Sarah Beeck

The regular meeting included the approval of the agenda, consent agenda items (including minutes from the January 15, 2026 meeting and January 29, 2026 budget workshop), and review of new bills and comprehensive financial reports for various funds. Department reports covered the Sheriff's activity, water system status (including meter endpoint issues shared with Calamus), sewer spring discharge preparations, and the completion timeline for the new fire department brush truck. Discussions involved public lighting, park restroom and trail reopening timelines relative to the lagoon project, and addressing a resident's request regarding water service. The council unanimously approved an estimate to cap an old well. An update on the lagoon project detailed the need for tree removal before March 31st due to bat roosting, with groundbreaking set for April 1st. The council approved an amendment to the Owner-Engineer Agreement with Origin Design Co., set bid dates and a public hearing for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements, and approved a resolution establishing an NSF Check Fee. They also approved eliminating the city fax line to merge phone and internet services with the fire department, ratified the contract with the Clinton County Sheriff's Office, and set a public hearing for the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget.

The regular meeting addressed the adoption of the agenda and approval of the consent agenda, which covered previous minutes and financial reports, including payment of several new bills. Department reports included updates from the Sheriff's office, discussion on lead and copper water samples, and DNR suggestions for the Sewer Superintendent regarding PH meter testing. The Fire Department announced an upcoming Trivia Night Fundraiser and reported that the new brush truck is being fitted out. The council addressed visitor concerns regarding a non-functional meter. During a closed session, the council discussed employee performance, followed by unanimous approval to increase the monthly wages for both the Water Superintendent and Wastewater Superintendent positions, effective February 1, 2026. Bre Hudson was appointed to fill a vacancy on the City Council, and the Oath of Office was administered. Resolutions appointing city officers and establishing mileage reimbursement were approved. The council also approved the agreement with the Iowa DOT for primary road maintenance. The date for the FY26-27 Budget Workshop was set, and follow-up actions were assigned regarding capping an old well and replacing a street light.

The council discussed a temporary transfer of funds from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund, pending grant reimbursement for a fire department brush truck purchase. They also addressed changes and updates regarding the New Generations Learning Center, including the owner's notice of closure and potential takeover by Lee Jacobsen. The lease with Kelsie Tillery and New Generations Learning Center was terminated.

The council discussed various topics, including water and sewer superintendent wages, a rental lease agreement with Goose Lake Learning Center, and the appointment of a representative to the Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency. They also addressed the resignation of a councilmember and decided to fill the vacancy by appointment. The meeting included discussion of the sheriff's report, water and sewer superintendent reports, and a fire department update. Additionally, the council addressed citizen concerns and thanked the Northeast Superintendent for assistance with the daycare transition.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various city matters. The council reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the previous meeting, the treasurer's report, financial reports, and new bills. The Sheriff's report was reviewed, highlighting total hours logged, calls for service, citations or warnings issued, and cases reported. Water Superintendent Marty Jahn provided an update on the water plant, including booster alarm issues and a DNR inspection. The council discussed an alkalinity problem that led to a lead and copper issue and hopes to return to a three-year testing period. The Assistant Fire Chief reported on a grant received for a new brush truck and the upcoming Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser. The council also discussed water service for residents, yard waste solutions, bids for mowing services, and the increasing enrollment at New Generations Learning Center.