City of Kalona Nov 2, 2026

KALONA, IOWA
CITY HALL
November 2, 2026 6:00 PM

Regular meeting of the Kalona City Council with Mayor Robe presiding. Motion was made by Bender and seconded by Beran approving the agenda. With all voting yes, the motion carried.
Council members present: Bender, G Schmidt, J Schmidt, Yeggy-Berg and Beran.
Motion was made by J Schmidt and seconded by Yeggy-Berg approving the meeting’s minutes on October 19, 2026. With all voting yes, the minutes were approved and published.
On a motion by Beran and seconded by G Schmidt, the following bills were allowed with all voting yes. (See below list of bills)

Access Systems, Monthly 94.67
Action Sewer & Septic Service, Camera Sewer Lines 1,486.80
Aero Rental, Sweeper Brush 203.50
Alliant Energy, Monthly 20,121.30
Armore Equipment, Street Sweeper Service/Parts 1,214.50
Central Iowa Distributing, Cleaning Supplies 191.00
English River Plumbing, Student House 2,016.73
Ferguson Waterworks, Meter Project 340,959.00
First Class Apparel, Uniform Embroider-Logo 37.95
Garden & Associates, Engineering 4,901.94
Goerdt Inspection and Consultation, Building Inspection Services 2,210.00
Grinnell Mutual, First Responders 18.49
Hawkins, Water Chemicals 573.67
Hills Bank Kalona, Payback General - Sewer (Payroll) 5,716.23
Iowa Department of Revenue, State Withholding 1,063.24
Iowa Department of Revenue, Water Excise Tax 3,360.41
Iowa Department of Revenue, Sewer Sales Tax 617.54
Iowa One Call, Water/Sewer Locates 39.60
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System, IPERS 6,499.44
Jackie Etheredge, Office Cleaning 315.00
Kalona Chmaber, Annual Dues/Annual Dinner 600.00
Kalona Coop Technology, Office Supplies 99.98
Konica Minolta, Monthly 47.65
Kuenster Heating & Air, Winterizations 1,010.00
LRS, Monthly Contract-Garbage/Recycling 16,959.12
Lynch Dallas, Attorney Services 1,605.00
Menards, Student House 453.29
Reserve Account, Postage 1,000.00
Sherwin-Williams, Student House 76.39
The News, Publications 1,041.91
Thrapp Electric, Street Lighting 507.00
Tyler Technologies, Meter Project 2,700.00
Washington Economic Development, 2026-2027 Pledge 6,000.00
YMCA of Washington County, YMCA Agreement-October 4,500.00

WITHDRAWALS:
General Fund $ 26,755.92
Library Board Fund 1,785.42
Garbage Fund 16,959.12
Local Option Sales Tax Fund 6,000.00
Road Use Fund 1,573.46
Trust & Agency Fund 2,417.29
Water Fund 13,756.97
Sewer Fund 358,993.17
Payroll & Payroll Taxes 21,061.38
DEPOSITS:
Transfer Funds $ 5,716.23
General Fund 431,999.77
Local Option Sales Tax Fund 36,957.67
Road Use Fund 29,853.02
Trust & Agency Fund 64,438.12
TIF Fund 129,000.28
Debt Service Fund 37,889.00
Water Fund 1,921.83
Sewer Fund 16,605.64

Public Forum:
Lori Chalupa – 107 S 6th Street Lot#22, was present due to the Fluoridation notice that was sent out regarding the city considering discontinuation. She brought with her individuals that she asked to share information with the council.
Steven Levy – Iowa City, works at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry was present by request from Lori Chalupa, he shared with the council information for why they should consider leaving fluoride in the City’s water.
Ed Moreno – Iowa City, retired grade 4, City of Iowa City Water operator was present by request from Lori Chalupa, he shared with the council operator side aspects and fluoride information with the council for why they should consider leaving fluoride in the City’s water.
Rachel Petterson Rand – Keokuk, share statement from local dentist, Dr. Tammy Grimm who was unable to attend the meeting. The statement was regarding keeping fluoride in the city’s water.
Bob Yoder was present to remind people that voting is Tuesday, November 2026. He also reminded everyone that the YMCA’s TVs must not have any news outlets playing where people waiting to vote would be.
6:00 PM Public Hearing on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement. The mayor opened the meeting. With there being no oral or written comments, the mayor closed the hearing.
Resolution taking additional action on proposal to enter into a Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement. This Revenue Loan will be for the water plant upgrades, additional wells being added to the city’s water system, and a line to connect north and south water systems so that all systems can operate out of one plant. The amount will be not to exceed $7,500,000.00. A motion was made by Beran, and seconded by Bender, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. The council was then polled with Bender, J Schmidt, G Schmidt, Yeggy-Berg, and Beran, all voting yes. The motion carried.
Acknowledgement of Washington County Supervisors Recognition of Veterans Day November 4th through the 7th with green lights around Washington County. City staff share details with the council. Council directed staff to work with the county for the lights.
Consideration of Selling a cemetery plot to the Following:
Annette Blanco
A motion was made by G Schmidt and seconded by Bender, to sell the plot. With all voting yes. The motion carried.
Approval of the 2025-2026 Annual Financial Report (AFR). City staff outlined the report for the council. A motion was made by Bender and seconded by G Schmidt, accepting the report. With all voting yes, the motion carried.
Approval of the 2025-2026 Urban Renewal Report (TIF). City staff outlined the report for the council. A motion was made by Beran and seconded by Bender, accepting the report. With all voting yes, the motion carried.
Review of the City of Kalona Snow Route for the coming season. City staff presented the route and outlined some changes with the addition of the sidewalk code and pushing snow into streets. The information will be available to city residents on the City of Kalona’s website. A motion was made by J Schmidt and seconded by G Schmidt, accepting the route and changes. With all voting yes, the motion carried.
Acknowledgement of the Washington County Riverboat Foundation. Staff shared with the council a letter they each signed to be sent to the Foundation board with appreciation for their continued support of the Kalona community. Council direct staff to send appreciation letter.
Resolution Approving Grant Application for Wastewater and Drinking Water Treatment Financial Assistance Program – IEDA for $1 Million dollars for financial assistance with the Wastewater Treatment Facility Project. This grant will assist with the current ongoing project due to new state requirements and the city bringing on a SAGR system.
A motion was made by J Schmidt, and seconded by Yeggy-Berg, authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the same. The council was then polled with Bender, J Schmidt G Schmidt, Yeggy-Berg, and Beran all voting yes. The motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned.

SARAH CHMELAR, City Clerk
MARK ROBE, Mayor

Published in The News, Thursday, November 12, 2026 L-199