Hawarden public meetings in 2025

City Council

The City Council will meet to discuss the possible sale of city property and the current schedule of fees. The body will also consider an audit engagement letter with Williams and Company and WAPA renewable energy credits.

• Discussion on possible sale of city property
• Discussion of Schedule of Fees
• Approval of Audit Engagement Letter with Williams and Company
• Discussion on WAPA Renewable Energy Credits
• Approval of claims for payment totaling $282,272.62

The council approved the October 8, 2025 meeting minutes and the October 22, 2025 claims for payment, each with a 5‑0 vote. They also approved the audit engagement letter with Williams and Company by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:04 p.m. after a unanimous motion.

• Approved October 8, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved October 22, 2025 claims for payment (5-0)
• Approved audit engagement letter with Williams and Company (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will discuss amending Chapter 75 to include golf carts and set a public hearing for a voluntary annexation. The body is also reviewing a final payment for the 7th Street Substation construction.

• Final pay request to IES Commercial Inc. for 7th Street Substation Construction ($1,840,360.10)
• Resolution 2025-15 setting a public hearing on October 8 for golf cart regulations
• Second reading of Ordinance 761 regarding All-Terrain Vehicles, Snowmobiles, and Golf Carts
• Resolution 2025-16 setting a public hearing on proposed voluntary annexation
• Approval of contract with CivicPlus

The council approved the September 10 meeting minutes and the September 24 claims for payment, each by a 5-0 vote. It also approved a final pay request to IES Commercial Inc. for the 7** Street substation construction. Resolutions were adopted to set public hearings on an ATVs ordinance amendment (adding golf carts) and on a voluntary annexation, and the ordinance’s second reading was approved. The contract with Civic Plus was tabled.

• Approved September 10 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved September 24 claims for payment (5-0)
• Approved final pay request to IES Commercial Inc. for 7** Street substation (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-15 to set public hearing on ATVs ordinance amendment (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 761 adding golf carts to ATVs rules (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-16 to set public hearing on voluntary annexation (5-0)
• Tabled contract with Civic Plus (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The Hawarden City Council will hold a scheduled hearing on a dog bite complaint, present a FY2025 budget amendment and set a public hearing for May 28, and consider approving Pay Request 10 for 7th Street Substation Construction. Council will also discuss potential changes to water rates, garbage rates, and electric scooter regulations. Standard items include approval of meeting minutes and claims totaling over $1.14 million.

• Scheduled public hearing on a dog bite complaint with possible action
• Presentation of FY2025 Budget Amendment and setting of public hearing for May 28, 2025
• Approval of Pay Request 10 to IES Commercial Inc. for 7th Street Substation Construction
• Discussion on water rate changes
• Discussion on garbage rate and electric scooter regulations

The council approved the April 23 meeting minutes and a May 14 payment claim. It authorized releasing a dog to its owner with a 90‑day probation period. The council set a public hearing for the FY2025 budget amendment on May 28, 2025, and approved payment to IES Commercial Inc. for the 7+ Street substation construction. The council also agreed to discuss water and garbage rate increases at the next meeting.

• Approved April 23, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved May 14, 2025 claims for payment (3-2)
• Approved releasing dog to owner with 90‑day probation (4-1)
• Approved setting FY2025 budget amendment public hearing for May 28, 2025 (5-0)
• Approved Pay Request 10 to IES Commercial Inc. for 7+ Street Substation construction (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing and vote on the adoption of the FY2026 budget. The meeting also includes a presentation for a bike and car show and a request for a temporary wage increase for utility billing clerk coverage.

• Public hearing and adoption of FY2026 Budget (Resolution 2025-06)
• Special Events Application and Hold Harmless Agreement for Hawarden Evangelism Outreach on May 31, 2025
• Temporary wage increase for Utility Billing Clerk coverage
• Presentation of Rigid Steel LE MC Bike & Car Show

Council approved prior meeting minutes, claims for payment, a special events agreement, adopted the FY2026 budget, and approved a temporary wage increase for a billing clerk. All motions passed unanimously with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved April 9, 2025 regular council meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved April 9, 2025 special meeting minutes and April 14, 2025 special meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved April 23, 2025 claims for payment (4-0)
• Approved special events application and hold harmless agreement for Hawarden Evangelism Outreach on May 31, 2025 (4-0)
• Adopted FY2026 budget (Resolution 2025-06) (4-0)
• Approved temporary wage increase for utility billing clerk coverage (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Hawarden City Council is holding a special meeting to consider two fiscal sponsorship agreements. The council will vote on serving as fiscal sponsor for the Hawarden Community Dinner and the Hawarden Senior Center, enabling each to apply for a Hawarden Community Foundation grant.

• Approval of fiscal sponsorship for the Hawarden Community Dinner for a Community Foundation grant request
• Approval of fiscal sponsorship for the Hawarden Senior Center for a Community Foundation grant request

The council voted to approve fiscal sponsorship for the Hawarden Community Dinner grant request and for the Hawarden Senior Center grant request, each passing unanimously. The agenda was approved and the meeting was adjourned, also unanimously.

• Approved agenda (4-0)
• Approved fiscal sponsorship for Hawarden Community Dinner grant (4-0)
• Approved fiscal sponsorship for Hawarden Senior Center grant (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Hawarden City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2025-2026. The proposed total regular property tax is $846,995, a decrease from the current $885,430, but the tax rate comparison shows a 12.57% increase for residential and 13.98% for commercial properties. The increase is attributed to administration salary overlap and increased fire/ambulance budget. A subsequent hearing on the proposed city budget will follow.

• Public hearing on proposed property tax levy of $846,995 for FY 2025-2026
• Proposed levy decrease of $38,435 from current certified levy of $885,430
• Residential property tax on a $100,000 assessed home would increase 12.57% to $752
• Commercial property tax on a $300,000 assessed property would increase 13.98% to $3,359
• Reasons for increase cited: administration salary overlap, increased fire and ambulance budget

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the March 26 meeting and the April 9 claims for payment. It also approved a contract for the City Administrator and City Clerk and ordered a public hearing notice for the FY 2025‑2026 budget. Additional approvals included payment to IES Commercial for the 7th Street substation, a probation and vaccination requirement for a dog involved in a bite incident, and a temporary premise transfer for Paradise Bar. All motions carried with a 4‑0 vote.

• Approved March 26, 2025 council meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved April 9, 2025 claims for payment (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2025-04 contract for City Administrator and City Clerk (4-0)
• Approved notice of public hearing for April 23, 2025 budget estimate (4-0)
• Approved Pay Request 8 and 9 to IES Commercial Inc. for 7th Street Substation construction (4-0)
• Approved probation period and vaccination requirement for dog bite case (4-0)
• Approved temporary premise transfer for Paradise Bar to Hawarden Community Center on April 26, 2025 (4-0)

City Council

The council moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion carried with a 4‑0 vote. No other actions or approvals were recorded. The public hearing on property taxes included comments but resulted in no decisions.

• Adjourn meeting (4-0)

City Council

The Hawarden City Council will consider approving a service agreement with Center Benefits for human resources services, and will notice a public hearing on property taxes for April 9. Standard items include approval of meeting minutes and claims totaling $578,245.17.

• Notice of property tax hearing scheduled for April 9 at 5:30 p.m.
• Discussion and approval of a service agreement with Center Benefits for HR services as needed.
• Approval of claims for payment totaling $578,245.17 across all funds.

The Hawarden City Council approved the minutes from the March 12 meeting and the March 26 claims for payment, each by a 4‑0 vote. They also approved a notice of the April 9 property tax hearing and a service agreement with Center Benefits to provide human‑resource services, both unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m.

• Approved March 12, 2025, regular council meeting minutes (4-0)
• Approved March 26, 2025, claims for payment (4-0)
• Approved notice of property tax hearing for April 9, 2025 (4-0)
• Approved service agreement with Center Benefits for human‑resource services (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

City Council

The City Council will hold final discussions on the Enterprise, General, and Special Fund budgets and the proposed property tax levy. The meeting includes a final reading of a parking ordinance and a significant payment for electrical infrastructure.

• Third and final reading of Ordinance 757 regarding no parking on the North and East side of Hospital (12th Street and Ave. M)
• Payment of $226,354.22 to Wesco for circuit switches in the new Electric Substation
• Discussion on the Proposed Property Tax Levy
• Final budget discussion for Enterprise, General, and Special Funds
• Temporary Premise Transfer request from Sportsmans Lounge, Inc. to the Hawarden Community Center for March 29, 2025

The Hawarden City Council approved the third and final reading of Ordinance 757, which prohibits parking on the north and east sides of the hospital due to congestion. The council also approved a $226,354.22 payment to Wesco for circuit switches in the new electric substation, and approved a temporary premise transfer for the Hawarden Golf Clubhouse. Discussions on the property tax levy and budgets were held but no decisions were made.

• Approved Ordinance 757 (no parking on north/east side of hospital) 4-0
• Approved $226,354.22 payment to Wesco for circuit switches 4-0
• Approved temporary premise transfer for Hawarden Community Center (pending insurance) 4-0
• Approved minutes of Feb 26, 2025 meeting 4-0
• Approved claims for payment 4-0

City Council

The City Council will review the FY26 General Fund Budget and Special Funds proposals. The body is also considering a second reading of an ordinance regarding parking restrictions near the hospital and the hiring of a full-time EMT.

• Second reading of Ordinance 757: No parking on the North and East side of Hospital (12th Street and Ave. M)
• Approval of hiring a full-time EMT for the Ambulance Department
• Review of FY26 General Fund Budget and Special Funds proposals
• Approval of February 26, 2025 claims for payment totaling $441,009.86

The Hawarden City Council approved hiring a full-time EMT for the Ambulance Department, contingent on the Hawarden Regional Hospital Board's approval of support/pay. The council also approved a second reading of an ordinance prohibiting parking on the north and east sides of the hospital, and approved claims for payment. A motion to table the EMT hire failed.

• Approved February 12, 2025, meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved February 26, 2025, claims for payment (3-1)
• Approved second reading of no-parking ordinance on north and east side of hospital (3-1)
• Motion to table full-time EMT hire failed (2-2)
• Approved hiring full-time EMT contingent on hospital board approval (3-1)

City Council

The City Council will review the FY26 General Fund Budget and Special Funds proposals. The body is also considering an interim City Administrator contract for Travis Waterman and a $99,000 USDA grant for the RLF program.

• Resolution 2025-02: $99,000 USDA grant for RLF program
• Resolution 2025-03: Interim City Administrator contract for Travis Waterman
• First reading of ordinance: No parking on North and East side of Hospital (12th Street and Ave. M)
• Resolution 2025-01: Selection of solicited auditor bids for FY25–FY27
• Alcohol license requests for Luverne Supermarket, Inc. and La Hispana Grocery Store LLC

The Hawarden City Council approved an interim city administrator contract for Travis Waterman and authorized its execution. The council also approved a USDA grant of $99,000 for the RLF program, reappointed Bo Boyer to the Planning and Zoning Commission, and appointed Ryan Schwiesow to the Board of Adjustment. Several other routine items were approved, including minutes, claims, alcohol license renewals, and a first reading of a no-parking ordinance.

• Approved interim city administrator contract with Travis Waterman (5-0)
• Approved USDA grant of $99,000 for RLF program (5-0)
• Reappointed Bo Boyer to Planning and Zoning Commission (5-0)
• Appointed Ryan Schwiesow to Board of Adjustment (5-0)
• Approved first reading of no-parking ordinance on Hospital side of 12th Street and Ave. M (4-1)
• Awarded auditor bid to Williams and Company PC (4-1)
• Approved claims for payment (4-1)
• Approved alcohol license renewals for Luverne Supermarket and La Hispana Grocery Store (5-0)

City Council

The Hawarden City Council will hold third readings of two ordinances amending animal protection and control (Ordinance 754 and 755) and a second reading of a solid waste ordinance (Ordinance 756). The council will decide whether to participate in the FEMA housing buyout application process, consider a no-parking zone near the hospital, approve 5% retainers to Siemens Energy and Niagara Power Transformer for substation circuit breakers, and review FY26 budget proposals. A consent item for renewal of Dollar General's Class B retail alcohol license is also included.

• Third reading of Ordinance 754 amending animal protection and control code
• Third reading of Ordinance 755 amending dangerous and vicious animals code
• Second reading of Ordinance 756 amending solid waste definitions and rates
• Decision on FEMA housing buyout participation and application process
• No-parking restriction on north and east sides of hospital (12th Street and Ave. M)

The Hawarden City Council approved several items, including final readings of ordinances amending animal control and dangerous animal codes, a second reading of a solid waste ordinance, participation in a FEMA housing buyout program, no-parking restrictions near the hospital, and payments for substation work. All votes were unanimous (4-0). The council also reviewed FY26 budget proposals.

• Approved Ordinance 754 amending animal protection and control code (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 755 amending dangerous and vicious animals code (4-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 756 on solid waste definitions and rates, waived third reading (4-0)
• Approved FEMA housing buyout participation and appraisal process for 10 houses (4-0)
• Approved no parking on north and east side of hospital on 12th Street and Ave. M (4-0)
• Approved 5% retainer payment to Siemens Energy for circuit breakers (4-0)
• Approved 5% retainer payment to Niagara Power Transformer (4-0)
• Approved renewal of Class B retail alcohol license for Dollar General #8034 (4-0)

City Council

The Hawarden City Council will hold second readings of two ordinances amending animal control codes (Ordinances 754 and 755) and a first reading of an ordinance adjusting solid waste rates. They will also introduce the budget, discuss flood-related items including public assistance and the Swift Current property acquisition program, and consider mayoral appointments and a staff resignation. The consent agenda includes three temporary premise transfers for the Hawarden Golf Clubhouse to the Community Center.

• Second reading of Ordinance 754 amending Chapter 55 (Animal Protection and Control)
• Second reading of Ordinance 755 amending Chapter 56 (Dangerous and Vicious Animals)
• First reading of Ordinance 756 amending solid waste collection rates and definitions
• Discussion of flood-related items: park shelter replacement, Swift Current Property Acquisition, and Flood Donation Committee
• Approval of January 8, 2025 claims for payment totaling $1,660,983.75

The Hawarden City Council approved hiring Jacob Stoner as City Administrator upon his return and accepted the Finance Director's resignation, directing staff to advertise for a replacement. The council also approved second readings of ordinances amending animal control and dangerous/vicious animal codes, and a first reading of a solid waste ordinance. All votes were unanimous 4-0.

• Accepted Finance Director resignation
• Approved Travis Waterman and Shayden Blankenship as bank signatories (4-0)
• Hired Jacob Stoner as City Administrator (4-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 754 (animal protection) (4-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 755 (dangerous animals) (4-0)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 756 (solid waste) (4-0)
• Approved three temporary premise transfers for Hawarden Golf Clubhouse (4-0)
• Approved $1,566,265.73 in claims for payment (4-0)