REGULAR MEETING MINUTES | May 14, 2025

REGULAR MEETING

                                                                 May 14, 2025

ACKLEY CITY COUNCIL met in regular session May 14, 2025 in the Ackley Council Chambers with Mayor Michael Nuss presiding.  The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.  Council members present: Dan Scallon, Maliah Roelfs, Mike Abbas, Judy Crawford. Absent: Chuy Flores. Quorum present.

Crawford moved, Abbas seconded to approve the May 14, 2025 agenda. Ayes-4. Motion carried.

Abbas moved, Scallon seconded to approve the Consent Agenda by one motion: a) April 09, 2025 Regular Minutes, April 16 and May 7, 2025 Special Minutes, as written.  b) Bills approval, as listed.  c) Place Reports on file:  April 2025 Clerk Bank Reconciliation/Cash Report/Treasurer; April 2025 Clerk Budget; April 2025 Deputy Clerk Utility Billing Reconciliation; April 2025 Fire; April 2025 PeopleService; April 2025 Ackley Development Commission; and April 2025 Deputy Clerk Nuisance. Ayes-4. Motion carried.

No update on Prairie Bridges 28E Agreement.

Crawford is holding off on updates to the Ambulance Shed until further notice other than needing to get bids for the furnace repair. K. Meyer, Public Works Supervisor, suggested installing a mini split. Crawford concerned with the winter months and the mini split not able to perform. No longer need to purchase the generator for the ambulance shed, Dennis instructed to inform Forgy Electric.

No update on vacating the alley between 6th Ave/7th Ave and Franklin St/Worth St.

Dennis updated Council regarding the City Hall basement windows. Clerk to hold off on bids until FY26, in order to get the mold remedied first.

Dennis inquired to the Demolition of Buildings Ordinance along with the Abandoned Connections for Water 90.04 and Sewer 96.10. These ordinances need to be modified to address the instances where a structure is being demolished with the intent on rebuilding and using the same service lines. Council discussed disconnecting at the curb stop before demolition to avoid any damage to the water/sewer mains. Dennis was instructed to work on ordinance modifications to add the language about having a building permit with costs paid in order to avoid having to take the service lines back to the main for capping In the event the structure was not done during the building permit time frame, the lines would then be considered abandoned and would need to be made air tight before transferring of the property. Council to review when Dennis has the modifications done. The application for demolition permit should not need modified as the referenced Ordinance Subsection numbers will not change.

Dennis presented the max debt capacity that the City can take out. 5% is the max and that dollar amount is roughly $4,670,142. H. Kuhl, Northland Securities, has suggested to not take out the full capacity. Local banks are normally higher rates but less paperwork and have a faster turnaround time. Local banks have a max borrow limit of $1,000,000. Essential service GO Bonds are quicker and the easiest way to get authority to purpose. Dennis suggested street repairs and ash tree removal for the next GO Bond. Both of those are considered essential services. Due to no debt levy in FY26, the City is able to use LOST-Debt Service funds to pay on principal/interest if the City adds debt in FY26. There is currently about $295,000 in that fund and those funds can only be used on debt. Dennis is waiting on the life span for milling/filling from Heartland Asphalt. Nuss suggested saving 25% of debt capacity in case of emergencies.  Nuss presented a list for potential projects for GO Bonding. Several on the list are not able to be funded by a general obligation bond as they are proprietary projects. Some of the listed items are currently budgeted to be done. Meyer, AFD Fire Chief, informed Nuss that the Fire Department does have hazmat training so that could be eliminated from the list. Potential streets to be done first was addressed. L. Gallentine, CGA Consultants, will get Dennis an estimated cost for those mentioned streets so Dennis could get back with Northland Securities. There are an estimated 82 ash trees in the City right of ways with a rough cost of $2-3,000 per tree. Abbas questioned if the City could borrow some funds for demoing dilapidated structures. Dennis will inquire to Northland Securities on whether that is considered essential for borrowing purposes. Crawford inquired about storm sewer lining.

 Nuss did not have an update regarding the 1st responders’ program. Nuss will reach out to Berri Swasand to inquire about being the Medical Director for the 1st Responder program. Nuss may also reach out to the Iowa Falls EMS Medical Director and inquire if he/she will cover for Ackley. Nuss informed Council that Thomas Craighton is willing to participate in being the Service Director for the same program. The AVAS Chapter in the Ordinance book will need to be looked into.

Dennis presented Ackley Helping Hands group’s proposal for the welcome areas. Council had concerns about planting trees near the intersections due to visibility issues.  Crawford moved, Abbas seconded to approve the Group’s requests for planting and removal of some shrubs, at the group’s expense, with the requirement of maintaining and pruning every couple of years. Ayes-4. Motion carried.

Abbas moved, Scallon seconded to approve the Chamber’s utility pole covers for the annual Sauerkraut Days for an indefinite period. Ayes-4. Motion carried.

Gallentine informed Council there was a building permit approved for 301 Mitchell St to work on the south side of the west wall. The previous building permit has been completed and the hole is filled with concrete blocks.

Abbas moved, Crawford seconded to pass Resolution 25-18 Authorizing Mayor Entering into Software Order Schedule Agreement with Frey Municipal Software.  Roll call vote: Ayes-Roelfs, Abbas, Crawford, Scallon.  Absent-Flores. Motion carried.

Crawford moved, Abbas seconded to pass Resolution 25-20 Temporarily Closing Certain Streets for Ragbrai 2025. Roll call vote: Ayes-Roelfs, Abbas, Crawford, Scallon.  Absent-Flores. Motion carried.

Crawford moved, Scallon seconded to approve Resolution 25-21 Hiring Amber Gronewold as Manager of the Swimming Pool and setting Wages for the Employees of the Swimming Pool for the 2025 Season. Roll call vote: Ayes-Abbas, Crawford, Scallon, Roelfs.  Absent-Flores. Motion carried.

Roelfs moved, Scallon seconded to approve Resolution 25-22 Authorizing Engagement with Northland Securities. Roll call vote: Ayes-Crawford, Scallon, Roelfs, Abbas.  Absent-Flores. Motion carried.

Crawford moved, Roelfs seconded to approve payment in the amount of $5,100 to Carrico for pool chemicals. Ayes-4. Motion carried.

Scallon moved, Abbas seconded to approve payment in the amount of $8,825.76 to Office of Auditor of State for FY25 annual exam.  Ayes-4. Motion carried.

Bids were presented from Restore 24/7 Iowa and True North Restoration for the black mold remedy for the City Hall basement. Abbas moved, Scallon seconded to approve bid from True North Restoration in the amount of $10,000 pending additional cost of removing contents billed by 3rd party not to exceed second bided amount. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Dennis to inquire as to that 3rd party cost prior to committing.

M. White, PeopleService, informed Council the coin water machine was installed. Northway is to be onsite next week to work on Well #2, PeopleService ordered a composite sampler from the Maintenance budget. Power is running to all buildings at the WWTP. Sager is up and running.

 Gallentine reported on Sanitary Sewer Phase II project. Final seeding has been done. There will be 1 more pay application which will include the retainage funds. Abbas moved, Roelfs seconded to approve Pay Application 22 in the amount of $46,516.10 to Boomerang Corp. Ayes-4. Motion carried. Splash Pad has deteriorating concrete work. Meyer has been in contact with a couple contractors to try to find a resolve for the issues. Currently, the Splash Pad is not able to be ran. Crawford suggested legal action against AAA Construction. Dennis to inquire to S. Schroeder, City Attorney, his avenue to pursue. Gallentine, AAA Construction, Nationwide Bonding Co, and Dennis have been in many conference calls and still have unsolved issues. Franklin St north of the RR tracks will have a September/October bid letting. Storm Sewer FY26 Projects will have a July bid letting.

Meyer, Public Works Dept, pool is full and chemicals are being added, street sweeping to begin again, storm sewer zone II cleaning is started with about 2 days left. There are some broken tiles that will need to be repaired. City clean up went well, applying for a grant for industrial washing/drying machines for the fire department, with Council approving them to be installed at the current Ambulance shed, and inquiry regarding the dirt pile at the cemetery. Dennis to ask Cemetery Board for their ok to discard.    

Dennis requested a special meeting for 2 liquor license approvals that need to be approved prior to the June meeting.  Discussion about billing the vendor for the costs of the special meeting. Meeting to be held May 19, 2025 at 4 pm.     

Scallon is waiting on Hadwiger roofing bid for the Depot. Roelfs will be absent for our July meeting. No Mayor or Public comments.

Abbas moved, Roelfs seconded to adjourn at 8:03 pm. Ayes-4. Motion carried.

_______________________________________

Michael Nuss, Mayor

ATTEST:

 ____________________________

Malena Dennis, City Clerk

ACCESS SYSTEMS	TECHNICAL SUPPORT/BACKUP	692.82
AMERICAN LEGION EMBLEM SA	US FLAG/SHIPPING	58.93
BLACK HILLS/IOWA GAS UTIL	UTILTIES-GAS	1331.33
BOOMERANG CORP	SANITARY SEWER IMPROVEMENT-2	46516.10
BRUENING ROCK PRODUCTS	ROAD ROCK 28.55 TONS	382.32
CARDMEMBER SERVICE	BOOTS - T MEYER/BINDERS/CUTTING EDGE/LTR	63.36
CARRICO AQUATIC RESOURCES	CHEMICALS/FREIGHT/STENNER TUBES	5100.00
CENTER POINT LARGE PRINT	LARGE PRINT BOOK	48.87
CENTURYLINK	PHONES/FAX	435.92
CGA	FRANLIN ST N OF RR/DESIGN/SAN SEWR II	9817.80
CHICAGO CENTRAL & PACIFIC	2025-2026 DEPOT/STREETS LAND RENT	764.91
CLEMONS, MARJEAN	MILEAGE-DIRECTORS ROUNDTABLE	109.34
COLLECTION SERVICES CENTR	CHILD SUPPORT	10.00
DEMCO	BOOKSHELF/PROTECTORS	143.33
DENNIS, MALENA	MILEAGE/IMFOA SPRING CONFERENC	242.48
DEPOSIT REFUNDS	REFUND IRONS/GUSTAFSON	39.61
DOLLAR GENERAL	ELECTRICAL TAPE/EPOXY/BATTERIE	18.25
EBS	HEALTH INSURANC	4924.79
FEDERAL W/H	FED/FICA TAX	5573.58
GLOBE LIFE LIBERTY NATION	GLOBE PRETAX	217.82
HARDIN COUNTY SHERIFF	CONTRACT LAW ENFORCEMENT	3144.90
HARDIN COUNTY SOLID WASTE	APRIL LANDFILL FEES	1493.80
HEART OF IOWA	847-2222 COMMUNICATIONS	68.21
HERONIMUS, SCHMIDT, ALLEN	FORGY PARCEL PURCHASE/POLICE DEPT	810.00
INGRAM LIBRARY SERVICES	BOOKS/SHIPPING	942.87
INNOVATIVE AG SERVICES CO	DIESEL/GAS	1193.74
IOWA PRISON INDUSTRIES	YIELD SIGNS-5/SHIPPING	76.50
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY	CLERK ACADEMY-DENNIS	250.00
IPERS	IPERS - REGULAR	3410.37
KEN'S REPAIR	WEEDEATER LINE/FILTERS	49.18
MEDIACOM	PHONE/FAX/INTERNET	296.33
MID IOWA AUTO PARTS, LLC	DEF/MOWER FILTERS/SEAL TAPE	79.53
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPAN	ELECTRIC	5329.40
OFFICE OF AUDITOR OF STAT	ANNUAL EXAM/FILING FEE FY24	8825.76
PAYROLL CHECKS	TOTAL PAYROLL CHECKS	21942.86
PEOPLESERVICE INC.	WATER/WASTEWATER SERVICE	17211.00
PITNEY BOWES INC.	POSTAGE MACHINE/RESERVE ACCT	1039.00
POSTMASTER	UTILITY BILL POSTAGE	375.20
REGION 6 PLANNING COMMISS	CDBG GENERAL ADMIN SVC/PH II	1118.00
ROSS CLEANING	4/23/25 CLEANING	175.00
SALES TAX/LOST	SALES TAX PAYMENT	809.27
SAM'S CLUB	MEMBERSHIP	50.00
SHIELD PEST CONTROL	MONTHLY SERVICES	64.00
STATE WITHHOLDING	STATE TAXES	348.06
TIMES-CITIZEN CO.	WATER QUALITY REPORT/MINUTES	418.96
USDA RF	MONTHLY PAYMENT	1151.00
VERIZON	MODEM/PHONES	91.84
WATER EXCISE TAX	WATER EXCISE TAX PAYMENT	2242.41
	CLAIMS TOTAL	149498.75
	EXPENSES BY FUND
	GENERAL FUND	47180.04
	LIBRARY RESERVE FUND	48.87
	CEMETERY RESERVES FUND	382.32
	ROAD USE TAX FUND	12853.99
	CAP PROJ-GO BOND 2020A FUND	765.00
	CAP PROJ-FRANKLIN ST N RR FUND	3554.00
	WATER FUND	12921.13
	WATER DEPOSITS FUND	39.61
	SEWER FUND	11433.03
	CAP SEWER IMPROVEMENTS FUND	53897.90
	GARBAGE FUND	5742.54
	STORM WATER FUND	680.32
	TOTAL	149498.75
	REVENUE
	GENERAL	185603.25
	LIBRARY RESERVETOTAL	20.00
	FIRE TRUCK/EQUIP	0.04
	ROAD USE TAX	18709.26
	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TOTAL	33068.32
	LOST TOTAL	22027.37
	LOST - DEBT SERVICE TOTAL	5506.84
	TIF TOTAL	19798.69
	DEBT SERVICE TOTAL	76332.92
	CAPITAL PROJECTS - LOST TOTAL	5506.84
	CEMETERY PERPETUAL CARE	60.00
	WATER	41383.61
	WATER DEPOSITS	1075.00
	SEWER TOTAL	57146.02
	SEWER - SINKING	35036.00
	GARBAGE	12160.26
	STORM SEWER	15062.74
	TOTAL	528497.16