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Smith Center council approves $999 office battery backup, reappoints library member and raises bulk water rate
Summary
At its April 27 meeting, the Smith Center City Council authorized a $999 battery backup purchase for city offices, reappointed Ann Rust to the library board, approved Ellie Stansbury to replace Cindy Wagner on the library board, reimbursed two lifeguard class fees, hired a new lifeguard, and raised bulk water rates to $8 per 1,000 gallons.
The Smith Center City Council met April 27, 2026, at the Srader Building and approved a package of routine items, including a $999 battery backup purchase for city offices, several library board personnel actions and a raise in the bulk water rate.
Chair Bryce Wiehl opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m. and the council first approved prior meeting minutes and vouchers and receipts as part of the consent agenda. Councilmember Chris Cole moved to approve a Nextech bid to replace the city office’s battery backup at a cost of $999; Councilmember Don Wick seconded and the motion carried.
The council then heard a report from a subcommittee formed by Wiehl, Ty Wallgren and Don Wick to update the city’s ordinance on storage/shipping containers. The subcommittee recommended grandfathering containers already in place only if they are fully covered and obtain a city building permit that must be approved by the council; it recommended prohibiting future residential storage/shipping containers while allowing them in commercial and industrial zones with a permit. The subcommittee assigned Owen to draft ordinance language for consideration at a future meeting.
On library matters, the Library Board informed the council that Ann Rust agreed to serve an additional term through April 30, 2026; Councilmember Chris Cole moved to reappoint Rust and Everett Mansholt seconded. The council also approved replacing Cindy Wagner’s expiring term with Ellie Stansbury after a recommendation from the Library Board; the motion was made by Tracy Kingsbury and seconded by Mansholt. Both motions carried.
Supervisor Rick Hileman reported a previously noted pump remained under warranty and will not require replacement, and he said the golf course curb has been repaired; he also said he has been meeting with Center Construction’s Cody Theobald regarding the bathhouse project.
Chief Marshall told the council that the roadway formerly designated K204 has reverted to city jurisdiction as New York Street following new construction, and that golf carts and SUVs are now permitted there; the chief also updated the council on a scooter safety class and the safety buck program.
City Clerk Brittany Niles said the city will solicit additional bids to replace the library’s handicap door. Niles requested reimbursement for lifeguard class fees for Sadie LaDow and Cooper Wiehl; Tracy Kingsbury moved and Don Wick seconded reimbursement and the motion carried. Niles presented lifeguard applicant Soleece Jensen for hire; Don Wick moved and Ty Wallgren seconded hiring Jensen, and the motion carried.
Treasurer Melissa Colby recommended increasing the rate charged to the county for metered bulk water, saying the existing fee was very low; Tracy Kingsbury moved to raise the bulk water rate to $8.00 per 1,000 gallons, Don Wick seconded, and the motion carried.
The council heard a brief bathhouse update from Councilmember Don Wick, then voted to adjourn. Tracy Kingsbury moved to adjourn, Everett Mansholt seconded, and the meeting ended at 6:59 p.m.
The council did not adopt final ordinance language on storage/shipping containers at this meeting; staff were directed to draft and return proposed language for the council’s review.
