Village Board — Minutes

MINUTES September 10, 2025 The Regular Board Meeting of the Village Board was called to order by Village President, Robert Spurley on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Village Hall. Roll Call: John Trace, Stephen Troester, Larry Dale Schultz, Jason Cartwright, Doug Rider, Denny Rickard, Robert Spurley. Absent: None Employees: Sue Lindner, Mike Silvers, Alan Schrank Citizens: None Consent Agenda: a) Approval of August 2025 Regular Board minutes b) Approval of September 3, 2025 Personnel Committee meeting minutes c) Approval of August 2025 Treasurer’s reports. Motion by John Trace seconded by Denny Rickard to approve the consent agenda as presented. Motion carried 7-0. Presidents Correspondence: None Clerk/Treasurer Correspondence: Sue Lindner reported that she is working on the 2026 Budget Staff Reports: Sewer/Water/Public Works Mike reported that the phosphorus level came in at .64 ppm due to the higher water from all the rain. The required level is .60 ppm. Randy took a sludge sample to Lancaster for testing on Monday. Next week they will be doing a sours test. Randy and Mike are working on gathering quotes for chemical building repairs. Mike Silvers commented that LW Allen came and repaired a plug fitting on the water tower, and it is now operating properly. They need to flush the line more often. Water samples were taken to Davy Laboratories for testing. Water will be shut off at the park and cemetery soon. Hydrant flushing will be done at the end of the month. Cobb & Dodgeville streets had some wash out due to the heavy rain, and they will be putting in some gravel to repair this. Police Correspondence: Alan Schrank said that he tested how fast it would take to get to the Iowa-Grant Schools in case of an emergency. He said it takes 8-10 minutes. He reported that all the Linden police officers went through active killer training. He is working on getting everything updated in the village ordinance book. Alan said that UTV drivers should be obeying the posted speed limit signs for regular vehicles within the village and that all old UTV signs can come down. Alan is working on collecting monies for old tickets. Alan had the zoning map printed for the village board to review. Alan Schrank also reported for the fire department that squad #1 was all serviced/inspected by Larry’s and it all passed. Engine #1 will be done next. Hose testing is done every year where each hose is pulled out and inspected. Alan also stated that there will be a retirement party October 11th @ noon for firefighters Larry Dale Schultz, Tim Haas, Tom Faull, Doug Faull, and Dirk Faull. Committee Reports: Jason Cartwright showed samples for the new park sign. Mike reported that the old shrubs have been removed by the old sign and when the new sign is installed new perennials will be planted around it. Old Business: A. Jason Cartwright made a motion and seconded by Stephen Troester to purchase MRL Beast HD tires for the skid steer from Larry’s for $218.00 per tire. Motion passed 6-0. Larry Dale Schultz abstained. New Business: A. Stephen Troester made a motion and seconded by Jason Cartwright to table purchasing new helmets & gloves for the fire department based on budget restraints. Motion passed 7-0. B. Donation to “It takes a Village” event for Joe Kitelinger - the village board decided that donating to a personal cause wasn’t something the village could do. Sue Lindner will be collecting money from anyone that wants to personally donate towards a basket for the fundraiser. C. Discussion of Personnel Committee’s recommendations. Doug Rider made a motion and seconded by Jason Cartwright to go to closed session at 7:43 pm. Doug Rider made a motion and seconded by Denny Rickard to go to open session at 8:30 pm. Doug Rider made a motion and seconded by Larry Dale Schultz to approve a $1.00 on hour raise for Randy Kitelinger, Mike Silvers, Sue Lindner, and Alan Schrank. Garret Faull, Jared Weier, and Kimberly Jackson’s pay rates will remain the same for 2026. Motion passed 7-0. D. A preliminary budget meeting to discuss committee recommendations for 2026 was planned for Thursday, September 18th @ 6:30. Motion by Denny Rickard and was seconded by Doug Rider to approve the September 2025 bill list. Motion passed 6-0. Jason Cartwright abstained. Motion by Doug Rider and was seconded by Jason Cartwright to adjourn @ 9:20 pm. Sue Lindner/Linden Village Clerk