City of Salix, Iowa - REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES (06/10/26)

Mayor Nelson opened the regular meeting of the Salix City Council at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.  Council members present: Gene Monk, Denise Burkhart, Emily Clayton, Brenda Smith-Hansen.

Others present: Ashley Mareau, Ed Colyer, John Hines, Salix’s City Attorney, Chad Kehrt with V&K.

• The Woodbury County Sheriff Report was reviewed by the council & Sherriff Luesebrink.

• Mayor Nelson opened the Public Forum. Hines again explained the normal policy for Public Forum at a City Council Meeting. Many residents spoke of their continued concerns. They have many concerns of a data center coming in, and the negative effects it may have on our city. Many have homes near the annexed land, and do not want industry/commercial developments near their homes. Two spoke positively of the annexation and possibility of growth in  Salix. ALL are hopeful an end user can provide more information.   

• Colyer spoke of remaining water meters needing installed, and water issues at the Water Tower. 

• Kehrt spoke of Aspen Lift Station filling with water. 

• Resolution 2026-12 Authorizing Clerk Transfer of Funds for FY26  was approved on motion from Monk and seconded by Smith-Hansen.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hanson (aye).  Resolution 2026-12 passed and approved.

• Resolution 2026-13 Authorizing Clerk to Forego Transfers for Water Plant Maintenance was approved on motion from Clayton and seconded by Monk.  Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hansen (aye).  Resolution 2026-13 passed and approved.

• The Consent Agenda was approved on motion from Clayton. Smith-Hansen seconded.  All ayes, motion carried.   

a. Approval of financial reports

b. Approval of bills and payroll

CASEYS: Pick-up Fuel $207.43, CHN: Garbage $2,860.05, CINDY VANAUKEN: Flowers & Mulch $130.46, CRARY HUFF: Legal $1,344.75, EFTPS: Fed/Fica Taxes $1,572.79, FOUNDATION ANALYTICAL LAB: Water Testing $55.00,  IA DEPT OF REVENUE: Sales Tax $484.60, IMWCA: Workman’s Comp Premium $1,251.00, IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY: Water Tower, Well, Lift Station Loan Payments $40,650.00, IPERS: Ipers $1,077.34, JBE LLC: Sewer Help $400.00, JDH SERVICES: 180Gals MEC Amine D $800.00, LONG LINES: Telephone $39.65, MIDAMERICAN: Gas & Electric $1,459.74, MIRACLE RECREATION: Magic Ball Popper Dome $977.89, MITCHELL CONTRACTING: Water Main Break Perm Fix (2nd ½) $6,250.00, RP CONSTRUCTORS, LLC: Lagoon Transfer Pipe Jetting $1,755.00, S&S EQUIPMENT, INC: New Mower Engine & Repairs $6,025.89, SGT BLUFF ADVOCATE: Publications $525.18, SIOUXLAND WELL CO.: Pump out & Dump Fees $350.00, SLOAN STATE BANK: Aspen Sewer Loan $21,300.00, USA BLUE BOOK: Water Plant Supplies $911.30, VERIZON Cell Phones $100.37, VISA: Office Supplies, Mower Blades, Bobcat Battery, Postage $467.96 

PAYROLL: $6,793.06 FUND TOTALS:  GEN: $12,959.24, ROAD USE: $9,097.79, DEBT SERVICE: $21,300.00, WATER: $11,017.44, WATER SINKING: $35,873.75, SEWER: $4,266.06, SEWER SINKING: $4,776.25

c. Approval of May 13th  Regular Council Meeting minutes, and May 27th Special Budget Meeting minutes.

d. Approval of Public Works reports

• Clayton motioned to approve Walker’s Retail Tobacco License. Burkhart seconded. All ayes, motioned carried.

• Mayor Nelson spoke of storm damage, tree pile at park. 

• Voting on removal bids for tree pile was tabled with a  motion by Clayton, seconded by Monk. All ayes on tabling voting on bids for tree pile removal at this time. No written bids have been received. 

• Mayor spoke of resignation of Council Member Nick Black on May 27th. Asked Council how they wish to proceed with vacancy. Burkhart motioned to Appoint a new Council Member at July 8th meeting. Seconded by Smith-Hasen. Roll call vote: Monk (aye), Burkhart (aye), Clayton (aye), Smith-Hanson (aye).  Appointment process passed and approved. 

• MidAmerican Energy had representatives there to speak on the concerns brought up during the Public Forum. They spoke of the letter they submitted to the City, which was available to all at meeting. Explained this is very early in the process, and more information will be provided once they have it.

Salix Drainage District Updates

Mayor Nelson spoke of working with Drainage Attorney Buske to get warrants and bonds in place for Drainage Repairs.

Revenues received by fund for May 2026: 

General: $6,445.96, Road Use: $3,046.81, Employee Benefits: $189.91, Local Option Sales Tax: $4,645.30, Debt Service: $1,779.25, Cap Project: $0.00, Water: $12,060.46, Water Sinking: $3,530.00,  Sewer: $2,396.08, Sewer Sinking: $448.33 Total Revenues: $34,542.07

The meeting was adjourned at 8:27pm by a motion from Clayton and seconded by Burkhart. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

Attest:

Kevin Nelson, Mayor 

Ashley Mareau, Clerk