City Council Minutes | October 3, 2022

City Council
Council Chambers
Monday
October 3, 2022 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 3, 2022. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schwickerath at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Daly, Denner, Fisher, Humpal and Speltz. McDonald was absent. Also in attendance were Zach Nosbisch, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Matt Kuhn, several NHHS students and City Attorney Todd Prichard.

Moved by Daly, seconded by Humpal; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – McDonald. Motion carried.

1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve City Council Minutes of September 9, 2022
3. Class C Liquor License Renewal: Tom Britt dba Butch’s Place, 11/1/2022
4. Approve and place on file Park & Recreation Board Minutes of September 14, 2022
5. Approve and place on file Library Board Minutes of September 12, 2022
6. Iowa League of Cities Renewal Letter of September 26, 2022
7. Resignation of Braxton Rash from the NH Police Dept
8. Approve City Claims of $53,621.70

Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors chair, Matt Kuhn, requested to house the newly formed Chickasaw County EMS’s vehicles in the existing garage adjoining the police department garage starting on January 1, 2023. The Advisory Board in conjunction with the BOS is still in the decision making process of housing the ambulance service and that possible construction may take place. Kuhn is not certain of the length of lease needed. Chief of Police Zach Nosbisch will continue to share the garage space for the ambulance service. Moved by Denner, seconded by Fisher, To direct City Attorney Todd Prichard to draft on month-to-month lease agreement with the Chickasaw County EMS Department for garage space at the existing monthly rental fee of $1,250 per month with a thirty day notice for termination, be approved. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – McDonald. Motion carried.

Police Chief Nosbisch requested to hire a police officer to replace the position recently vacated by Officer Rash. Nosbisch has two possible candidates for the position. Moved by Daly, seconded by Fisher; That Police Chief Nosbisch can hire an additional police officer to replace the recently vacated position. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – McDonald. Motion carried.

Nosbisch also informed the Council about a discussion that occurred Monday, October 3, 2022 during the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors meeting. A supervisor questioned Chickasaw County Sheriff Hemann about the possibility of Chickasaw County absorbing the New Hampton Police Dept and contracting services. Nosbisch emphasized that this discussion has never taken place and he is concerned about the where this issue was initially discussed.

City Attorney Todd Prichard explained that the litigation is ongoing with the Pauline Ovel family. The public works department would like to install rip rap along a waterway on Ovel’s property to avoid additional deterioration of the bank. There are sewer and water lines exposed and the city is concerned that the lines could break at any time and wants to avoid any sewer contamination. Prichard, Public Works Director Casey Mai and Street Supervisor Eric Kuehn attended a hearing at the Chickasaw County Courthouse on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 to present evidence. The judge has not reached a verdict. The Ovel family would like the city to lay fill and seed the area to which the city disagrees. Any significant amount of rainfall will wash the fill and seed away.

Moved by Fisher, seconded by Speltz; that the meeting adjourn at 7:23 p.m. Ayes –Five . Nays – None. Absent – McDonald. Motion carried.

 

 

ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk

Robert Schwickerath, Mayor