February 7, 2022

Posted: February 7, 2022

Present: Goltz, Holthaus, Knutson, Langreck, Lienau
Absent: None
Also Present: Brian Zweibohmer, Kermit Oakland
Joyce Numedahl left at 5:10

Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Mayor Beckman called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Mayor Beckman announced the public hearing for the FY2023 proposed property tax levy was open for any questions or comments. There were no written comments or objections submitted, nor were there any comments or objections from those present. Mayor Beckman closed the public hearing.

Council reviewed the submitted police report for January.

Mayor Beckman’s report included meetings attended and snow shoveling letters.

Goltz made a motion approving the following consent items: January 3, 2022 council minutes, clerk’s reports, and the monthly bills; seconded by Lienau, carried.

Lienau made a motion approving Resolution #662, a resolution concerning a maximum proposed property tax levy for the FY23 budget, seconded by Knutson.
Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Lienau, Goltz, Knutson. Nays: None.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion carried and the resolution adopted.

Lienau made a motion setting the public hearing date and time for the FY23 Budget for March 7, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.; seconded by Goltz, carried.
Attorney Pat Dillon is preparing the paperwork to start the process of vacating First Avenue.

Langreck made a motion to approve the applications for Casey’s General Store Class E Liquor License/Class B Wine Permit/Class C Beer Permit/ Sunday Sales, Silver Springs Golf & Country Club Class C Liquor/Outdoor Service/Sunday Sales and Wild Woods Event Center’s Class C Liquor/Sunday Sales Permit; seconded by Goltz, carried.

Knutson made a motion to approve the Highway 52 Preconstruction Agreement with Iowa DOT; seconded by Holthaus, carried.

The attorney is preparing a purchase agreement for the driveway by Carey’s Park.

Langreck made a motion approving a building permit for Ossian Lumber Co.; second by Goltz, carried.

Lienau made a motion approving a building permit for Robert and Joyce Numedahl; second by Goltz, carried.

A building permit for Jeff Schissel was tabled to gather more information.

Lienau made a motion approving the tax abatement for Robert & Joyce Numedahl; second by Goltz, carried.

Lienau made a motion allowing Robert & Joyce Numedahl to put a septic in and hook-up to city water; second by Langreck, carried.

Langreck made a motion approving Resolution #663, a resolution setting the date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Corporate Purpose Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $900,000, seconded by Goltz.

Whereupon the Mayor put the question on the motion and the following named Council Members voted:
Ayes: Holthaus, Langreck, Lienau, Goltz, Knutson. Nays: None.
Whereupon the Mayor declared said motion carried and the resolution adopted.
Lienau made a motion to pay off the 2013 Fire Station/Shop Bond early; second by Goltz, carried.

Langreck made a motion awarding the Hillside Cemetery mowing contract to Kyle Meyer at the rate of $155.00/mowing for the 2022 mowing season, seconded by Goltz, carried.

Council reviewed the FY21 audit findings and recommendations as presented by Rachelle K. Thompson, CPA.

Lienau made a motion to pledge $802 to NEICAC for FY23, seconded by Goltz; carried

Lienau made a motion to use American Rescue Plan funds to pay for invoice 3361 from Visu-Sewer for $39,953.50 to cover the costs of sewer slip lining on Boody Street; second by Knutson, carried.

A general discussion was held concerning the FY23 budget. The city clerk went over the property tax levy explaining the various levies within the city’s budget. The other larger sources of revenue the city receives come from franchise fees, local option tax, road use tax and the water and sewer fees.

Employee wages were discussed. Lienau made a motion approving a $.50/hour increase for Brian Zweibohmer and Chad Bohr; second by Holthaus, carried with Goltz, Holthaus, Knutson, Langreck, and Lienau voting yes.

Holthaus made a motion approving a $1.00/hour increase for Ashley Goltz; second by Lienau, carried with Holthaus, Knutson, Langreck and Lienau voting yes and Goltz abstaining.

Council continued discussion on putting a splash pad in Ossian.

Council had a general discussion regarding snow removal, vehicle parking, an abandoned vehicle, and Winneshiek County Recycling.

Langreck made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Goltz; carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:08pm.