REGULAR MEETING MINUTES | January 14, 2026
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 REGULAR MEETING
                                                             January 14, 2026
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ACKLEY CITY COUNCIL met in regular session January 14, 2026 in the Ackley Council Chambers with Mayor Michael Nuss presiding. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Council members present:  Mike Abbas, Mike Wessels, Dan Scallon, Steven Ackerman, Maliah Roelfs. Quorum present.
Scallon moved, Roelfs seconded to approve the January 14, 2026 agenda. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Abbas moved, Scallon seconded to approve the Consent Agenda by one motion: a) December 10, 2025 Regular Minutes, as written.  b) Bills approval, as listed. c) Place Reports on file:  December 2025 Clerk Bank Reconciliation/Cash Report/Treasurer; December 2025 Clerk Budget; December 2025 Deputy Clerk Utility Billing Reconciliation; December 2025 Fire; December 2025 PeopleService; December 2025 Ackley Development; December 2025 Deputy Clerk Nuisance; 3rd Quarter 2025 Ackley Public Library Investment; 4th Quarter 2025 Investment Report; 4th Quarter 2025 Deputy Clerk Ambulance Write Off Report; 4th Quarter 2025 Prairie Bridges/Park Fest; and 4th Quarter 2025 Airport Board of Trustees. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
S. Siems requested a hearing regarding utility billing and lien notification at 129 Warbler Ave. Siems addressed Council regarding the hearing and lien processes of the city ordinance. Siems questioned the storm sewer calculation on this property. Siems informed Council he had requested information on the storm sewer and has not received that information. Nuss addressed Siems concerns by informing him that the calculation of storm sewer is in the ordinance book and a copy was provided to him along with the ordinances being available online. When the storm sewer ordinance was adopted, the State informed the city that they would not be able to pick and choose which property was being billed, it was an all or nothing. The city monitors and updates ordinances each year with legislature changes. Iowa codification company keeps the code book up to date. The ordinance does not require an annual study performed, only a review, which is done when property has had new facilities or new concrete. Nuss asked the Council members if there were any questions or comments regarding the hearing. There were none. The request to have the lien not placed was denied and hearing was complete. Â Siems exited the council chambers yelling at the Mayor and Council and threatening to post them on Facebook.
Scallon moved, Abbas seconded to open the public hearing for the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 543 Amending Chapter 50 Nuisance Abatement and Chapter 51 Junk/Junk Vehicles at 6:18 pm. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
No comments received at City Hall. TJ Johnson addressed council regarding what constitutes a junk vehicle? Johnson was served a violation letter for junk/junk vehicle. Johnson informed council he has rode around town and has found many vehicles not moved since Johnson moved here, windows broke out, and some on blocks. Johnson’s vehicles were all licensed, insured, and ran. Why was Johnson served? Clerk Dennis responded on the process of how violation letters are done. If a complaint comes into City Hall, the clerks contact Public Works to verify a complaint exists, and if there is then a letter gets served. The city staff are not out looking for violators but rather dealing with complaints. Johnson felt he got targeted by the mayor once Johnson took out city council paperwork.
Roelfs moved, Scallon seconded to close the public hearing for the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. Â 543 Amending Chapter 50 Nuisance Abatement and Chapter 51 Junk/Junk Vehicles at 6:24 pm. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Roelfs moved, Wessels seconded to approve the first reading of proposed Ordinance No. 543 Amending Chapter 50 Nuisance Abatement and Chapter 51 Junk/Junk Vehicles. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman, Roelfs, Abbas. Motion carried.
Scallon moved, Ackerman seconded to set the public hearing for the second reading of the proposed Ordinance No. 543 Amending Chapter 50 Nuisance Abatement and Chapter 51 Junk/Junk Vehicles to February 11, 2026 at 6 pm in the Ackley Council Chambers. Roll call vote: Ayes-Roelfs, Abbas, Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman. Motion carried.
Dennis reported the city has received the proposed lease with some of the changes but not all the changes that the city had requested. Dennis has not heard back from City Attorney, S. Schroeder. Â Â One of the requested changes was the duration of the lease to avoid public hearing requirements. Friends of Prairie Bridges board members in attendance J. Schipper, M. Fistler, P. Williams, S. Scallon, K. Neuberger, and B. Schipper. Fistler spoke on the Friends behalf. Fistler requested the city to enter the proposed lease, as presented. Roelfs and Scallon shared concerns about entering without the city attorney reviewing the proposal. Wessels inquired as to if there was a current 28 E agreement in place, Fistler responded with yes. Consensus from Council was to have city attorney review lease and bring subject back to February meeting.
No update on 2020A GO Bond Street projects.
Roelf moved, Scallon seconded to send nuisance violation letter to the owner of the Pizza Ranch regarding their building causing damage to the civic center. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Discussion on FY27 budget. Council consensus was to leave the health insurance the way it currently is offered, budget for mayor/council iPads (to be used at meetings only) as a way to go electronic and save on office supply costs, consolidated levy was addressed, budget schedule changes due to the spring clerk conference, and Dennis is awaiting 2 calculations from the IDOM for revenue.
Dennis informed council that the Iowa DOT VI Non-Discrimination Agreement and Assurances has expired. To receive any federal funding, the city needs to be in compliance. The agreement was presented for review and will be further addressed in the February meeting.
Steven Ackerman made a written request to council for livestock. Ackerman was not a part of the discussion. Abbas moved, Roelfs seconded to approve 6 chickens, as presented. Ayes-4. Recuse-Ackerman. Motion carried.
Scallon moved, Ackerman seconded to approve beer/liquor license for DolgenCorp DBA Dollar General #18911. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Roelfs moved, Ackerman seconded to appoint Malena Dennis as City Clerk for a 2-year term. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Roelfs moved, Ackerman seconded to appoint Seth Schroder as City Attorney for a 2-year term. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Oath of office given to Dennis by Nuss.
Abbas moved, Roelfs seconded to pass Resolution 26-01 Setting Vehicle Mileage Reimbursement Rate for calendar year 2026. Roll call vote: Ayes-Abbas Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman, Roelfs. Motion carried.
Abbas moved, Ackerman seconded to pass Resolution 26-02 Designating Ackley World Journal as the official newspaper for the calendar year 2026. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman, Roelfs, Abbas. Motion carried.
Resolution 26-03 Establishing Sanitary Sewer Special Rate for Friends of Prairie Bridges was tabled.
Scallon moved, Abbas seconded to pass Resolution 26-04 Updating Petty Cash Funds. Roll call vote: Ayes-Scallon, Ackerman, Roelfs, Abbas, Wessels. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Roelfs seconded to pass Resolution 26-05 Entering into 28E Agreement between Ackley Fire Department and Grant Lee Fire Department. Roll call vote: Ayes-Ackerman, Roelfs, Abbas, Wessels, Scallon. Motion carried.
Scallon moved, Abbas seconded to pass Resolution 26-06 Authorizing Mayor to sign PeopleService Letter of Acknowledgement. Roll call vote: Ayes-Roelfs, Abbas, Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman. Motion carried.
Due to lightning damage, Abbas moved, Wessels seconded to approve payment to The Northway Corporation in the amount of $23,809.08 for Well #2 damage to pumping equipment. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
M. White, PeopleService, J. Kurth will install a bonding agent to the water plant aerator tank once weather allows. White is awaiting the 5th Ave lift station pump valves to come in.
L. Gallentine, CGA Consultants., working on the IDOT revisions for the Franklin St N of the RR track street project, there has been no response from the owner of Traditional Meats on the easement for the Storm Sewer project, plans and specifications will be presented to council in February for a March bid letting for the Bonded Street projects, and guidance, given by council, to reach out to Blazek regarding the water treatment plant. Â
K. Meyer, Public Works Supervisor, reported T. Meyer has given his resignation. Â
Dennis reported the March 9 at 6 pm at the school will be the date for the joint meeting for the Cougar’s Den, council packet deadline will need to be moved up a day or two in order for the packet to get out before Dennis’ February vacation, update on 301 Mitchell St., FY25 annual exam was released and will be addressed during the February meeting..
No council comments. Nuss informed council due to T. Meyer resignation, there may be an issue with the February 6, 2026 garbage route being short a staff.
J. Wessels, public comment, inquired to Dennis on whether she recalled Wessels had requested iPads when Wessels was on Council. Dennis addressed the inquiry. M. Clemons, Library Director, inquired as to the numbers presented for the library budget.
Scallon moved, Roelfs seconded to adjourn at 7:35 pm. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
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_______________________________________
Michael Nuss, Mayor
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ATTEST:
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Malena Dennis, City Clerk
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ACCESS SYSTEMS | TECHNICAL SUPPORT/BACKUP | 1474.27 |
AFFORDABLE TREE SERVICE | 809 10TH AVE/PLATTED ST TREE R | 2400.00 |
BLACK HILLS/IOWA GAS UTIL | UTILITIES-GAS | 1787.93 |
CARDMEMBER SERVICE | OVERALLS/BULBS/NAMEPLATES/STAMP/CALENDARS | 975.51 |
CEDAR VALLEY ROOFING | DEPOT ROOF REPLACEMENT | 56500.00 |
CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT | LARGE PRINT BOOKS | 298.17 |
CENTRAL IOWA TELEVISING | CLEAN/TELEVISE ZONE 3/4 OTTER CREEK | 2598.14 |
CENTURYLINK | PHONES/FAX | 469.86 |
CGA | FRANKLIN ST N RR/DESIGN/EASEMENT TRADITIONAL MEAÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â | 2096.00 |
DAKOTA SUPPLY GROUP | PLOW BOLTS/SHIPPING/CURB BUMPER/PLOW BLADEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 766.19 |
DEMCO | LABEL PROTECTORS/LABELS/POSTERÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 126.31 |
DUMONT TELEPHONE CO | INTERNET | 80.00 |
EBS | HEALTH INSURANC | 4987.47 |
ELECTRIC PUMP | REPLACE 5TH AVE LS CHECK VALVE | 19864.64 |
FEDERAL W/H | FED/FICA TAX | 7579.23 |
FORGY ELECTRIC | OUTLET REAPIR | 154.22 |
GLOBE LIFE LIBERTY NATION | GLOBE PRETAX | 217.82 |
HARDIN COUNTY ENGINEER | SAND/SALT MIX 36.9 TON | 2398.50 |
HARDIN COUNTY SHERIFF | CONTRACT LAW ENFORCEMENT | 3144.90 |
HARDIN COUNTY SOLID WASTE | DECEMBER LANDFILL FEES | 1384.90 |
HEART OF IOWA | 847-2222 COMMUNICATIONS | 68.50 |
INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES | BOOKS/SHIPPING | 654.05 |
INNOVATIVE AG SERVICES CO | DIESEL/GAS | 1510.56 |
IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES | UTILITY BILLS/SHIPPING | 880.00 |
IPERS | IPERS - REGULAR | 3701.31 |
MID IOWA AUTO PARTS, LLC | OIL/FILTER/TUBING/DEF/SHOCK | 316.27 |
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPA | ELECTRIC | 7398.89 |
NORTH IOWA LIBRARIES COLL | PATRON BARCODES/SHIPPING | 185.00 |
OTTER CREEK FARMS INC. | AIRPORT LEASE | 750.00 |
PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 27804.96 |
PEOPLESERVICE INC. | WATER/WASTEWATER SERVICE | 17899.00 |
PITNEY BOWES INC. | INK CARTRIDGE | 63.90 |
POSTMASTER | UTILITY BILL POSTAGE | 415.41 |
READER'S DIGEST | 1 YR MAGAZINE | 32.10 |
ROSS CLEANING | 12/26/25 CLEANING | 175.00 |
SALES TAX/LOST | SALES TAX PAYMENT | 985.34 |
SHIELD PEST CONTROL | MONTHLY SERVICES | 32.00 |
STATE WITHHOLDING | STATE TAXES | 429.18 |
THE NORTHWAY CORPORATION | WELL #2 MOTOR STATOR/HOUSING | 23809.08 |
TIMES-CITIZEN CO. | 12/10/25 MINUTES/ORDINANCES/PUBLIC NOTICEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 506.13 |
TITAN MACHINERY - GRUNDY | POWER BROOM/FREIGHT | 455.77 |
USDA RF | MONTHLY PAYMENT | 1151.00 |
VERIZON | PHONES/MODEM | 132.05 |
WATER EXCISE TAX | WATER EXCISE TAX PAYMENT | 2646.87 |
CLAIMS TOTAL | 201306.43 | |
EXPENSES BY FUND | ||
 | GENERAL FUND | 33705.71 |
 | LIBRARY RESERVE FUND | 330.27 |
 | ROAD USE TAX FUND | 25389.48 |
 | CAPITAL PROJECTS - LOST FUND | 56500.00 |
 | CAP PROJ-FRANKLIN ST N RR FUND | 1856.00 |
 | WATER FUND | 38299.48 |
 | SEWER FUND | 35925.53 |
 | GARBAGE FUND | 7889.83 |
 | STORM WATER FUND | 1410.13 |
 | TOTAL | 201306.43 |
REVENUE | ||
GENERAL | 61848.93 | |
LIBRARY RESERVE TOTAL | 175.60 | |
FIRE TRUCK/EQUIP | 6468.80 | |
ROAD USE TAX | 17763.09 | |
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TOTAL | 1171.56 | |
LOST | 40997.64 | |
LOST - DEBT SERVICE TOTAL | 10399.41 | |
CAPITAL PROJECT - LOST TOTAL | 10099.42 | |
WATER | 48431.30 | |
WATER DEPOSITS TOTAL | 450.00 | |
SEWER TOTAL | 64170.00 | |
SEWER - SINKING | 35036.00 | |
SEWER - RESERVES/SURPLUS TOTAL | 22098.56 | |
GARBAGE | 12508.63 | |
STORM SEWER | 16905.88 | |
TOTAL | 348524.82 |
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