City Council Minutes – April 14, 2021

Present: P. Schmitt, Leuenberger, Glass, and K. Schmitt Absent: Schroeder

Mayor Paul Herold called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Representatives from Hawkeye Sanitation requested to renew their contract with the City for another 5 years, requesting a 2% increase in fees each July. Motion was made by P. Schmitt, seconded by Leuenberger, to approve to continue the contract for 5 years. All Aye. Carried.

David Gehling advised Council he is in a Solar Investor Group that would like to partner with the City financially to add solar for the City buildings. Technology has emerged since inception to make it worth pursuing, and in the next 2 years has the most financial advantage with tax credits to the investors. Council will look further into solar and advise.

Haylenia and Paul from Northeast Iowa RC&D discussed the USDA Community Facilities Grant which started in 2018, to find a project for the City of Fort Atkinson. Next step is to prioritize the projects discussed, and begin to look at other funding sources to help with the project. The grant will cover 35% of the project, and most have been capped at $50,000. Awards are typically quarterly, and you can apply for multiple projects.

Tom Madden apologetically advised Council he has fallen behind on the Lagoon Project due to loss of some employees. The permits are done, and he is having a CAD Tech meeting Monday to review the plans. He is still planning to put out to bid yet this year and setting next year as completion date. Iowa DNR will need to approve final plans first, which takes about four weeks, and contractors bid letting will take about three weeks.

The 2nd Well Project is moving along well. One issue is figuring out power due to only having single phase power at the ballpark, and running a new line would be costly. Madden will provide some options to decide best way to go. Site approval is to Iowa DNR, but need to show proof of ownership of the land. Maybe Ernst money and easement in place until the contract is paid for. Herold is working on this.

Theresa Gehling discussed the Drug Screening Program that we just signed up for through Gehling Chiropractic. They can also do fire department physicals as required now by insurance. Due to the cost, Fire Chief Ron Franzen asked for her to provide him some more information to review.

Greg Barta advised Council that Winneshiek County will b resurfacing W14 in 2024 and we can participate with them and pay for the curb and gutter and parking spots in the City limits. Motion was made by K. Schmitt, seconded by Leuenberger, to approve getting bids with the County for the City portion. All Aye. Carried.

Barta also advised the truck fill valve at the Co-op broke. He is working with Lee’s Repair and parts should be in this week to repair. Co-op will either pay them or reimburse the City for the expenses.

Motion was made by Glass, seconded by P. Schmitt, to approve March 10, 2021 Minutes, March Clerk Reports and Monthly bills as presented. All Aye. Carried.

Motion was made by K. Schmitt, seconded by Glass to approve signing the WTFAP Grant Award for $300,000 by the Iowa Finance Authority for wastewater and drinking water improvements. All Aye. Carried.

Motion was made by Glass, seconded by P. Schmitt, to approve liquor license renewals for Lickety Split and Hubers once all paperwork is in to Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division. All Aye. Carried.

Erdman Engineering had the lowest quote for plotting the cemetery at $2,200, and for 10th Avenue at $800. Leuenberger also advised the Cemetery Board has agreed to pay $2,000 towards the survey. Motion was made by K. Schmitt, seconded by Leuenberger, to approve the low bid by Erdman Engineering. All Aye. Carried.

Motion was made by Glass, seconded by K. Schmitt, to approve building permits for decks for Sean Snyder and Steve and Tara Hoffert. All Aye. Carried.

Next meeting will be May 5, 2021 at 7pm in the Community Center. Motion to adjourn was made by Leuenberger, seconded by K. Schmitt. All Aye. Carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

• Alliant – Electric $2,032.81
• Auditor of State – Exam Fees $1,500.00
• Badger Meter – Fees $46.32
• Baker & Taylor – Books $166.07
• Bank Iowa – HSA Contribution $200.00
• Calmar Courier – Publishing $280.41
• FED/FICA Taxes $1,863.26
• City Laundry – Towels $118.38
• Consolidated Energy – Fuel $1,135.38
• Darin Barta – Rent $70.00
• Decorah Newspaper – Ad $42.00
• Fort Atkinson Rentals – Rent $90.00
• Franzen Sales – Supplies $18.37
• Huber’s – Supplies $91.68
• IDOT – Purchase Land by Lagoon $5,000.00
• IMFOA – Dues $50.00
• Iowa DNR – Permit $100.00
• IPERS – $1,404.75
• John Deere – Supplies $165.89
• Keystone Lab – Testing $25.60
• Lee’s Repair – Skidloader $2,070.00
• Mediacom – Internet $395.43
• Midwest Living – Subscription $18.00
• Post Office – Billing Postage $127.00
• SEH – Well Engr. $6,010.91
• Storey Kenworthy – Supplies $57.05
• Swank Movie – Licensing $384.00
• Treasurer, State of Iowa – Taxes $691.00
• US Cellular – Phone $104.36
• UERPC – CDBG Grant Admin $411.76
• Wellmark – Insurance $518.80
• Payroll $6,926.67
• Totals $32,142.20