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, May 18, 2026. Mayor Geerts called the meeting to order. Council members present were Schwickerath, Speltz, , Larsen and McGrath. Denner, Kiffel were absent. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Casey Mai, Conrad Rosendahl and NHHS students.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; that the agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Denner, Kiffel. Motion carried.
1. Approve regular City Council minutes 5.4.26, Special Council Meeting 5.6.26
2. Approve city claims of $163,725.78
3. Fireworks Display Permit: Tri/Mark Corp, 8.1.2026
4. Park & Rec Minutes 5.6.26
5. Library Board Minutes 5.5.26
6. Department Head Minutes 5.5.26
7. Fire Dept Minutes – 4.6.26 & 5.4.26
8. Cigarette, Tobacco, Vapor Products Permit – New Hampton Mart 7.1.26
9. Class E Retail Alcohol License Renewal – New Hampton Mart 6.3.26
10. Ownership Information Update – Dollar General – 2 locations
11. Finance Reports
FUND RECEIVED DISBURSED
GENERAL $668,150.92 $141,799.17
ROAD USE TAX $43,436.33 $38,055.00
SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN $187,784.60 $15,564.80
SELF INSURANCE FUND $10,762.97 $5,844.25
LOCAL OPTION TAX $74,054.91 $0.00
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX $4,865.39 $1,238.47
HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES $4,068.31 $0.00
TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL $168,235.20 $0.00
SPECIAL REVENUE- GRANTS $0.00 $9,324.66
DEBT SERVICE $32,698.39 $177,263.25
LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS $3,098.01 $0.00
COMM CENTER RENOVATION $0.00 $1,200.00
2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION $0.00 $35,133.04
ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS $18,819.84 $33.02
STORM WATER CAPITAL PROJ $16,352.92 $33.02
CAPITAL PROJECTS $30,976.42 $94,810.02
WATER UTILITY $432,874.10 $214,942.13
SEWER UTILITY $105,474.43 $57,558.35
WASTEWATER PROJECT $160,289.78 $160,289.78
SOLID WASTE $34,084.81 $34,154.35
CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER $184,376.89 $371,430.70
CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER $2,462.36 $0.00
CUSTOMER DEPOSITS $1,645.00 $686.00
TOTAL $2,184,511.58 $1,359,360.01
Moved by Schwickerath, seconded by McGrath; to approve the consent agenda. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Denner, Kiffel. Motion carried.
The City of New Hampton entered into an agreement with the Iowa Finance Authority for a Sewer Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement in June 2021. The initial loan amount was $1,370,000 for the planning and design phase of the WWTP. Additional funding is needed prior to the estimated completion date of November 2026 for the final design phase. The city is requesting an additional $1,440,000 at 0% interest rate to complete the final design. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No. 6826 RESOLUTION TO FIX A DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO A SEWER REVENUE LOAN AND DISBURSEMENT AGREEMENT AND TO BORROW MONEY THERE UNDER, be approved. Ayes – Schwickerath, Speltz, Larsen, McGrath. Nays – None. Absent – Denner, Kiffel. Resolution approved.
PWD Casey Mai prepared an updated fee schedule for council review. Mai recommended increasing the fees for a Variance request, Special Exceptions and Rezoning applications, bulk water usage, animal permit, water connection fee and zoning verification letter fee. The council will review and approve the schedule at the June 15, 2026 council meeting with an effective date of July 1, 2026.
Strand Associates has prepared the bid documents for the Logan and Cleveland Streets construction projects. The date for bid opening is 1:00 pm on June 9th and the public hearing to accept the winning bid is June 15th, 2026
Moved by McGrath, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No. 6827 RESOLUTION SETTING BID DATE AND PUBLIC HEARING DATE FOR PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS: LOGAN STREET AND CLEVELAND STREET, be approved. Ayes – Schwickerath, Speltz, Larsen, McGrath. Nays – None. Absent – Denner, Kiffel. Resolution approved.
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is planning on resurfacing and milling Iowa Hwy 24 (East Main Street) this summer and this includes curb and gutter repairs. The IDOT has identified two private properties that need to have curb and gutter replaced, 715 E Main and 960 E Main. These property owners have received communication from the IDOT about the necessary curb replacement. Staff is recommending that the property owners pay the repairs to the curb and gutter; once the City receives the invoice for the repairs, an invoice will be forwarded to the two property owners. Moved by Schwickerath, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution No. 6828 RESOLUTION APPROVING THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT FOR PRIMARY ROAD PROJECT, be approved. Ayes – Schwickerath, Speltz, Larsen, McGrath. Nays – None. Absent – Denner, Kiffel. Resolution approved.
Strand Associates Engineering proposed that the City Council consider an incentive for the contractor for the Logan & Cleveland Street for early completion of the street projects as the residents who live on these two streets will have multiple inconveniences throughout the construction process. After a brief discussion, there was no action taken.
The Finance Committee met at 6:00 pm to discuss the financing of the Eminent Domain process and the associated expenses. The affected departments will share the expenses associated with this situation.
In preparation for the citywide water meter replacement project, City staff will prepare and issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the recycling and disposal of the existing water meters.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; that the meeting adjourn 7:48 pm. Ayes – Four. Nays – None. Absent – Denner, Kiffel. Motion carried.
