Daniel Kunkel

The agenda for the meeting included a call to order by the Mayor, approval of the agenda, and a roll call. Key discussion points involved a presentation and recommendations concerning an Independent Investigation Report. The agenda also allocated time for public comments regarding City policies or services, subject to time limits and decorum rules.

The meeting's primary focus was the presentation of findings and recommendations by the independent investigator regarding an investigation. The investigator concluded there was no clear evidence of harassment under applicable law. Recommendations centered on implementing mandatory training for elected officials and staff on Iowa Code, City Code, and governance, clarifying ordinances, and establishing policies requiring scheduled appointments between elected officials and staff, ensuring at least three individuals are present during such meetings. The Council passed a motion to enforce these protocols regarding staff meetings and to schedule further discussion regarding mandatory training with the League of Cities.

The City Council meeting addressed various municipal matters. Key discussions involved construction alternates and additional considerations for the Rippey Intersection and Chichaqua Valley Trail Improvements Project, with a decision to bid options 1 and 2 with an additional paving alternate. The council set a bid letting date and a public hearing for the SW Avenue Phase 2 Reconstruction Project. Formal actions included the approval of final ordinance amendments, adoption of an updated Employee Handbook, approval of the Contingency Plan safe access procedures, and authorization to submit grant applications for recreational trail construction (LWCF) and ambulance cot purchase (Prairie Meadows). The council also approved the Baxter Spring Cleanup Day, established a new E-911 address for a Dollar General development, and authorized the City Administrator/Clerk to attend the 2026 IMMI Conference. A special council meeting was set for February 23rd for a presentation by an independent investigator, and a preliminary budget review for FY2027 was discussed.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which required amending an item regarding an ordinance amendment and clarifying another item concerning hiring versus appointing. The council approved the consent agenda, which included financials but explicitly excluded minutes from a prior meeting. Key discussions included the City Administrator's update regarding his departure, review and approval of the claims listing totaling $78,352.67 across various funds, and directing the City Engineer on plans for the Rippey Intersection and Chichaqua Valley Trail Improvements project, specifically concerning the extension of curb and gutter. The council tabled consideration of a water rate increase resolution, which requires an ordinance amendment rather than a resolution. A budget workshop for FY2027 was held without formal action. The council voted to hire Jill Braye as the new City Administrator/Clerk effective January 30, 2026, and appointed Josi Miller as Deputy City Clerk effective February 9, 2026. Public comment included a recommendation for recording all City staff, Mayor, and Council conversations.

Key discussions and actions taken during the meeting included the swearing-in of newly elected officials, approval of the agenda and consent agenda items such as financials and a Class "C" Retail Alcohol License for Benola's LLC. The council reviewed and approved a substantial claims list totaling $176,113.68 across various funds. Significant actions involved approving the 2026 General Engineering Services Agreement with MSA Professional Services, Inc., and finalizing plans for the Rippey Avenue intersection and Chichaqua Valley Trail improvements, including adding a sidewalk. The council tabled an agreement for concrete repair at the fire station pending site marking. Two budget workshops were conducted for the FY2027 budget, with a third scheduled publicly. An ordinance workshop resulted in setting the Mobile Food Vendor fee to $30 per year with required proof of insurance, and directing staff to include language about ice fishing at Geise Park pond. Water rates were established to increase by 3% effective February 1st, 2026, and another 3% effective July 1st, 2026, with a reassessment scheduled for September 2026. Resolutions were passed to authorize payment of an Auditor of State invoice (with an insurance claim pending) and to transfer funds from the LMI Fund to the Water Fund. The council also authorized a City-issued work phone for the Mayor, decided to schedule a community meeting in Spring 2026, accepted the resignation of the City Administrator/Clerk effective January 29th, 2026, and appointed an interim City Administrator/Clerk effective January 30th, 2026, while authorizing recruitment for a Deputy City Clerk and posting the City Administrator/Clerk position.