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, July 15, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Fisher and Porath were absent. Also in attendance were Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl (via Zoom), Eric Kuehn, Scott Carey and Bob Fenske.
Approve meeting agenda
Approve City Council Minutes of July 1, 2024
Approve City Claims of $96,299.24
Committee As A Whole Minutes of July 1, 2024
Planning & Zoning Minutes of July 9, 2024
Park & Recreation Minutes of July 10, 2024
Fire Department New Hire
Street Closure Request: Dak’s Tap July 27, 2024
Encumbrances for FY2023/2024
Financial Reports
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Motion carried.
7:00 PM PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE SALE OF CITY PROPERTY
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing on the proposed sale of City Property, Parcel # 19-11-12-2-26-243. 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 July, 2024 in New Hampton in the County of Chickasaw.
Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed.
The Council discussed the recent sale price of the Gardner Ave ROW and the different land value regarding this parcel. Move by Larsen to Approve the Sale of Parcel #19-11-12-2-26-243, with a minimum bid of $.18 per square foot plus survey expense. After additional discussion, Larsen withdrew the motion. Moved by Humpal; seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6651 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY PARCEL #19-11-12-2-26-243, MINIMUM BID OF $1.00 PLUS SURVEY AND RECORDING FEES, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Resolution approved.
Chief Conrad Rosendahl requested City Council approval to hire Darby Stone as a Police Officer effective August 11, 2024 at a pay rate of $29.50 per hour, three weeks of vacation and a $2,500 sign on bonus. Stone brings 5 years of experience to the position. The starting pay rate identified by the Local #2003 Union Agreement is $29.25. Rosendahl requested the possibility of a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) to allow these three benefits to be extended to Stone. City Clerk Karen Clemens informed the Council that the Union was not in favor of these benefits for the new officer. The council also discussed the need to have the ability to offer additional benefits to future employees who bring valuable experience to the position they are being hired for. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution NO. 6652 RESOLUTION HIRING DARBY STONE AS POLICE OFFICER AT A RATE OF PAY OF $29.25 PER HOUR EFFECTIVE AUGUST 11, 2024, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Resolution approved.
Chief Conrad Rosendahl requested City Council approval to hire two part time police officers to fill in when experiencing staffing issues. Robert Millin is currently the Chief of Police in Mar-Mac; Troy Riehm is also a certified officer and is employed with an emergency medical service. Both provide valuable experience in law enforcement. Moved by Denner, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution NO. 6653 A RESOLUTION HIRING ROBERT MILLIN AND TROY RIEHM AS PART TIME POLICE OFFICERS AT A RATE OF PAY OF $29.25 PER HOUR, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Resolution approved.
PWD Casey Mai presented the recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission approving the Plat of Survey for the creation of four additional lots for Kyle Bouska. Moved by Denner, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution NO. 6654 A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PLAT OF SURVEY FOR KYLE BOUSKA, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Resolution approved.
Eric Kuehn passed his Grade III Wastewater Certification and will make the full transition to the Wastewater Plant soon. With this certification, PWD Casey Mai is recommending a pay increase from $63,986 to $70,000 annually.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution NO. 6655 RESOLUTION TO INCREASE THE SALARY OF ERIC KUEHN TO $70,000 EFFECTIVE ON THE JULY 17, 2024 PAYROLL FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF HIS GRADE III WASTEWATER CERTIFICATION, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Resolution approved.
Public Works Director Mai informed the council that 1172 of 1679 Lead Line surveys has been completed. Mai sent reminder letter to 670 properties reminding them to complete the Lead Line survey. Mai will share the mailing list with City Council members and city staff so they can assist with making contact with the property owners who need to complete the surveys.
Moved by Speltz, seconded by Humpal; that the meeting adjourn at 8:13 PM. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Fisher and Porath. Motion carried.
