Early council adopts FY 2022–23 budget, enacts flood‑plain ordinance and approves contracts

The Early City Council on March 1 adopted its fiscal 2022–23 budget and enacted a new flood‑plain ordinance, while also approving an intergovernmental drainage agreement and a water‑tower inspection contract.

Mayor Sharon Ann Irwin called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. After a public hearing on the proposed budget and Ordinance No. 328, during which no residents spoke for or against the measures, the council moved to business. Councilor Brian Pickhinke moved and Councilor Summer Schmitt seconded Resolution 22‑07 to adopt the FY 2022–23 budget; a roll‑call vote recorded ayes from Pickhinke, Bill Cougill, Schmitt and Tim Langner, with Councilor Blackman absent. Mayor Irwin declared the resolution adopted.

The council also conducted the first reading of Ordinance No. 328, amending the city code to adopt flood‑plain regulations. The first reading passed on a roll call (Pickhinke, Cougill, Schmitt, Langner voting aye). Councilor Bill Cougill then moved, and Councilor Pickhinke seconded, to waive the second and third readings. On a show of hands the four present council members voted in favor and the mayor declared the ordinance adopted.

On intergovernmental matters, the council voted to accept a 28E agreement with the County Drainage District for DD‑59, contingent on clarifying which party will pay engineering fees. Councilor Bill Cougill moved the measure; Councilor Pickhinke seconded. The roll‑call vote was 3–1 in favor, with Councilor Langner recorded as the lone nay and Blackman absent.

Separately, the council approved a quote from Water Tower Experts for cleaning and inspection of the municipal water tower. Councilor Pickhinke moved and Councilor Schmitt seconded the contract authorization; the motion passed on a show‑of‑hands vote.

The city clerk reported the receipts and a long list of bills approved as part of the consent agenda, including a notable invoice for John T Jones Construction for $93,155.72 related to the water treatment facility. Councilor Pickhinke moved and Councilor Bill Cougill seconded approval of the consent agenda; the vote was unanimous among members present.

Council members discussed Spring Clean‑up Day, scheduled for May 26, 2022; the clerk said the office will publish details about acceptable items and disposal rules. Monthly reports were given by the mayor, the library, the fire department and the department of public works. Councilor Bill Cougill moved to adjourn at 9:00 PM; Councilor Pickhinke seconded and the meeting was closed.

Votes at a glance • Consent agenda (agenda, minutes, bills): Moved by Brian Pickhinke; seconded by Bill Cougill — Approved (Pickhinke, Cougill, Langner, Schmitt). • Resolution 22‑07 (Adopt FY 2022–23 budget): Offered by Brian Pickhinke; seconded by Summer Schmitt — Approved (Pickhinke, Cougill, Schmitt, Langner). • Ordinance No. 328 (Flood‑plain regulations): First reading offered by Brian Pickhinke; first reading passed. Motion to waive subsequent readings moved by Bill Cougill, seconded by Brian Pickhinke — Adopted (Pickhinke, Cougill, Schmitt, Langner). • 28E Agreement (DD‑59): Moved by Bill Cougill; seconded by Brian Pickhinke — Approved (Ayes: Pickhinke, Cougill, Schmitt; Nay: Langner); approval contingent on clarifying payment of engineering fees. • Water Tower Experts contract (clean/inspect): Moved by Brian Pickhinke; seconded by Summer Schmitt — Approved (Pickhinke, Cougill, Langner, Schmitt).

The council provided no further public comment on the budget or ordinance at the hearing. The clerk will issue details about the May 26 spring cleanup and any restrictions on items accepted.