REGULAR MEETING MINUTES | May 13, 2026
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 REGULAR MEETING
                                                                May 13, 2026
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ACKLEY CITY COUNCIL met in regular session May 13, 2026 in the Ackley Council Chambers with Mayor Pro Tem Daniel Scallon presiding. Following the pledge of allegiance and the mayor statement, the meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm. Council members present:  Mike Wessels, Dan Scallon and Steven Ackerman.  Absent: Maliah Roelfs. Quorum present.
Ackerman Wessels, Scallon seconded to approve the May 13, 2026 agenda. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Ackerman moved, Wessels seconded to approve the Consent Agenda by one motion: a) April 08, 2026 Regular Minutes and April 14, 2026 Special Minutes as written.  b) Bills approval, as listed. c) Place Reports on file:  April 2026 Clerk Bank Reconciliation/Cash Report/Treasurer; April 2026 Clerk Budget; April 2026 Deputy Clerk Utility Billing Reconciliation; April 2026 Deputy Clerk Nuisance Violation; April 2026 Fire; April 2026 Ackley EMS, April 2026 PeopleService; April 2026 Ackley Development Commission. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
M. Fistler, on behalf of Friends of Prairie Bridges, addressed council about signing agreement this evening. City attorney has not reviewed the agreement. Guidance given to Clerk to set up a meeting with attorneys from both entities, council, and Friends board by June 8, 2026 at City Hall.
Clerk shared concern from L. Metzgar regarding storm sewer intake at Hardin St./Butler St along with patching that intersection L. Gallentine, CGA Consultants responded with the nearest storm sewer main. Wessel moved, Ackerman seconded to send out bid requests for milling and filling alley behind Chairish, Grumpy’s and GNB Bank and patching the intersection of Hardin St./Butler St. Ayes-all. Motion carried.  The funding for those would come from the 2020A GO Bond funds.
Ackerman moved, Wessels seconded to approve change order increase for the ambulance shed upgrade in the amount of $1,983 for framing of drop ceiling for a total project cost of $42,823. Ayes-all. Motion carried. Wessels moved, Ackerman approved payment No 1 in the amount of $32,723 to J4 Contracting for the completed work on the ambulance shed upgrade. Ayes-all. Motion carried. The concrete is the remaining work to be done.
Council tabled Chapter 65 Stop or Yield Required ordinance review until next month when council could review the current chapter.
Clerk shared concern on Chapter 65 One-Way Traffic on Mitchell St by the form GNB Bank drive through. Until GNB Bank knows what will become of the building, council tabled until further notice.
The shut off notice verbiage was discussed due to PeopleService hours of operation and flexing time on Fridays. Clerk to review other towns and bring back next month.
Discussion regarding the liability/work comp/property insurance bid – due to the complexity and the current policy having 2 work comp claims, council consensus was to wait until FY28 to take insurance out to bid. One of the work comp companies requires all firemen to get a physical and previous council was not interested in that particular company.
Wessels moved, Ackerman seconded to approve the Ackley Helping Hand’s Street poles stripping/painting project. Ayes-all. Motion carried. Clerk updated Council on finding new street name signs so when the public works department is able, they will swap out those signs and refinish the ones currently in use. Discussion on straightening the street name poles, if able.
B. Crowl, required permission to donate a flag for Victory Park for the 250th birthday of the United States and Crowl’s 50th anniversary of bugler playing. Wessels moved, Scallon seconded to approve donation of flag. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Ackley Chamber of Commerce requested to place speakers on the Municipal Building Bandshell. These speakers would be used for Sauerkraut days, Memorial Day activities, Christmas music, and more. Clerk informed council the Chamber planned to use the funds from the Ragbrai event and would be owned by the Chamber. The Chamber had inquired as to a donation from the City for the system – Clerk explained donating city funds to nonprofit groups. Ackerman moved, Wessels seconded to approve the placement of speakers at the Chamber’s cost, as long as all schematics were discussed prior and given to city hall. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Ackerman seconded to approve the revised Waste Dumpster Rental Agreement, as presented. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Scallon moved, Wessels seconded to approve up to 8 chickens to TJ Johnson. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Scallon moved, Ackerman seconded to strike agenda item 14a (Chamber of Commerce/Sauerkraut Days beer/liquor license) due to no application on record. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Ackerman seconded to approve beer/liquor license for Lucky Wife Wine Slushes. Ackley Recreation Club, and Amendment for Dolgen Corp. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Ackerman approved the following appointments/removals: Thomas Craighton to Hardin County EMS Essential Services Committee, removal of Michael Nuss from Hardin/Franklin/Grundy County Emergency Commission and Hardin/Franklin County 911 Service Board and Mike Abbas to Hardin/Franklin/Grundy County Emergency Commission and Hardin/Franklin County 911 Service Board. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Scallon moved, Wessels seconded to pass Resolution 26-23 Temporarily Close Certain Streets for 2026 Sauerkraut Days. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman. Absent-Roelfs. Motion carried.
Ackerman moved, Wessels seconded to pass Resolution 26-24 Hiring Amber Gronewold as Manager of the Swimming Pool and Setting Wages for the Employees of the Swimming Pool for the 2026 season. Roll call vote: Ayes- Scallon, Ackerman, Wessels. Absent-Roelfs. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Scallon seconded to pass Resolution 26-25 Authorizing Mayor entering into Engineering Services Agreement with CGA, Inc for 2025A GO Bond Street Preservation/Rehabilitation Project. Roll call vote: Ayes- Ackerman, Wessels, Scallon. Absent-Roelfs. Motion carried.
Wessels moved, Ackerman seconded to pass Resolution 26-26 Hiring Lucas Schumacher as Public Works Assistant. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman. Absent-Roelfs. Motion carried.
M. Miller, R. Neely, and J. Flores submitted letters of intent to fill council vacancy. Scallon moved Wessels seconded to appoint Neely to Abbas’ Council seat vacancy. Roll call vote: Ayes-Wessels, Scallon, Ackerman. Absent-Roelfs. Motion carried.
J. Flores, former council representative, addressed council regarding the change order request for the depot facia downspout, and gutter replacement. During scope of the project, it was found that the facia was attached to rotten boards. Flores was on site at the time to witness the boards. Neely moved, Ackerman seconded to approve the change order increase in the amount of $2,850 for the facia portion of the project. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Ackerman moved, Wessels seconded to approve final payment in the amount of $5,700 to Cedar Valley Roofing for the Depot roof project, release of funds pending a couple to do items. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Neely moved, Ackerman seconded to approve purchase to Pleva in the amount of $37,498.75 for the splash pad plaster resurfacing to be paid out of 2020A GO Bond funds. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Ackerman moved, Wessels seconded to approve payment to MES in the amount of $6,550 + shipping/handling for 2 sets of bunker gear. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
M. White, PeopleService, reported on outside of retention tank drying up and being able to apply sealant by Kurth, Inc soon, WWTP Pump 3 is being paid out of PeopleService maintenance account which is about $3,800, 2 bids were received for 5th Ave lift station generator and for fire hydrant replacements.
Neely moved, Wessels seconded to approve purchase to Power Services in the amount of $49,882.42 for 5th Ave generator and installation of generator up to total combined purchase of $60,000 – purchase to be paid in FY27. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
Neely moved, Wessels seconded to approve purchase to Williams Underground Services in the amount of $21,000 for 2 fire hydrant and valve replacements. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
L. Gallentine, CGA Consultants, no update for the Franklin St N of the RR track street project, FY26 storm sewer project, new water plant, nor sanitary sewer improvement plan. There was a preconstruction meeting for the Bonded Street Project with a tentative start after July 4th. Â
B. Kuper, Public Works, updated on mowing and pool.
Dennis reported water heater at the Cougar’s Den will need to be replaced. Estimates came in and lowest bid is $8,894 to Plumb Tech. The school pays the first $1,000 and the city pays excess of the $1,000, there is a HR Summit class May 27 and will be out of the office to attend.
No council or mayor comments.
R. Sutton, running for Hardin County Supervisor addressed the council.
Neely moved, Wessels seconded to adjourn at 8:10 pm. Ayes-all. Motion carried.
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Daniel Scallon, Mayor Pro Tem Â
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ATTEST:
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Malena Dennis, City Clerk
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ACCESS SYSTEMS | TECHNICAL SUPPORT/BACKUP/COPIER | 791.20 |
ACKLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY | REIMBURSE PETTY CASH/POSTAGE | 5.67 |
ACKLEY PUBLISHING CO INC | WINDOW ENVELOPES (3)/CASE OF PAPER | 197.12 |
BLACK HILLS/IOWA GAS UTIL | UTILITIES-GAS | 1845.96 |
CARDMEMBER SERVICE | ROPE/BOUYS/DVD/BOOKS/DUSTBUSTERÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 1798.20 |
CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES | HARDWARE KIT FOR GRATES | 197.08 |
CEDAR VALLEY ROOFING | DEPOT-FACIA/DOWNSPOUTS/GUTTERS | 5700.00 |
CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT | LARGE PRINT BOOK | 198.09 |
CENTRAL IOWA AG & MACHINE | SKIDLOADER RELAY REPAIR/SWEEPER FUEL LINEÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 1023.73 |
CENTURYLINK | PHONES/FAX | 469.81 |
CGA | STORM SEWER-CONSTRUCTION | 726.00 |
CHICAGO CENTRAL & PACIFIC | 2026-2027 STREET/DEPOT PARKINGÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 787.86 |
DEPOSIT REFUNDS | REFUND DATE 04/28/2026 | 62.45 |
DOLLAR GENERAL | OXICLEAN/DISHSOAP/WINDEX/BEADS | 24.50 |
DUMONT TELEPHONE CO | INTERNET | 80.00 |
EBSÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | HEALTH/VISION/DENTALÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 2958.68 |
ELECTRIC PUMP | 5TH AVE LIFT STATION P3 REPAIR | 10670.60 |
FEDERAL W/H | FED/FICA TAX | 4009.78 |
GLOBE LIFE LIBERTY NATION | GLOBE PRETAX | 88.79 |
HARDIN COUNTY AUDITOR | ELECTION 2025 | 1127.30 |
HARDIN COUNTY SHERIFF | CONTRACT LAW ENFORCEMENT | 3144.90 |
HARDIN COUNTY SOLID WASTE | APRIL LANDFILL FEES | 1505.90 |
HEART OF IOWA | 847-2222 COMMUNICATIONS | 68.50 |
HH CONSTRUCTION | REMOVE OLD SIREN/POLE | 600.00 |
INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES | BOOKS | 276.09 |
INNOVATIVE AG SERVICES CO | GAS/DIESEL | 934.86 |
IPERS | IPERS - REGULAR | 1926.91 |
ISU EXTENSION DISTRIBUTIO | CORE BOOK-PESTICIDE-B KUPER | 65.53 |
J4 CONTRACTING LLC | STEEL SIDING/INTERIOR INSULTAT | 32723.00 |
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL | SWIFFER MOP | 53.97 |
KNIGHT SANITATION | APRIL 2026 RESIDENTIAL SERVICE | 2493.80 |
M&G TIRE SERVICE | 2012 FREIGHTLINER TIRE REPAIR | 92.57 |
MID IOWA AUTO PARTS, LLC | DOOR HINGES/LOCKS SILICONEÂ Â Â Â Â Â | 351.48 |
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMP | ELECTRIC | 13898.83 |
MIDWEST TAPE, LLC | DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICE | 1000.00 |
OTTER CREEK FARMS INC. | AIRPORT LEASE | 750.00 |
PAYROLL CHECKS | TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS | 15881.80 |
PEOPLESERVICE INC. | WATER/WASTEWATER SERVICE | 17899.00 |
PITNEY BOWES INC. | RESERVE ACCOUNT POSTAGE | 539.00 |
POSTMASTER | UTILITY BILL POSTAGE | 415.41 |
QUALITY CARPET CLEANING & | CARPET CLEANING | 908.75 |
ROSS CLEANING | 4/22/26 CLEANING | 175.00 |
SALES TAX/LOST | SALES TAX PAYMENT | 935.84 |
SHIELD PEST CONTROL | MONTHLY SERVICES | 34.00 |
STATE WITHHOLDING | STATE TAXES | 342.00 |
TIMES-CITIZEN CO. | WATER QUALITY REPORT/MINUTES/PUBLIC HEARIÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â | 567.49 |
USDA RF | MONTHLY PAYMENT | 1151.00 |
VERIZON | CELL PHONES/MODEMÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | 131.79 |
WATER EXCISE TAX | WATER EXCISE TAX PAYMENT | 2414.75 |
WILLIAMS UNDERGROUND SERV | JETTING HEADWORKS/LAGOONS | 1050.00 |
 | CLAIMS TOTAL | 135094.99 |
EXPENSES BY FUND | ||
 | GENERAL FUND | 38257.50 |
 | LIBRARY RESERVE FUND | 198.09 |
 | ROAD USE TAX FUND | 9717.61 |
 | CAPITAL PROJECTS - LOST FUND | 5700.00 |
 | CAP PROJ-GO BOND 2020A FUND | 33323.00 |
 | WATER FUND | 14526.40 |
 | WATER DEPOSITS FUND | 62.45 |
 | SEWER FUND | 26886.54 |
 | GARBAGE FUND | 5217.10 |
 | STORM WATER FUND | 1206.30 |
TOTAL | 135094.99 | |
REVENUE | ||
GENERAL | 204915.09 | |
LIBRARY RESERVE TOTAL | 58.52 | |
FIRE TRUCK/EQUIP | 0.04 | |
ROAD USE TAX | 18384.39 | |
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TOTAL | 37446.73 | |
LOST | 20300.26 | |
LOST - DEBT SERVICE TOTAL | 5075.06 | |
CAPITAL PROJECT - LOST TOTAL | 5075.07 | |
WATER | 47151.54 | |
WATER DEPOSITS TOTAL | 450.00 | |
SEWER TOTAL | 61196.98 | |
SEWER - SINKING | 30179.62 | |
GARBAGE | 12638.15 | |
STORM SEWER | 16410.39 | |
TOTAL | 459281.84 |
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