City Council Regular Meeting Minutes

A regular meeting of the Lenox City Council was called to order by Mayor Douglas on July 13, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall with the following council members answering roll call: Peterson, Huffman, Hodges and Beck; Tull was absent. Staff present was City Administrator, Allison Kitzman and City Clerk, Dawne Bowman. Visitors at the meeting were Colleen Larimer, Cindy Cox, Kristi Ritchie and George Pryor.

Hodges made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried.

Beck made a motion to approve 6/22/26 regular meeting minutes, seconded by Peterson, all ayes, motion carried. Peterson made a motion to approve payment of the bills, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried. Peterson made a motion to approve June 2026 Clerk Treasurer Report, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried.

There was a discussion on the portable toilet for the Walking Trail. Beck made a motion to approve a portable toilet at the north Walking Trail at a fee of $130 per month for 3 months, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried.

George Pryor entered the meeting at 5:37PM.

Kitzman reviewed the Construction Bids for 2025 Lenox Pool Improvement Project. As the bids came in high, Kitzman worked with engineer to find ways to cut costs without losing the integrity of the project. The manufacturing company for the water features was changed; however, the new manufacturer did not have a frog, so it was changed to an alligator. The tiger slide will be plumbed, but not purchased at this time. The Variable Frequency Drive on the pump was taken out, as it is not necessary. The Chemical Bulk Storage Tank was also removed from the project. The ADA lift chair was changed from a 600lb to 450lb. Also removed from the project was 2 of the shade features. The footings will be completed for them to be purchased at a later date. With all these changes, there was a savings of $101,391.00. There was discussion of the basketball hoops and the climbing wall. Kitzman stated that these are not items that can be added later, as they require electrical bonding so the city would have to have these items approved by the state and find a contractor to perform the work. Cindy Cox mentioned that the LLOL met and was in favor of the basketball hoops, more than the climbing wall. Kristi Ritchie discussed possible fundraising for the items that can come later, such as the shade features and the tiger slide. Ritchie added, there is also a Phase 3 to this project which would include the bathhouse, but at this time we need action. Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution 26-17 Accepting Bid from Building Crafts Base Bid with Valuable Engineering Options Deducted and Basketball Goal Alternate Bid, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried. The estimated cost of the project is $666,909.00 with approximately $12,007.59 contingency.

Peterson made a motion to approve Dally Post Saloon Retail Tobacco Permit Application, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried.

Beck made a motion to approve Engineering Agreement for 2027 Road Project in the amount of $88,700.00, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried.

Hodges made a motion to approve Resolution 26-24 Approving Contracts and Bonds for Cemetery Road Project, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution 26-25 Certificate of Deposits Renewal, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried. This is for 2 CD's, one for the gas fund that will renew for another 12 months at 3.7% APY. The other is a CD for the Fire Department that will not be renewed, as it will be used to purchase their new truck.

Peterson made a motion to approve Resolution 26-26 Designating the Official Physical Posting Location for Public Meetings and Agendas, seconded by Hodges, all ayes, motion carried. The location is the front door at City Hall.

Beck approved Resolution 26-27 to Participate in the Planning and Development Programs of the Southern Iowa Council of Governments, seconded by Huffman, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson approved the Lenox Sorority Special Event Permit Application for the Rodeo Parade, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried.

Peterson made a motion to approve Dally Post Saloon Special Event Application for the Rodeo Street Dance, seconded by Beck, all ayes, motion carried.

Hodges made a motion to approve Dally Post Saloon Alcohol License Amendment to Include Outdoor Service Area for Rodeo Dance, seconded by Peterson, all ayes, motion carried.

Hodges motioned to adjourn the meeting, Beck seconded, all ayes, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:10 PM.