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 1, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz and Denner. Also in attendance were Tim Pederson, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Kristi Pederson, Tara Hackman,Toby Schwickerath, Mark Andera, Nick Jurgenson, City Attorney Todd Prichard, Kelly Terpstra from the NH Tribune and approximately 25 concerned citizens
Approve meeting agenda:
1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve City Council Minutes Public Hearing April 1, 2024 & Regular Council meeting on April 1, 2024.
3. Approve City Claims of $327,594.12
4. Library Minutes of March 4, 2024 & April 2, 2024
5. Park & Rec Minutes of March 6, 2024 & April 2, 2024
6. Fire Department Minutes of January 8, February 5 & March 4, 2024
7. Department Head Minutes of April 3, 2024
8. Airport Commission Minutes of April 8, 2024
9. Finance Reports
FUND RECEIVED DISBURSED
GENERAL $93,794.03 $116,922.35
ROAD USE TAX $31,955.36 $45,627.14
SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN $10,936.03 $20,289.18
SELF INSURANCE FUND $9,117.35 $9,505.33
LOCAL OPTION TAX $37,110.13 $0.00
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX $0.00 $648.37
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES $17.23 $0.00
TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL $2,754.82 $0.00
HOUSING REHAB. GRANT $0.00 $2,026.09
SPECIAL REVENUE- GRANTS $43.00 $0.00
DEBT SERVICE $2,252.24 $0.00
LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS $49.98 $577.72
COMM CENTER RENOVATION $0.00 $1,296.00
ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS $10,878.71 $9.27
STORMWATER CAPITAL PROJECTS $6,390.93 $4,388.45
CAPITAL PROJECTS $1,656.46 $13,761.65
WATER UTILITY $80,934.75 $21,576.80
SEWER UTILITY $86,517.16 $45,269.21
WASTEWATER PROJECT $0.00 $355.62
SOLID WASTE $34,683.25 $32,843.46
CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER $5,328.33 $4.64
CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER $5,311.08 $4.64
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS $1,442.00 $2,734.00
TOTAL $421,172.84 $317,839.92
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
Mayor Steve Geerts welcomed all guests and allowed public comment for anyone in attendance. Mayor Geerts also stated that the area of concern and reason for the closed session meeting is not related to the on duty conduct or other city employees. New Hampton residents Jeremy McGrath, Todd Miller, Mike Anderson and Ryan Shawver all shared their support for current Police Chief Tim Pederson.
7:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING FOR FY2024/2025 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year Budget beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025. 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 4th day of April 2024 in New Hampton in the County of Chickasaw. Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There was one comment from resident Jeremy McGrath. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed. Moved by Larsen; seconded by Porath; That Resolution No. 6625 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET, be approved. Ayes – Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
Moved by Denner, seconded by Porath; That Resolution No. 6626 A RESOLUTION TO SET A DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FY 2023-2024 BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR MAY 6, 2024 AT 7:00 PM, be approved. Ayes – Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
City Clerk Karen Clemens requested Council and City Attorney direction on the building at 15 West Main and the deterioration of the building. The current property owner has claimed they cannot find a contractor to make the necessary repairs. Moved by Humpal, seconded by Fisher; To direct the City Clerk to hire a certified building inspector to inspect the building at 15 West Main and notify the property owner of the City’s intent. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
Park & Rec Director Tara Hackman shared with the Council the plans for the TRIBE Trail crossing across South Linn Ave. The trail committee has contracted with a traffic/safety expert to determine the safest way for pedestrian traffic to cross South Linn Ave. Hackman will continue to inform the Council as this develops.
Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; That the council go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)i, which provides: To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. Ayes – Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
Entered Closed Session at 7:35 p.m.
Resumed Open Session at 8:52 p.m.
Action as a result of the closed session: Mayor Steve Geerts accept the resignation of Tim Pederson.
Office Doug Eagan has been appointed to interim Police Chief effective immediately. Doug Eagan will be paid the same rate of the chief’s hourly wage which is $36.48 per hour.
Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; that the meeting adjourn at 8:53 p.m. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
