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, July 21, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts. Council members present were Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner and Larsen. Humpal was absent. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Conrad Rosendahl, Tammy Robinson, Casey Mai, Mick Gage, Jonas Schwickerath and Shane Fountain.
Approve meeting agenda
Approve Regular City Council Minutes of July 7, 2025.
Approve City Claims of $290,912.05
Fire Department Minutes July 7, 2025
Department Head Minutes July 8, 2025
Water Committee Minutes of July 7, 2025
Park & Rec Minutes of July 9. 2025
Class B Retail Alcohol License #LG801: Five Star Coop 9-1-2025
Request to Encumber Funds
Finance Reports
FUND
RECEIVED
DISBURSED
GENERAL
$100,017.11
$328,435.23
ROAD USE TAX
$56,423.05
$41,502.60
SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN
$4,951.75
$18,389.59
SELF INSURANCE FUND
$9,004.88
$3,351.28
LOCAL OPTION TAX
$43,198.65
$149,353.00
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX
$3,553.11
$11,040.59
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES
$1,768.25
$0.00
TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL
$8,487.36
$10,384.00
HOUSING REHAB. GRANT
$10,384.00
$0.00
SPECIAL REVENUE- GRANTS
$0.00
$28,693.03
DEBT SERVICE
$217,645.67
$1,000.00
LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS
$1,252.98
$2,415.00
COMM CENTER RENOVATION
$20,232.00
$0.00
ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS
$10,578.36
$15.24
STORMWATER CAPITAL PROJECTS
$6,117.89
$1,012.18
CAPITAL PROJECTS
$123,693.34
$14,680.86
WATER UTILITY
$108,489.09
$224,064.29
SEWER UTILITY
$72,000.59
$109,629.06
WASTEWATER PROJECT
$87,460.87
$86,980.60
SOLID WASTE
$31,306.93
$33,488.82
CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER
$187,120.91
$7.63
CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER
$5,053.02
$7.63
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS
$1,557.00
$1,265.00
PERPETUAL CARE
$420.00
$0.00
TOTAL
$1,110,716.81
$1,065,715.63
Moved by Schwickerath, seconded by Speltz; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent- Humpal. Motion carried.
City Clerk Karen Clemens solicited bids to replace the boiler in the Community Center/City Hall. Only one bid was received; Mick Gage Plumbing & Heating provided two bid options. The first bid includes a Thermal Solution AMP 1000L Natural Gas Fired High Efficiency Condensing Boiler with an input of 1000 MBH and the necessary additional equipment and supplies. The second bid includes 2 -Thermal Solutions AMP – 500 Natural Gas Fired High Efficiency Hot Water boilers; each with an input of 500 MBH and the necessary additional equipment and supplies. Gage stated the two smaller boilers will run simultaneously and will provide the same heating needs at the larger unit. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6746 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID FOR THE COMMUNITY CENTER BOILER REPLACEMENT PROJECT FROM MICK GAGE PLUMBING & HEATING FOR 2 THERMAL SOLUTIONS AMP – 500 NATURAL GAS FIRED HIGH EFFICIENCY HOT WATER BOILERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,759.00, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent- Humpal. Resolution approved.
Clemens requested the Council approve the Section 125 Premium Only Plan annual resolution which allows employees to take advantage of pre-tax health insurance deductions. Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6747 RESOLUTION APPROVING SECTION 125 PREMIUM ONLY PLAN, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Larsen. Nays- None. Absent- Humpal. Resolution approved.
The City’s meter reader, Ken Douglas, is planning on retiring the end of August. The position was advertised during the month of June, and interviews were held this last week. Clemens would like to offer the job to New Hampton resident, Bill Boyd, at a rate of $16.50 per hour. Moved by Porath, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution No. 6748 RESOLUTION HIRING PART TIME METER READER BILL BOYD AT A RATE OF $16.50 PER HOUR EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2025, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Larsen. Nays- None. Absent- Humpal. Resolution approved.
Public Works Director Casey Mai and Jonas Schwickerath of New Hampton Transfer & Storage presented the plans for the North Linn Avenue Water Main Extension Loop Project. This project to improve water pressure on North Linn Avenue and eliminate three dead end water lines which will result in better water quality. The project will be broken down into two phases: Phase 1 would move forward this year (1,100 feet of 8-inch main and two hydrants).Phase 2 would be scheduled for 2026 (3,720 feet of 8-inch main, two hydrants, and two valves. Schwickerath is requesting the City approve the necessary DNR applications for the project and a cost sharing proposal with the City for phase 2 of this project. Phase 2 is estimated to cost $285,000 – $295,000. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Porath; That Resolution No. 6749 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE NORTH LINN AVENEUE WATER MAIN EXTENSION LOOP PROJECT WITH JONAS SCHWICKERATH AND NEW HAMPTON TRANSFER & STORAGE, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Larsen. Nays- None. Absent- Humpal. Resolution approved.
PWD Mai discussed the ongoing communications with Rembrandt Foods regarding their proposed wastewater and water needs if their purchase of Bay Valley Foods is finalized. Mai wants to ensure that city residents are not burdened with additional wastewater expenses due to industrial users’ needs. Mai requested a Meeting as A Whole on Monday, July 28th, 2025 at 9:00 am in the Council Chambers to discuss, with Strand Engineering staff, the requests of Rembrandt Foods. Economic Development Director, Tammy Robinson, has reached out to several State of Iowa organizations to qualify for grants or assistance to help the City meet the needs of Rembrandt Foods.
Mai also shared that many residents have removed the dead/diseased trees on their property. He is estimating that 15 properties still need to communicate with the City regarding their plans of removing the tree(s).
Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; that the meeting adjourn at 7:30 pm. Ayes –Five. Nays – None. Absent – Humpal. Motion carried.
