City Council Minutes | July 17, 2023

Council Chambers
Monday
July 17, 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, July 17, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schwickerath at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Denner, Fisher, Humpal, McDonald and Porath. Speltz was absent. Also in attendance were Police Chief Tim Pederson, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Bob Fenske, Joel Knutson and Shawn Hildahl.

1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve City Council Minutes of July 5, 2023
3. Approve City Claims of $137,504.28
4. Encumber Funds For Traffic Signals $3,600.00
5. Appointment: Brian Moore – Planning & Zoning & Emily Schueth – Library Board
6. New Class B Retail Alcohol License Dollar General @ 910 East Main Street
7. New Class B Retail Alcohol License Five Star Cooperative @ 1949 N Linn Ave
8. Floyd Mitchell Chickasaw County Landfill Monthly Report/Agenda
9. Setoff Participant Enrollment Application Form (Income/Offset Program)
10. Airport Commission Minutes of 7/10/23
11. Planning & Zoning Minutes of 7/11/23
12. Department Head Minutes of 7/11/23
13. Fire Department Minutes of 2/6/23, 3/6/23, 5/1/23, 6/5/23, 7/10/23
14. June 2023 Finance Reports

Moved by Fisher, seconded by Humpal; that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented; Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – Speltz. Motion carried.

Chickasaw County EMS department head, Joel Knutson, updated the council on the first 6 months of activity for the ambulance service. Knutson reported they have answered 487 calls, a 12% increase from 2022 largely due to transfer activity. A third ambulance has been purchased and is stationed in Fredericksburg. There is a 28E Agreement meeting on July 26, 2023 for stakeholders to attend; Knutson encouraged council attendance. Knutson also thanked the City Council for allowing Chickasaw County to break the existing garage lease agreement without the required 60 days notice. Effective August 1, 2023 the department will take possession of the building at 204 East Prospect and will begin remodeling the facility for staff living quarters.

Councilmember Speltz arrived at 7:08 pm

The Council recently discussed the replacement of controller units for the traffic signals and unfortunately this past week an additional controller is malfunctioning and needs replacement. The Council requested that City Clerk Clemens continue to apply for grants to assist paying for the necessary updated equipment. Moved by Humpal, seconded by Fisher; To approve the purchase of five (5) controller units #M60 NEMA ECOM, NTCIP from Mobotrex, Inc. for $5,626 per unit; and to amend the FY2024 budget for the additional expenses, be approved. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.

Jamey Pesek, on behalf of Richard Bast and Woodland Drive Road Association requesting approval of the final plat amendment for Woodland Estates, consisting of vacating platted right-of-way and the subdividing of a portion of Lot 8, which will be combined with Lot 9 of Woodland Estates Addition. At the July 11th P&Z meeting the Board recommend approval of the Woodland Estates Subdivision Plat Amendment with the vacation of the right-of-way of Woodland Drive. Moved by Denner, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 2023-06 RESOLUTION APPROVING PLAT AMENDMENT FOR WOODLAND ESTATES & WOODLAND DRIVE be approved. Ayes – Denner, Fisher, McDonald, Porath, Speltz.
Abstain – Humpal. Nays – None. Resolution approved.

Councilmember Humpal shared her appreciation for Carrie Becker and the entire Library staff for all they do for our community. She applauded their continual efforts to offer a variety of programs all year long for residents of all ages.

Public Works Director Mai shared an update on the successful manhole replacement project on East Main Street.

City Clerk Clemens updated the council on a recent inspection of the dog pound facility located at the WWTP. The facility fencing was in violation; Clemens and Pederson are working on fixing the violations and continue to work with the SNAP organization.

Moved by Porath, seconded by Fisher; that the meeting adjourn at 7:56 p.m. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.

 

 

ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk

Robert Schwickerath, Mayor