City Council Minutes | April 3, 2023

City Council
Council Chambers
Monday
April 3, 2023 7:00 pm

 

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 3, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schwickerath at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald and Speltz.  Also in attendance were Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, City Attorney Todd Prichard, Bob Fenske, Tim Pederson & his family, Ryan Shawver, Zach Nosbisch, Sara Scobee, Julie Eckenrod, Kathy Shekleton, Tony Schwickerath, Matt Kuhn, Jake Hackman, Andy Chambers and NHHS government students.

Move by McDonald, seconded by Fisher; That the consent agenda be approved. Ayes – Six.  Nays – None. Absent – None.  Motion carried.

  1. Approve meeting agenda
  2. Approve City Council Minutes of March 20, 2023
  3. Approve City Claims of $183,576.41
  4. Library Minutes of March 7, 2023
  5. Park & Rec Minutes of March 28, 2023
  6. Board of Adjustment – Sara Scobee Special Exception Request (Horses in MP District)
  7. Board of Adjustment – Colin & Katie Larsen – 501 W Wilson Street
  8. Agreement with J&M Displays for fireworks Display June 9, 2023.
  9. Street Closure Request for Heartland Days – New Horizons Chamber
  10. Mikkelson Park Blockades and Parade Route Requests – New Horizon Chamber
  11. Class C Retail Alcohol License Approval- Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant

7:00 PM Public Hearing

Mayor Schwickerath announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year Budget beginning July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.  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 16th day of March 2023 in New Hampton in the County of Chickasaw. Mayor Schwickerath asked for oral comments.  There were none. Mayor Schwickerath asked for written comments.  There were none.

Mayor Schwickerath declared the hearing closed.

Moved by Daly, seconded by Denner; That Resolution No. 6563 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET, be approved.  Ayes – Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald, Speltz.  Nays – None.  Absent – None.  Resolution approved.

Moved by Denner, seconded by Humpal; That the Ordinance #892 entitled “AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE STOP OR YIELD REQUIRED” receive its third and final consideration. Ayes – Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald, Speltz.  Nays – None.  Absent – None.

Mayor Schwickerath declared Ordinance # 892 adopted.

Attorney Todd Prichard prepared an agreement for Sara Scobee, resident at 2200 S. Linn Ave, who has requested to have 2 horses on her property, which is in the city limits.  Moved by McDonald, seconded by Fisher; That Resolution No 6564 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR THE KEEPING OF HORSES, be approved. Ayes – Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald, Speltz. Nays – None.  Absent – None. Resolution approved. Resolution approved.

The Committee as a Whole met to discuss an increase in Public Works employee wages with information presented by Public Works Director Mai.   The Committee recommended approval and has presented the information to the City Council.  Moved by Daly, seconded Fisher; To approve the submission of the Memo of Understanding to Local Union #2003, effective July 1, 2023 and to allow increase of $2.00/hr for Dennis Marvin, effectively immediately.  Ayes – Six.  Nays – None.  Absent – None. Motion carried.

On March 20, 2023 a joint New Hampton City Council and Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors meeting took place to receive the Samuels Group law enforcement center report.  Each organization individually needs to approve the next step if they would like to project to continue to a ballot request.  The first step of creating a Joint Board Authority includes the designation of a representative from the city, from the county and an appointed third member.  If the Samuels Group is contracted for the second phase, the ballot request election could take place in September, 2023 or November 7, 2023. If the ballot passes the privately managed Industrial Development Corporation has agreed to donate 5 acres of land in the South Industrial Park for the law enforcement center if both the city police and county sheriff occupy the new space. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Denner; that Resolution No #6565 A RESOLUTION TO BEGIN NEGOTIATING TO ENTER INTO A JOINT AUTHORITY BOARD WITH THE CHICKASAW COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS FOR PURPOSES OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER, be approved. Ayes – Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald, Speltz.  Nays – None.  Absent – None. Resolution approved.

Mayor Schwickerath and the interview committee offered to hire Tim Pederson. Pederson is from Harlan, Iowa and is currently a sergeant with the Harlan police department. Pederson’s first day is April 19, 2023 with a starting salary of $69,518.  As a department head he will also receive 2 weeks of vacation upon hire. Moved by Fisher, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No 6566 A RESOLUTION APPOINTING TIM PEDERSON TO THE POSITION OF CHIEF OF POLICE EFFECTIVE APRIL 19, 2023 AND SETTING THE SALARY AT 69,518, be approved. Ayes – Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald, Speltz. Nays – None.  Absent – None.  Resolution approved.

Pederson was sworn into office by reciting the Oath of Office.

Moved by Daly, seconded by Fisher; that the meeting adjourn at 7:41 p.m. Ayes – Six.  Nays – None. Absent – None.  Motion carried.

 

 

ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk

Robert Schwickerath, Mayor