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Swisher council approves infrastructure payments, sewer engineering contract, fee schedule and appoints Brian Wernema as mayor
Summary
On Dec. 9 the Swisher City Council approved final payments for Division Street, a sewer-engineering contract, a consolidated fee schedule and multiple appointments, and appointed Brian Wernema to fill the mayor vacancy; votes were recorded by roll call.
The Swisher City Council on Dec. 9 approved a package of infrastructure and administrative measures and appointed a new mayor.
Council voted to authorize the city's final payment to Johnson County for its portion of Division Street construction and approved a separate reimbursement to the county for costs tied to an annexed property. Staff said the reimbursement to Johnson County totaled $121,056.54. The council also approved resolution 78-2024 to hire HR Green for engineering services on a sanitary sewer maintenance and lining project, with the contract capped at $30,000.
The sewer project was described by the city engineer as covering “potentially in the ballpark 8,000 feet” of pipe lining to address root intrusion and joint gaps. The engineer said the work will prioritize the most critical pipe segments and that manholes were “mostly in decent shape.” Staff told the council that design and bidding would move quickly with construction targeted for January and a completion goal by the end of May.
The council moved and approved a consolidated fee schedule by resolution 81-2024 to list permit, zoning and other municipal fees in one place; staff said the amounts matched what the council previously agreed to. Council also reappointed two members to the zoning board of adjustments and approved a set of fund transfers into the debt-service fund to cover bond and loan interest and principal as required by state code.
On appointments, the council considered a written application and, after noting legal posting requirements cited under Iowa Code section 3 62.3, voted to appoint Brian Wernema to fill the mayor's seat effective following administration of the oath. The council scheduled the formal oath/administration to follow when the appointee can be present.
Votes at a glance - Resolution approving final payment for Division Street: approved by roll call. - Resolution 77-2024 (reimbursement to Johnson County for annexed Sheely property, $121,056.54): approved (one nay noted). - Resolution 78-2024 (HR Green engineering contract, not to exceed $30,000): approved by roll call. - Resolution 80-2024 (fund transfers to debt service): approved by roll call. - Resolution 81-2024 (fee schedule): approved by roll call. - Ordinance 10-2024 (amend peddler/solicitor fee language): first reading advanced, remaining readings waived and ordinance approved. - Ordinance 11-2024 (dance-hall code amendments): first reading advanced, remaining readings waived and ordinance approved. - Appointment of Brian Wernema as mayor: approved by roll call.
The council recorded roll-call votes for each formal motion. Staff noted available balances in the Division Street project fund and that timing for reimbursements from Johnson County was uncertain; the sewer-maintenance contract will be funded in part from existing Division Street funding with adjustments as reimbursements are received.
The council adjourned after routine closing business. The mayor appointment and the engineering contract set next steps for public hearings, bidding and additional administration related to the sewer-lining work.
