Elkader City Council Approves Loan Agreement for New Ambulance

The Elkader City Council approved a resolution to enter into a loan agreement for the purchase of a new Ambulance. The resolution provides for the issuance of 270-thousand dollars in general obligation bonds to help fund the purchase. The new Ambulance is expected to arrive later this year or in early 2027.

Elkader City Council Proceedings  

The Elkader City Council met on Monday, August 24, 2026 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. at the  Elkader City Hall with Mayor Josh R. Pope presiding. Roll call: Present: Bob Garms, Tony Hauber,  Randy Henning and Curtis Ruhser. Roger Buchholz was unable to attend.  

Henning moved to approve the consent agenda but remove item h. for discussion; Garms seconded  the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Consent agenda  

a. Minutes from the August 10, 2026 regular meeting  

b. Bills (August 7-20, 2026)  

c. Financial report (Treasurer’s report)  

d. Approve appointment to the Library Board of Trustees (Paul Erickson-term to expire June 30,  2031)  

e. Approve application to the Elkader Future Fund for a grant for Keystone Park  f. Approve application to the Empower Rural Iowa Rural Innovation Program for a housing grant  g. Resolution 2026-52 - Authorizing and approving a Loan Agreement, providing for the issuance  

of a $270,000 General Obligation Ambulance Acquisition Note, Series 2026 and providing for  the levy of taxes to pay the same  

h. Approval of Resolution 2026-53 – Approving preliminary application for property tax  exemption submitted by Eric Grau and Carol Muller, property owners in a recognized Urban  Revitalization Area, and authorizing the transmittal of the approved application to the Clayton  County Assessor  

i. Accept FY 26 Debt Obligations Report  

Item h. Approval of Resolution 2026-53 – Approving preliminary application for property tax  exemption submitted by Eric Grau and Carol Muller, property owners in a recognized Urban  Revitalization Area, and authorizing the transmittal of the approved application to the Clayton  County Assessor Questions were asked about the Urban Revitalization Process and the schedule for  abatement. Garms moved to approve Resolution 2026-53. Hauber seconded the motion.  Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: none  

Public comments: No public comments were received.  

Old Business  

Possible continued discussion on the area behind the businesses on North Main Street and  easements for building improvements  

Two of the property owners on North Main Street that have property abutting the river were in  attendance to discuss the use of the City owned property. At this time they are working together to  determine what improvements they need an easement for. The Council reiterated that they will need  a legal description for the easement and that an engineer needs to sign off on the work. There was  discussion about the need for a railing. There was discussion about this being a public area. Ruhser  moved to approve the intent to provide an easement over City property provided the appropriate  process is followed (public hearing), a legal description is provided by the property owner and an  engineer provides a determination that the improvements do not pose a liability risk to the City.  Garms seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Henning, Ruhser  

Nays: Hauber 

Administrative staff update Staff updated the Council on several issues and projects.  

Questions/concerns/reports from members of the City Council No concerns from the Council were  received.  

Adjournment Henning moved to adjourn. Garms seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Hauber, Henning, Rusher  

Nays: none  

Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.