WEST CONCORD CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 16, 2025
7:00 P.M.
Meeting at the City of West Concord Bell Tower Center
PRESENT: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz, and Nielsen.
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: City Administrator/Clerk Paula Even Trenda, Ambulance Director Adam La Plount, Police Chief Shannon Boerner, Maintenance Supervisor, Keith Clemmer, Library Director, Heather Frederick, Deputy Fire Chief Jake Froyum, Chris Sanders from Peoples Services, and Tom Weimer and Tanner Young from CMS.
Prior to regular meeting, Jeff McCool and Jeff Burse signed and took their oath of office for reelection.
Regular Meeting began at 7:00 PM
ADMINISTRATION OF OATH OF OFFICE: Karen Johnson sworn in as new councilmember
PUBLIC COMMENT -
Doug Weimer – Owns building next to city hall and will have a retail space and small apartment in building. Currently no place to park in front of building for overnight and during snow event. Mayor McCool explained parking restrictions and why. Explained where municipal lots were located. After a brief discussion, the council agreed they would not enforce parking restrictions, allowing them to park at city lot by Casey’s and the Municipal unless it became an issue. However, in the event of a snow event, parking restrictions would be enforced.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA;
MOTION: Motion to approve the agenda as presented
Consent Agenda
A. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024
B. Approval of Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024
C. Approval of Ordinance Special Meeting Minutes of December 19, 2024
D. Approve Payment of Claims, dated 12-13-2024 – January 10, 2025, in the amount of $428,179.70 which includes the following bond payments:
a. 2024A in the amount of $42,021.67 (interest only)
b. 2024B, in the amount of $9,683.67 (interest only)
c. 2021A, in the amount of $72,238.00
d. 2020, in the amount of $91,688.75
e. 2017A, in the amount of $127,612.50
f. 2014A, in the amount of $50,587.50 (final payment)
E. Approval of salary increases, effective January 1, 2025 in accordance with approved 2025 Budget
F. Approve City Paid Cell Phone for Ambulance Director
MOTION: Motion to approve Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion made by Councilmember Nielsen, seconded by Councilmember Johnson
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz, and Nielsen
Nays: None Motion passed
CITY BUSINESS
A: Discussion with Council regarding Dan Rabes Land Lease for 2025 and lease approval
Dan Rabe rents 6 acres for hay production in the city owned Organ land. Dan requested changing contract for payment due April 1 from February 1.
Motion made by Councilmember Nielsen to approve 2025 lease and terms. Second by Councilmember Johnson.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckertiz, and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
B. Tom Weiner of CMS to discuss updates to Construction Management Services
Tom Weimer talked briefly about CMS and the transition of Jay Krueger into retirement. He introduced Tanner Young, who will be out new building inspector. Tim discussed that CMS was keeping fees the same for 2025, as they were in 2025. He talked about the option for the city to pay a lump sum service fee to CMS versus per permit. This manages costs throughout the year but can be more the first year. He also discussed pros and cons of going to an online permitting tool. Administrator will work with CMS to see if lump sum or online tool will be a cost savings for 2026 budget this summer.
C. Resolution 25-01: Designations of City Officials
MOTION: Resolution 25-01: Approve Designation of City Officials
Motion made by Councilmember Nielsen. Second by Councilmember Koeckeritz.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckertiz, and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
D. Resolution 25-02: Appointment of Acting Mayor
A brief discussion on why we appoint an acting mayor. Councilmember Nielsen was recommended by fellow councilmembers.
MOTION: Resolution 25-02: Appointment of Councilmembr Nielsen to be Acting Mayor
Motion made by Councilmember Johnson. Second by Councilmember Koeckeritz.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson and Koeckeritz.
Nays: None Abstain: Councilmember Nielsen Motion passed
E. Resolution 25-03: Authorization and Approval for City Administrator to Pay Incidental Bills
A brief discussion on why we authorize city clerk/administrator to pay bills.
MOTION: Resolution 25-03: Authorization and Approval for City Administrator to Pay Incidental Bills
Motion made by Councilmember Johnson. Second by Councilmember Burse.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
F. Resolution 25-04: Stating City Council Assignments
Mayor McCool explained why he chose the people he identified for the various roles and asked if any of them had any objections. The council committee assignments are:
Sidewalks & Streets – Council Members Burse and Koeckeritz
Police – Mayor McCool and Council Member Nielsen
Fire & Ambulance – Council Members Johnson and Koeckeritz
Sewer & Water – Council Members Burse and Koeckeritz
Park & Recreation – Mayor McCool and Council Member Johnson
Personnel – Mayor McCool and Council Member Nielsen
Library – Council Member Burse and Nielsen
EDA – Mayor McCool and Council Member Johnson
Liquor Store – All Council Members
Planning & Zoning – All Council Members
Budget – All Council Members
Finance Committee – All Council Members
Building Permit Committee – All Council Members
City Ordinance – All Council Members
MOTION: Resolution 25-04: Stating City Council Assignments
Motion made by Councilmember Nielsen. Second by Councilmember Johnson.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
G. Resolution 25-05: Approval of Code Book Update and Cannabis Ordinance
Minor Changes were needed to bring the code book current including updating of council members, meeting dates/locations, some staffing additions/changes, and addition of the cannabis ordinance. Additional large scale changes relating to building code and water will be worked on over the next 3-4 months.
MOTION: Resolution 25-05: Approval of Code Book Update and Cannabis Ordinance.
Motion made by Councilmember Nielsen. Second by Councilmember Burse.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
H. Motion to approve Fire Relief Association Members for 2025 and Fire/EMS Officers
Jake Froyum was in attendance to announce the Fire Relief Association Members for 2025. They are:
Jake Froyum, President: Term Expires 12/31/26
Jeremy Chilson, Vice President: Term Expires 12/21/27
Matt Coy, Treasurer: Term Expires 12/31/25
Kayla Woodcock, Secretary: Term Expires 12/31/27
Rick Braithwaite, Trustee: Term Expires 12/31/26
Dylan Persinger-Woodcock: Term Expires 12/31/25
Chad Finne, Fire Chief; Galen Koeckeritz; Councilmember, and Karen Johnson, Councilmember
Fire Department Officers for 2025:
Chief: Chad Finne, term expires 12/31/25
Deputy Chief: Jake Foryum, term expires 12/31/26
Deputy Chief Ambulance: Peter Moen, term expires 12/31/26
Fire Captain: Rick Braithwaite, term expires 12/31/25
Ambulance Captain: Kayla Woodcock, term expires 12/31/25
Secretary: Joe Boudin, 1 year
MOTION: Approve Fire Board Members and Officers
Motion made by Councilmember Nielsen. Second by Councilmember Koeckeritz.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
I. Motion to approve Library Board Members for 2025
There was no change to the Library Bord Members for 2025. They are:
Colleen Hayne, President
Karen Peterson, Vice President
Michelle Lee, Secretary
Kayla Froehlich Burse
Pat Hanson
Heather Phillips
Lois M. Johnson
Crystal Nielsen, City Council
Jeff Burse, City Council
Heather Frederick, Library Director
MOTION: Approve Library Board Members for 2025
Motion made by Councilmember Johnson. Second by Councilmember Koeckeritz.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
J. Resolution 25-06: Acceptance of Police Department donations
Chief Boerner received two donations - $2500 for the National Night Out and $500 for general police department use.
MOTION: Accept Police Department donations
Motion made by Councilmember Koeckeritz. Second by Councilmember Johnson.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
K. Resolution 25-07: Acceptance of Refuse Hauling bid
Only one contractor submitted a bid for a 3-year contract. Terms of the RFP were provided to the council.
MOTION: Acceptance of Refuse Hauling bid from Skjeveland Enterprises for 3-years
Motion made by Councilmember Koeckeritz. Second by Councilmember Burse.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Johnson, Koeckeritz and Nielsen.
Nays: None Motion passed
L. Discussion to Raise Flags for January 20:
Karen Johnson brought forth the raising of the flag from half-mast for former President Carter to full mast for Inauguration on January 20th only. A discussion was held by council regarding US flag code. Councilmember Koeckeritz had some additional information. Council decided since Governor didn’t ask to have it raised it should stay at half-mast. No further discussion was had.
REPORT OF OFFICERS
ADMINISTRATOR/CLERK REPORT:
The Historical Society donated $2,932.59 for December gambling rents for the Municipal.
Monthly Municipal Report: Inventory went smoothly and quickly. New POS system is on the way and hopefully installed soon. Financials will be including starting in February. Year-end was good and should allow Municipal to repay another large position to city.
2025 Dodge County Local Board of Appeals and Equalization will be held on April 22nd at 5:30 PM.
LIBRARIAN REPORT:
Heather Fredericks presented her report. The month has been quiet.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT:
Maintenance Supervisor Keith Clammer presented his report. Doing carpet cleaning on January 17. Starting at Bell Tower and then City Hall. He presented an update on the Water Tower Inspection. KLM did their drone report. The tower is in good shape, but there is a fair amount of sediment. They will have a quote before February meeting for a full clean out this summer.
PEOPLESERVICE REPORT:
Chris Sanders was present. Required meeting readings, water sample pulls, etc. have all been included. New pump for well house #2 was ordered. Due to a chlorine leak, the air return was left open in well house #3. Due to the very cold weather, the pipes in well house #3 burst. Peoples Service repaired all pipes, the tank gasket, and returned the well house to operation at their expense.
It was asked about sludge hauling and Chris said we typically haul 2-3 times a month in summer and 1 a month during the winter.
POLICE CHIEF:
Police Chief Boerner provided monthly call log to council.
FIRE CHIEF:
Deputy Fire Chief Froyum said 2024 saw 162 total runs with 23 Fire/Rescue and 9 mutual aide. Changing demographics in West Concord can be attributed to the decrease, as well as partnering with Dodge Center.
AMBULANCE DIRECTOR:
Director La Plount was present and provided council with an update on his first few weeks and what he will be working on in the coming weeks. His goal is to have daytime coverage by April 1, so that we can discontinue service with Dodge Center.
OTHER BUSINESS
Ice Rink Attendants were hired: Parker Nielsen (paid) and Doug Krueger (volunteer). A motion was made by Councilmember Koeckeritz to approve the hires. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Burse. Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse and Koeckeritz.
Nays: None Abstain: Councilmember Nielsen & Johnson Motion passed
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Motion to Adjourn at 8:20 pm.
Motion made by Mayor McCool, seconded Councilmember Johnson.
Ayes: Mayor McCool, Councilmembers Burse, Koeckeritz, Nielsen and Johnson.
Nays: None Motion passed
By:______________________________
Mayor Jeffrey McCool
Attest:
By:_________________________________
Paula Even Trenda Clerk/Administrator
