CITY OF LUZERNE COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 7:00 PM

The regular meeting of the Luzerne City Council was called to order by Mayor John Brandt, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members Jeani Brandt, Joel Buttikofer, Kyla Buttikofer, Kelly Kendall, and Barbara Shields were present, as was interested citizen Gerald Muench.

Kendall moved to accept the previous meeting minutes as read, seconded by J. Buttikofer. Roll call vote – Brandt aye, J. Buttikofer aye, K. Buttikofer aye, Kendall aye, Shields aye. The motion carried.

Brandt moved to approve the bills as read, seconded by K.Buttikofer.

J & R Sanitation	August pick-up $350.00	fuel surcharge$ 15.05	$365.05
Poweshiek Water			$38.00
USA Communications	phone & internet		$1.00
Alliant Energy	meter $72.76	streetlights $305.32	$378.08
Jan Kendall	wages $166.67 minus	FICA, SS & IPERS	$143.44
Jan Kendall	66 copies @ $.10	paper towels, toilet paper $13.64	$20.24
Schulze Mowing	4X park mowing		$280.00
John Brandt	reimbursement for	window repair	$141.24
Heartland CO-OP	contracted 1600 gal. LP	at $1.50	$2,400.00
Benton Co. Solid Waste Comm.	1/4 yr. landfill use		$728.00
Postmaster	book of stamps		$14.60
IA League of Cities	annual dues		$386.00

Roll call vote – Brandt aye, J. Buttikofer aye, K. Buttikofer aye, Kendall aye, Shields aye. The motion carried.

The mayor opened discussion on rescinding the previous motion, which was made at the July 2, 2024, meeting, to hold a public hearing at the August 1, 2024, meeting for vacating Pearl Street at the intersection with Exchange Street. The clerk related that after the public hearing was set in order to approve the vacating the portion, the hearing was deemed unnecessary because Mr. Holmes, who owned the adjoining property in question, withdrew the proposal. Council discussion followed. Kendall moved to rescind the motion to hold a public hearing, seconded by Shields. Roll call vote – Brandt aye, J. Buttikofer aye, K. Buttikofer aye, Kendall aye, Shields aye. The motion carried.

The mayor opened discussion on the nuisance report. The clerk reported nine nuisance letters were dated and sent out on August 26, 2024. The mayor reported he consulted with Benton County Deputy Barr concerning how to proceed if/when there is non-compliance with the letters.

The clerk reported that the city attorney’s advice is to follow up with charging the offending parties with a municipal infraction. Council discussion followed. Brandt moved to have two council members, namely J. Buttikofer and Kendall, inspect the properties right after the 30-

day grace period has expired then proceed with non-compliance, if necessary, seconded by Kendall. Roll call vote – Brandt aye, J. Buttikofer aye, K. Buttikofer aye, Kendall aye, Shields aye. The motion carried.

The mayor related that there was no new communication from the railroad concerning the dilapidated railroad culvert.

The clerk reported the Music in the Park event was a success and raised $542.00 for the city park fund.

The mayor opened discussion on possible funding for traffic monitors. The mayor, council member Brandt and the clerk will find information on a grant application from the Benton County Community Foundation.

Under further business, the mayor reported he is working with the IDOT to help the fire department secure a replacement title for the fire truck they are working to sell and working to license the Freightliner fire truck they just purchased. The city’s insurer recommended the city drop the coverage to liability for the truck that is for sale and not in use.

With no further business on the agenda, Brandt moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 PM seconded by Shields.