CITY OF NORWAY
November 13th, 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, Robby Miller, Kelly Luedtke, and Kevin Frese Absent: None.
Motion to accept agenda, minutes, claims, and treasurer’s report presented made by R. Miller and seconded by K. Frese. Motion carried 4-0.
New council member Terry Pickart took the oath of office and took his seat on the council for a 2-year term for filling a vacancy.
Motion R. Miller to approve FY23 Annual Financial Report seconded by K. Kuester. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion K. Kuester to approve FY23 Street Financial Report seconded by R. Miller. Motion carried 5-0.
Susie Hahn was present to provide updates concerning the Norway Public Library. The information provided included details on how the library and the library board operate. Also noted was the public’s use of the library as well as information about kids’ programming Susie has implemented. Secondly, as Susie Hahn is the vice president for the Norway Community Organization, she asked for permission from the council to close off a section of Railroad St and South St during the Christmas Parade taking place in December. The Benton Co. Sheriff and the Norway Fire Dept. will be notified of this street closure.
Owners of the Prairie View Christian Church asked the Council to forgive the sewer portion of one utility bill as they suspect vandalism occurred by an unknown person leaving on an outside water faucet for 1 week. The council gave instructions to take any steps necessary to ensure the outside faucets cannot be turned on without authorization from the property owners. Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Kuester to forgive the sewer portion of the utility bill in question. Motion carried 5-0.
Lori Schulte was present to discuss high water usage in her home. Further steps will be taken to ensure the accuracy of the water meter.
A discussion was held concerning the unpaid federal withholding taxes. The tax periods in question are for the years 2019-2021. Fraud is not suspected at this time. The IRS has instructed the city that it is liable for the original taxes owed as well as the interest that has accrued. A budget amendment will be required and will be on the December meeting agenda. Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Kuester to pay the amount due to the IRS. Motion carried 5-0.
Health and Dental coverage renewals are due. The city has historically used United HealthCare. The city was offered to continue coverage with United HealthCare or decide to choose a new health insurance provider named Health Partners. Health Partners is a more budget-friendly option than United HealthCare. Motion R. Miller seconded by K. Kuester to accept the change to Health Partners for health insurance coverage. Motion carried 5-0.
The discussion to fix or cap well #3 included cost options. Fixing the plugged well would be in the realm of $19,000 whereas capping the well would be another cost with an estimate to follow. A decision is to be made once all cost estimates are gathered.
The DNR has verbalized that the City of Norway is line for our case to be reviewed concerning the water pressure booster system. The city is waiting for answers from the DNR. Further updates will be provided as they are received. Please participate in the income surveys that were sent out. Further correspondence is expected to take place.
The city is working to secure a semi-trailer to relocate the emergency siren into Norway. This is a high priority.
Mayor Volz has been in constant contact with ECICOG to gain approval to start pouring a concrete pad that will be for the back-up power generator for the Fire Station. The city of Norway is not the only grant recipient in line which provides explanation for the wait.
Building permits approved include 302 Harper St for a chain-link fence and 101 Bickel St. for a storage garage.
The city hired a mowing company to mow 510 W. Railroad St. The costs associated will be assessed to the property owner. Other nuisance properties are being handled as necessary.
Mayor Volz advised the council that the December meeting will need to be rescheduled from its original second Monday of the month meeting date.
Motion to adjourn at 6:35pm made by R. Miller and seconded by K. Kuester. Motion carried 5-0.

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Bruce Volz, Mayor
Kennedy Judkins, City Clerk