City Council Minutes | October 20, 2025

Council Chambers

Monday

October 20, 2025 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, October 6, 2025. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts. Council members present were Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath.  Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Conrad Rosendahl, Nick Jurgensen, Mark Andera, Colin,Katie and Kendall Larsen, Reann Flick, Jonas Schwickerath Bob Fenske and several NHHS students.

  1. Approve meeting agenda
  2. Approve Regular City Council Minutes of October 6, 2025.
  3. Approve City Claims of $133,575.29
  4. Park & Rec Minutes of October 8, 2025
  5. Library Board Minutes of October 7, 2025
  6. FMC Minutes of August 8, 2025
  7. Finance Committee Minutes of October 6, 2025
  8. Fire Dept Minutes of October 6, 2025
  9. Department Head Minutes October 7, 2025
  10. Valentini and City of New Hampton Agreement
  11. Upper Wapsi Water Management Authority Minutes
  12. US Forestry Assistance (IDNR) Grant Application Approval –Fire Department
  13. Financial Reports

 

     FUND  RECEIVED  DISBURSED
 GENERAL $142,115.56 $150,138.59
 ROAD USE TAX $54,039.78 $59,263.86
 SPECIAL REV/EMPLOYEE BEN $35,939.30 $15,934.39
 SELF INSURANCE FUND $7,833.15 $7,805.69
 LOCAL OPTION TAX $52,580.27 $0.00
 HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX $3,994.96 $2,762.44
 HOTEL/ MOTEL TAX CAP RES $1,355.00 $0.00
 TIF- INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL $39,457.69 $0.00
 HOUSING REHAB. GRANT $4,045.00 $8,090.00
 SPECIAL REVENUE- GRANTS $0.00 $4,558.34
 DEBT SERVICE $6,538.52 $0.00
 LIBRARY SPECIAL PROJECTS $156.10 $0.00
 COMM CENTER RENOVATION $0.00 $49,766.06
 2026 STREET RECONSTRUCTION $0.00 $38,275.00
 ROADS CAPITAL PROJECTS $12,127.63 $12.00
 STORMWATER CAPITAL PROJECTS $12,074.95 $7,006.50
 CAPITAL PROJECTS $20,626.99 $33,653.04
 WATER UTILITY $103,432.96 $39,174.22
 SEWER UTILITY $96,889.39 $59,047.24
 WASTEWATER PROJECT $28,126.27 $28,126.27
 SOLID WASTE $33,634.12 $33,455.12
 INDUSTRIAL PARK DEVEL. $0.00 $13,160.00
 CAPITAL PROJECTS-WATER $140.30 $3.27
 CAPITAL PROJECTS-SEWER $58.56 $3.27
 CUSTOMER DEPOSITS $1,291.00 $420.00
 PERPETUAL CARE $70.00 $0.00
 TOTAL $656,527.50 $550,655.30

 

Moved by Larsen, seconded by Speltz; that the consent agenda be approved as presented.  Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent- None. Motion carried.

Kendall Larsen, a 7th grader at St. Joseph Community School, requested the council to consider an improvement at the intersection of Western Avenue and Wilson Street.  The area near this intersection is very dark and gets very little lighting from the existing street light. Council will discuss the issue with the NH Municipal Light Plant to improve the lighting in the area.

Jonas Schwickerath requested additional discussion of the cost share of the water looping project on North Linn Avenue.  Council will discuss at the November 3rd council meeting.

PWD Casey Mai discussed the storm water management report for the west industrial park which was submitted by SEH. The Hydrology & Hydraulics Report was requested by council which was necessary as a result of the unapproved commercial expansion in the West Industrial Park.  The cost estimates being proposed for the two options are $1.3 mil and $4.7 mil. Mai explained both options and how each would benefit property owners in and near the industrial park as well as the impact on residents downstream. Mai will continue discussion with adjoining property owners in the area to ensure cooperation for future construction and effective storm water management. Mai will also reach out to the contractor to determine if some of the cost estimates can be reduced or eliminated.  Mai will report back to the council at the November 3, 3025 city council meeting.

Street Superintendent Kyle Anderson is recommending the hiring of New Hampton resident Brian Rosonke for the Public Works Operator position.   Brian’s first day of work with the City will be November 3, 2025; his starting wage is $25.43 with a $.25 raise in 6 months.  Moved by Denner, seconded by  Schwickerath That Resolution No. 6768 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE HIRE OF BRIAN ROSONKE AS A PUBLIC WORKS OPERATOR AT A RATE OF PAY OF $25.43. PER HOUR, be approved.  Ayes: Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath.  Nays – None.  Absent- None. Resolution approved.

The TRIBE Trail committee installed a water foundation along the fitness trail that adjoins the CWC and needs an easement from the New Hampton Community School District to complete the project. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; That Resolution No 6769 RESOLUTION APPROVING A WATER LINE EASEMENT WITH THE NEW HAMPTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, be approved. Ayes: Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen, Porath. Nays – None.  Absent- None. Resolution approved.

PWD Casey Mai updated the council on the water meter replacement project.  The project includes, in cooperation with the New Hampton Municipal Light Plant, replacing all the water and electric meters for residents and businesses.  Each of the utilities will be responsible for the expenses associated with their meters. Once the meters are changed, staff will have the ability to determine if there is excessive use and to problem solve much quicker.  Van Wert has proposed to install the meters at each location for $85.00 per meter.  Mai is requesting permission to distribute a Request For Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quote (RFQ) to local plumbers to install the water meters.  Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz: To direct PWD Casey Mai to prepare an RFP/RFQ to distribute to local licensed professional plumbers for water meter installation with the new AMI system.  Ayes 0 Six.  Nays – None.  Absent – None.  Motion Carried.

Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl reported that the “Faith in Blue” at Michelson Park raised $700 in donations which will be donated to the NH Park & Rec Department for scholarships.  Rosendahl also informed the council that the K9, Ozcar, has received his Certificate of Certification.  Ozcar is on duty and serving the residents of New Hampton.

Moved by Denner, seconded by Porath; that the meeting adjourn at 8:12 pm. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None.  Motion carried.

 

 

ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk

Geerts, Mayor