Newell council approves golf‑course rental agreement, licenses and outlines supervision due to mayoral conflict

The Newell City Council on Jan. 5 approved several items related to the municipal golf course and addressed an apparent conflict of interest involving the mayor.

Council approved a 28E sharing agreement with the Newell‑Fonda Community School District for the 2025–26 school year, charging the district $800 for use of the golf course for high school golf (motion by Bill Henrich, second by Quinten Robinson; all ayes). The council also authorized City Clerk Heather Copp to apply for the golf course’s annual food and alcohol license (motion by Larry Nielsen, second by Bill Henrich; all ayes). Copp reported the golf course has ordered fertilizer and seed and that a refrigerator still needs replacement before the season.

Separately, the mayor disclosed a spousal relationship with the golf clubhouse manager and the council agreed that Mayor Pro Tem Larry Nielsen will act as the primary supervisor for golf course staff on personnel and major cost decisions and will step in during the mayor’s absence. Council asked that auditors be informed of the supervisory arrangement and that the minutes reflect the structure to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

Council also discussed golf‑course contracts for 2026 and informally agreed on a 3% raise linked to start dates and pay protections; final approval of those contracts was deferred to a Jan. 7 special session. The meeting record notes the city approved a grant from the Nain Lutheran Church Endowment Fund for $2,000 to buy LED pole decorations and a $500 donation to the community garden.