CITY OF NORWAY
March 11th, 2024
Regular meeting of the Norway City Council was called to order by Mayor Loras Schulte at 5:30 PM. Roll Call – Present: Robby Miller, Christopher Van Horn, & Michael Schulte. Absent: Kelly Luedtke.
Motion R. Miller to accept agenda, claims, minutes, & treasurer’s report presented. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 3-0.
Motion M. Schulte to approve the appointment of Darrell Schulte to fill the council seat vacancy created by resignation. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 3-0. Darrell Schulte took the oath of office and took his seat on the council for the term until the next city election.
First reading of Ordinance No. 338 Amending Chapter 99 sewer service charges in the Norway Code of Ordinances. The amendment reads, “A flat fee of $20.00 will be added to each building or “unit” when applicable for apartments or a school, on their monthly bill, for debt reduction.” Motion D. Schulte to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 338. Seconded by M. Schulte. Motion carried 4-0.
First reading of Ordinance No. 339 Amending Chapter 92 water rates in the Norway Code of Ordinances. The amendment reads, “A flat fee of $10.00 will be added to each building, or “unit” when applicable for apartments or a school, on their monthly bill, for debt reduction.” Motion R. Miller to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 339. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 4-0.
First reading of Ordinance No. 340 Amending Chapter 135.14 Alleyways in the Norway Code of Ordinances. The amendment adds “Item 2.) Snow Plowing of Alleyways: Snow removal will be done by the city during significant snow events. Precedence is given to the streets with alleys being secondary. In the event that there is a snowfall accumulation of three (3) inches or more within a twenty-four (24) hour period, the City shall initiate snow plowing operations to clear snow from all designated alleyways within its jurisdiction.” Motion R. Miller to approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 340. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 4-0.
Golf Cart Fees & Compliance were discussed. The registration of golf carts and a $25.00 yearly fee is required to operate golf carts on city streets. Letters will be going out to golf cart users. Please ensure your golf cart has the required safety equipment and has the number given to you at the time of registration visible on your cart. Motion D. Schulte to require proof of insurance for golf carts, golf carts off the street no later than 10:00pm, and if all requirements are not met the Sheriff will be notified. Golf cart requirements will be on the next meeting’s agenda.
ATV/UTV Compliance was discussed. Cities cannot charge any fees to ATV/UTV users but can designate specific streets they are allowed to be driven on such as Farm to Market roads only. Further discussion will take place at future meetings.
Mike Rummel was present to ask the city council to sign a letter giving permission to allow Poweshiek Water Association to serve his residence, 612 Florence St., because it is within two miles of the city limits. The addition of this user will have little impact on the water system. Motion R. Miller to allow permission. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 4-0.
The city council received one bid for city mowing from L&J Mowing for $1,900.00. Motion R. Miller to accept the bid. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 4-0.
Motion C. Van Horn to accept two estimates from KJ Haul Away and to proceed with junk removal from two nuisance properties in Norway. Seconded by D. Schulte. Motion carried 4-0.
The utility billing charges for 109 E Tuttle St was discussed. In August of 2022, the new homeowners took up occupancy and the homeowners did not register with the city as required. In January of 2024 it was discovered that this residence was not being billed. After consulting the city’s attorney, the city should collect the amount which should have been billed. Going forward the city will investigate options to prevent this event from taking
place again. Motion R. Miller to collect half of the owed utility bills via monthly payments. Seconded by M. Schulte. Motion carried 4-0.
The delinquent utility bills left by a tenant at the apartment building at 203 Dewey Street was discussed. After consultation from the City’s attorney and looking at Norway’s code of ordinances, the delinquent amount should be paid by the property owner. Motion D. Schulte that should the amount be left unpaid; the delinquent amount will be assessed as a lien against the property. Seconded by M. Schulte. Motion carried 4-0.
Fire Chief, Aaric Rust, was present to provide the council with the 2023 Fire Department’s report of calls completed. A. Rust also had questions about fire hydrant testing, station updates, and the emergency siren.
A budget workshop was conducted. Motion C. Van Horn to approve budgeting for mosquito control for next spring. Seconded by R. Miller. Motion carried 4-0.
Motion R. Miller to approve budgeting for I.T. Services. Seconded by M. Schulte. Motion carried 4-0.
Nuisance properties discussed included 114 Euclid for the partly demolished structure which will be issued a municipal infraction. Also 105 E. Washington will also be issued a municipal infraction.
Building permits approved include 205 Apache Drive for a deck and 310 W. Railroad St for a patio cover.
Robby Miller presented information after speaking with the DNR and the city’s engineer regarding building homes on the city’s lot located on Sweetbriar Dr, the property located directly across from The Depot Express on Railroad St, and the old high school lot on W. Washington St. The first two properties listed were determined to have little impact on the water system should anyone be interested in building there. The old high school lot could support a home or a 3-plex condo with notification to the developer of water pressure and fire protection issues and the knowledge that booster pumps will not be allowed. Motion C. Van Horn to accept building permits for these 3 properties should there be an interested party. Seconded by D. Schulte. Motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Schulte noted that Frontier Co-op has been out of compliance with sewer effluent levels. The DNR has also been made aware. Because of the pre-treatment agreement between Frontier Co-op and the City, the DNR is requiring action from the city and the city will be forced to impose fines. In working with the City’s engineer, the fine amounts have been determined and the pre-treatment agreement will be updated.
Motion R. Miller to adjourn at 7:52pm. Seconded by C. Van Horn. Motion carried 4-0.

Loras Schulte, Mayor
Kennedy Judkins, City Clerk