Minutes February 4, 2026

FORT ATKINSON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 4, 2026

Mayor Paul Herold called the regular meeting of the Fort Atkinson City Council to order at 6:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the Fort Atkinson Community Center. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Present were: P. Schmitt, K. Schmitt, Leuenberger and Futrell.  Eich was absent.  Also present were: Paul Herold, Greg Barta, Michele Elsbernd, Jay Schwamman, Eric Phillips, Rich Phillips and Steve Kelsay.

Motion by K. Schmitt, second by Leuenberger to approve the December and January claims, clerk/treasurer reports and January minutes. All aye, motion carried.

 

Claims Jan 26
Acentek phone/int 670.66
Alliant elec bills 6,628.12
Anderson Law legal 191.20
Anfinson, Kurt sus 234.00
Badger Meter meter ser 63.68
Bank Iowa hsa 200.00
Citizens Svgs fees 20.60
Consolidated Ene llp gas 2,031.74
Decorah Elec welll 420.00
Decorah Tech support 317.50
DiLaura, Don cover 340.80
Farmers Union fuel 471.00
Franzen Sales ship 44.90
Hawkins chemicals 393.85
Hoopla audio vis 111.55
Huber’s supplies 877.86
IAMU safety 307.00
Ingram books 355.38
IRS taxes 2242.37
Ia Dept Rev taxes 447.28
Iowa Code update 325.00
IA Dept Rev wet tax 444.11
Ipers pension 1,671.03
J.D. Financial supplies 188.85
Lee’s Repair snow rem 1,764.50
Lickety Split fuel 352.81
Luana Svgs loan 33,375.00
Marv Smith Ele repairs 595.66
Microbac Lab testing 45.75
R. Thompson serv 203.68
Reilly Const soap 136.87
Riley’s toner 277.46
Smith, Becky sws 161.13
Uhlenhake, M sws 60.35
US Cell phone/int 37.24
Visa supp 384.43
Visu-Sewer serv 1,137.50
Wellmark ins 814.13
Total 58,344.99
By fund
General 14310.27
Road use 3331.19
Benefits 1788.70
Debt Serv 33375.00
Water 8379.89
Water Imp 0.00
Sewer 5685.18
Sewer Imp 0.00
Total 66870.23
Revenue
General 14310.27
Road Use 3331.19
Benefits 1788.70
Debt Serv 33375.00
Water 8379.89
Sewer 5685.18
Total 66,870.23

 

Motion by K. Schmitt, second by Leuenberger to approve the Engagement Letter from Dorsey & Whitney, the bonding attorneys for the water tower project.  All aye, motion carried.

The March meeting will be held on Monday, March 2, 2026 due to the max levy filing restrictions for the budget.

Motion by Futrell, second by P. Schmitt to Approve Resolution # 406 setting the date for a public hearing and additional action on a proposal to enter into a General Obligation Water Improvement Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder. Aye: K. Schmitt, P. Schmitt, Futrell & Leuenberger.  Motion carried.

Motion by P. Schmitt, second by Leuenberger to approve the building permit for Sue Busta.  All aye, motion carried.

Eric and Rich Phillips addressed the council regarding their water rate and other water issues.  Steve Kelsay updated the council on many county issues of interest.

Greg Barta discussed the quotes received for the possible cleaning and painting of the water tower interior.  This would happen while the tower is down to replace the defective fill pipe.  He also informed council on meter reading issues, trees that needed removal and inquired on the status of the proposed pickup purchase.  Motion by Leuenberger, second by K. Schmitt to approve ordering the new Chevy Pickup from Pladsen in Waukon.  All aye, motion carried. Motion by K. Schmitt, second by Futrell to accept the bid from K & W Coatings for the fill pipe replacement and work on the interior of the tower as needed.  All aye, motion carried.

Motion by P. Schmitt, second by Futrell to approve the yearly support to NE IA Housing Trust Fund, NEICAC, Winneshiek County Development and Helping Services.  All aye, caried. Motion by K. Schmtt, second by Leuenberger to approve a salary increases to all employees with the exception of the library staff.  Their salary is set by the Library Board.  All aye, motion carried.

The council declined participation in the United Way proclamation.

Kay Schmitt updated on the playground project and stated she had applied for 6 grants to help fund the improvements. City Wide Clean Up day will be on Thursday May 7th.  The ordinance requiring house numbers was discussed.  Several members will survey to see which properties need attention and letters will be sent accordingly.  Greg Barta will follow up on the installation of a 911 sign to the city cemetery property.

The proposed water rate Ordinance was reviewed and will be placed on the agenda for the first reading at the March meeting.

Motion by Leuenberger, second by K. Schmitt to adjourn.  All aye, motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:19 P.M.

 

_____________________________

Paul Herold, Mayor

 

ATTEST:______________________

Michele Elsbernd, City Clerk

 

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