Elkader City Council approves sale of Kenworthy Pumper
The Elkader City Council approved the sale of the 2009 Kenworthy Pumper for 153-thousand dollars. It was purchased by the Delmar Fire Department.
The Council also approved appointing an ad-hoc committee to update the sign code for the city.
The Elkader City Council met in regular session on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m. at the Elkader City Hall with Mayor Josh R. Pope presiding. Roll call: Present: Bob Garms, Randy Henning, Curtis Ruhser, Tony Hauber and Roger Buchholz.
Garms moved to approve the consent agenda. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Henning, Ruhser, Hauber, Buchholz
Nays: none
Consent agenda:
Minutes from the September 14, 2026 regular meeting
Minutes from the September 17, 2026 special meeting
Bills (September 12-24, 2026)
Financial report (Treasurer’s report)
Approval of Resolution 2026-58 – Approving a memorandum of understanding between the
City of Elkader and the Clayton County Conservation Board regarding maintenance of a trail
Public comments: No public comments were shared.
Old business
Continued discussions on river terrace area behind businesses on N. Main Street and property owners building decks or patios – potentially have survey information
Staff updated the Council on the property line survey. The deck built at 122 N. Main Street is on City property. Council discussed selling the property to the owner. One other property owner may be interested in purchasing the property behind their building but as of the last Council meeting the owners of the majority of the property are not interested in purchasing it. Anyone who purchases the property would have to maintain the weeds to FEMA standards and provide an easement to the City to maintain the flood wall. A concern was shared about vacating public property. Staff also shared, and Council discussed, the implications the flood plain regulations on buildings in the flood plain. Those property owners making improvements need to floodproof the building unless they qualify for a historic building exemption.
New business
Approve Resolution 2026-56 - bid for 2009 Kenworthy pumper The City received one bid for the 2009 pumper from the Delmar Fire Department for $153,000. Henning moved to accept this bid and approve Resolution 2026-56. Garms seconded the motion.
Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Henning, Ruhser, Hauber, Buchholz
Nays: none
Discuss sign code changes and the possible appointment of an ad-hoc committee to update sign code Staff brought back the list of possible changes that were discussed a few months ago. A suggestion was made to appoint an ad hoc committee to work on this. Council seemed supportive of this idea and suggested some names. Staff will coordinate the committee and bring back names for appointment.
Discussion of, and possible approval of, Resolution 2026-57- establishing fees for sidewalk snow removal (increase from $1.50/lineal foot to $1.75/lineal foot) Ruhser moved to approve Resolution 2026-57. Henning seconded the motion.
Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Henning, Ruhser, Hauber, Buchholz
Nays: none
Administrative staff update Staff updated the Council on a number of topics.
approval to apply for a grant to pave the public lot next to 104 1st St SW – Ruhser moved to
approve applying for a grant for this project; Hauber seconded the motion.
Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Henning, Ruhser, Hauber, Buchholz
Nays: none
Questions/concerns from members of the City Council The Mayor shared that a representative from the Pure Stodge BMW motorcycle club let the City know they were very appreciative of the response from Central Community Ambulance when one of their rally attendees had a medical emergency. The quick response and quality of care was impressive. The Mayor recognized the following: Ashley Heitland (Advanced EMT); Marcus Kahrs (EMT); Joan Betthauser (Critical Care Paramedic) and Heather Crary (EMT) and Tyler Bazyn (Police Officer).
Adjournment Henning moved to adjourn. Buchholz seconded the motion.
Roll call: Ayes: Garms, Henning, Ruhser, Hauber, Buchholz
Nays: none
Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.
