Kalona council approves agenda, minutes and bills; confirms mayoral appointments with one abstention; renews two liquor licenses and recognizes riverboat funds

Kalona — The Kalona City Council handled routine business and several formal votes at its Jan. 7, 2026 regular meeting.

Procedural approvals: On a motion by J. Schmidt and seconded by Bender, the council approved the meeting agenda. The minutes from the Dec. 15, 2025 regular meeting were approved on a motion by G. Schmidt, seconded by Beran. The council also allowed the presented bills and transfers on a motion by J. Schmidt and seconded by G. Schmidt; those bills included notable items such as a Garden & Associates invoice for $59,156.29 and Hills Bank Kalona transfers including $76,795.21 to the Water Fund.

Appointments: The council considered Resolution No. 2026-A to confirm mayoral appointments to boards and commissions (Planning & Zoning, Board of Adjustment, TIF Board, Building Code Board of Appeals, Park & Recreation, Library Board). Bender moved and G. Schmidt seconded the motion authorizing the mayor and city clerk to sign; the council was polled with Bender, G. Schmidt, J. Schmidt and Yeggy-Berg voting yes and Beran abstaining, and the motion carried.

Licenses and funds: The council approved renewal of two Iowa Alcoholic Beverage Division licenses — Casey’s General Store (Class E) and Tequilla Grill (Class C with outdoor services) — on a 4–1 vote (the transcript records the tally but does not list individual yes/no votes for that motion). The council also recognized $50,387.76 in 4th-quarter Washington County Riverboat Funds and directed staff to send an acknowledgment to the county; the funds will be used for council-approved projects.

The meeting adjourned following these actions; no further votes on ordinances or budget adoption occurred at the session.