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Prairie City Council approves hires, benefits renewal and wastewater pump purchase
Summary
At its Nov. 12 meeting the Prairie City Council approved multiple administrative and infrastructure items: payment to Wynn Co. for Phase 2 water-main work pending grant paperwork, the employee-benefits renewal, hiring a part-time wastewater operator, and purchase of a Flygt pump. A public hearing on Phase 3 had no public comment.
The Prairie City Council met on Nov. 12, 2025, at City Hall (and via Zoom) and took a string of personnel and infrastructure actions, including hiring a part-time wastewater operator and approving a $17,294 pump purchase. Mayor Chad Alleger opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Council Member Joe Disney moved to approve the consent agenda, which included September financials, November claims, minutes, multiple sewer-credit requests, and several consultant invoices; Council Member Derek Ingle seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The roll call listed Joe Disney, Phil Holland, Derek Ingle, Beth James and Deb Townsend as present.
Why it matters: the votes resolve immediate operational needs at city facilities and move forward ongoing water-system work and personnel coverage at the wastewater plant. Those decisions affect short-term budgets and operations for residents served by Prairie City utilities.
Key actions and context
- Water-main matters and Phase 3 hearing: At 6:29 p.m. Mayor Chad Alleger opened and then closed a public hearing on the current status of the Phase 3 Water Main Replacement Project; the council recorded no public or written comments. Separately, the council approved payment of Phase 2 Water Main Replacement pay application #5 to Wynn Co. in the amount of $4,735.75, contingent on completion of required grant paperwork (motion by Council Member Derek Ingle; seconded by Phil Holland).
- Employee benefits: Ryan Glenn of Global Benefits, Ltd. presented the employee-benefit annual renewal. Council Member Deb Townsend moved to approve the renewal; Derek Ingle seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
- Wastewater staffing and equipment: By resolution the council approved hiring Jake Nolin as an affidavit operator for Prairie City’s wastewater treatment facility as a part-time city employee at a flat $1,200.00 per month effective Jan. 1, 2026 (motion by Deb Townsend; seconded by Beth James). The council also approved the purchase of a Flygt non-clog pump for $17,294 to support the wastewater treatment plant (motion by Derek Ingle; seconded by Phil Holland).
- Other actions: The council set a public hearing to consider removal of stop signs at W. Eighth Street and N. Claire Street for Dec. 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.; authorized up to $250 for supplemental holiday-decorations supplies for the square; and approved the application of Jake Farlow for the Fire/EMS Department subject to departmental approval and background check. Two resolutions — the 2024–2025 Annual Urban Renewal Report (Resolution 11-12-25-2) and the Jasper County TIF Certification Report (Resolution 11-12-25-3) — were tabled.
Other reports
Public Works Superintendent Harry Brannen told the council there was a water main break on E. Jefferson on Oct. 30, reported property damage attributed to Wynn Co. at 101 W. 8th Street, and noted slurry found in pipes at 201 W. 8th Street; crews also winterized outdoor facilities. Interim EMS Director Dan Riemersma reported 20 calls in October, including two calls for which no crew was available and one disregarded call; Jasper County medics assisted on three calls. The EMS department held a Halloween fundraiser that raised $300, and Jessica Riemersma was voted EMS secretary.
Adjournment
Council Member Joe Disney moved to adjourn at 7:09 p.m.; Beth James seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The minutes were attested by Mayor Chad Alleger and City Clerk/Finance Officer Jadi Brown.
