Norwich City Council Minutes 6-1-26

Mayor Mitch Hewitt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  Council members present: Nathan Adams, June Hardaway, Eldon Headrick, Lanny Hower, and Steve VanGieson.  Employees present: Chrissy Bartel, Chris Bartel, Muriel Boyce, Carol Poe, Tab Turner, and Monte Vavra.

Citizens present: Molly Wall and Lindsay Hardaway.

Upon the mayor’s recommendation, and consensus of the council, of Steve VanGieson to fill the vacant council seat, Carol Poe performed the loyalty oath for Steve VanGieson.

Molly Wall presented the Summer Fun schedule and street closure applications.  June Hardaway moved to approve both street closure applications for July 10 & July 11 as presented.  Lanny Hower 2nd.  Motion carried 5-0.  June Hardaway moved to approve the 2026 Summer Fun schedule of events.  Nathan Adams 2nd.  Motion carried 5-0.

Lindsay Hardaway gave a tour of the upstairs 4-H/fire room.  Ms. Hardaway reviewed the time and money spent on the upgrade and asked the council if they would replace the windows and obtain a mini split/HVAC system.

Eldon Headrick moved to approve the consent agenda, including the May 4, 2026, regular meeting minutes, treasurer’s report through April 30, 2026, and warrants through May 31, 2026.  Lanny Hower 2nd.  Motion carried 5-0.

Nathan Adams made a motion to approve the special warrants for Ye Olde General Store, which was seconded by Eldon Headrick.  The motion passed with a vote of 4-0, while June Hardaway abstained from voting.

June Hardaway reviewed the swimming pool.

Nathan Adams discussed airport painting and getting bids for windows upstairs.

Lanny Hower stated the streets that were sealed look good.  Mr. Hower also mentioned the sidewalks on Westview need to be removed before millings and the curb by telephone office needs fixed.  The purchase of a backhoe was discussed.

Monte Vavra provided his public works report.  Mr. Vavra discussed problems with city truck, rezoning a property, and getting bids for pool painting.  He will also be ordering salt for the water plant next week.

Tab Turner gave an oral fire report.

Chrissy Bartel provided her EMS report.  After discussion, June Hardaway moved to approve having a travel voucher fundraiser.  Nathan Adams 2nd.  Motion carried 5-0.  Ms. Bartel requested spending memorial funds for an airway training manikin and a Verathon Glidescope totaling $5,114.38.  Eldon Headrick moved to approve spending memorial funds as stated.  Nathan Adams 2nd.  Motion carried 5-0.

Carol Poe provided her admin/clerk report.  Ms. Poe stated the accounting software is being upgraded and is working on the budget.  She also gave an update on grants.

Muriel Boyce provided her treasurer report.

Chris Bartel provided his compliance hours.  A blanket ordinance to replace law enforcement with compliance officer or city personnel was discussed.

The mayor discussed the burn pile and the need to manage it.

Carol Poe stated no fireworks licenses were requested.

2027 budget was discussed.

June Hardaway passed out suggestions on updates to the personnel policy to be reviewed and discussed next month.

The next meeting will be July 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Eldon Headrick moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:02 p.m., June Hardaway 2nd.  Motion carried 5-0.