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 7, 2024. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Geerts at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Speltz and Denner. Porath was absent. Also in attendance were Conrad Rosendahl, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Kayla Smith, Kerstin Schwickerath and a NHHS student.
Approve meeting agenda
Approve City Council Minutes of September 16, 2024.
Application for Tax Exemption/Urban Revitalization: Robert Shekleton
Application for Tax Exemption/Urban Revitalization: Kyle Bouska
Annual Urban Renewal Report, Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Annual Financial Report Fiscal Year 2023-2024
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Humpal; that the Consent Agenda be approved as presented. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – Porath. Motion carried.
Police Chief Rosendahl is asking for approval to enter an annual agreement with Lexipol which provides an Annual Law Enforcement Policy Manual & Daily Training Bulletin. Moved by Larsen, seconded by Fisher; That RESOLUTION No. 6676 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF THE LEXIPOL LE POLICE MANUAL ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, be approved. Ayes- Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Porath. Resolution approved.
Economic Development Director Tammy Robinson is asking for Council approval of an agreement with INRCOG to proceed with a Housing Needs Assessment. The last time this assessment was completed was in July, 2017. The IDC (Industrial Development Corporation) has offered to pay for the $15,000 fee. Moved by Fisher, seconded by Humpal; That RESOLUTION No. 6677 A RESOLUTION OF THE NEW HAMPTON CITY COUNCIL TO REQUEST THE ASSISTANCE OF THE STAFF OF THE IOW NORTHLAND REGIONAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENT (FOR A HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT), be approved. Ayes- Fisher, Humpal, Larsen, Speltz, Denner. Nays – None. Absent – Porath. Resolution approved.
Attorney Todd Prichard arrived at 7:08 pm.
Public Works Director Casey Mai informed the council that 1508 of the 1677 water line surveys has been completed. Mai shared his frustration that there are still 169 uncompleted surveys after two years of letters, emails, texts and door postings. Mai needs to complete the report and submit it the State of Iowa by October 15th. He is unsure if there will be potential fines as a result of the properties that did not respond to the survey request. There was a lengthy discussion on how to proceed and encourage the remaining 169 properties to respond. Moved by Fisher, seconded by Humpal; To direct City staff to utilize the City Facebook account and list the names of the 169 properties that have not completed the water line survey. Ayes – Four. Nays – Denner. Absent – Porath. Motion carried.
The Public Works Department currently has the position of Water & Sanitary Collection Superintendent vacant and posted to be filled. The prior Superintendent’s salary was $58,697. The City currently has the position posted to be filled as is however, consideration is being given to have the position be combined with the Street Superintendent position for additional pay based on qualifications. This would allow one Superintendent between the two areas and to hire a public works laborer that can be universal to help out all departments (street, water, sewer, and wastewater). Moved by Fisher, seconded by Denner; to combine the vacant position as Street, Water & Sanitary Collection Superintendent with possible salary up to $80,000, with proper qualifications and signed contract for expense reimbursement upon leaving City of New Hampton employment. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – Porath. Motion carried.
At a recent Committee As a Whole meeting, the need to improve pedestrian safety along Hamilton Avenue via sidewalk was discussed. PWD Mai walked West Hamilton Ave to survey each property to determine the most favorable location for a sidewalk which he determined that the north side of Hamilton would be preferred. At a previous meeting with city staff, Superintendent Jurrens encouraged the City to take a stance on pedestrian safely and install the sidewalk, also, preferably on the north side of Hamilton Ave. The estimated cost of completion is approximately $125,000 plus the cost of surveying each property. There was a lengthy discussion regarding how the City plans to pay for the construction costs. Possible actions include: property assessment, City pays 100% of cost, City/property owner share the expense (10%, 20%, etc.) Mai also suggested the City install sidewalk along Stolz Park to lead by example for pedestrian safety. It has also been brought to the attention of city representatives the need for a sidewalk on the north side of West Main Street from Ash Drive to the TRIBE Trial. Casey Mai will develop a map including the lineal footage of each property along the north side of West Hamilton and an estimated cost sheet based of percentage of contribution. Mai will get an estimate of the survey costs as well.
Humpal suggested creating a communication plan to inform council members of incidents involving city employees and city property.
Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl reminded those present about the “Faith & Blue” event on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at Mikkelson Park from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. He encouraged everyone to attend.
Moved by Larsen, seconded by Denner; that the meeting adjourn at 8:34 PM. Ayes – Five. Nays – None. Absent – Porath. Motion carried.
