Spirit Lake council approves county hazard plan, median project bid and water plant upgrade plans

The Spirit Lake City Council unanimously approved multiple infrastructure and administrative actions at its Feb. 11, 2025 regular meeting, including adoption of the Dickinson County Hazard Mitigation Plan and acceptance of the low bid for the 2025 Median Improvement Project.

Mike Ehret with Dickinson County Emergency Management presented the county hazard mitigation plan and the council voted to approve it. The approval was moved by Councilmember Mensing and seconded by Councilmember Johnson and carried with all five councilmembers recorded in favor.

During a public hearing on the 2025 City of Spirit Lake Median Improvement Project, the mayor announced no oral or written comments were received. Councilmember Brockmeyer introduced Resolution No. 2025-05 to accept the bid and award the project; Councilmember Chappas seconded the motion, which passed unanimously (Aye: Johnson, Kofoot, Brockmeyer, Chappas, Mensing).

The council also approved Resolution No. 2025-06 to pay a grant under the Olde Town Betterment Incentive Program for 708 18th Street (introduced by Councilmember Kofoot, seconded by Councilmember Johnson) and adopted Resolution No. 2025-07 to file plans and specifications, advertise for bids, and set a public hearing for the Spirit Lake Water Treatment Plant Automation and Control Upgrades Phase 2 (introduced by Councilmember Johnson, seconded by Councilmember Brockmeyer). Both resolutions passed unanimously with the five councilmembers recorded as voting aye.

Two separate resolutions certifying delinquent charges to the Dickinson County Treasurer (Resolutions No. 2025-08 and No. 2025-09) were introduced and adopted unanimously. The council also approved routine business including the January Treasurer’s Report and a bill list totaling $339,128.29 presented at the meeting. A Class B retail alcohol license for Wilder Thymes Natural Foods and a temporary premises update for the Dickinson County Agricultural Society to allow temporary use by Top of Iowa Lucky Wife were approved as well.

On personnel appointments, the council approved the appointment of Tanner Metz to the Spirit Lake Public Library Board of Directors. The meeting was adjourned by Mayor Kevin Bice following a motion by Councilmember Chappas and a second by Councilmember Johnson.

Votes at a glance - Approval of Jan. 28 minutes: motion carried unanimously (mover: Brockmeyer; seconder: Johnson). - Bills for February 2025: approved (total presented: $339,128.29; mover: Brockmeyer; seconder: Johnson). - Treasurer’s Report for January 2025: approved (mover: Brockmeyer; seconder: Johnson). - Resolution No. 2025-05 (Median Improvement Project award): adopted unanimously (Aye: Johnson, Kofoot, Brockmeyer, Chappas, Mensing). - Resolution No. 2025-06 (Olde Town grant payment for 708 18th Street): adopted unanimously (Aye: Johnson, Kofoot, Brockmeyer, Chappas, Mensing). - Resolution No. 2025-07 (WTP Automation & Control Upgrades Phase 2 — file plans/advertise/set hearing): adopted unanimously (Aye: Johnson, Kofoot, Brockmeyer, Chappas, Mensing). - Resolutions No. 2025-08 and No. 2025-09 (certify delinquent charges): both adopted unanimously (Aye: Johnson, Kofoot, Brockmeyer, Chappas, Mensing). - Liquor licenses: Class B license for Wilder Thymes and temporary premises update for Dickinson County Agricultural Society approved (mover: Brockmeyer; seconder: Johnson). - Appointment of Tanner Metz to Spirit Lake Public Library Board: approved (mover: Brockmeyer; seconder: Johnson).

The council did not record any public testimony on the median project during the hearing. No additional public comment or contested items were noted on the record. The meeting adjourned following routine business and appointments.