Kalona council approves equipment‑lease transfer, waives plat review and OKs Christmas street closure

The Kalona City Council voted Nov. 17 to approve a series of routine but consequential items, including a $39,552.09 transfer to cover budgeted equipment leases, a waiver of review for a nearby preliminary plat, and a street closure for the city’s Christmas event. The council also directed staff to pursue property easements for a planned water‑main connection and asked staff to gather additional information on a Phase‑1 environmental review for three properties.

Why it matters: the transfer uses Local Option Sales Tax funds to meet scheduled lease payments, the waiver clears a preliminary plat review step for property within two miles of city limits, and the easement work is a necessary precursor to installing a water main between the north and south water plants.

On consent, the council approved the Nov. 3, 2025 minutes and allowed the month’s bills. Council member Beisheim moved to allow the accounts payable list and Council member J. Schmidt seconded; the motion carried with all voting yes. The bills and ledgers presented included routine operational expenses and recorded transfers among the General, Water, Sewer and other funds.

Transfer for equipment leases: Council adopted Resolution No. 2025‑Y, authorizing a transfer of $39,552.09 from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the General Fund to pay budgeted equipment lease payments. Council member G. Schmidt moved the measure and Council member Spitzer seconded; the council was polled and Bender, J. Schmidt, Spitzer, G. Schmidt and Beisheim voted yes.

Waiver of preliminary plat review: The council approved Resolution No. 2025‑X to waive the city’s right to review a preliminary plat for property associated with Terry Strabala located within two miles of city limits. Council member Bender moved the resolution and Council member G. Schmidt seconded. The record shows the council was polled with Bender, J. Schmidt, G. Schmidt and Spitzer voting yes; the motion carried as recorded.

Street closure for Christmas in Kalona: The council approved Resolution No. 2025‑Z to close C Avenue (from the 6th Street intersection west 116 feet) for the Christmas in Kalona event. The motion was made by Council member J. Schmidt, seconded by Bender, and the council polled Bender, J. Schmidt, Spitzer, G. Schmidt and Beisheim voting yes.

Water‑main easements and environmental review follow‑up: Council discussed proceeding with easements to install a bored underground water‑main distribution line from the north water plant to the south water plant. City staff was directed to contact affected homeowners about easements, have agreements reviewed by the city attorney, and return to the council for final approval. Separately, the council reviewed a Phase‑1 Environmental Review for 502 9th Street, 503 10th Street and 1001 F Avenue; staff said more information is needed to determine whether Phase‑2 actions are required and will present preliminary cost estimates once additional data are gathered.

Public forum and reports: During public forum, Eileen Beran said she is looking forward to beginning service on the Kalona City Council in the coming year. Chad Ellis of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office presented last month’s calls for service and answered council questions about local public‑safety activity.

The meeting record shows the council adjourned after the items above. The minutes were signed by City Clerk Sarah Chmelar and Mayor Mark Robe.