April 2026 Meeting Minutes

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

April 6, 2026

The City Council of the City of Woden met in regular session on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 6:00pm, Council Chambers.

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Paul Buns at 6:06 pm.

Council Members Present: Bill Rout, Jeff Stucki, Andrew Plessel, Tip Piper and Dylan Brandt

Absent: None

Plessel made the motion to approve the agenda, minutes written for March 2, 2026, payment of bills totaling $19,758.89 and financial reports, Rout seconded

 Ayes- 5           Nays- 0            Motion Carried

OLD BUSINESS

26-27 Public Tax Levy Public Hearing: Separate meeting held at 6:00, closed at 6:05

Started with Kaci Farrow Item listed below under New Business, then continued in normal order.

City Budget Planning Session: Discussed a single adjustment to include Hancock County Communications payment to the budget.

ICAP Grant Application for 2026 - Discussion: Discussions were continued to allow the council to come up with a list of potential security purchases for the city to apply to the yearly ICAP grant.  Piper and Plessel will investigate the cost of a new AED.  Also, Paul will check with Andy Buffington about the cost to automate the siren for weather alerts.

City Storage Garage Door Install Bid: Additional bids were discussed.  Due to the high total costs of construction, it was deemed to leave the door as is and discontinue discussions.

City Wide Cleanup Date and Details: Council discussed the proposed flyer information to be sent out to residences, and a couple of minor adjustments were made.

                                                             NEW BUSINESS

Set Public Hearing, 26-27 Budget for April 27 Council Meeting: Date set

Set May Council Meeting Date for April 27: Date Set

Council Member Plessel excused himself for work obligations and left the meeting, 7PM.

Mowing Bids: Three bids received were reviewed and discussed by the council.  The council accepted the bid submitted by Schutjer Lawn Care with a Motion from Piper and a 2nd from Rout.

Ayes- 5            Nays- 0            Motion Carried

142 Howard Residence – Sinking Patio Slab:  After quick explanation by Mayor Buns, was determined not to be a city issue.

Water Operator Certification Complete: Paul made the council aware he has received his water operator renewal certification.

Kaci Farrow – City Clerk Position: Kaci was questioned by the council with regards to the Assistant City Clerk Position.  Motion was made by Plessel to appoint her to this position, 2nd by Piper.

Ayes- 3 – Plessel, Brandt and Piper            Nays- 3 – Stucki and Rout                     Motion Carried

Open for Discussion:

Randy Bronner had complained to Piper that the city purposefully plowed into the grass on the right of way on his property.  It was determined by the council that his property was not treated any differently than any other residence, and loose dirt and grass were due to soft ground conditions.

Loose dogs running around town have been becoming more of an issue, a warning will be sent in the April Newsletter to residence.

Brandt discussed Rainwater drainage around town and his investigation into problem areas with City Worker Ben Patten.  Top inlet baskets will be added to a couple known problem areas, and we will seek a camera investigation into a couple areas to determine existing drainage issues where plugged tile is suspected.

Adjournment: Piper made motion to adjourn at 7:42 PM, Rout seconded

Ayes- 4 (Plessel Absent)                             Nays- 0                           Motion Carried

Income for March

General             $6,211.08                  Benefits           $48.32           Water   $3,095.96

Library                $11.48                      Road Use        $1,389.87        Sewer  $6,508.21

Claims Paid

Name Memo Amount

Patten, Benjamin Wages $871.20

Ewald, David Wages $607.88

Hancock County Law Enforcement Contract $940.00

Paul M Buns Water Operator $200.00

Michael  D. Troe Feb & March Contract $900.00

Office of Auditor of State examination fee $800.00

Hawkins Chemicals $210.38

Midwest Waste Garbage/Recycling $2,014.00

Ag Source Samples $101.25

Hancock County Communications annual fee $6,392.33

Garner Leader Garner Leader $79.00

Bartelt, Verla Wages $123.92

Swingen, Lisa Wages $351.12

Swingen, Matthew Wages $382.10

Harms, Nancy E Wages $30.99

USDA Loan loan Payment USDA $2,809.00

USDA Loan loan Payment USDA $761.00

USDA Loan loan Payment USDA $738.00

ClerkBooks Inc Transaction Fees $83.30

WCTA-General Phone/Internet $90.57

Prairie Energy CO-OP Electric $46.07

Alliant Energy Electric $21.17

Alliant Energy Electric $234.86

Alliant Energy Electric $84.52

Alliant Energy Electric $745.37

WCTA-Library Telephone/Internet $75.29

Amazon Books & Supplies $65.57