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 Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Also in attendance were City Attorney Todd Prichard, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Carrie Becker, Donna Dietzenbach, Cory McDonald, Bob Fenske and several NHHS students.
1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve Regular City Council Minutes of September 15, 2025.
3. Approve City Claims of $261,028.10
4. Park & Recreation Minutes of September 16, 2025
5. Library Board Minutes September 2, 2025
6. Class C Retail License: Dakstacks, LLC Oct. 27, 2025
7. FMC Board Meeting Agenda, Minutes, Reports
8. Iowa League of Cities Conference Notes
9. Board of Adjustment: Rembrandt Foods Request
10. Annual Financial Report FY2025
11. Annual Urban Renewal Report FY2025
Moved by Larson, seconded by Speltz; that the consent agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent- None. Motion carried.
New Hampton Public Library Director Carrie Becker made a request to the City Council for additional funds to pay for the replacement of the dome roof (skylight) at the library. The repair estimate is approx $17,000; this expense was not included in the FY2026 Library budget. After a short discussion, it was moved by Humpal, seconded by Larsen; To direct Library Director Carrie Becker to ask the Library Board if they would be willing to have 50%/50% share of the expenses with 50% from the Library FY2026 Budget and 50% from city reserve balance. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried. If the 50/50 share is agreed on, Becker will order the skylight as there is a 6 month lead time needed to build the skylight.
Economic Development Director Tammy Robinson is requesting council approval to utilize INRCOG for a grant application process for the Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grant. This grant could possibly pay up to 50% of the project expenses for the South Industrial Park. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) will pay the $2,000 grant administration fee. Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz That Resolution No. 6761 RESOLUTION APPROVING A RISE APPLICATION FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY FUNDING, DESIGNATING THE MAYOR AS THE OFFICAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CITY, AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO AFFIX HIS SIGNATURE TO SAID APPLICATION AND PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSURANCES IN CONJUNCTION WITH SAME, AND ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EXTENSION OF RUSTY KENNEDY ROAD AND 225TH STREET be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
Economic Development Director Tammy Robinson is requesting council approval to utilize TIF funds to finance the South Industrial Park street projects, an amendment to the Urban Renewal Area is necessary. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Schwickerath; That Resolution No 6762 RESOLUTION SETTING DATE FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AMENDMENT, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
As a result of recent discussions of water needs for local industries and ensuring the City is meeting the water use demand from existing residents/commercial/industrial users it was determined that a water study needs to be conducted for planning purposes. Public Works Director Mai requested approval for Strand Associates to conduct the study. The cost of the study is $68,000 and it is anticipated the study will be completed in November 2026. Mai also informed the council that this study will be necessary when the City is applying for additional funding opportunities. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Porath; That Resolution No 6763 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES WITH STRAND ASSOCIATES, INC FOR A WATER SYSTEM STUDY, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
As part of the project to extend West Garfield Street to Western Avenue a Wetland Delineation and Aquatic Resources Inventory study is required prior to construction. Strand Associates has provided guidance to city staff to ensure all requirements are being met. The cost of this study is $7,500. Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; That Resolution No 6764 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH EOCENE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP AS PART OF THE WEST GARFIELD STREET EXTENSION PROJECT, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
As part of the project to reconstruct Mikkelson Parking lot at the intersection of South Locust and East Spring Street, a geotechnical study is required prior to construction. Strand Associates has provided guidance to city staff to ensure all requirements are being met. The estimate for this project is $7,950. Moved by Schwickerath, seconded by Humpal that Resolution No 6765 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR MIKKELSON PARKING LOT RESTORATION be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
As part of the project for the West Garfield Street extension a geotechnical study is required prior to construction. Strand Associates has provided guidance to city staff to ensure all requirements are being met. The estimate from Terracon for this project is $8,500. Moved by Speltz, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution No 6766 RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH TERRACON CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR WEST GARFIELD STREET EXTENSION, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
Residents Paul & Amanda Trewin are requesting approval to exceed the curb cut length for their driveway width. The dwelling has a single car garage which allows for a 16’ curb cut. They are pouring an additional drive which would allow a 24’ curb cut for a double drive. Trewin’s are requesting a 2’ extension for a 26’ curb cut. Moved by Denner, seconded by Larsen; That Resolution No. 6767 RESOLUTION TO APPROVE DRIVEWAY CURB CUT EXTENSION AT 416 SOUTH LOCUSTS AVENUE, be approved. Ayes – Porath, Schwickerath, Speltz, Denner, Humpal, Larsen. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl invited everyone to attend the “FAITH IN BLUE” being held at Mikkelson Park on Sunday, October 12th from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.
PWD Casey Mai informed the council that the easement with DebEl Foods has been signed and is recorded. Staff can now proceed with installing additional water lines on DebEl’s property.
Moved by Porath, seconded by Speltz; that the meeting adjourn at 7:42 pm. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.
