Beaman Council sets April 23 budget hearing, approves mowing contract amid abstention

Beaman City Council officials set a public hearing for the FY2026 budget and handled several routine business items at their regular meeting on April 9, 2025.

Mayor Ann Smith opened the meeting at 6:40 p.m. and the council unanimously approved the meeting agenda and consent agenda, which included minutes from March 12, bills covering March 13–April 9 and March financial reports. The packet showed total expenses of $13,573.27 for the March 13–April 9 billing period and total revenues for March 2025 of $14,159.15.

The council set a public hearing on the upcoming budget for April 23, 2025, at 6 p.m. at Beaman City Hall. The hearing will provide an opportunity for public comment before any formal adoption of the fiscal-year budget.

Water and sewer staff recommended Ferguson with Neptune as the vendor for new water meters and raised the policy question of whether homeowners should pay for the meter and installation or whether the city should purchase meters and provide them to homeowners. The council did not decide at this meeting and tabled the water-meter recommendations until the next regular meeting.

On contracts, the council approved a 2025 mowing contract with Ryan Ashton on a motion by Council Member Rhonda Rego seconded by Council Member Brandon Schleisman. The motion passed with four ayes; Council Member Deb Ashton abstained from the vote, citing a conflict of interest. The contract was approved "for the same amount as last years contract," according to the minutes; the exact dollar figure was not included in the record.

The council also discussed cleanup specifications for 209 Main Street. Council Member Jason Scafferi reviewed draft specifications verbally but did not present written specifications at the meeting. The council voted to accept and post the request for estimates at City Hall, the bank and the post office for two weeks; the city will be responsible for dumpster tipping fees and likely placing the dumpster behind the property. That motion passed with four ayes; Scafferi abstained due to a conflict of interest.

On nuisance properties, Fire Chief Moeller reported that the house at 104 Center Street "can be burned." Mayor Smith asked that the Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office (referred to generically in the minutes as the sheriffs department) be notified once a date is set. The minutes record this as a condition and a planned action rather than an immediate demolition at the meeting.

The council heard routine committee reports: the fire department reported responding to one wreck and two fires; maintenance staff (Dave Moorman) said work was progressing on the Beaman sign for Memorial Day; library minutes were provided; a sheriffs report was submitted; and there was no report from economic development.

With no further business the council adjourned. The next steps recorded in the minutes: the public hearing on the budget on April 23, the water-meter decision to be taken up at the next regular meeting, and staff to post the estimate request for 209 Main Street for two weeks and notify the sheriff when a burn date for 104 Center is determined.