 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2025-2025 FEE SCHEDULE AND CITY CITATION FEES, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
The TRIBE Trail Committee and the Park & Rec Department are installing a water bottle filing station near the CWC. An easement for the existing storm water line and the new water line through the property at 301 S Western Ave is needed to complete this project. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6740 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN EASEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF NEW HAMPTON AND EVAN HULBERT, PROPERTY OWNER AT 301 S WESTERN AVE, NEW HAMPTON, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl presented a 28E Agreement with Chickasaw County regarding collection of delinquent parking tickets. The agreement allows the Chickasaw County Treasurer to ‘hold’ a motor vehicle registration if there are delinquent (over 90 days) parking tickets. The County is adding a $5.00 fee to the unpaid ticket for their assistance. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Larsen That Resolution No. 6741 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A 28E AGREEMENT WITH CHICKASAW COUNTY AND THE CITY OF NEW HAMPTON REGARDING THE COLLECTION OF DELINQUENT PARKING TICKETS, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
City Clerk Karen Clemens presented the list of transactions/transfers which need to be completed prior to the end of the fiscal year.
Department Expenditure No. Receipt No. June 2025
Police 001.1010.67993 390.36008 $25,000
Fire 001.1050.67981 360.36000 $17,771
Airport 001.2080.67993 390.36009 $3,400
City Clerk 001.6020.67993 390.36010 $2,500
Snow removal 110.2050.67993 390.36003 $7,500
Storm sewers 110.8065.67993 390.36017 $7,500
Street Cleaning 110.2070.67993 390.36013 $2,500
Water 600.6021.67993 751.092.48300 $180,000
LOST To Debt Service Transfer $149,353.00
Water Utility To Debt Service Transfer $18,067.00
Sewer Utility To Debt Service Transfer $49,685.00
General Fund To Comm Center Maint. Levy $20,232.00
Hotel/Motel To Gen Fund – Fireworks $4,000.00
Hotel/Motel To Pool Play Equip $5,000.00
LMI Transfer – DTS Realty $1,807.00
LMI Transfer – South Lake Condo $8,577.00
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No. 6742 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF FUNDS, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath, Speltz. Nays – None. Absent- Porath, Denner. Resolution approved.
City Clerk Karen Clemens updated the council regarding the replacement of the boiler at City Hall/Community Center.
Public Works Director Casey Mai informed the council that there are 29 private properties that have a dead/diseased tree which has not been cut down. Mai will ask contractors for bids on July 1st to remove the remaining trees with the cost being the responsibility of each property owner.
Mai also reported that Strand Associates engineers’ have recalculated the estimated cost for the wastewater treatment plant renovations from $28 million to over $40 million. Staff is communicating with Strand to try and reduce that $40 million price tag.
Attorney Todd Prichard shared the ongoing legal filings regarding storm water issues.
Moved by Schwickerath, seconded by Speltz; that the meeting adjourn at 8:19 pm. Ayes –Four. Nays – None. Absent – Porath, Denner. Motion carried.
ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk
Steve Geerts, Mayor