New London Returns the City Council Without Change

After the Nov. 3 election, the New London City Council met in regular session on Nov. 10, 2025 with all members present. The faces haven’t changed because the three incumbents were all returned to office. Others in attendance were Mike Phillips, Ryan Wilka, John Doyle, Shawn Mears, Doug Boecker and Marcus Lane.

The council approved the agenda and the consent agenda. No one addressed the council in open forum.

The public hearing on resolution #479 caused no citizen questions or comments. It approved the final plat for Dover Estates subdivision phase 2.

In old business:

· The council approved the proposal from Ted Wieland to complete the audits for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2008 with compensation not to exceed $16,000, $17,000, and $18,000 respectively. The New London Utilities will equally share in the cost of the audits.

· The council approved the Contribution in Aid of Construction agreement with Phelps and Zane Co. for the construction of a sanitary sewer main on Dover Circle. The city will reimburse Phelps and Zane $5,200.00 for each new home constructed on the service in the next 10 years with a total reimbursement not to exceed $57,065.00.

· The council discussed the adoption of a rental housing code. The Mayor recently had a tenant complaint that a landlord was not repairing a leaky roof in a timely manner. Miller pointed out that there are no city resources to help with such matters. Council member Sines stated that the council needs to do some more research before discussing this topic again.

· The council discussed the “No truck or trailer parking” on E. Main St. and intersections where parallel parking causes visibility issues. The council considered making changes to the “no parking” ordinance and its wording. The council suggested the police department enforce the 48 hour parking limit. The council will review the “no parking” ordinance before the Dec. meeting.

In new business:

· The council discussed applying for the STBG funding to reconstruct S. Pine St. Agreeing that they would like to apply for the grant, the council requested that the city clerk work with the city engineer and the Pathfinders, a grant writing service, to apply for the grant.

· The council approved resolution #477 authorizing the application of the Enhance Henry County Community Foundation grant. The city is applying for $25,000 in funding to help pay the cost of new playground equipment in the city park.

· The council approved resolution #478 setting the date for a public hearing on the proposal to convey interests in real property to SBBS Ventures LLC.

· The Council approved allowing employees to take paid leave (i.e. vacation, personal or compensatory time) on Dec. 26, 2025 and close all city departments for the day.

A new front door for the city office was discussed. The council would like to have multiple quotes before they make a decision. No action was taken.

As the meeting neared its end, Mayor Miller expressed his concern with some of the council’s decisions lately. For him, it is difficult to pursue what they want to accomplish if there is indecision. The Mayor would like to work with the council and continue to pursue the items they feel would be beneficial for the citizens.

The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. The next regular meeting of the New London City Council will be Dec. 8, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the City office.