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Baxter council approves series of routine measures including wages, contracts, events and appointments
Summary
At its April 13 meeting the Baxter City Council approved multiple motions: employee wages, insurance renewal, vendor claims totaling $157,573.78, event street closures, a $2,500 contribution to the Trailside Community Patio Project, and the appointment of Jill Braye to the MIPA Board, among other routine items.
The Baxter City Council approved a package of routine municipal actions during its April 13 meeting, covering financial, operational and event items.
Claims and vendor payments: Council approved a claims listing totaling $157,573.78 that included payments to MSA Professional Services ($34,543.36), Midwest Sanitation & Recycling ($28,309.94) and the Jasper County Sheriff law enforcement contract ($32,604.00).
Events and closures: The council approved street closures for Benola’s Bike Nights (with Churchill recorded as abstaining on that item) and additional street closures for May 16 and Oct. 3, 2026. The council also set May 29–30, 2026 as city-wide garage sale dates.
Parks and projects: After presentations, the council approved a $2,500 city contribution to the Trailside Community Patio Project (motion by Smith) and approved city mowing of Chad Flora Field (presentation by Ben Maxwell, motion by Milligan).
Administration and equipment: The council approved FY2027 employee wages and the annual insurance renewal with EMC Insurance; it approved issuance of a city cell phone through FirstNet and the purchase of a new library book return. The council also approved payment of past-due obligations and directed the remaining flagpole installation balance to be paid from the Landfill Fund.
Appointments and procedural items: Smith moved to appoint City Administrator/Clerk Jill Braye as the city’s representative to the Municipal Investment Pool Association (MIPA) Board; the motion passed. The council also voted to table discussion on a cell tower lease with Vertical Bridge until the next meeting and scheduled a special closed session for April 20, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
Most motions carried by recorded ayes from Bethards, Churchill, Milligan, Schabilion and Smith; recorded abstentions included Churchill on at least two items noted in the minutes.
The meeting concluded with a brief development update from Mayor Daniel Kunkel about a builder planning four new houses in Baxter and adjournment at 7:54 p.m.
