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Next Council meeting to be held on August 3, 2026 at 7:00pm in City Hall
CITY OF CHELSEA
CHELSEA, IA 52215
Chelsea City Council Meeting
August 3, 2026 @ 7:00 P.M.
Chelsea City Hall, 600 Station St Chelsea, IA
AGENDA:
· Roll Call
· Approval of Agenda
· Council Member appointment
· Approval of Minutes as presented from July 6th, 2026, Meeting
· Public hearing on proposed plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the proposed Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project
· Resolution 2026-08 finally approving and confirming plans, specifications, form of contract and estimate of cost for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project”
· Consideration of bids for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project
· Resolution 2026-11 awarding contract for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project
· Resolution No. 2026-09 – Approving Municipal Advisory Services Agreement with Piper Sandler & Co.
· Resolution 2026-10 Approving an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Veenstra & Kimm for Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Engineering Services
· Alliant Project – Hana Canhasi with Entrust Solutions Group
· Fire Department Report
· Library Department Report
· Water
· Sewer
· Streets
· Financial Reports and Expenditures for August
· Adjournment
Chelsea City Council Meeting
July 6, 2026 @ 7pm
Chelsea City Hall 600 Station St, Chelsea IA
Call to Order: Mayor Craig Forcht called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm
Answering Roll call was Council Members Amy Walters, Bruce Rhoads, Steve Van De Walle – present; Deb Rhoads, Dixie Forcht - absent
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by A. Walters to approve the agenda for the July 6, 2026, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by S. Van De Walle to approve the minutes of the June 1, 2026, Council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Mike Shoup was present from Veenstra & Kimm to answer some questions about the amendment to the construction contract. It would not take effect until construction began. Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by S. Van De Walle to share the contract with our city attorney and get his opinion on it. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
A resolution was not made for the FY2025 raise and the auditor commented that we needed one. Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by S. Van De Walle to approve Resolution No. 2026‑06 affirming the previously intended wage adjustment for the City Clerk/Treasurer, documenting the April 14, 2025, increase to $25.75 per hour and the additional July 1, 2025, increase of $6.00 per hour, bringing the hourly rate to $31.75. Roll Call: Ayes all. Motion carried.
The Council reviewed Resolution No. 2026‑07, establishing wages for City employees for Fiscal Year 2027, including the reversion of the City Clerk/Treasurer position from half‑time to its regular schedule, with compensation reverting from $31.75/hour to $15.75/hour effective July 1, 2026.
Lonika Utterback, City Clerk/Treasurer $15.75 per hour, effective July 1, 2026
Aaron Balvin, Public Works $20.00 per hour, effective April 14, 2025
Toby Shutt, Public Works $15.00 per hour, effective August 24, 2025
Benny Bitterlie, Mowing $15.00 per hour, effective August 24, 2025
Jody Assmusen, Mowing $15.00 per hour, effective August 24, 2025
Anthony Rogers, Public Works $15.00 per hour, effective July 1, 2025
Mikkell Wunn, Library Director $18.00 per hour, effective June 2, 2026
Judy Ochs, Librarian $10.00 per hour, effective November 1, 2025
Geneva Bitterlie, Librarian $10.00 per hour, effective November 1, 2025
Motion by Walters, second by Van De Walle, to approve Resolution No. 2026‑07. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Rhoads, Walters, Van De Walle Nays: None Absent: Forcht, Deb Rhoads Resolution No. 2026‑07 passed and adopted.
The Council reviewed the proposed fiber internet services being offered. They would reduce the cost of services by almost half. No action was taken because no contract was available for the meeting. A decision will be made after the library has had a chance to review their options.
The Silver Dollar has requested to renew their liquor license. Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by S. Van De Walle to approve the Silver Dollar liquor license. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Trish and Doug Stadler were present on behalf of the Friends of the Chelsea Library. They would like to erect a flagpole in front of the Library. They already have it and it will be installed by the Doug and Trish Stadler and Coy Peebles.
Lisa Murty was present to request a waiver on her water bill as she has looked and has several plumbers come to check for leaks, finding none. Council suggested we average her bill and monitor for any other fluctuations. Mayor Forcht emphasized that this is a one-time exception. Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by A. Walters to approve a one-time water usage waiver. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
JULY 2026 CLAIMS REPORT
VENDOR REFERENCE AMOUNT
ADOBE SOFTWARE 21.19
ALLIANT ENERGY
UTILITIES
2,505.57
AMAZON
OFFICE EQUIPMENT
156.98
ANIC LLC
WATER/SEWER CONSULTANT
795.60
BELLE PLAINE HARDWARE
DRAIN CLEANER
56.26
CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT
CHARGES/CLOSE CARD
0.06
CARQUEST OF BELLE PLAINE
FUEL FILTER
23.12
CHELSEA POST OFFICE
PO BOX RENTAL
90.00
CHELSEA POST OFFICE
POSTAGE
61.00
EFTPS
FED/FICA TAX
755.65
EFTPS
FED/FICA TAX
773.99
EFTPS
FED/FICA TAX
887.47
GRIEDER OIL INC
FUEL
16.52
GRIEDER STANDARD
FUEL INVOICE BALANCE
3.44
HEARTLAND COOP
PRAMITOL 25E
72.86
HRABAK LUMBER COMPANY
PARK PAVILION
692.31
IOWA DEPT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
FY27 WATER SUPPLY FEE
25.00
IOWA ONE CALL
LOCATES
19.80
IPERS
IPERS
883.73
JEFFERY JACOBI
FD GAS FOR PICKUP
44.05
JEREMY WEIERMANN CONSTRUCTION
PARK PAVILION
200.00
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL
LAWN MAINENANCE EQUIPMENT
466.00
KARL CHEVROLET
TRUCK PURCHASE
49,243.24
MARENGO FARM & HOME
LAWN MOWER RECYCLER
389.00
MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC
LAB TESTS
177.00
POWESHIEK WATER ASSN.
WATER PURCHASE
3,257.23
RACOM CORPORATION
FD SUPPLIES
177.44
RAY PLESEK
VEHICLE OPERATION
151.50
TAMA/GRUNDY PUBLISHING
PUBLISHING EXPENSE
224.00
TREASURER, STATE OF IOWA
WET TAX
583.73
USA BLUE BOOK
BLUE MARKING FLAGS
50.36
VERIZON WIRELESS
FD INTERNET
74.99
WINDSTREAM IOWA COMMUNICATIONS
PHONE/INTERNET
524.53
Accounts Payable Total
11,664.73
Total Payroll Paid
4,073.33
TOTAL FUNDS
15,738.06
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by A. Walters to approve the Financial Reports and expenditures for July. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Adjournment: Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the adjournment of the meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:18pm.
_________________________ _______________________________
Craig Forcht, Mayor Lonika Utterback, City Clerk
Chelsea City Council Meeting
June 1, 2026 @ 7pm
Chelsea City Hall 600 Station St, Chelsea IA
Call to Order: Mayor Craig Forcht called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm
Answering Roll call was Council Members Amy Walters, Bruce Rhoads, Steve Van De Walle, Deb Rhoads, Dixie Forcht – present,
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the agenda for the June 1, 2026, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Motioned by A. Walters and seconded by d. Forcht to approve the minutes from May 4th, 2026, Council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Mike Shoup was present from Veenstra & Kimm to share updates on the wastewater treatment project. We are ready to start the bidding process. Bidding will open on June 30th, 2026, at 11am at Chelsea City Hall.
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by A. Walters to proceed with the bidding process. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
An amendment to the contract for Chelsea Construction Services was also presented for Veenstra & Kimm. Mayor Forcht signed it and a copy was sent with Mike Shoup. D. Forcht brought up that we had not had time to review the contract, nor had they voted and agreed to the contract. City Clerk emailed Mike Shoup and asked to void the contract until reviewed by the council.
Tony Upah and Rob Fattig were present from the Fire Department. The truck is almost completed at Carl Chevrolet. They requested a check for $49,243.24 to be sent before they pick up the truck mid-July. They will be selling the old truck on GovDeals.
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by D. Rhoads to pay the check before July. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Chris Drummer was present on behalf of the Library. Mikell Wunn has been hired as the new Library Director at $18/hr. The Library would like the council to stop by and get a tour of the Library in July/August/September. They are also looking into a standing resolution for all the standard monthly utility bills that do not change month to month.
The resident who is Lucas Haughey’s tenant came to request a waiver on the sewer for a pool fill. Council agreed that it was acceptable to waive the sewer difference once the pool is filled.
Aaron brought up Lisa Murty had a water usage of over 63,000 gallons go through her meter. They did not see any obvious leaks. Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by D. Forcht to waive the difference in sewer costs from her average sewer bill. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
She would still be responsible for the water cost as the city has to pay PWA for the water purchased.
A Public hearing was held for the FY26 Amendment #2. No public submitted written or verbal objection to the objection. Motioned to approve Resolution 2026-05 to Approve the FY26 Budget Amendment #2. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
JUNE 2026 CLAIMS REPORT
VENDOR REFERENCE AMOUNT
ALLIANT ENERGY UTILITIES 2,374.62
ANIC LLC WATER/SEWER CONSULTANT 746.00
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX 773.99
GILBERT'S SEPTIC SERVICE SEPTIC PUMP 2,450.00
GRIEDER OIL INC FUEL 1,101.23
GRIEDER STANDARD FUEL 229.40
HEARTLAND COOP WEED CHEMICALS 139.20
IPERS IPERS 753.80
KOOPS SALES AND SERVICE MOWER PARTS 95.97
MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC LAB TESTS 163.50
POWESHIEK WATER ASSN. WATER PURCHASE 337.20
REGION 6 PLANNING COMMISSION CHELSEA WASTEWATER CDBG 167 1,201.00
TAMA CO SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL CITY CLEANUP LANDFILL EXPENSES 342.10
TAMA/GRUNDY PUBLISHING PUBLISHING EXPENSE 347.20
VERIZON WIRELESS FD INTERNET 84.99
WINDSTREAM IOWA COMMUNICATIONS CITY HALL/LIBRARY PHONE/INTERNET 524.53
Accounts Payable Total 11,664.73
Total Payroll Paid 4,073.33
TOTAL FUNDS 15,738.06
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by D. Forcht to approve the Financial Reports and expenditures for January. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Adjournment: Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the adjournment of the meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm.
Chelsea City Council Meeting
May 4, 2026 @ 7pm
Chelsea City Hall 600 Station St, Chelsea IA
Call to Order: Mayor Craig Forcht called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm
Answering Roll call was Council Members Bruce Rhoads, Steve Van De Walle, Deb Rhoads Dixie Forcht – present, Amy Walters-absent
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by D. Rhoads to approve the agenda for the May 4th, 2026, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by S. Van De Walle to approve the minutes from April 6th, 2026, Council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by D. Rhoads to approve the minutes from April 27th, 2026, Budget Approval Hearing. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Tony Upah and Rob Fattig were present from the Fire Department. The truck is almost completed at Carl Chevrolet. Once we have a Bill of Sale and VIN, we will get insurance and plates on it.
No one was present from the Library to give the department report.
The can recycling pen has had some issues recently with trash being dumped into it. To save on salary expenses, Steve Van De Walle is going to take over the sorting and recycling drop off.
Discussion was held concerning the Campground and updating it to make it a more appealing option for guests to Chelsea. Council has a strong interest in bringing people and business back to Chelsea, Bathroom renovations will begin at the ball diamond soon.
We will have a Budget Amendment Public Hearing next month on June 1, 2026, at 7pm. Publication in the paper is set for May 22, 2026. Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to set the date for the Budget Amendment Public Hearing. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
MAY 2026 CLAIMS REPORT
ADOBE ADOBE-AI ASSISTANT
5.29
ADOBE ACROBAT PRO
21.19
ALLIANT ENERGY UTILITIES
3,002.03
AMAZON OFFICE SUPPLIES
26.79
AMAZON SOCCER NETS AND CLIPS
209.46
ANIC LLC WATER/SEWER CONSULTANT
848.00
CAPITAL ONE TRADE CREDIT ROAD USE MISC
4.00
COLUMN SOFTWARE PBC PUBLICATIONS
208.26
CORY'S TRUCK & TIRE VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
45.00
EFTPS FED/FICA TAX
1,041.51
EMC INSURANCE COMPANIES WORKERS COMP ADDN PREMIUM
779.00
IPERS WAGE ADJUSTMENT INTEREST
0.10
IPERS IPERS
1,028.88
LL PELLING CO 6 TON COLD PATCH
644.14
MCKENZIE MARSH MILEAGE
16.10
MICROBAC LABORATORIES, INC LAB TESTS
56.75
MIDWEST BREATHING AIR LLC ANNUAL AIR TEST
564.97
POWESHIEK WATER ASSN. WATER PURCHASE
1,500.54
TAMA/GRUNDY PUBLISHING PUBLISHING EXPENSE
123.20
TREASURER, STATE OF IOWA WET TAX
448.44
VERIZON WIRELESS FD INTERNET
74.99
WINDSTREAM IOWA COMMUNICATIONSPHONE/INTERNET
524.53
Accounts Payable Total
11,173.17
Total Payroll Paid
5,545.90
TOTAL FUNDS
16,719.07
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the Financial Reports and expenditures for January. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Adjournment: Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the adjournment of the meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:04pm.
Chelsea City Council Meeting
April 6, 2026 @ 7pm
Chelsea City Hall 600 Station St, Chelsea IA
Call to Order: Mayor Craig Forcht called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm
Answering Roll call was Council Members Bruce Rhoads, Steve Van De Walle, Deb Rhoads Dixie Forcht – present, Amy Walters-absent
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the agenda for the April 6th, 2026, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Motioned by S. Van De Walle and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the minutes from March 2nd, 2026, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Julia Winter from Region 6 was present to discuss the claim process for the CDBG grant. All claims must include the claim form, invoice, cancelled check and minutes approving the expense.
No one was present from the Library or Fire Department to give the department reports.
The council would like to resume City Wide Cleanup on May 9-17th with final pickup on May 18th. Nothing should be set up after the 17th. Dixie Forcht will print up 150 flyers at Meskwaki to pass out to all residents and post around town.
The potholes around town were discussed. The county is responsible for V-18 but we can fill some of the bigger ones temporarily. Aaron will reach out to LL Pelling for cold patch.
Carl Kisling has reached out to Aaron about extending his culvert to widen is driveway and council did not have concerns as long as he is not affecting the nearby alley, meeting existing diameter and paying for the culvert extension himself.
Chase Kauffman would like to start holding a machinery consignment auction in Chelsea twice a year in April and November. He would like to hold it in the field area between the old gym and the baseball diamond. Machinery would start coming 2-3 weeks before and would be gone 7 days after. A portion of profits would be donated to the Road department for thanks to the City.
Chelsea received $6030 grant from Tama County Community Foundation for restoration of the public restrooms by the Silver Dollar and by the Ball diamond. The goal is to bring people and revenue back into our community by hosting teams wanting to use our field.
The Silver Dollar applied to renew their Tobacco license for June 2026 through June 2027. Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the Silver Dollar’s Tobacco license renewal. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
APRIL 2026 CLAIMS REPORT
VENDOR
REFERENCE
AMOUNT
ALLIANT ENERGY
UTILITIES
3,023.48
AMAZON
CHRISTMAS LIGHT BULBS
414.17
ANIC
CONSULTANT
1,591.20
ASSURED PARTNERS
INSURANCE
40,586.00
BECK EQUIPMENT
DOOR GLASS
342.24
BLAINES FARM AND FLEET
SHOP HEATER
429.00
CAPITAL ONE CREDIT
SHOP SUPPLIES
217.42
CARQUESTVEHICLE MAINTENANCE
21.75
CHELSEA SAVINGS BANKSAFE DEPOSIT BOX RENT
20.00
IAMRESPONDINGFD SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTION
399.00
IAMUMEMBERSHIP DUES
692.00
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUESALES AND USE TAX
30.27
IOWA ONE CALLLOCATES
26.10
IPERSIPERS
1,048.77
JEROME BEHOUNEK CARPENTRYPARK PAVILION
1,200.00
MICROBAC LABSLAB TESTS
225.25
OFFICE OF THE AUDITOR OF STATEAUDIT/EXAM FEE
800.00
POWESHIEK WATER ASSN. WATER PURCHASE
1,131.90
REGION 6 PLANNINGFY26 DUES
114.50
ROB FATTIG HAWKEYE FIRE&SAFETY REIMBURSE
370.00
TAMA CO SOLID WASTE LANDFILL
56.65
TREASURER, STATE OF IOWA SALES TAX
641.32
USPS POSTAGE
122.00
VERIZONFD INTERNET
74.99
WINDSTREAM PHONE/INTERNET
514.44
Accounts Payable Total
54,093.44
Total Payroll Paid
3,920.61
TOTAL FUNDS
58,014.05
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the Financial Reports and expenditures for January. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Adjournment: Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by D. Rhoads to approve the adjournment of the meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:29pm.
Chelsea City Council Meeting
March 2, 2026
Chelsea City Hall 600 Station St, Chelsea IA
Call to Order: Mayor Craig Forcht called the meeting to order @ 7:00pm
Answering Roll call was Council Members Bruce Rhoads, Steve Van De Walle, Deb Rhoads Dixie Forcht – present, Amy Walters – absent
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the agenda for the March 2nd, 2026, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by B. Rhoads to approve the minutes from the February 3rd, 2025, council meeting. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
The Chelsea Public Library has been having septic issues. Several solutions were discussed and the one that seemed the most fiscally responsible was insulating the septic line from the building to the tank. Motioned by S. Van De Walle and seconded by B. Rhoads to dig up and insulate the line. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
The meter at 700 Main street has been having issues. Council discussed that residents are responsible for expenses past the main line to the house. Since there have been issues getting it shut off at the road, Nick will shut it off in the house and replace the meter.
Toby Shutt wants more hours. The council never intended that all his hours would be cut when the council asked the Road department to conserve funds. Aaron stated that he will be taking on an additional job with a fertilizer company.
Motioned by D. Forcht and seconded by D. Rhoads to set a date for April 6th, 2026 @ 6:30pm for the Proposed Property Tax Hearing. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
The Tama County Law Enforcement Contract was reviewed and signed by Craig Forcht, the mayor.
MARCH 2026 CLAIMS REPORT
ALLIANT ENERGY UTILITIES 6,883.98
AMAZON OFFICE SUPPLIES 427.25
BIBLIONIX LIBRARY SOFTWARE 1,350.00
CARQUEST SHOP SUPPLIES 194.89
COLUMN SOFTWARE PUBLICATION 68.38
GRIEDER OIL INC VEHICLE MAINTENANCE 194.89
GRIEDER STANDARD FUEL 26.43
IOWA ONE CALL LOCATES 4.50
MICROBAC LABS LAB TESTS 229.25
POWESHIEK WATER ASSN. WATER PURCHASE 1,506.12
REGION 6 PLANNING CDBG GRANT EXPENSE 867.00
TAMA COUNTY SHERIFF LAW ENFORCEMENT 2,910.30
WINDSTREAM PHONE/INTERNET 514.44
Accounts Payable Total 15,177.43
Total Payroll Paid 3,333.64
TOTAL FUNDS 18,511.07
Motioned by B. Rhoads and seconded by D. Forcht to approve the Financial Reports and expenditures for March. Roll Call: Ayes all: Motion carried.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.
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