Skip to content

Lawton City Council Minutes — May 12, 2021

Lawton City Council
May 12, 2021 — 5:30 p.m.

The Lawton City Council met in regular session at 5:30pm on May 12, 2021 at the Lawton Friendship Center. Mayor Jesse Pedersen called the meeting to order around 5:35pm. Roll call was answered by Baltushis, Heiss, Otto, and Saunders. Nelson was absent. Also in attendance: city clerk Tricia Jernberg, public works director Justin Dunnington, attorney Glenn Metcalf, Blake Stubbs, Carly Hummel, Clark Hummel, Howard Smith, Marie Farrell, Chad Lourens, and Deputy Heidi Reising.

Agenda: Motion by Otto, second by Heiss to approve the agenda as posted. Motion passed, with all voting aye.

Public Forum: Carly Hummel discussed the storm drain on Cedar St needing of cleaning, public works will look at the issue.

Sherriff’s Report: Deputy Reising gave the April report, including patrols totaling 40 hours and 8 minutes, and responded to 7 calls for service. They also spent 13.5 hours doing school related activities in the Lawton Bronson School District. Mayor Pedersen discussed complaints about after-school traffic on Elm St and Maple St., and golf carts driving on the walking trail. Discussion followed about concerns with young drivers on city streets. Marie Farrell expressed concerns with children riding mini bikes in the streets. Deputy Reising urged residents to call the department when they see safety concerns so deputies can help.

Fire Report: There were 3 calls for service in April. Members were given a tour of RJ Tide building and LB High School. Training in building familiarization, structure and design.

Clerk’s Report: There were 2 building permits submitted (Rohan- pool and pool house, Lourens- concrete pad), letters were sent to Skyview residents regarding water leak and billing procedure, insurance claim submitted for a resident window, letters were sent regarding a camper and SUV on Maple, both have been moved since, sidewalk audit was completed, results to follow, and Banner has submitted their portion of the fire truck payment.

Mayor’s Report: Mayor Pedersen reported dealing with speeding concerns, meeting a resident in W Creek about concerns on the trail, extended thank you to public works and little league for all their hard work at the ball fields, and noted the town looked amazing during the Color Run.

Public Works Report: Work was done at ballfields, dirt work and maintenance work done along trail and drainage ditch by W Creek lift station, took care of the downed “no parking” sign from Cedar St., hydrant flushing was completed and went really well, rental of a roll-off to clean up stuff from ballfields, shop, and yard waste period, yard waste period worked really well and only had one item that was unacceptable. Council discussed future purchase of a street sweeper, will be brought back to the June meeting for action. Director also updated council on street repairs, including Frank’s Asphalt and SG Concrete for approved patching and the need for crack tarring. Council will take action on crack tarring at June meeting. Marie Farrell asked about cleaning up post hydrant flushing.

Attorney’s Report: Attorney Metcalf had nothing new to report.

Consent Agenda: Motion by Otto, second by Saunders to approve the minutes of the April 14, 2021 regular meeting. Motion carried, all voting aye. Councilman Baltushis asked questions regarding fuel expenses and power washer expense. Motion by Heiss, second by Otto to approve May disbursements and April claims for payment and financial reports. Motion carried, all voting aye. Motion by Heiss, second by Otto to approve the utility billing trial balance and accounts receivable audit reports. Motion carried, all voting aye.

Public Hearing: At 5:59pm, Mayor Pedersen opened the public hearing on the proposed FY21 Budget Amendment for the City of Lawton. With no comments or concerns, written or in person, Mayor Pedersen closed the public hearing at 6:00pm.

Resolution 2021-14 APPROVE AMENDED BUDGET FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2021
Motion by Otto, second by Saunders to approve and adopt fiscal year 2020-2021 budget amendment. Motion carried, all voting aye.

Community Center/City Hall/Maintenance Building: Mayor Pedersen discussed project and urged the council move forward with the project and hire Eric Hanson with KC Engineering to draw up plans and specifications. Councilman Heiss spoke about the need to get plans developed so the city can determine available grants and timing of the project.

Resolution 2021-11 DIRECTING PREPARATION OF DETAILED PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, AND NOTICE TO BIDDERS ON THE 2021 COMMUNITY CENTER, CITY HALL, AND MAINTENANCE BUILDING PROJECT
Motion by Otto, second by Heiss to direct Eric Hanson and KC Engineering to prepare plans and specifications, form of contract, and notice to bidders. Motion carried on a 3-1 vote, with Baltushis voting nay.

Spring Cleanup Days: Clerk explained the contractor will bring roll-off dumpsters to areas in town on Friday, June 11 and residents will be able to dispose of items from June 13 to 16. Contractor will come empty if needed during that time. Council directs clerk to verify how large to roll-offs will be and post information.

Resolution 2021-13 RESOLUTION AMENDING SALE OF THE NORTH 2 ACRES MORE OR LESS OF THE FORMER STATION GROUNDS OF THE CHICAGO AND NORTH WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY SITUATED IN THE EAST ONE-HALF OF THE SOUTHWEST QUARTER OF SECTION 32, TOWNSHIP 89 NORTH, RANGE 45 WEST OF THE 5TH P.M. ALL CONTAINED WITHIN THE CITY OF LAWTON, WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA

Moved by Heiss, second by Otto to approve Resolution 2021-13 allowing an extension of 12 months’ time to develop the property. Motion carried, all voting aye. Marie Farrell commented on use of Jake brakes in town.

Resolution 2021-12 RESOLUTION APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF AN AGREEMENT FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF PRIMARY ROADS IN MUNICIPALITIES WITH THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Motion by Saunders, second by Otto to approve agreement with the IA DOT for 5 years. Councilman Baltushis asked about Cedar and Maple intersection and if the county is responsible. Mayor Pedersen will meet with county to address this issue. Motion carried, all voting aye.

Trash Cans on Cedar St.: Discussion on the need of placing garbage cans in business district. Council determined it is not necessary at this time.

Property Owner on trail: Mayor discussed complaints received from a property owner who lives on the walking trail, and their request for the city to put a fence on their property. After discussion it was determined not to pursue a fence for the property owner.

With no further business it was motioned by Otto, second by Saunders to adjourn the meeting at 6:15pm. Motion carried, all voting aye.

Jesse Pedersen, Mayor
Tricia Jernberg, City Clerk

City of Lawton Claims and Revenues Report — April 2021
ACCO UNLIMITED CORPRATION Chlorine $290.80
ANALYTICAL & CONSULT SERV INC. Testing $193.68
CERTIFIED TESTING SERVICES INC Main St Testing $2,125.00
CITY OF LAWTON Fire utilities $40.05
COLLECTION SERVICE CENTER CHILD SUPPORT $692.30
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX $2,730.47
ETSY.COM Name plate for office $10.60
ED M. FELD EQUIPMENT CO, INC Equipment Repair $165.00
GILL HAULING, INC. Feb & March garbage $11,943.26
HAKA, LLC Fuel $1,158.67
HUNDERTMARK, INC. Power washer parts $518.87
HUNZELMAN, PUTZIER & CO., PLC Progress billing annual exam $897.50
HYDRAULIC SALES & SERVICE Repair plow cylinder $135.57
IOWA LEAGUE of CITIES Nuisance abatement conference $75.00
IPERS REGULAR IPERS $1,801.22
J.P. COOKE Pet Tags for 2021 $126.20
JUSTIN DUNNINGTON PR ADVANCE $1,770.00
L.P. GILL, INC 4th Qtr Landfill Fee $4,540.00
MCQUEEN’S SOFT WATER Drinking water $7.00
MENARDS – SIOUX CITY Toilet parts & paint $52.27
METCALF & BEARDSHEAR LAW OFFIC Legal Services.. $366.00
METERING & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTION Meters $626.29
MIDAMERICAN ENERGY COMPANY Utilities $3,122.27
MIDWEST AUTO OF SIOUXLAND F550 axle Ujts, seals & o-rings $724.34
RICHARDSON TRUCKING Haul & push dirt from st proj.. $1,875.00
SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY OHD fit testing $770.00
SOOLAND BOBCAT Street sweeper parts $726.78
THE RECORD March Publications $115.44
TREASURER STATE OF IOWA QTR WET payment $937.00
TREVOR EYERS Operating Exp Reimburse $32.07
WELLMARK HEALTH INSURANCE $2,190.12
WESTERN IOWA TELEPHONE ASSN TELEPHONE & INTERNET $573.48
Claims Total $41,332.25
Total Claims paid by fund: General $24,567.36, Fire $1,484.15, Road Use Tax $5,689.16, Water $7,963.49, Sewer $1,628.09
Total Revenues by Fund: General $114,989.61, Fire $368.10, Road Use Total $24,401.50, LOST $9,074.74, Water $12,084.42, Sewer $11,627.27

Published in The Record
Thursday, May 27, 2021

Leave a Comment