Elkader City Council did not approve an ordinance dealing with vacant buildings

The Elkader City Council did not approve the first reading of an ordinance dealing with vacant buildings. The ordinance included building owners to register their vacant building and be inspected. If issues were reported then a plan must be put in place to correct concerns, but again it was not approved.

The Elkader Council approved the purchase for MercyOne Elkader Ambulance Service for a new 2027 Model, estimated to cost around 300-thousand dollars.

The Elkader City Council met on Monday, November 24, 2025 in regular session at 6:30 p.m. at the  Elkader City Hall with Mayor Josh R. Pope presiding. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and roll call  was taken.  

Roll call: Present: Bob Garms, Tony Hauber, Daryl Bruxvoort (via phone), and Randy Henning.  Deb Schmidt was unable to attend.  

Henning moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Garms seconded the motion.  

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

Nays: none  

a. Minutes from the November 11, 2025 meeting  

b. Non-reconciled financial reports (Treasurer’s Report, receipts by fund)  

c. Bills (November 7-20, 2025)  

d. Approval of liquor license renewal for Schera’s Restaurant & Bar (Class C Retail alcohol  license)  

e. Approval of new home purchase incentive (707 1^st Street NW)  

f. Accept Urban Renewal Report for FY 25  

g. Receive Street Finance Report for FY 25  

h. Accept Annual Financial Review for FY 25 performed by Hacker Nelson & Co., CPAs  i. Approving resolutions 2025-54 through 2025-58- approving annual appropriation of  either tax increment financed obligations or debt service obligations which shall come  due in the next fiscal year (FY 27) 

j. Approval of Resolution 2025-59 – Approving a REAP grant award and authorizing the  Mayor to execute the REAP grant agreement  

Public comments No public comments were received.  

Public hearing on proposed Agreement between the City and Shea Properties, LLC for property tax  rebate; approval of Resolution 2025-53-Resolution Authorizing Approving Agreement with Shea  Properties LLC and Authorizing Property Tax Rebate Payments Mayor Pope called the public hearing to  order. No comments, either written or verbal, were received before or during the public hearing. Mayor  Pope closed the public hearing. Garms moved to approve Resolution 2025-53. Hauber seconded the  motion.  

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

Nays: none 

Presentation from MercyOne Elkader Ambulance Service and discussion of purchase of 2027  ambulance; authorization to order new ambulance Chris Dahlstrom from MercyOne Elkader was in  attendance to update the Council on the ambulance service. They have a little less than 30 staff on their  crew (combination of paid and volunteer) and in FY 25 responded to 610 calls for service. He also  reviewed the need to replace the next ambulance. Hauber moved to authorize ordering the 2027  ambulance with the chassis ordered from Brown’s, the box from Lifeline and not to accept the current  bid they have for the ambulance. Garms seconded the motion.  

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

Nays: none  

First Reading – Ordinance 2025-04 -An Ordinance establishing a vacant building registration, adding  Chapter 147 to the Code of Ordinances of the City of Elkader, Iowa (2022) Hauber moved to approved  the first reading of Ordinance 2025-04. Bruxvoort seconded the motion.  

Roll call: Ayes: Hauber, Bruxvoort  

Nays: Garms, Henning 

Administrative staff update Staff updated the Council on a few topics.  

Question and concerns from Council members A question was asked about the vote on Ordinance 2025- 04.  

Adjournment Garms moved to adjourn. Henning seconded the motion. With no opposition to the motion  Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.