CITY OF NORWAY
July 10th, 2023
Regular meeting of the Norway City Council was called to order by Mayor Bruce Volz at 5:00 PM. Roll Call – Present: Karson Kuester, Kevin Frese, Robby Miller Absent: Kelly Luedtke
Motion to accept agenda, claims, treasurer’s report, and minutes presented made by K. Frese and seconded by K. Kuester. Motion carried 3-0.
The water pressure booster system was again discussed. Mayor Volz spoke with a representative from ECICOG concerning funding for this project. The 1st step in the process is to complete an income survey with the residents of Norway. It is imperative that residents participate in this survey. Personal information is not kept or saved.
Once all data is collected, the names and addresses of residents collected are destroyed. If ECICOG does not get enough data, the city will not receive the CDBG grant to fund the pressure booster system required to be installed per the DNR. A second funding option is a 30-year SRF loan. The third funding option would be a 40-year USDA world development loan from the US Department of Agriculture. This third option is the least desirable as any other entities available to help will not be allowed should the city choose the USDA loan. Because this is drinking water all agencies involved are taking priority in the matter. Council member Robby Miller inquired about only increasing the water pressure by 10 PSI to reach the minimum required. The DNR sees that as only a band-aid and does not want to go that route as a permanent fix is required currently. The council would like to ask that all residents of Norway watch for the random income survey in the mail and to please participate as it will help the city receive a grant therefore not requiring the city to again increase water rates.
The second reading of Ordinance 337- amending the parking ordinance took place. This amendment will allow for a handicapped only parking sign to be place at 106 W Johnson St. Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Kuester to approve the second reading. Motion passed 3-0. Motion K. Frese seconded by K. Kuester to waive the third reading of Ordinance 337. Ordinance 337 passes 3-0.
Resolution 23-09 allowing the city clerk to pay certain bills prior to a council meeting to not incur any late fees with the addition of adding an expense cap of $5,000.00. Motion K. Kuester seconded by K. Frese to approve resolution 23-09. Motion carried 3-0.
Keni Anderson advised that she would be unable to attend the meeting but asked that the council be informed of the information she provided concerning the decibels of the train’s horn being sounded within City limits. Mayor Volz advised that he will reach out to the railroad company but wanted to mention the fact that this is not the first time there has been a request for Norway to be a “quiet zone” and the railroad was unable to fulfill that request in the past. Keni Anderson also wanted the council to consider allowing chickens within Norway city limits. Again, this is not the first time this request has been presented. The council would like time to research and investigate current ordinances. The request to allow chickens has been tabled until the August 14th council meeting.
Jean Martensen was present to voice her concern on the alley behind her residence. Her concern is the large ruts in the alley and the damage being caused by rainwater washing down the alley. Mayor Volz has contacted the city attorney for this concern. The attorney asked several questions to be answered by the mayor. The mayor is compiling answers as well as photo evidence to provide to the attorney. This is a work in progress to see what if anything can be done.
Mary Urell was not present at the meeting but asked that her request for wanting to plant hostas on city property to the east of her residence be presented to the council. Prior requests to plant on city owned property have been denied in the past and the council would like to stay consistent therefore this request has also been denied.
Ron Miller formally resigned from his seat on the council effective June 27th, 2023. The council is seeking to fill the vacancy. Iowa state law allows the council to pick between two options to fill the vacancy. Those options
include filling the vacancy by appointment or holding a special election. The council would like to fill the vacancy by appointment so as to not incur extra costs with a special election. The appointment will be valid until the regularly scheduled city election which takes place in November 2023. The city must publish the intention to fill the vacancy by appointment. Motion K. Kuester seconded by K. Frese to fill the vacancy by appointment.
Motion carried 3-0. Interested parties should turn in a letter to a current city official stating their interest in filling the vacancy, including why they are interested.
The council discussed adopting a list of rules to be followed by city council members. The reason for wanting to adopt rules is due to council members not attending a majority of the council meetings. A quorum (3 out of 5 council members) must be present to hold a council meeting, make decisions, and record votes. The mayor and city clerk were advised by the council to compile further information and options for council rules.
The city attorney has written a lease agreement with the owners of Norway Car Wash LLC for the emergency siren to be located on their property. This lease will ensure that if the siren were to ever require any work to be done or the need for removal, the owners of the car wash would not be held liable. Mayor Volz asked the council for approval to spend $1,950.00 to relocate the siren as well as spend the amount necessary to program the siren.
Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Kuester to approve relocating and programming the siren. Motion carried 3-0.
Mayor Volz informed the council and those present that the trees planted by the city are doing well. Mayor Volz also informed those present that the grant request for $35,000.00 for a power generator for the fire station seems to be in the final stages and the city should have an answer on if the grant will be received by the end of the summer. Mayor Volz has been working tirelessly to do everything he can in order to receive this grant.
The old fax machine and landline phone in city hall were discussed. As the city has no use for this equipment any longer, they will be taken to be recycled.
There have been several concerns about the most recent utility bills which reflect the water rate increase. Most of those concerns were made by residents who have filled swimming pools. Those bills reflect a higher than usual usage. A chart was provided to the council depicting different sizes and depths of pools and how many gallons goninto filling them. Councilman Miller also broke down a utility bill to provide clarity on the charges. R. Miller alsonprovided information on average daily water usages by a 2-person household which equals around 2,730 gallons per month on average. A request was made to forgive the sewer usage portion of a utility bill due to filling a swimming pool. This same request has been made in the past. The council remains consistent in their decision to not allow sewer usage forgiveness for filling a swimming pool. The council mentioned that the cost of everything for everyone has gone up and water/sewer rates wouldn’t be an exception.
Building Permits issued include 210 Tuttle St to replace the existing sidewalk and one set of steps. A building permit application submitted for 301 E Washington is being further investigated.
Nuisance properties are being handled by the city attorney and the appropriate letters will be or have been sent by the mayor.
Mayor Volz is asking that all residents of Norway please be patient with the city as there is a very long list of tasks that takes time to be completed.
The public works director informed the council that Prairie Road Builders will begin summer road work during the week of July 10th. Please be advised this is an estimated time frame.
Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Kuester to approve the renewal of the city’s certificate of deposit. Motionncarried 3-0.
Council concerns include- K. Frese mentioned that adjoining property owners do not mow their portion of the easement to the north of his property. All residents are required to mow their properties. R. Miller mentioned a report of dogs attacking another dog. The dog that was attacked was on a leash on its owner’s property. The Sheriff has been contacted on this matter. Please be responsible with your pets. Dogs must be kept on a leash or contained safely within a fenced yard.
Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Frese to adjourn at 6:10pm. Motion carried 3-0.

Bruce Volz, Mayor
Kennedy Judkins, City Clerk