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 21, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Humpal, Larsen, Porath Speltz, Denner and Fisher. Also in attendance were Conrad Rosendahl, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Bob Fenske, Gary Johnson, Kayla Smith, Kerstin Schwickerath, Matt & Casey Paulus, Jacob Hackman, Gerri Oltrogge, Kathy O’Conner, Steve & Julie Lang, Lynn Schwickerath, Tony Trower, Don Gitch, Tammi Gitch, Darla Jarchow, Don Mai, Jr, Chad Sweitzer, Joel Knutson, Jay Jurrens, Melissa Scheidel, Jay Matthews, Erin McGee and a NHHS student.
Approve meeting agenda
Approve City Council Minutes of October 7, 2024.
Approve City Claims of $64,953.82
Fire Dept Minutes of October 7, 2024
Park & Rec Board Minutes of October 9, 2024
Planning & Zoning Appointment: Jeramy Croell
Family Halloween Parade on Main Street/Hwy 24
Resignation of Chad McGee
Supplemental Letter Agreement S.E.H. TRIBE Trail
ARPA Summary of Funds as of 10/16/24
Finance Reports
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
7:00 PM Public hearing: Urban Renewal Area Designating of the expanded New Hampton Urban Renewal Area
The City Council investigated and found that notice of the intention of the Council to conduct a public hearing on the designation of an expanded urban renewal area and on a proposed urban renewal plan amendment had been published according to law and as directed by the Council and that this is the time and place at which the Council shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of the City.
Mayor Geerts asked for oral comments. There were none. Mayor Geerts asked for written comments. There were none.
There being no further objections, comments or evidence offered, Mayor Geerts declared the hearing closed.
Moved by Denner, seconded by Speltz; That RESOLUTION No. 6678 Resolution to Declare Necessity and Establish an Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and Approve Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the New Hampton Urban Renewal Area, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
It was moved by Council Member Porath, seconded by Council Member Fisher; That Ordinance No. 898 An Ordinance Providing for the Division of Taxes Levied on Taxable Property in the October, 2024 Addition to the New Hampton Urban Renewal Area, Pursuant to Section 403.19 of the Code of Iowa, be adopted. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher. Nays – None. Absent – None.
Whereupon, the Mayor declared the motion duly carried and declared that said ordinance had been given its initial consideration.
Moved by Council Member Larsen, seconded by Council Member Humpal; that Resolution #6679 A Resolution Setting a Date of Meeting at which it is Proposed to Approve a Development Agreement with New Hampton Transfer & Storage, Inc., Including Annual Appropriation Tax Increment Payments, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
The 2016 Dodge Charger was advertised for sale with sealed bids due on Friday, October 18th, 2024 at 4:30 pm. The clerk’s office received two bids:
Ringwood Motors, Ringwood, Illinois $3,000
Gabriel Eagan, North Washington, Iowa $6,020
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Porath; That RESOLUTION No. 6680 A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE BID OF GABRIEL EAGAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,020 FOR THE 2016 DODGE CHARGER, be approved.
Several members of the community were in attendance to share their thoughts and concerns regarding the discussion of installing sidewalks on West Hamilton Avenue. Resident Melissa Scheidel shared the results of a ‘Safe Routes to School’ walk-ability audit. This report identified opportunities for improving walk-ability within the city. Other concerns that were shared with the council included:1) Cost to property owners, 2) Inconsistent enforcement of sidewalk installation/removal, 3) Requesting an analysis of pedestrian and vehicular traffic data, 4) Impact of new sidewalk on existing concrete driveways, 5) Other high traffic areas in the city where a sidewalk is not installed.
City Attorney Todd Prichard called in at 7:36 pm.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl informed the residents that he is aware of the traffic & pedestrian issues surrounding both public school and has suggestions to hopefully minimize potential accidents.
Denner made a motion to table the issue for future discussion. Motion died for lack of a second.
Council members Larsen and Humpal both shared their thoughts on the dynamics of the several issues needing to be addressed as well as the financial responsibility the council needs to consider for infrastructure improvements. After a lengthy discussion, Mayor Geerts thanked everyone for their input and is planning on organizing a committee of citizens to continue this discussion to find a solution.
Chickasaw County Emergency Services manager, Joel Knutson, requested the city council give consideration to installing a 4 way stop at the intersection of North Water Ave and East Prospect. As a result of the county ambulance service being housed adjoining that particular intersection, he has noticed that traffic speeds and having a clear view of oncoming vehicles are concerns. Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl shared his concern regarding that intersection as well and encouraged the city council to adopt a resolution to add stop signs for the east and west bound traffic. This item will be added to the next City Council agenda.
Chief Rosendahl has prepared a list of suggestions to slow traffic and improve school zone safety. The specific areas of concern are listed below:
Stop Signs added to the following locations:
Intersection of S. Maple and W. Hamilton, making this a 4 way stop intersection
Intersection of S. Broadway and W. Hamilton, making this a 4 way stop intersection
Intersection of S. Walnut and W. Hamilton, making this a 4 way stop intersection
Intersection of S Chestnut and E. Hamilton, making this a 4 way stop intersection
Creating and adopting School Zones in the following locations
West Main Street from N. Linn to S. Maple
West Spring from S. Broadway to S. Maple
West Hamilton from S. Linn Ave to S. Maple
West Main Street from N. Western Ave to Industrial Ave
West Hamilton from S. Sheakley to high school parking lot
Broadway from W. Hale to W. Court
Maple from W. Hale to W. Court
Hale from N. Broadway to N. Maple
Also discussed were traffic concerns on East Milwaukee Avenue and the intersection of North Water Avenue and East Washington. Mayor Geerts will add these concerns to the agenda for the sidewalk committee.
Chickasaw County has begun the process of creating an urban renewal area. Since some of the urban renewal area is inside the 2-Mile zone for the City of New Hampton, they need City Council approval to continue with the URA project. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Denner; that Resolution #6681 RESOLUTION APPROVING JOINT AGREEMENT WITH CHICKASAW COUNTY TO ESTABLISH A URBAN RENEWAL AREA, be approved. Ayes – Humpal, Larsen, Porath, Speltz, Denner, Fisher. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
PWD Mai has been asked to consider repairing the steps in the Mikkelson Parking lot on South Locust Avenue. The parking lot is scheduled for complete replacement and Mai does not want to make repairs only to have the pay to have the steps replaced a second time. No action was taken.
Moved by Fisher, seconded by Porath; that the meeting adjourn at 9:10 pm. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
