City of Salix, Iowa - REGULAR MEETING MINUTES (04/08/26)

Mayor Nelson opened the regular meeting of the Salix City Council at 7:00pm on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.  Council members present: Gene Monk, Denise Burkhart, Emily Clayton, Brenda Smith-Hansen, and Nick Black. 

Others present: Ashley Mareau, Ed Colyer, Chad Kehrt, David Brown, Karen Allen, Janet Yanak.

• The Woodbury County Sheriff Report was reviewed by the council, no Sherriff was present.

• Mayor Nelson opened the public hearing on the FY 26 Budget Amendment. No citizens voiced an opinion for or against the proposal. No oral or written comments were received after the required notice was posted and published in the Sgt. Bluff Advocate. 

• Second, was the Public Hearing over Applications for Voluntary Annexation. There were questions from Yanak about the maintenance on the gravel road after this annexation. City plans to coordinate with the county to continue maintenance on the gravel roads. Allen asked what the gain was for the City to annex these parcels, property taxes was the answer. Allen also asked about the liability and maintenance on the roads. She is also concerned of possible water needs. No written comments were received after the required notice was posted and published in the Sgt. Bluff Advocate.

• Burkhart motioned to close the public hearing, Monk seconded. Mayor Nelson declared the public hearing closed. 

• Colyer spoke of part time help giving his two weeks notice. Council discussed hiring one part time employee for both water and mowing needs. Mareau was asked to see how many hours that would entail, and start working on Help Wanted ads.  Colyer spoke of water leak on Talbot Street, was probably where the City was losing most of their water. Is fixed, looking forward to seeing little loss the city has now. A+ Plumbing out of Sgt Bluff is finishing the Water Meter Install Project.  

• Mareau spoke of ICAP Grant covering the costs of the new road signs.  Is going to move Meter Readings to the 20th of the month to allow 1 more week for mailing. Spoke of water rate changes and why.  

• Kehrt asked that we get the pumps into the Aspen Lift Station so it is ready once the home(s) is ready. 

• Resolution 2026-4 Adopting FY26 Budget Amendment was approved on motion from Burkhart and seconded by Monk.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Black (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hansen (aye).  Resolution 2026-4 passed and approved.

• Resolution 2026-3 approving Voluntary Annexation Applications was approved on motion from Clayton and seconded by Burkhart.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Black (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hansen (aye).  Resolution 2026-3 passed and approved

• Resolution 2026-7 Proposed Fee Schedule was approved on motion from Burkhart and seconded by Smith-Hansen.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Black (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hansen (aye).  Resolution 2026-7 passed and approved

• Ordinance 2026-1 first reading on amending water rates was tabled at this meeting. Will discuss further at May 13th meeting. Council will look over spreadsheets provided, and come to a conclusion on rates. Do not wish to continue to raising rates annually. Raise it properly to pay for water expenses.

• 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

ACS: Testing $60.00, CASEYS: Pickup Fuel $142.68, CHN: Garbage $2,808.75, CRARY HUFF: Annexation Help $4,601.50, EFTPS: Fed/Fica Taxes $1,731.23, GOODIN INSURANCE: Annual City Insurance Premium: $14,941.00, IA DEPT OF REVENUE: Sales Tax $473.76, IPERS: Ipers $1,229.41, JBE LLC: Sewer Help $400.00, GILL HAULING: 3rd Quarter  Landfill $1,671.03, LONG LINES: Telephone $39.65, MIDAMERICAN: Gas & Electric $1,315.03, MITCHELL CONTRACTING: Elm & Willow Water Main Break Perm. Repair Downpayment: $6,250.00, SGT BLUFF ADVOCATE: Publications $405.90, STATE WITHHOLDING: State Taxes $738.59, TREE HEALTH SERVICES: Insecticide and Fertilizer (6 trees) $195.00,  USABLUEBOOK: Chemical Pump Supplies, VERIZON Cell Phones $100.49, VISA: Stamps, IAMU Dues  $613.74.  PAYROLL: $2,920.53 FUND TOTALS:  GEN: $29,956.78, ROAD USE: $1,966.37, CAP PROJ/ASPEN DEVELOP: $14.67, WATER: $10,374.21, SEWER: $1,662.38 

c. Approval of March 11th Regular Council Meeting minutes.

d. Approval of Public Works reports

• Building Permit received for Aspen Development Duplex. 

• Black motioned to approve setting PY27 Budget Hearing for April 22, 7pm. Monk seconded motion, all ayes, motion approved. 

• David Brown with Salix Fire & Rescue discussed their purchasing land and wishing to rezone land once purchased. Mareau will look into steps and get process ready once land is purchased.

  Salix Drainage District Updates

Council set a date for Salix Drainage District bid opening for projects. June 10th at 6:30 was the date & time set. Burkhart motioned, Monk seconded, all ayes on holding meeting on that date. Mareau will get notices sent.

Revenues received by fund for March 2026: 

General: $7,143.08, Road Use: $2,478.50, Employee Benefits: $98.61, Local Option Sales Tax: $4,147.41, Debt Service: $1,538.79, Cap Project: $3,548.33, Water: $11,540.96, Sewer: $2,357.64, Total Revenues: $36,831.65

  The meeting was adjourned at 8:02pm motion from Clayton and seconded by Monk. 

Attest:  

Kevin Nelson, Mayor                                                                                   Ashley Mareau, Clerk