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, November 3, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts. Council members present were Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Schwickerath. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Conrad Rosendahl, Kyle Anderson, Jonas Schwickerath and over 20 NHHS students.
Approve meeting agenda
Approve Regular City Council Minutes of October 20, 2025.
Approve City Claims of $239,585.19
Revised Dead/Diseased Trees List & Bid
Kwik Star Renewal & Amendment #LG0001094 12-29-2025
Hotel/Motel Committee Minutes of 10-22-25
Advisory Board Minutes 10-28-2025
Jordyn & Beth Fye – Request for Tax Exemption / Urban Revitalization Plan
Gloria & Fulton Bjergum – Request for Tax Exemption / Urban Revitalization Plan
Upper Wapsipinicon WMA Minutes 10-21-25
EMS 28E Agreement Correspondence Update
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Porath; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent- None. Motion carried.
7:00 PUBLIC HEARING: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE NEW HAMPTON URBAN RENEWAL AREA
Mayor Geerts announced now is the time and place fixed for the public hearing on a proposed urban renewal amendment. 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 23rd day of October 2025 in New Hampton, Chickasaw County. Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed.
Moved by Denner, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No. 6770 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE NEW HAMPTON URBAN RENEWAL ARES, be approved. Ayes – Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Schwickerath. Nays – None. Absent-None. Resolution approved.
Jonas Schwickerath / New Hampton Transfer & Storage (NHT&S) and the City of New Hampton have communicated for several months regarding Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the water line looping project on North Linn Ave and around Deb El’s property. Schwickerath is requesting the City share the burden of expenses in completing these two projects that are necessary to improve his insurability and safety for his staff and buildings and as well as enabling the City to connect additional future water customers. Recently the Finance Committee recommended to the City Council to pay for 50% of Phase 2 expenses with a not to exceed amount of $240,000. The total project cost did increase by approximately $100,000 due to the need to lay the pipe 1,100 feet further north near the Deb El property line. After a lengthy discussion it was moved by Porath, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No 6771 RESOLUTION TO CONTRIBUTE UP TO $250,000 TOWARDS THE WATER LOOPING PROJECT WITH JONAS SCHWICKERATH AND NEW HAMPTPON TRANSFER & STORAGE, WITH A REVIEW OF THE AGREEMENT AFTER THE COMPLETON OF THE WATER ANALYSIS STUDY BEING COMPLETED BY STRAND ASSOCIATES, be approved. Ayes – Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Schwickerath. Nays–None. Absent- None. Resolution approved.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl is requesting council approval to hire Lucas Kleckner who is a certified officer by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Kleckner is currently employed with the City of Belmond, Iowa as an officer and the City of NH will have to purchase his remaining contract with Belmond. Kleckner has also indicated that he is interested in becoming the K9 handler. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; That Resolution No 6772 RESOLUTION HIRING LUCAS KLECKNER AS A POLICE OFFICER AT AN HOURLY RATE OF PAY OF $30.43 WITH AN INCREASE OF $0.25 PER HOUR AFTER 6 MONTH PROBATION PERIOD, INCLUDING THE CONTRACT BUYOUT FOR KLECKNER, be approved. Ayes – Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Schwickerath. Nays–None. Absent- None. Resolution approved.
Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; The council go into closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)c, which provides: To discuss strategy with Council in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would be likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation. Ayes – Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Schwickerath. Nays – None. Absent- None. Motion carried.
Open session ended at 7:54 pm
Open session resumed at 8:43 pm
Action as a result of closed session:
Moved by Humpal, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No 6773 RESOLUTION DIRECTING CITY ATTORNEY PRICHARD TO COMMUNICATE WITH LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR PROPERTY OWNERS VALENTINI AND ERICKSON – GARNANT REGARDING DEADLINE FOR ACTIONS; IF DEADLINE OF NOVEMBER 13, 2025 AT 4:30 PM IS NOT MET, THE COMDENATION PROCESS COMMENCE, be approved, be approved. Ayes – Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Schwickerath. Nays – None. Absent- None. Motion carried.
Larsen informed the Council that a street light will be installed at the corner of Western Avenue and West Hamilton to improve the lighting along Western Avenue.
Casey Mai informed the Council that the remaining 9 dead/diseased trees will be cut down/removed this week. The property owners will be billed for the charges.
Moved by Schwickerath, seconded by Porath ; that the meeting adjourn at 8:47pm. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
