Volga City Council minutes are posted from the January 12th meeting

The Volga City Council held a meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 in the Volga City Hall at 601 Washington Street. Mayor Elaine Follon opened a Public Hearing for the consideration of the adoption of the City Code Update at 6:55pm. Council members Rhonda Fry, Parker Klingman, Tom Whittle, Crystal Nicholson and Tyler Phillips answered Roll Call. Mike Howard, Kent Kraus, Darren Nading, and Tasha Tamling were also in attendance. No oral or written comments were taken. Motion by Klingman to close the Public Hearing. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. The Public Hearing was closed at 6:57pm.

Mayor Follon called the regular council meeting to order at 7:00pm. Council members Rhonda Fry, Parker Klingman, Tom Whittle, Crystal Nicholson and Tyler Phillips answered Roll Call. Mike Howard, Kent Kraus, Darren Nading and Tasha Tamling were also in attendance.

Kent Kraus, Eagle Point Solar, discussed solar opportunities on three public buildings- city hall, fire station, and the Cedar Street well house. He discussed panel quality, warranty, array production and Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) for non-taxable entities through a 3rd party investor. PPA investors cover the cost of the solar installation and allow cities to purchase electricity at a lower cost over the 25 year life of the contract. Motion by Nicholson contact ARC regarding roof warranty issues if solar is installed, and to contact the insurance company regarding 3rd party ownership of panels on city buildings. If no issues, a draft copy of the contract will be provided to the City Attorney for review for consideration at the February meeting. Second by Fry. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Motion by Phillips to appoint Kristin Klingman as City Clerk for a two-year term. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Abstain: Klingman. The Oath of Office was recited by Kristin Klingman.

Motion by Whittle to appoint Darren Nading as Fire Chief. Second by Fry. All voted in favor. Motion carried. The Oath of Office was recited by Darren Nading.

Motion by Whittle to appoint Pat Dillon, Dillon Law as City Attorney. Second by Nicholson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Tom Lott has taken ownership of 509 Washington Street and requested abatement of utilities up to 2 years during cleanup. Motion by Fry to deny the request. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Darren Nading discussed interest in purchasing a portion of parcel#4203378002 at 100 Buchanan Street. This does not include the wellhouse building or a 25’ easement for city access around and to the building. Motion by Fry to put out the ground only portion of the parcel to bid for consideration of disposal. Bids will be due Thursday prior to the February 9th meeting. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Public Comments: none

Motion by Whittle to move Hail Damage items on the agenda. Second by Phillips. All voted in favor. Motion carried. Tasha Tamling- Allen Real Estate & Construction reviewed the new scope of work prepared for damage costs. Motion by Phillips to authorize Tasha to negotiate with insurance and approve the Work Authorization and Insurance Coordination Agreement for line items that will be determined. Second by Nicholson. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Motion and Second to move the Emergency Services agenda items. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Emergency Services -LOSAP Program:

Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2026-04: A Resolution Establishing Compensation for Volunteer Fire Department members for meeting attendance. Motion by Fry to approve Resolution 2026-04. Second by Phillips. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes:Klingman, Phillip, Whittle, Nicholson, Fry. Nays: none. Abstain: none. Motion carried. Resolution 2026-04 was approved.

Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2026-05: A Resolution Establishing Compensation for EMS members for meeting attendance. Motion by Phillips to approve Resolution 2026-05. Second by Whittle. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Fry, Nicholson, Whittle, Phillips, Klingman. Nays: none. Abstain: none. Motion carried. Resolution 2026-05 was approved.

Motion by Nicholson to authorize the clerk to set up Lincoln Financial Group Heroes Plus Program with Knox Financial Services as approved by the Fire Department and First Responders. Second by Fry. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2026-06: A Resolution for Adoption of the Iowa LOSAP Program. Motion by Klingman to approve Resolution 2026-06. Second by Fry. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Whittle, Nicholson, Phillips, Fry, Klingman. Nays: none. Abstain: none. Motion carried. Resolution 2026-06 was approved.

Updates on Focus Areas:

Transportation Infrastructure-Washington Street Project:

Motion by Phillips to approve the County to process Change Order 6: Decrease quantity for subgrade stabilization material and add liquidated damages. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Mayor Follon provided a review of the Final Project Costs for the Washington Street resurfacing project. The total construction cost was $671,987.67. Grants will cover $506,000. The remaining balance of $169,987.67 will need to be financed.

Motion by Klingman to approve the Mayor to sign the Engagement Letter with Dorsey and Whitney for 2026 General Obligation Street Improvement Note. Their services will cost $5000 for the loan process and will be added to the loan total. Second by Phillips. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Mayor Follon presented Resolution 2026-01: A Resolution setting the date for a public hearing on proposal to enter into a General Obligation Street Improvement Loan Agreement and to borrow money thereunder in a principal amount not to exceed $180,000. Motion by Fry to set the Public Hearing for Monday, February 9, 2026 at 6:55pm. Second by Whittle. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Klingman, Phillips Whittle, Nicholson Fry. Nays: none. Abstain: none. Motion carried. Resolution 2026-01 was approved.

Community Beautification:

Mayor Follon reviewed follow-up conversations and letters for property cleanup plans.

Department Updates -Public Works:

Motion by Klingman to table the riprap and silt project item. Second by Phillips. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Howard reported that the brakes have been replaced on the maintenance truck and the dump truck has been repaired.

Water/Sewer/Garbage Departments:

Howard discussed a needed repair of the sewer flow meter. Contacts are being made for repairs.

Motion by Phillips to cash in the Sewer Certificate of Deposit maturing February 2026 and put in the checking account (Sewer Funds). Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Council reviewed the Water Debt Replacement Fee since the SRF payments have been finalized. Motion by Fry to prepare an ordinance amendment to change the fund to the Water Improvement Fee and authorize the clerk to make semi-annual transfers of funds above the required loan payments into the Water Fund Account for annual operations. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Council discussed the proposed rate increase for Sewer Service. Motion by Fry to prepare an ordinance amendment for the First Reading at the March meeting with $20/month increase. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Council discussed the proposed rate increase for Garbage Service, based on operation costs and vendor charges.

Motion by Fry to prepare an ordinance amendment for the First Reading at the March meeting with $1/month increase. Second by Klingman. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Mayor Follon reported that the City Council room project is completed.

Administration:

City Code process- Mayor Follon presented the Second Reading of Ordinance 178: Ordinance Adopting the City Code of the City of Volga, Iowa 2025. Motion by Klingman to approve the Second Reading. Second by Nicholson. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Fry, Nicholson, Whittle, Phillips, Klingman. Nays: none.

Abstain: none. Motion carried. The Second Reading of Ordinance 178 was approved.

Motion by Phillips to Waive Three Readings of Ordinance 178: Ordinance Adopting the City Code of the City of Volga, Iowa 2025. Second by Whittle. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Klingman, Phillips, Whittle, Nicholson, Fry. Nays: none. Abstain: none. Motion carried. Three readings were waived and Ordinance 178 was approved.

Motion by Nicholson to authorize changing the flood insurance policies to Concorde General Agency for 2026 renewals. Second by Phillips. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

FY 27 Budget Process: The Clerk provided a calendar for completing the FY 27 budget process. Council reviewed the Combined General Fund Levy for FY 27 based on valuations and growth. The levy amount decreases to $8.22/1000 of taxable valuation this year.

Council reviewed wages to determine the FY 27 FICA/IPERS levy amount. Motion by Fry to prepare worksheets for a 3% increase and a 5% increase consideration to be presented at the February meeting. Second by Whittle. Ayes: Fry, Nicholson, Phillips, Whittle. Abstain: Klingman. Motion carried.

Council reviewed insurance costs and increases to determine levy request for FY27. Motion by Klingman to include the recommended 8% increase for FY 27. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. Motion carried.

Park Board: Fry updated Council on the January meeting items. Tom Klingman is the new park board chairperson. The Board is working on the Can Redemption area, with possible relocation of the kennel and is looking for location ideas for easy access. Projects this year will focus on maintenance and upkeep: picnic table repairs, painting. REAP grant, DX Station roof, and electrical repairs at the campground and small shelter. Park fees will remain the same for 2026.

Library Board: Gina Briggs has resigned as Director and the Board posted the position and will be conducting interviews for a new director.

The Consent Agenda was presented with the following items: 1) Minutes, 2) Claims, 3) Treasurer’s Report-Dec 2025, 4) Bank Reconciliation-Dec 2025, 5) Monthly Budget Report, 6) Publish 2025 Gross Salaries, 7) Resolution 2026-02: A Resolution Approving the Investment Policy for the City of Volga, and 8) Resolution 2026-03: A Resolution to Establish Mileage Reimbursement. Motion by Phillips to approve the Consent Agenda. Second by Fry. A Roll Call vote was taken. Ayes: Fry, Nicholson, Whittle, Phillips, Klingman

Nays: none. Abstain: none. Motion carried.

Delinquent Utilities were reviewed and shut offs and lien notices approved.

Motion by Klingman to adjourn. Second by Whittle. All voted in favor. Motion carried. The Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 pm.