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, August 18, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts. Council members present were Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath. Porath was absent. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Conrad Rosendahl, Tammy Robinson, Casey Mai, Rick Kramer, Kayla Smith and Bob Fenske.
1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve Regular City Council Minutes of August 4, 2025.
3. Approve City Claims of $70,291.20
4. Park & Rec Minutes of August 6, 2025
5. Fire Department Minutes of August 4, 2025
6. Department Head Minutes of August 5, 2025
7. Cemetery Board Minutes of 8-12-2025
8. Public Library Board Minutes of August 5, 2025
9. Application for Tax Exemption-Urban Revitalization Plan: August Throndson
10. IDOT Request for Closing Primary Road: Homecoming Parade Sept 25, 2025
11. Finance Reports
FUND RECEIVED DISBURSED
GENERAL $65,756.58 $316,269.19
ROAD USE TAX $41,273.08 $42,701.64
SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN $2,151.67 $17,046.92
SELF INSURANCE FUND $8,317.55 $2,351.24
LOCAL OPTION TAX $60,430.14 $42,295.91
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX $3,626.55 $2,384.37
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES $1,229.98 $0.00
TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL $3,780.62 $0.00
SPECIAL REVENUE- GRANTS $0.00 $58,795.86
DEBT SERVICE $242.25 $0.00
LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS $2,289.08 $1,093.97
2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION $0.00 $77,350.00
ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS $54,112.35 $42,315.91
STORMWATER CAPITAL PROJECTS $8,892.34 $6,705.25
CAPITAL PROJECTS $8,009.49 $36,680.10
WATER UTILITY $96,133.56 $104,987.70
SEWER UTILITY $144,936.71 $66,063.02
WASTEWATER PROJECT $0.00 $171,958.35
SOLID WASTE $36,139.17 $33,549.20
INDUSTRIAL PARK DEVEL. $0.00 $45,120.00
CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER $3,114.44 $10.00
CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER $3,019.45 $10.00
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS $1,284.00 $1,817.00
PERPETUAL CARE $70.00 $0.00
TOTAL $544,809.01 $1,069,505.63
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent- Porath. Motion carried.
The previously hired meter reader is no longer working for the city effective August 7th. City Clerk Karen Clemens has offered the job to Karen Hemesath, effective August 11th. Ken Douglas has agreed to work past September 1st to allow enough time for Hemesath to learn the entire route. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6753 A RESOLUTION HIRING PART-TIME METER READER KAREN HEMESATH AT A RATE OF $16.50 PER HOUR EFFECTIVE AUGUST 11, 2025, be approved. Ayes: Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath. Nays – None. Absent- Porath. Resolution approved.
Cindy Knox with INRCOG has provided the final documentation for Project #5. This project has been delayed several times for various reasons; this project will be completed prior to the USDA – RD deadline. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Humpal; That Resolution No. 6754 RESOLUTION AWARDING OWNER OCCUPIED REHABILITATION CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICAL WORK TO KNIGHTS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC FOR PROJECT #5 OF THE NEW HAMPTON HOUSING PRESERVATION GRANT (HPG) PROGRAM, be approved. Ayes: Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Schwickerath. Nays – None. Absent- Porath. Resolution approved.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl shared his concerns regarding EPAMD: Electronic Personal Assistive Mobility Devices (electric scooters). The police department and City staff have witnessed situations involving the scooters that could easily been tragic accidents. Rosendahl provided information from other communities and how they are addressing the issue. Council members requested Rosendahl to prepare a draft ordinance for review at future city council meeting. Attorney Todd Prichard will assist with the preparation of this document.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl requested the support of the council for implementation of a wellness program which would allow the police officers to use a hour of their working day for fitness. Council members were receptive to offering a program for police officers and other city staff and requested Rosondahl to prepare a wellness plan for future council discussion. Prichard offered that the Union will need to be included in these discussions.
City Attorney Todd Prichard updated the council on the recent heavy rains that have created a flooding problem to residents whose property adjoins Mikkelson Park. Several residents have complained; city staff has been communicating with property owners to install an additional storm water line but cannot come to an agreement. Prichard and staff will continue to work with the property owners to alleviate the flooding issues in this area.
Moved by Denner, seconded by Schwickerath; that the meeting adjourn at 7:40 pm. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – Porath. Motion carried.
