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Home / New London Journal News
New London City Council has a productive meeting
By Gina Anderson
Apr. 24, 2025 9:41 am
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
The regular April meeting of the New London city council was held on April 14, 2025 at the city office. With all members present, they approved the agenda, the consent agenda, and no one addressed the council in open forum.
A public hearing was held on the proposed budget for FY 2026. Hearing no citizens questions and/or comments, the council approved resolution #450 authorizing and directing levy of property taxes and adopting a budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The regular property tax rate is $13.11240 and the agricultural property tax rate is $3.00375. The public hearing was adjourned.
Police Chief Wilka reported on the recent car thefts in town. It was one person who has stolen cars from Burlington and Danville also. Fingerprints and DNA were obtained from the car stolen in New London for the unidentified person. It appears that not many personal items were taken.
In the public works area, the council would like any branches gathered from the school community cleanup day placed at the site south of the football field on Adams St. The city will use them to try out a piece of equipment that mulches branches.
In old business, the council took the following actions:
- Approved an agreement with French Reneker for GIS services to map the sanitary sewer system not to exceed $11,500.
- Approved the proposal from Fye Excavating to complete the 220’ of 48-inch culvert installation west of Easy St. for $53,314.
The Council discussed the proposed building code and permit fees with Jack Swarm of the SEI Regional Planning Commission. Mayor Miller would like see a building permit fee of 0.4% of the building value with a maximum fee of $600. The fee did not include additional permit fees for plumbing, electrical, re-inspection, etc.
They also discussed the rental inspection fees for inspecting all rental properties in the city every three years. The council felt that that fee should be set at $185, the direct cost from SEIRPC.
The council plans to hold meetings for the landlords to get their questions answered regarding the new rental code. The council will also hold all three public hearings for the approval of the building, rental and property maintenance codes to increase public awareness.
In new business, the council took the following actions:
- Approved resolution #453 appointing a paying agent, note registrar, and transfer agent, and approving the paying agent; note registrar and transfer agent agreement and authorizing the execution of the agreement.
- Approved resolution #454 approving and authorizing a form of loan agreement and authorizing and providing for the issuance, and levying a tax to pay the notes; approval of the tax exemption certificate.
- Approved resolution #452 authorizing execution of an assignment of and amendment to purchase, sale and development agreement between Johnson Homes, Inc. and Chad Sovern Contracting.
- Approve the engagement agreement with Ahlers & Cooney for the purchase, sale, and development agreement with H & A Contracting
- Approved resolution #455 to amend resolution #443 hire a public works equipment operator, Josh Dean. Josh will receive a $.50 pay increase from $24.50 to $25.00 after he successfully completes the ninety (90) day probationary period.
- Approved resolution #456 to amend resolution #448 to hire a public works equipment operator, Blake Nehring. Blake will receive a $.50 pay increase from $24.50 to $25.00 after he successfully completes the ninety (90) day probationary period.
- Approved allowing up to six hens, no roosters, at 300 Sunset Drive.
- Approved offering IAT 17, LLC $1,900 to purchase the east 60’ of lots 2 and 3, Block 1, New London Land Company’s second addition.
- Approved the city clerk to sign any agreement necessary to proceed with purchasing new software for $36,500 for the first year and $15,500 for the years to follow.
They discussed the covenants for the third addition to the Pine Street subdivision and made minor changes to the version that had previously been approved for the second addition. The council would like to make these changes at the May meeting.
The council discussed the plumbing and HVAC inspection of the H. J. Nugen library and the replacement of the water heater/furnace. They have requested quotes from Francis Plumbing & Heating, C & M Cooling, Heating, and Plumbing, Jason Smith Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, and Lane Plumbing & Heating. The water heater sounds like it is not operating properly. The council would like the bid winner to see if the water heater can be repaired.
The council discussed hiring a part-time employee to mow this summer. Mayor Miller commented having the full-time city and utility employees mow is quite expensive and maybe they should look at hiring a part-time joint employee this summer. Council Member Helmerson suggested the city should consider contracting out the mowing as opposed to hiring another employee. The Council agreed to look into this option.
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The next regular meeting of the New London City Council will be May 12, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the city office.
