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, May 4, 2026. Mayor Geerts called the meeting to order. Council members present were McGrath, Denner (via telephone), Kiffel, Larsen. Absent – Schwickerath and Speltz. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Conrad Rosendahl, Cory Frank, Adam Schwickerath with Fehr Graham, Roger Stansbery . Dylan Wallaser, Bob Fenske and a NHHS student
Moved by Larsen, seconded by McGrath; that the agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Motion carried.
1. Approve regular City Council minutes -April 20, 2026
2. Approve city claims of $482,602.13
3. Chickasaw County Auditor Letter Re: 28E Agreement EMS Funding
4. Airport Commission Minutes of 4-13-26
5. Park & Rec Board Minutes of 4-8-26
6. Airport Minutes of 4-28-26
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Kiffel; to approve the consent agenda. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Motion carried.
Adam Schwickerath, engineer with Fehr Graham Engineering & Environmental, requested council consideration for any upcoming projects for the City of New Hampton.
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing on the 2026 Fiscal Year Budget Amendment. 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 23rd day of April 2026 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.
Moved by McGrath, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution No. 6821 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET AMENDMENT, be approved. Ayes – McGrath, Denner, Kiffel, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Resolution approved.
Police Officer Cory Frank informed the City Council that his return to work timeline has changed and he is under doctors care for an additional 6-8 weeks. Police chief Conrad Rosendahl informed that City Council that after many months of being short staffed, Cory Frank is not physically capable of doing the job of a police officer he has decided to allow Cory Frank to resign or be terminated from his position, effective immediately. After a brief discussion, moved by McGrath, seconded by Larsen, to table the discussion regarding Cory Franks employment with City of New Hampton until after Item agenda item K. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Motion carried.
Chief Conrad Rosendahl has requested bids from local businesses to replace flooring in the police station. The Bids received were: Dungey’s Furniture & Floors – total bid of $5,017.83, Midwest Flooring – total bid of $4,419.80. Moved by McGrath, seconded by Larsen; that Resolution No 6822 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE BID OF MIDWEST FLOORING FOR FLOORING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $ 4,419.80, be approved. Ayes – McGrath, Denner, Kiffel, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Resolution approved.
City Staff is working on the AMI system including the installation of new water meters for all residents and has requested council approval on the necessary steps city staff can take to encourage and require all residents and businesses to cooperate to have the new water meters installed at their location. PWD Casey Mai prepared a resolution for council review which allows for surcharges on residents who fails to make arrangements with city staff. Moved by Larsen, seconded by McGrath; That That Resolution No. 6823 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE REPLACEMENT OF WATER METERS AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE, AND ESTABLISHING COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS, be approved. Ayes – McGrath, Denner, Kiffel, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Resolution approved.
As part of the process for the upcoming $12 Mil bonding financing for the street improvements projects, the City of New Hampton needs to update the Tax Compliance Procedures. Attorney’s with Dorsey & Whitney have prepared the necessary documents. Moved by Denner, seconded by Kiffel; That Resolution No. 6824 RESOLUTION ADOPTING AND APPROVING THE TAX COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES RELATING TO TAX-EXEMPT BONDS, be approved. Ayes – McGrath, Denner, Kiffel, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Resolution approved.
Mitch Holtz, Strand Associates engineer, is requesting a reduction to the Warranty Bond Term for Jerry Tank Masonry be revised from a 4 year bond to a 2 year bond. This change will be included as a Change Order after the contract with Tank is executed.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by McGrath; That the requested Reduction in Warranty Bond Term for Jerry tank Masonry, LLC, be approved. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Motion carried.
A Temporary Construction Easement and Right of Entry has been signed by adjoining property owners, William and Renee Croell, for the West Garfield Street Extension. Moved by McGrath, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution No. 6825 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AND RIGHT OF ENTRY FOR WILLIAM AND RENEE CROELL , be approved. Ayes – McGrath, Denner, Kiffel, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Resolution approved.
Resume Item F: Following a private discussion between Chief of Police Conrad Rosendahl and Officer Cory Frank, a decision was made to terminate Officer Frank’s employment with the City of New Hampton, effective immediately. Officer Frank was directed to return all City-issued equipment to the Police Department to Tuesday, May 5, 206. and request his equipment be turned in to the police department on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Chief Rosendahl and the City Council expressed their appreciation to Officer Frank for his service to the community.
Members of the City Council requested that Chief Rosendahl proceed with opening the vacant police officer position for hiring. However, as this item was not included on the meeting agenda, no formal action was taken. City Clerk Karen Clemens will schedule a special City Council meeting to consider and potentially approve the advertisement of the open position.
City Attorney Todd Prichard informed the Council that the Compensation Commission meeting scheduled for May 6, concerning the eminent domain proceedings, has been cancelled. Attorney Prichard will keep the Council informed of any further developments.
Economic Development Director Tammy Robinson reported that the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) has purchased property from Bill Croell and Renee Croell located adjacent to Western Avenue. The purchase price was $325,000. The acquisition will support the development of up to 23 residential lots.
Moved by Kiffel, seconded by McGrath; that the meeting adjourn 7:50 pm. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Schwickerath, Speltz. Motion carried.
