Regular Council Meeting
March 2, 2026, 6:00 P.M.
Community Media Center
Mayor Jake Ellwood called the meeting to order. Council present were: Candy Langerman, Mary Phelan, Josh Brenneman, Ben Duehr and Dave Goedken. Also present were City Administrator Russell Farnum, City Clerk Sally Hinrichsen, Water /Wastewater Superintendent Jim Tjaden, Public Works Director Nick Kahler, Library Director Faith Brehm and Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald. Council member Scott Brighton was absent. The public was invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting electronically via “Zoom Meetings” or “Facebook” and were encouraged to communicate from the chat or message.
Brenneman moved to approve the agenda. Phelan seconded, roll call was unanimous.
Open Forum: Mary Melchert, 1 Spring Farm Lane invited the Council and public to attend an informational meeting on March 13th at the Jones County Migrant Learning Center. The Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice Group, which is a statewide legal service and advocacy organization members will give a presentation.
Langerman moved to approve the consent agenda, Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Mayor opened the public hearing on proposed Amendment #1 to the Fiscal year 2025-2026 Budget. No written or oral comments were received. Mayor closed the hearing. Phelan moved to approve Resolution #2026-24 Approving the City’s Amendment #1 to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Brenneman seconded. Roll call was unanimous.
Brenneman moved to approve Resolution #2026-25 Setting Time and Place for a Public Hearing for the Purpose of Considering the Consolidated General Fund Tax Levy for the City’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget. Goedken seconded. Hearing will be held on April 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM. Roll call was unanimous.
Farnum reported Airport Board meeting is cancelled for tomorrow evening and the MEMT is holding a training session tomorrow evening. Farnum and Oswald met with Fair Manager Lucus Gobeli who advised they were going to begin construction on the restroom building after the 2026 Fair.
Farnum reported for Council member Brighton that Brighton and a group of volunteers were planning to clean up the fence on the West side of the cemetery on March 7 & 8, if anyone wanted to volunteer to help.
Farnum advised the Jet Truck loan closing would be this week.
Hinrichsen report having six Setoff hits since tax season opened.
Kahler reported they have been busy cleaning up trees. With the nice weather they removed the snow blower and put it away for the season. If the weather continues to stay nice they may begin sweeping the streets.
Tjaden reported the contractor has poured pads for the blower and UV system and will be installing them.
Oswald reported on the upcoming activities in the Park & Rec Department.
Brehm advised the Library Board has an at-large opening on the Board and they are accepting applications now.
Brehm reported on the upcoming activities at the Library.
Brenneman moved to adjourn at 6:41 P.M.
Jake Ellwood, Mayor
Sally Hinrichsen, City Clerk/Treasurer