City of Salix, Iowa - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (01/14/26)

Mayor Nelson opened the regular meeting of the Salix City Council at 6:59pm on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026.  Council members present: Gene Monk, Nick Black, Denise Burkhart, Emily Clayton, and Brenda Smith-Hansen. Others present: Ashley Mareau, Ed Colyer, Chad Kehrt, Justin Mitchell, Greg Jochum.

• The Woodbury County Sheriff Report was reviewed by the council and Deputy Kirkpatrick.

• Colyer reviewed list of remaining water meters needing installed. Spoke of Fire Hydrants needing replaced. Mitchell also suggested looking for used parts for one of the hydrants, rather than replacing. Mareau asked Colyer to remove torn flag at City Park, to replace. Replaced electrical outlet in East Lift Station.

• Mareau spoke of budget amendment needs, grant issues and opportunities. Spoke of credits needing given to utility customers, asked Council to approve a large credit due to a major leak. 

• Mayor Nelson spoke of Stop & Yield signs needed, ordinance will need to be written to satisfy additional signage. 

• Kehrt updated on Oak Street repairs, re surveying it, then will grind high spot(s). Submitted East Lift Station Close-out.

• Resolution 2026-1 approving 2025 employee wages was approved on motion from Burkhart and seconded by Clayton.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Black (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hansen (aye).  Resolution 2026-1 passed and approved. 2025 Wages:  Karen Allen $490.00, Nick Black $385.00, Kathy Brouillette $29,526.38, Denise Burkhart $455.00, Emily Clayton $295.19, Ed Colyer $41,195.63, Easton Kepner $877.50, Ashley Mareau $22,643.59, Gene Monk $264.96, Kevin Nelson $2,400.00, Colby Seward $3,777.70, Cindy VanAuken $455.00, Total Wages: $102,765.88  

• Resolution 2026-2 setting City Attorney Rate was approved on motion from Burkhart and seconded by Black.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Black (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hansen (aye).  Resolution 2026-2 passed and approved.

• The Consent Agenda was approved on motion from Burkhart. Clayton seconded.  All ayes, motion carried.   

a. Approval of financial reports

b. Approval of bills and payroll

ACCO Liquid Chlorinating Solution $390.20, ACS Water Testing $60.00, ASHLEY MAREAU Travel to MRHD Luncheon $21.84, CASEYS Pickup Fuel $109.74, CHN Garbage $2,808.75, EFTPS Fed/Fica Taxes $2,022.32, IA DEPT OF REVENUE Sales Tax $663.65, IA ONE CALL Locate Notification Fees $21.60, IPERS Ipers $1,273.07, JBE LLC Sewer Help $400.00, LONG LINES Telephone $62.65, MENARDS Maint. Supplies $377.03, MIDAMERICAN Gas & Electric $1,276.94, MITCHELL CONTRACTING Building Permit Fees $1,200.00, SGT BLUFF ADVOCATE Publications $101.48, STATE WITHHOLDING State Taxes $633.30, ULINE Ice Melt $995.51, V&K Classification Work $3,774.00, VERIZON Cell Phones $100.51, VISA Prime, Supplies $193.84 PAYROLL…$7,221.18 FUND TOTALS:  GEN: $10,895.97, ROAD USE: $2,879.96, CAP PROJECT/DRAINAGE: $3,700.00, WATER: $4,069.72, SEWER: $2,101.96 

c. Approval of December 10th Regular Council Meeting minutes.

d. Approval of Public Works reports

• Mareau informed council of a necessary date change to council meeting in November to adjust for Veteran’s Day Holiday.  November 11th Council Meeting will be moved to November 12th, 2026.

• Council Approved appointment of Jesse Duerksen to Planning & Zoning Board.

Aspen Development Updates

Service for MidAmerican has been submitted. Plan on clearing all water out of lift station, then plugging.

Salix Drainage District Updates

Kehrt plans on reviewing classification report with commissioners. Upon approval, will work with Mareau and Mayor Nelson to set Hearing to present to the residents.  

Revenues received by fund for December 2025: 

General: $8,826.96, Road Use: $2,479.67, Employee Benefits: $0.00, Local Option Sales Tax: $8,661.76, Debt Service: $3,061.28, Cap Project: $0.00, Water: $14,034.67, Sewer: $2,264.97, Total Revenues: $43,307.64

The meeting was adjourned at 8:09pm motion from Burkhart and seconded by Clayton. 

Attest:

Kevin Nelson, Mayor                                                                                   

Ashley Mareau, Clerk