HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-Council Work Session-1/5/2026Docusign Envelope ID: 99A5E815-449B-406B-AC21-F586262564A7
January 5, 2026
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
4:00 p.m.
Roll Call.
Members present: Mayor Dave Boesen in the Chair. Roll Call: Mr. Schmitt, Ms. Berry, Mr.
Salamanca, Mr. Martin and Mr. Simon. Ms. Creighton -Smith arrived at 4:11 p.m. One seat is
vacant.
Agenda, as proposed or amended.
Simon/Schmitt
that the agenda as proposed be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes of the December 15, 2025 Council Work Session, as proposed or
amended.
Simon/Schmitt
that the minutes of the December 15, 2025, Council Work Session, as proposed. Voice -vote -
Ayes: Six. Vacant: One. Motion carried.
Discussion of filling the Ward 2 City Council vacancy.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, provided an overview of the available options to fill the vacant seat.
The council members continued to discuss the issue with Kelley Felchle. Ms. Berry and Ms.
Creighton -Smith shared their preference to hold an election and let the people of Ward 2
choose.
Update from Central Garage, Waste Management, and Safety Departments.
Randy Bennett, Public Works Division Manager, shared that the only update today would be
from Waste Management.
Brad Manahl, Treatment Operations Director, and Jesse Gaherty, Collection Systems Project
Director, provided an update on future and ongoing projects covering the next few years.
Mr. Salamanca questioned how projects are prioritized.
Jesse Gaherty explained that they will prioritize projects by work that can be completed in
house, development, and age.
Mr. Salamanca questioned why there are gaps in the age of infrastructure.
Randy Bennett explained what factors contribute to the age of the infrastructure.
Ms. Creighton -Smith questioned if the age of infrastructure suggests the condition of the
infrastructure.
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Randy Bennett provided an overview of maintaining the various infrastructure within the city.
Mr. Simon questioned why nitrate levels are not currently required to meet a certain level.
Brad Manahl explained that we are not grandfathered in, but the Iowa DNR currently has no
statewide requirements for nutrient removal, but shared that he does foresee this coming down
the road.
Randy Bennett provided further information regarding the improvement process.
Ms. Berry clarified that the priority was the lagoon.
Mayor Boesen questioned what the 2-year plan would be to redo the lagoon and continue
treating waste from Tyson.
Jesse Gaherty shared that the lagoon is functioning, and explained that it is just a lost
opportunity to capture gas.
Discussion of ordinances amending the Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC codes.
Greg Ahlhelm, Building Official, provided an overview of proposed code changes. He shared
that the changes are mandated by the State of Iowa for each jurisdiction to adopt.
ADJOURNMENT
Creighton -Smith
that the council adjourn at 4:45 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
p—Signed by:
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Kelley Felchle
City Clerk
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