City Council — Minutes

Regular Meeting Minutes of the Fountain City Common Council Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Ben Adank. Roll call: Stephen Qualy, Peter Schaffner, Barb Schmidtknecht, Scott Feraro, Christine Williamson, and Mike Adank. All present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Citizens Present: Linda Stennes, Jim Kafer, Lori Hutter, Judith Ganger, Jeff Puterbaugh Citizen Appearance & Public Comments Summary: No public comments were made. Motion P. Schaffner, second S. Qualy to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2026, Re-Organization Meeting of the Common Council. Motion carried. Reports: Report from Public Works Department • Cemetery mowing and brush cutting completed • Wastewater plant disinfection and testing submitted (awaiting results) • Jake attended GIS mapping training completed to improve infrastructure tracking city water and sewer • General maintenance on vehicles and equipment • Docks installed for the season Finance & Administration Committee • Reviewed Citations • Discussed financial strategies to optimize interest earnings while remaining within FDIC limits • City Administrator search: ➢ Positions advertised across multiple regional and digital platforms ➢ Screening process underway • Ongoing work: ➢ Performance review process updates ➢ Public Works staffing and wage review Public Works & Utilities Committee ➢ Upcoming meeting scheduled to define role of the new Public Works Director ➢ Milling is scheduled for May 19–20, 2026, and no parking will be permitted on Highway 35 during that time. There are concerns about the Kwik Trip intersection regarding the depth and extent of asphalt removal, which may require adjustments and could have an impact on the project timeline. Residents have also expressed concerns about driveway accessibility during the milling process. Crews may bring in a second paver the following week to stay on schedule. Motorists are urged to drive slowly and use caution in the work zone. Auditorium Update • Railing installed and passed inspection; basketball hoop relocated • Flooring nearing completion; project on track for substantial completion by June 15, including punch list items • Floor refinishing and installation underway; ceiling and library area completed • Final touches in progress, including hospitality/bar area • Contractors expect to remove trailers soon; City Hall parking to reopen • Furniture and interior doors delayed; installation expected after June 15 Economic Development, Tourism & Community Assets • Water Fountain Donation: City accepted a decorative fountain donation; to be temporarily stored at the firehouse. Schaffner Plumbing will assist with insulation. Transport and setup coordination is underway. • Recreation & Field Improvements: Field upgrades are complete and in active use, with positive public feedback. Additional improvements (e.g., batting cages) are being considered based on need and usage. • FCBC Proposal / Tourism Study: Committee approved a study to evaluate and improve tourism, business coordination, and economic development efforts, citing current structure challenges. Findings will be presented at a future meeting looking into new revitalized group of community and business owners. • Auditorium Grand Opening: Scheduled for October 31, 2026, as a formal masquerade ball. Invitations will be included with September utility bills. Planning, Zoning & Community Development • The City is actively working with legal counsel on two primary issues: ➢ Updates and clarification of official zoning maps ➢ Review and resolution of property deed concerns involving road right-of-way areas No final determinations have been made at this time. Further updates will be provided once legal review is complete. Flexible Facilities Program • Furniture has been selected; however, further discussion is needed as costs are currently exceeding the projected budget. Mayor’s Report • Boat Landing Repair: Minor aluminum cracking of the docks; repairs ($500) have been scheduled to prevent further deterioration. • Mowing Services: Equipment issues and staffing shortages impacted operations. Henderson’s Lawn Service contracted mowing and ditch maintenance, proving more cost-effective than in-housework. Long-term contracting options under review. • Public Works Structure: Initial discussion held on potential restructuring, including a hybrid model of staff and contracted services; no decisions made. • Camera Installation: Security cameras at the boat launch, recycling center, and sand pile area are nearing completion and expected to be operational within a month. • Hey.gov Platform: New digital system under review by the Finance Committee, offering online permits, service requests, facility reservations, utility billing integration, and workforce management tools. Old Business: Library Board Recommendations & Appointments • Kathryn Jargo • Jen Tepovich • Linda Stennes • Gwen Katula • One additional school district representative (pending confirmation from C-FC) Additional notes: • The Board will initially operate with five members • The structure allows expansion up to seven members if needed • Winding River Library System (WRLS) will provide guidance on: ➢ Bylaws development ➢ Organizational structure ➢ Initial onboarding and training A representative from WRLS informed a citizen that they are prepared to meet with the Board once the appointment has been confirmed. Motion S. Feraro, second S. Qualy, to appoint those afore-mentioned members to the Fountain City Municipal Library Board. Motion carried Recycling Center Opening The Recycling Center will open on May 16, 2026 (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM). Details: Accepts demolition and general disposal materials Standard tipping fees apply Brush accepted per normal procedures Staff will be present on-site for assistance New Business: Public Space Report • 7:00 Presentation today following the Common Council Meeting Resolution 2026-05 Adopting the Annual Fee Schedule Motion B. Schmidtknecht, second S. Qualy to adopt Resolution 2026-05 as presented. Motion carried Picnic License for Rhubarb Festival Motion C. Williamson, second M. Adank to approve the special event permit for the Rhubarb Festival. Motion carried Motion P. Schaffner, second B. Schmidtknecht to approve the Temporary Class B Retailer’s License (Picnic) alcohol beverage license for Rhubarb Fest. Motion carried Motion S. Feraro, second P. Schaffner to approve the bills as presented. Motion carried. Motion S. Feraro, second C. Williamson to adjourn at 6:44 PM. Motion carried. /s/ Mayor Ben Adank /s/ Deputy Clerk Michele Klein