Aurelia council approves $601,300 water loan note, moves city account to Cherokee State Bank and OKs parks, safety and personnel spending

The Aurelia City Council on Jan. 19 approved a $601,300 Water Revenue Loan and Disbursement Agreement note, moved the city’s general fund checking account to Cherokee State Bank and authorized several budgeted expenditures and personnel appointments.

Council approved Resolution 25-18 authorizing and securing payment of the $601,300 water loan note after closing a public hearing on the proposal. Council Member Nelson moved the resolution and Council Member Bruce seconded; the motion carried with all members present voting aye. The council also approved Resolution 25-17 disposing of an interest in city-owned real estate; Nelson moved and Johnson seconded and the motion carried.

During the meeting Jill Byers described services Cherokee State Bank planned to provide after opening a branch in Aurelia. Council Member Bruce moved to transfer the city’s general fund checking account to Cherokee State Bank; Council Member Johnson seconded and the motion passed on a unanimous vote of members present (Council Member Bleil was absent).

Economic development and community programs received support: Bill Anderson summarized Cherokee Area Economic Development’s 2025 accomplishments, and the council approved a $626 city contribution toward a Hometown Pride tree-distribution program after a presentation from Deb Galvin. Denny Weathers of Aurelia Economic Development described a grant application for new pickleball courts; the council authorized $5,000 toward the project’s first phase.

On public safety and equipment, the council received police and public works reports, discussed a new police vehicle estimate and approved a motion directing Chief Brian Flikeid to order a Ford Police Interceptor from Stivers Midwest Pro Upfitters.

Contract and payment actions included council approval of the Accura Healthcare Agreement and Haselhoff Construction pay application #5 in the amount of $68,419.30. Council Member Fassler moved to approve the pay application; Council Member Bruce seconded and the motion carried.

The council approved fire department officer appointments as follows: Luke Erpelding as Fire Chief, Jim Bezoni as first assistant chief, Mark Lindgren as second assistant chief, Dustin Wieland as foreman and Cindy Nelson as secretary. The motion to approve the appointments passed with Council Members Fassler, Johnson and Bruce voting aye and Council Member Nelson recording an abstention.

The council also approved a tax abatement for property at 204 Honeysuckle Lane. Meeting business concluded with a landfill report, announcements that the next regular meetings will be Feb. 23 and March 23, and adjournment at 8:45 p.m.

The meeting record lists Roman Redig as mayor and Steph McSparran as city clerk.