Elkader City Council

The Elkader City Council met on Monday, July 28, 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, Deb Schmidt, Randy Henning and Daryl Bruxvoort.

Henning moved to approve the consent agenda. Garms seconded the motion.

Roll call: Aye: Schmidt, Hauber, Garms, Bruxvoort, Henning

Nay: None

Consent Agenda

a. Minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting

b. Bills (July 11-24, 2025)

c. Financial reports (Treasurer’s report)

d. Approval of Resolution 2025-38 – Accepting a contract between Solutions by Mark LLC and the City of Elkader for information technology services

e. Approval of Resolution 2025-39 – Accepting a proposal from Seedorff Masonry for repairs to the Opera House

f. Approval of Resolution 2025-40 – Approving service agreement with Visu-sewer for cleaning and televising sewer mains

g. Approval of resolution 2024-41 – Approving service agreement with Electric Pump for pump maintenance for the wastewater system

Public comments No public comments were received.

New Business

Alan and Georgana Johnson were in attendance to discuss several topics:

The completion of Humphrey Street in the Industrial Park: This is the segment from Johnson Street east. This will support the development of the four lots surrounding this street. One lot has a purchase agreement signed and Alan has an interested buyer for two other lots. The City can use TIF funds for this improvement. Garms moved to proceed with completing Humphrey Street. Hauber seconded the motion.

Roll call: Aye: Schmidt, Hauber, Garms, Bruxvoort, Henning

Nay: None

Completing the paperwork for the turn lane from High Street NE to Johnson Street: Alan will return the signed deed for the 960 sq ft needed to correct the survey from when the turn lane was installed.

Breezy Summit Subdivision:

-Darla Kelchen from the Clayton County Development Group was in attendance to share information about the new housing revolving loan fund to assist with construction loans ($40,000 for up to two years at 1%). This could be used by interested parties to build on a lot in Breezy Summit.

-Alan Johnson indicated he has been working on getting sewer to an undivided 8.3 acres south of Ginger Avenue NE. They have looked at running a sewer line from this area down to Bridge Street but it is an expensive endeavor because they have to bore through rock. He would like a variance to the requirement to tie on to existing sewer or would like to be able to remove this lot from the City limits. Staff has provided information on a sewer lift station and believe that is a more affordable option.

-11 residential lots – the City has been discussing purchasing these lots and the Johnson Family has decided to donate them to the City. Discussion ensued. Alan indicated the Council should discuss and he can come back to the next Council meeting.

Discussion of vacant property registry ordinance Staff provided a draft ordinance to the Council in their packet and this discussion covered questions from staff.

Administrative staff update Staff updated the Council on several topics.

Questions and concerns of the council Sweet Corn Days committee members and volunteers were commended. It was an awesome weekend. A suggestion was made for a “Kids at play” sign in the alley between 1^st and 2^nd Street and between Cedar and Bridge Street.

Adjournment Garms moved to adjourn. Henning seconded the motion. Mayor Pope declared the meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.