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, April 6, 2026. Mayor Geerts called the meeting to order. Council members present were Kiffel, Larsen, McGrath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner (via telephone). Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Casey Mai,Tammy Robinson, Jake Hackman, Ryan Shawver, Roger Stansbery Bob Fenske and a NHHS student.
Moved by Kiffel, seconded by Speltz; that the agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
1. Approve regular City Council minutes of March 16, 2026.
2. Approve city claims of $717,493.34
3. Tobacco License Renewal: Fareway Stores, Dollar General Store #25491, Kwik Trip #895 & #714
4. Committee as a Whole Meeting Minutes 3-16-26
5. Annual Audit 3 Year Bid – Hacker Nelson & Co., CPAs
6. Agreement Regarding Healthcare Services to Low Income Individuals
7. Heartland Days Mikkelson Park Blockades, Parade Route
8. Class C Alcohol License: Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant 4-1-26
9. Class C Alcohol License: Cinco De Mayo Mexican Kitchen & Bar 4-9-26
Moved by Speltz, seconded by Larsen; to approve the consent agenda. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
Resident Ryan Schawver shared his concern regarding the necessity of the West Garfield street extension project while other city streets need repairs or replacement.
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing specified for taking action on the proposal to enter into an Essential Purpose Loan Agreement in a principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000. 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 26th day of March 2026 in New Hampton, Chickasaw County. Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There was none. Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed.
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing specified for taking action on the proposal to enter into an General Purpose Loan Agreement, as defined in the attached resolution, in a principal amount not to exceed $225,000. 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 26th day of March 2026 in New Hampton, Chickasaw County. Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There was none. Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed.
Moved by McGrath, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6813 RESOLUTION TAKING ADDITIONAL ACTION ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO GENERAL OBLIGATION LOAN AGREEMENTS, COMBINING LOAN AGREEMENTS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE LEVY OF TAXES TO PAY GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE BONDS, SERIES 2026, be approved. Ayes: Kiffel, Larsen, McGrath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
Council discussed the possible adoption of a procurement policy for city purchases. City Clerk Karen Clemens presented previously approved procurement polices as part of the City of New Hampton’s receipt of federal funding. McGrath shared a policy that he would like to adopt which will allow the council to have oversight on purchases. Council and city staff will prepare a policy for council review.
The Council briefly discussed the issue regarding overtime and comp time for exempt employees. Council requested that the Street Superintendent job description change from non-exempt to exempt. Clemens will prepare the documentation for this request.
City Clerk Karen Clemens requested council approval for additional opportunities for city staff to purchase AFLAC products. These insurance products are the sole responsibility of each employee, the city does not bear a cost for employee participation. Moved by Speltz, seconded by McGrath; that Resolution No. 6814 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING VOLUNTARY EMPLOYEE-PAID VISION AND DENTAL INSURANCE THROUGH AFLAC, be approved. Ayes: Kiffel, Larsen, McGrath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
PWD Casey Mai is requesting approval of the bid of Geerts Plumbing & Heating for $79.00 per meter for the AMI Meter Project. The AMI system and new water meter project is progressing and Mai has the new meters being delivered. Mai has created an App for the contractor to use when changing the meters; contractors are requested to look for any code violations or necessary repairs to the water system at each residence. City staff is preparing notifications letters to send to all residents asking for their cooperation in completing this project in a timely manner. Staff would like council input on what steps will need to be taken if residents are non-compliant. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; that Resolution No. 6815 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BID OF GEERTS PLUMBING & HEATING FOR THE WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROJECT, be approved. Ayes: Kiffel, Larsen, McGrath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
City Attorney Todd Prichard would like to update the council on matters with the storm water easement with Precision of New Hampton and the Writ of Certiorari from Nicolas and Lindsey Valentini.
Moved by Speltz, seconded by Larsen; that the city council go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)c, which provides: To discuss strategy with Council in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation, be approved. Ayes: Kiffel, Larsen, McGrath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
Open Session Ends: 7:47 PM
Open Session Begins: 8:27 PM
There was no action taken due to closed session.
Moved by Kiffel, seconded by Schwickerath; that the meeting adjourn 8:27 pm. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
