City Council Minutes | December 18, 2023

City Council
Council Chambers
Monday
December 18, 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, December 18, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schwickerath at 7:09 p.m. Council members present were Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald. Also in attendance were Tim Pederson, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, City Attorney Todd Prichard, Township representatives Larry Hilgendorf, Gary King, Brad Nelson; Steve Geerts, Deb Larsen, Mark Andera, Toby Schwickerath, Nick Jurgensen and several NHHS government students.

1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve City Council Minutes of December 4, 2023
3. Approve City Claims of $224,478.55
4. Library Board Minutes of December 5, 2023
5. Fire Department Minutes of November 6, 2023
6. Approval of Part Time Snow Removal Equipment Operator Job Description
7. Home Occupation Request: Kathi Johnston at 308 East Main Street
8. Audit Proposal from Hacker Nelson & Co, CPA’s
9. Finance Reports

FUND RECEIVED DISBURSED

GENERAL $127,191.36 $123,110.81
ROAD USE TAX $42,059.30 $31,401.61
SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN $8,288.06 $21,275.34
SELF INSURANCE FUND $10,901.39 $6,874.56
LOCAL OPTION TAX $77,619.06 $0.00
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX $20,333.15 $12,983.50
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES $7,994.46 $0.00
TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL $33,414.24 $0.00
HOUSING REHAB. GRANT $0.00 $627.62
SPECIAL REVENUE- GRANTS $6,031.69 $13,624.00
DEBT SERVICE $2,787.17 $3,123.75
LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS $2,431.97 $0.00
COMM CENTER RENOVATION $0.00 $4,500.00
ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS $12,755.37 $5.00
STORM WATER CAPITAL PROJ $6,443.75 $2.50
CAPITAL PROJECTS $21,042.46 $193,309.50
WATER UTILITY $80,056.22 $35,393.26
SEWER UTILITY $76,962.34 $43,118.34
SOLID WASTE $13,632.26 $2,620.22
CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER $12,868.73 $400,002.50
CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER $9,291.48 $150,002.50
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS $1,334.00 $2,148.00
TOTAL $573,438.46 $1,044,123.01

Mayor Schwickerath requested approval for the Class C Retail Alcohol License for Kenny’s Tavern at 4 East Main Street be removed from the consent agenda. Moved by McDonald, seconded by Porath; that the amended consent agenda be approved. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.

Steve Troyer with Fox Strand & Associates presented & discussed the wastewater facility plan. The plan is ready to be presented to the Iowa DNR for their review. Troyer encouraged the City Council to continue with the plan and timeline to avoid additional cost increases. Moved by Denner, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution #6605 RESOLUTION APPROVING WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY PLAN be approved. Ayes – Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.

Fire Chief Toby Schwickerath presented the council with information on the possible purchase of a Pierce Freightliner M112 Pumper Tanker. The fire department staff utilized Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing company, for bids on the tanker truck. The base unit price of the tanker is $628,442.00; if a down payment of $300,000.00 is made, the overall cost will be reduced by $44,375.00. The New Hampton & Dayton Townships have a financial obligation to share the cost of new equipment based on an existing 28E agreement. Dayton Township is willing to contribute their share of $81,909.38 as part of the $300,000 down payment. New Hampton Township representatives shared their concerns about the large additional expense of the purchase; their share of the new truck is $163,818.76. The City of New Hampton’s share is $339,338.86. City Council members discussed that the budgeting process is just beginning for FY2025 and they have serious concerns on the loss of revenues due to House File 718 as well as being uncertain about the results of the ongoing union negotiations effective 7/1/2025. The Council agreed to continue discussions with the Fire Department after the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year Budget has been approved.

PWD Casey Mai shared with the council an inquiry he received about the vacating the Right of Way (ROW) of East Gardner Street, between North Locust Avenue and North Foley Ave. This ROW 713.75’ long and 66’ wide. The New Hampton Park & Rec Department is interested in obtaining and maintaining that property in the ROW that is east of Spring Creek. The council would like to offer to adjoining property owners the opportunity to discuss the best option if the City does vacate the property. Mai will continue to investigate the inquiry and discuss at a future city council meeting.

Globe Life has been added as a vendor which offers employees extra insurance coverage. Moved by Fisher; seconded by Speltz; That Resolution #6606 A RESOLUTION APPROVING SECTION 125 PREMIUM ONLY PLAN, be approved.
Ayes – Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.

PWD Mai presented an agreement for professional services from SEH, Inc. for Storm Water Management Review in 2024 The purpose of this agreement is for review of storm water management plans submitted to the City. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Fisher; That Resolution #6607 A RESOLUTION APPROVING AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.

Council members and staff thanked both Mayor Schwickerath and councilmember McDonald for their service on behalf of the City of New Hampton.

Moved by McDonald, seconded by Denner; that the meeting adjourn at 8:08 p.m. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.

 

 

ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk

Robert Schwickerath, Mayor