HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-09-2025 Council Minutes
CITY OF FAIRFAX
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 9, 2025
A regular meeting of the Fairfax City Council was held September 9, 2025. Mayor Beer
called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Council members present: Tom Nurre, Dan Wozniak,
Nick Volk, and Marianne Wainwright. Mike Daly was absent.
Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Volk to approve the consent agenda. Ayes: Nurre,
Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Tom Nurre asked Cathy Bayne why the Library Board would not approve the check for the
lot purchase (which is part of their Library Expansion Project plans). Cathy stated there were
only five members present and three felt they wanted to make their disapproval of the purchase
known (even though the full board had previously approved the purchase as part of their Library
Expansion Project plans).
A Linn County Deputy Sheriff Ben Helms presented the list of calls.
Motioned by Nurre, seconded by Wozniak to approve the department reports. Ayes: Nurre,
Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Mike Daly entered at 6:36 PM.
Larry Harder, from Alliant Energy, gave a presentation about their plans for a new power
generating plant. This project is still in the planning and design phase. The life of the plant is
about 30 years. The stacks would be 190’ to 250’ high. Emissions are highly regulated by the
EPA, State of Iowa, and Linn County. They are looking at multiple possible locations.
Tom Nurre presented pictures and sound readings from his visit to the Marshalltown plant.
The noise 1,200 feet from the plant was at or less than regular human conversion noise. Multiple
people who went on the tours stated there was no loud noise coming from the plant.
Shane Wicks presented information about how The Eastern Iowa Airport’s plans for a future
third runway will affect the City of Fairfax’s ability to develop the land in that area.
Marty Lenss, director of The Eastern Iowa Airport, answered questions. He stated there are
no letters of opposition to the data center projects as he had stated during a previous meeting.
Their 20-year plan is updated every 10-12 years. They are doing a study about a possible power
plant in the proposed location, it should be completed soon. A request was made to improve
communication with the City of Fairfax and find a path to cooperate so both benefit.
Mayor Beer opened the public hearing regarding an amendment to the Fairfax Zoning Code
at 7:38 PM.
The clerk stated the City had received questions about this ordinance change and all
documents received are in the packet.
Jeff Christensen, Chairman of the Fairfax Planning and Zoning Commission, discussed their
procedure. He stated the P & Z has unanimously recommended this zoning district change.
Residents from Fairfax and the surrounding Linn County area voiced their concerns about the
look of the proposed plant, noise, emissions, health, safety, property values, and having property
zoned heavy industrial in Fairfax.
It was pointed out this zoning district change does not approve a power generating plant at
any location within Fairfax and the ordinance can be considered at three city council meetings.
If the plant proposal is made official, there will be several steps required in the process.
Mayor Beer closed the public hearing at 8:14 PM.
The City Council asked staff to research information presented in a report about a proposed
project in Wisconsin and about property values. Everyone was encouraged to submit questions
as soon as possible so there will be time to research the answers before the October meeting.
Motioned by Volk, seconded by Daly to introduce and approve the first reading of
ORDINANCE 123, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX ZONING
ORDINANCE OF 2017, OF THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, IOWA, BY AMENDING
SECTION 1.07.I.C. SPECIAL EXCEPTIONS. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, and Volk.
Nays: Wozniak and Wainwright. Motion carried.
Mayor Beer opened a public hearing regarding amending the Fairfax Urban Renewal Plan at
8:31 PM.
The city clerk explained the proposed amendment, which adds two projects to the plan. She
also stated no one from the College Community School District nor Linn County came to a
meeting about the amendment or submitted comments. No comments were received from
residents.
Fire Chief Mike Sankot stated he feels this is a great idea. The fire station addition is one of
the projects.
Mayor Beer closed the public hearing at 8:33 PM.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Wainwright to approve RESOLUTION 2025-120, A
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE URBAN RENEWAL PLAN AMENDMENT FOR THE
FAIRFAX URBAN RENEWAL AREA. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, Volk,
and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Beer declared RESOLUTION 2025-120
duly adopted.
Discussion was held about the proposals for a new large copier from Advanced Business
Systems and Access Systems.
Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Daly to approve the proposal from Advanced
Business Systems for a Canon 8986i as shown for $25,588.00, with the proposed service
contract. Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Lynn Miller discussed a proposal from Gee Asphalt to do a sample application for no cost to
the City of Fairfax to test their product.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Volk to allow Gee Asphalt to do an application on East
Cemetery Road as a sample application for no cost to the City of Fairfax. Ayes: Nurre, Daly,
Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Fire Chief Mike Sankot discussed a request to have the City put new siding on the rest of the
fire station so the entire building matches after the addition. They are requesting a budget
amendment to pay for this expense. They have one bid for the work. The City Council feels this
makes sense and are going to include this in a budget amendment. Discussion was held about
more bids.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Nurre to approve 5-Day Class C Retail Alcohol License at
113 Williams Blvd. to Traveling Tapster LLC for a one-day special event. Ayes: Nurre, Daly,
Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Volk to approve RESOLUTION 2025-121, A
RESOLUTION TO APPROVE PAY APPLICATION NO. 3 FROM SCHRADER
EXCAVATING & GRADING CO. FOR THE WATER SUPPLY WELL NO. 4
IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, Volk, and
Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried. Mayor Beer declared RESOLUTION 2025-121
duly adopted.
Discussion was held about the West Cemetery Road Intersection Project delays and the
possible impact to next year’s Bridge Project. Shane Wicks was instructed to move the early
start date for the Bridge Project to June 1, 2026, on the IDOT submittal due next week. He
stressed Boomerang will need to adjust their crew schedules to meet their May 11, 2026,
milestone date. Marianne Wainwright is this project’s manager for Boomerang. She discussed
difficulties getting a de-watering contractor.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Wozniak to introduce and approve the first reading of
ORDINANCE 125, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF 2017, OF THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, IOWA, BY AMENDING
CHAPTER 65 STOP OR YIELD REQUIRED REGULATIONS. Roll call vote: Ayes:
Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, and Volk. Nays: Wainwright. Motion carried.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Wozniak to suspend the rules requiring an ordinance be
voted on for passage at two council meetings prior to this meeting with respect to ORDINANCE
125. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, and Volk. Nays: Wainwright. Motion carried.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Volk to give final approval of ORDINANCE 125, AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF ORDINANCES OF 2017, OF
THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, IOWA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 65 STOP OR YIELD
REQUIRED REGULATIONS. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, and Volk. Nays:
Wainwright. Motion carried.
Motioned by Volk, seconded by Daly to introduce and approve the first reading of
ORDINANCE 126, AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF 2017, OF THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, IOWA, BY AMENDING
CHAPTER 47, PARK REGULATIONS. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, Volk,
and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Volk to suspend the rules requiring an ordinance be voted on
for passage at two council meetings prior to this meeting with respect to ORDINANCE 126.
Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Motion
carried.
Motioned by Daly, seconded by Volk to give final approval of ORDINANCE 126, AN
ORDINANCE AMENDING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF ORDINANCES OF 2017, OF
THE CITY OF FAIRFAX, IOWA, BY AMENDING CHAPTER 47, PARK
REGULATIONS. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Daly, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays:
None. Motion carried.
Discussion was held about hiring a Building Department Inspector/Zoning Administrator.
The application deadline will be September 29, it will be posted locally, with the Iowa League,
and a building official’s group. The hiring committee will be Mayor Beer, Councilmember
Wozniak, City Administrator Chris Philipp, City Clerk/Treasurer Cynthia Stimson, and
Maintenance Supervisor Lynn Miller. A recommendation is to be ready for the October 14
meeting.
Mike Daly left the meeting at 9:17 PM.
Motioned by Nurre, seconded by Volk to approve the Purchase Order of $13,898.94 for
millings from Midwest Demolition Contractors for the Parks Parking Lot Project. Ayes: Nurre,
Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Nurre to approve the quote for a demo model of a
2024 Blue Diamond Swing Arm Brush Cutter for $12,675.00 plus $200.00 for pre-delivery
inspection. Ayes: Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion
carried.
Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Volk to approve the quote for a non-automated 450-
gallon Salt Brine Maker with a 2” Bango Poly Pump and Briggs gas engine for $6,970.00 from
M. K. Rittenhouse & Sons. This price may have tariffs added since it is out of Canada. Ayes:
Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Discussion was held about placing Flock Safety License Plate Recognition cameras in
Fairfax. More information is needed from the Linn County Sheriff’s Department.
Motioned by Nurre, seconded by Volk to approve RESOLUTION 2025-122, A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND APPROVING A LOAN AND DISBURSEMENT
AGREEMENT AND PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE AND SECURING THE
PAYMENT OF $555,000 WATER REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2025. Roll call vote: Ayes:
Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried. Mayor
Beer declared RESOLUTION 2025-122 duly adopted.
Motioned by Wainwright, seconded by Volk to approve RESOLUTION 2025-123, A
RESOLUTION SETTING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING FOR
THE PURPOSE OF SOLICITING WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMENTS ON
PROPOSED ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE GRANTING TO ITC MIDWEST LLC,
A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ITC HOLDINGS CORP., A 25-YEAR NON-
EXCLUSIVE ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION FRANCHISE. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre,
Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried. Mayor Beer
declared RESOLUTION 2025-123 duly adopted.
Motioned by Volk, seconded by Nurre to approve RESOLUTION 2025-124, A
RESOLUTION SETTING THE TIME AND PLACE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
CONCERNING UPDATING THE FAIRFAX CODE OF ORDINANCES AND FAIRFAX
ZONING CODE FOR THE CITY OF FAIRFAX. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Wozniak,
Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried. Mayor Beer declared
RESOLUTION 2025-124 duly adopted.
Motioned by Nurre, seconded by Volk to approve the recommendation to give Eric Von
Sprecken a $2.00 an hour raise for his additional duties for the building department. Ayes:
Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Motioned by Volk, seconded by Nurre to approve RESOLUTION 2025-125, A
RESOLUTION APPROVING WAGES FOR NON-FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY
EMPLOYEES. Roll call vote: Ayes: Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None.
Absent: Daly. Motion carried. Mayor Beer declared RESOLUTION 2025-125 duly adopted.
Motioned by Nurre, seconded by Wozniak to approve RESOLUTION 2025-126, A
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SIGNATORIES ON BANK ACCOUNTS. Roll call vote:
Ayes: Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Mayor Beer declared RESOLUTION 2025-126 duly adopted.
Motioned by Volk, seconded by Nurre to approve the claims list dated September 9, 2025.
Ayes: Nurre, Wozniak, Volk, and Wainwright. Nays: None. Absent: Daly. Motion carried.
Mayor Beer announced the City now owns the parking lot property next to the Fairfax Public
Library and three people from the City will be attending the Iowa League of Cities Annual
Conference next week in Des Moines. She also reported she received a complaint about noise.
The resident thought it was coming from the QTS laydown area, but she is wondering if there
may be another source. A railroad project was discussed as the probable noise source.
Tom Nurre asked what the large area on Cherry Valley Road is. This is another laydown
area.
Trust and Agency Fund 950.00
Sewer Fund 60,133.72
Garbage Fund 25,268.33
Farming Fund 668.53
Total Expenses: 641,916.95
CLAIMS LIST September 9, 2025
Payee Purpose Amount
ABC Disposal Parks 551.20
Absolute Security Security Systems 1,611.00
Advanced Business Systems Copies 533.03
Advanced Business Systems New Copier 25,588.00
AFLAC Premiums 780.36
Alliant Energy Utility Bill 695.74
Alliant Energy Utility Bill 157.57
Alliant Energy Utility Bill 23.44
Alliant Energy Utility Bill 21.80
Alliant Energy Utility Bill 281.00
Alliant Energy Utility Bills 13,031.42
American Water Works Association Membership 288.00
Baker and Taylor Library 558.69
Barrows, Rebecca L. UB Scheduled Deposit Refund 27.60
Base HRA Payment 183.04
Base HRA Monthly SC - October 82.00
Bayer, Tammy Parks 50.00
Bayne, Cathy Reimbursement - mileage 42.00
Bound Tree Medical FD 1,718.35
Breedlove Sporting Goods Parks 1,448.72
Cengage Group Library 166.42
Center Point Large Print Library 231.08
Certified Pest Control CH & Lib Pest Control 130.00
Cintas CH Mats 14.96
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 70.50
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 126.20
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 70.50
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 70.50
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 371.34
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 71.15
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 41,107.89
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 117.00
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 181.09
City of Fairfax Utility Bill 70.50
Colonial Life Premiums 161.56
Consolidated Energy Company Fuel 4,368.26
Countryman, Lindsey & Austin On Time Deposit Refund 75.00
Custom Hose & Supplies Water, Maintenance 711.16
Dahm Baseball 10 LLC Parks 2,073.00
Danko Emergency Equipment FD 1,857.24
EchoVision Inc. Phone 231.96
Edmunds GovTech Software 12,000.00
Fareway CH, FD, Parks 844.65
Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Insurance 168.00
Fire Service Training Bureau FD 50.00
Folkedahl, Kim UB Scheduled Deposit Refund 27.37
FSSB ACH S/C 25.00
Gazette Legal Publications & Library 656.96
Globe Life Premium 103.72
Hall & Hall Engineers Engineering 81,544.18
Hawkins Chemicals 935.78
Hoopla Library 357.73
Huber, Steve (PaintMaster) Library 125.00
Iowa One Call Locates 77.50
IPERS Payroll 11,902.86
Kew, Kyle Parks 40.00
King's Material Inc. Parks 4,494.58
Linn County Deputy Sheriff's Association Extra Security 240.00
Linn County REC Utility Bills 3,156.15
Linn County Treasurer - Engineer Dept. Bridge Inspection 555.00
M K Rittenhouse & Sons Brine Maker 6,890.07
Magers, Marc Parks 40.00
Martin, Don Farming Seed 659.20
Matheson Shop Welding Supplies 34.96
Menards Supplies 240.30
MH Advertising Parks 235.00
MidAmerican Energy Utility Bills 192.81
Midwest Demolition Contractors Parks Parking Lot 13,898.94
Netolicky, Patty Parks 143.95
Network Computer Solutions IT work 1,753.75
Nurre, Tom Reimbursement - mileage 89.60
Ohrt, Michelle On Time Deposit Refund 75.00
Patterson, Martha or James On Time Deposit Refund 75.00
Penworthy Library 311.65
Performance Food Service Parks 1,311.08
Philipp, Chris Reimbursement - mileage 268.80
Playaway Products Library 74.99
Quill CH 1,667.06
Racom Corporation FD 226.50
Reliance Standard Premiums 275.34
Republic Services 08-2025 Solid Waste Services 25,209.00
River Ridge Escrow Company Property - 331 Vanderbilt St. 149,915.40
Rodemeyer, Mark On Time Deposit Refund 75.00
Rosekrans, Tina CH Mileage 49.00
Schimberg Co. FD 839.17
Schrader Excavting & Grading Co. Pay App #3 217,698.72
Simmons, Perrine Attorney Fees 1,414.80
Site One Landscaping Water 11,214.85
Slater, John On Time Deposit Refund 75.00
SourceOne Cleaning CH Cleaning 539.00
South Slope Phone Service 124.53
South Slope Phone Service 35.92
South Slope Phone and Internet Service 679.10
Star Equipment Brush Cutter 12,875.00
State Hygienic Laboratory W/WW Testing 1,869.00
Stimson, Cynthia Mileage & Per Diem 285.54
Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. Parks 500.00
TCM Bank Credit Card Balance 7,977.86
Tomlinson-Cannon Water 716.00
UnitedHealthcare Premium 866.75
US Cellular Phones - L/M EC 0.93
US Cellular Cell Phones 285.39
US Treasury Payroll Taxes 5,720.00
US Treasury Payroll Taxes 4,756.11
US Treasury Payroll Taxes 4,386.59
US Treasury WET 4,210.58
US Treasury Sales Taxes 416.24
US Treasury Payroll Taxes 4,372.75
USA Blue Book Water/Sewer Dept. 627.18
USPO Postage 393.36
USPO Postage 532.53
Volk, Stephanie Parks 60.00
Wade's Golf & Mow Parks 1,131.70
Wellmark BC/BS Premium 12,438.43
WEX FD 359.74
White Cap Shop, Parks, Sewer 473.69
Total Net Payroll 62,151.82
TOTAL 780,995.43