KALONA, IOWA
CITY HALL
March 3, 2025 7:00 PM
Regular meeting of the Kalona City Council with Mayor Robe presiding. Motion was made by Spitzer, and seconded J Schmidt, approving the agenda.
Council members present: Bender J Schmidt, G Schmidt, Spitzer, and Beisheim.
Motion was made by Spitzer and seconded by G Schmidt approving the meeting’s minutes on February 3, 2025. With all voting yes, the minutes were approved and published.
On a motion by Beisheim and seconded by J Schmidt, the following bills were allowed with all voting yes. (See below list of bills)
Acme Tools, WCRF Grant - Student House Tools 1,889.00
Alliant Energy, Monthly 20,798.46
Amazon Capital Services, Power Cords 68.40
Anthony Hoover, Refund Water Rent Deposit Balance 36.40
Garden & Associates, Engineering 14,838.51
Goerdt Inspection and Consultants, Building Inspections 630.00
Hardman Printing, Rec Painting 5,140.00
Hills Bank Kalona, Payback General - Water (Budget) 58,470.64
Hills Bank Kalona, Payback General - Sewer (Budget) 13,659.61
Hills Bank Kalona, Payback General - Sewer (Payroll Taxes) 2,498.08
Hills Bank Kalona, Payback General - Sewer (Payroll) 5,742.87
Iowa City Landscaping, Cleanup 588.75
Iowa Department of Revenue, State Withholding 1,039.78
Iowa Department of Revenue, Water Excise Tax 1,948.84
Iowa Department of Revenue, Sewer Sales Tax 295.41
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System, IPERS 6,853.62
Itech, Monthly 271.35
Jackie Etheredge, Office Cleaning 200.00
Johnson County Refuse, Garbage/Recycle Contract - February 2025 16,523.50
Konica Minolta, Printer 27.19
Kuenster Heating & Air, Service Calls 1,176.58
MSA Professional Services, Engineering - Vista Park Project 1,858.75
Reserve Account, Postage 1,200.00
Standard Pest Control, Monthly 85.00
The News, Publications 660.12
The Northway Corporation, Water Plant Well Services/Repairs 45,379.68
Thrapp Electric, WCRF Grant - Student House Trailer 2,440.00
Washington Co Recorder, Filing Fee 7.00
YMCA of Washington County, YMCA Agreement 4,500.00
WITHDRAWALS:
Transfer funds $ 80,371.20
General Fund 24,941.24
Washington Co. Riverboat Fd 6,187.75
Library Board Fund 2,952.66
Garbage Fund 16,523.50
Road Use Fund 1,150.89
Trust & Agency Fund 2,325.80
Water Fund 60,419.48
Sewer Fund 13,955.02
DEPOSITS:
Transfer Funds $ 15,811.93
General Fund 61,719.31
Library Board Fund 470.60
Garbage Fund21.00
Local Option Sales Tax Fund 31,900.30
Road Use Fund 26,353.91
Sewer Fund 16,078.54
Water Fund 6,084.89
Public Form:
JJ Johnson, a resident of Richmond, IA was present to share his concerns regarding SF-418.
First Reading of Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances Section 63.04 Special Speed Zones. Section 63.04 shall be amended to the following:
a) 133rd Street to Nutmeg Avenue the Speed will be set to 45 mph.
b) Nutmeg Avenue at the intersection of Nutmeg and Vista Dive 650 Feet North and 550 Feet South the Speed will be set at 35 mph. This is the only section set to 35 mph all the rest of Nutmeg Avenue located in corporate city limits will be set to 45 mph.
A motion was made by G Schmidt and seconded by J Schmidt to approve the first reading of the ordinance. The mayor put the question on the motion and the roll being called the following named council members voted: Bender, Spitzer, J Schmidt, G Schmidt, and Beisheim, each voting yes.
Whereupon, the mayor declared the motion duly carried.
Consideration was held by the council for purchasing equipment for the City of Kalona public works department. Staff shared with the council a TORO 7500-D Series 114in Mower. The mower would be housed at the City of Kalona shop, and a currently owned mower would be relocated to Kalona Southtown. Staff shared that with the new mower deck size, and the 75+ acres the city is responsible for maintaining, the mower would be more efficient plus save time. The price of the equipment at the municipal price would be $67,321.33, with funds being allocated out of Cemetery, Road Use, and Local Option Sales Tax. Council member Spitzer shared concerns about the cost of the mower. A motion was made by G Schmidt and seconded by J Schmidt, to approve the equipment purchase. With a 4-1 vote, the motion carried.
Discussion of the Kalona Trails Committee was held by the council. Staff shared the scope of the goals and responsibilities of the committee for the trail connection from Kalona City Park to Kalona Vista Park. Along with connection, the committee will create a broader long-term vision for trail development that reflects the goals in Kalona’s Comprehensive Plan. The council directed staff to continue establishing the committee.
Consideration of signing an agreement for part-time building inspection services with Terry Goerdt was reviewed by the council. The paperwork for permits would be through City Hall while any inspections and scheduling would be set by Mr. Goerdt. The agreement is for $45.00 an hour with a 2-hour minimum. A motion was made by G Schmidt and seconded by Beisheim to sign the agreement. With all voting yes, the motion carried.
Resolution No. 2025-D, a resolution establishing temporary closing from 7:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M., Saturday, April 19, 2025, for the Kalona Historical Village Easter Event, all motor vehicle traffic shall be closed on the following street as hereby stated:
a) 9th Street: Closed from D Avenue to E Avenue.
A motion was made by Spizer, and seconded by J Schmidt, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the resolution. The council was then polled with Bender, J Schmidt, G Schmidt, Spitzer, and Beisheim, each voting yes. The motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned.
SARAH CHMELAR, City Clerk
MARK ROBE, Mayor
Published in The News, Thursday, March 13, 2025 L-168
