City Council Minutes | June 5, 2023

City Council
Council Chambers
Monday
June 5, 2023 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, June 5, 2023. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Schwickerath at 7:00 p.m. Council members present were McDonald, Speltz, Porath, Denner, Fisher and Humpal. Also in attendance were Tim Pederson, Casey Mai, Tammy Robinson, Mark Andera, Fire Chief Toby Schwickerath and City Attorney Todd Prichard

Move by Denner, seconded by Speltz; That the consent agenda, be approved. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.

1. Approve meeting agenda
2. Approve City Council Minutes of May 15, 2023
3. Approve City Claims of $193,488.67
4. Airport Minutes May 8, 2023
5. Liquor License Special Class C License The Blue Iris BW0095820
6. Liquor License Class C Retail: MidWest Sips @ Chickasaw Event Center
7. Application for Tax Exemption under the Urban Renewal Plan: Tobias & Dena Schwickerath
8. Cigarette Permits Effective July 1, 2023
9. Mobile Restaurant Permit Request – Parking on East Spring in Mikkelson Park
10. Street Closure Request: New Hampton Comm. School District

Public Works Director Casey Mai presented a proposed updated fee schedule effective July 1, 2023. Moved by Fisher, seconded by Humpal; That the Ordinance #893 for AMENDING THE CITY OF NEW HAMPTON FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023, receive its third and final consideration, be approved. Ayes – McDonald, Speltz, Porath, Denner, Fisher, Humpal. Nays – None. Absent – None. Mayor Schwickerath declared Ordinance #893 duly adopted.

Due to the recent timing malfunctions of the traffic lights on Main Street, the Light Plant Staff has assisted with the inspection of the controls and recommends replacing the 5 traffic light controllers. A Mobotrex, Inc representative has submitted a bid for the controller replacement for the Main Street traffic signals. Five controllers are needed with the parts and labor for each controller quoted at $5,626.00. Fire Chief Toby Schwickerath suggested researching the possibility of allowing the fire department to have a receiver and ability to control the traffic lights on Linn Ave and Main Street when they are in route to a call. It was also discussed to install motion detection devices if reasonably priced. There was additional discussion about removing the traffic signals at the intersections of Main & Walnut, Chestnut and Locust. Staff will contact the Iowa Department of Transportation to discuss the possibility of removal. The council tabled the issue to allow city staff to do more research with adding devices or removing the lights completely.

As a result of several changes to the TRIBE Trail plans the agreement with SEH for engineering services needs revisions. All expenses are paid with donated funds, tax dollars are not used. Moved by Speltz seconded by Porath; That Resolution No. 6580 A SUPPLEMENTAL LETTER AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WITH SEH, INC. FOR THE TRIBE TRAIL PHASE III PROJECT, be approved. Ayes – McDonald, Speltz, Porath, Denner, Fisher, Humpal. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.

NAME TITLE 2022/2023 2023/2024

Karen Clemens City Clerk /Zoning Admin $67,094 per year $ 69,106 per year
Tm Pederson Chief of Police $69,518 per year $ 75,888 per year
Tammy Robinson Econ. Dev. Director $61,698 per year $ 68,699 per year
Courtney Lechtenberg Deputy City Clerk $ 22.47 per hour $ 23.14 per hour
Casey Mai Public Works Director $79,181 per year $ 81,556 per year
Eric Kuehn Street Supt. $60,313 per year $ 62,122 per year
Nick Henningsen Water/Sewer Collection $56,992 per year $56,992 per year
Ken Douglas Meter Reader $15.08 per hour $ 15.53 per hour
Ken Douglas Car Allowance $60.00 per month $ 60.00 per month
Karen Schmitt Police Dept. Secretary $15.50 per hour $ 15.97 per hour
Megan Baltes Economic Dev Assistant $19.83 per hour $ 20.42 per hour
Todd Prichard City Attorney $3,127 per month $ 3,221 per month
Fire Department Fire Fighters $17.00 per hour $17.00 per hour
Equipment operators Part-time/as needed $16.00 per hour $ 16.00 per hour
Truck Drivers $21.00 per hour $ 21.00 per hour

Moved by Humpal; seconded by Fisher; That Resolution No. 6581 A RESOLUTION APPROVING SALARIES AND WAGES FOR NON-BARGAINING UNIT PERSONNEL EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2023, be approved. Ayes – McDonald, Speltz, Porath, Denner, Fisher Humpal. Nays – None. Absent – None. Resolution approved.

News Hampton Fire Chief, Toby Schwickerath, shared the results of the IOS Evaluation and Public Protection Classification Summary. The department received an improved classification rating of 5/10. Schwickerath was pleased with the improved rating and appreciates City Council support. The council expressed their appreciation of the fire department and their continued professionalism as representatives of the city.

PWD Mai has received a complaint about a diseased ash tree stump, located on private property, which the property owner wants to allow it to grow. With the large amount of dead trees, city staff would like a possible timeline for residents to remove dead trees on private property. Section 66.14 gives the City authority to take down the tree if the tree creates ‘an imminent threat of harm or damage’, but staff wants to offer a reasonable timeline. Staff will meet with the City of New Hampton Tree Board and establish a list of criteria when evaluating each privately owned tree.

City Clerk Clemens updated the council on the new tornado siren The NH Light Plant staff has offered to assist with the installation of the new siren atop the community center. Delivery of the siren should be later this summer.

Moved by Speltz, seconded by Porath; that the meeting adjourn at 8:01 p.m. Ayes – Six. Nays – None. Absent – None. Motion carried.

 

 

ATTEST: Karen Clemens, City Clerk

Robert Schwickerath, Mayor