UPDATE: The New Hampton City Council has taken decisive action to tackle persistent flooding issues around Mikkelson Park. After a critical 49-minute closed session on Monday night, council members unanimously approved a resolution directing City Attorney Todd Prichard to engage with two affected families regarding a strict deadline for resolving easement negotiations.
The council is pushing for a resolution by November 13. If the families—Nick and Lindsey Valentini and Garnant-Erickson Farm LLC—do not comply, the city will initiate condemnation proceedings. This urgent step comes as flooding has continued to disrupt the community, impacting both residents and local infrastructure.
City Clerk Karen Clemens revealed that the city plans to install drainage tiles on the Valentini and Garnant-Erickson properties. This would redirect stormwater during heavy rains into a nearby creek, significantly reducing flooding risks. “We have a responsibility to help those residents,” Clemens stated, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the issue. “This has continued and continued and continued. We have to move forward.”
However, communication has stalled, particularly between the city and the Valentinis, who are waiting on a variance from the Board of Adjustment to allow construction on their property. They have indicated a willingness to grant the easement if their height variance request is approved. “The Board of Adjustment has to make its decision solely based on the variance request,” Clemens added, underlining the procedural hurdles still in play.
In addition to the flooding concerns, the council held a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the New Hampton Urban Renewal Area. This amendment will facilitate tax-increment financing (TIF) to partially fund the construction of an extension to Rusty Kennedy Road in the South Industrial Park.
The council also approved a cost-sharing agreement with New Hampton Transfer and Storage, committing to cover 50 percent of water-looping construction costs, up to $250,000. This agreement may be revisited if future water quality reports do not show significant improvement.
Additionally, the council welcomed Lucas Kleckner as the newest police officer. Kleckner, certified by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, is set to begin his duties in a matter of weeks and may serve as the police department’s K9 handler. The city will cover his remaining contract with Belmond at a cost of approximately $9,100, ensuring a smooth transition for the new officer.
As the city moves forward with these critical initiatives, the urgency of resolving the Mikkelson flooding issue remains paramount. Residents and local officials alike are hopeful that these developments will lead to a swift resolution and improved safety for the community. The council’s next steps will be closely watched as the November 13 deadline approaches.
