Britt council approves nuisance-mowing contract, containment tank and traffic-safety pilot

The City of Britt City Council on July 7 approved a series of routine and operational measures, including a two-year contract for nuisance mowing, a Vessco containment tank purchase and a trial purchase of two blinking lights for 25 mph signs.

At the meeting called to order by Mayor Jim Nelson at 6:00 p.m., the council voted to approve the agenda (with the removal of a mayor’s report item) and to accept the consent agenda. The consent agenda included approval of minutes for June 16 and June 17, 2026; a claims report listed at $178,021.93 for July 7; and a Special Class B Native Wine license renewal for Gifts Sew Sweet, Inc., 1 Main Ave S.

Council member Stewart moved to approve a contract with 3 Season Lawn Service to mow nuisance properties under a two-year agreement; Council member Hildman seconded and the motion carried. An earlier motion to accept a bid from Jim Thompson to provide the same service—conditioned on proof of liability insurance—failed for lack of a second.

The council also approved a Vessco proposal to purchase a containment tank for $2,995.51 after a motion from Council member Romer and a second from Council member Hildman. Council members approved a $100 payment to Cooper McLaughlin for compliance checks and accepted the appointment of Curt Gast to the Planning and Zoning Board.

For traffic-safety measures, Council member Stewart moved and Council member Hiscocks seconded to buy two blinking lights for 25 mph signs at the intersection of 7th Ave SE and Jewell Ave as a trial; the motion carried.

Administratively, the council approved adopting the Iowa League of Cities Records Retention Manual, changed the Mayor/Council payroll date to coincide with the first regular payroll of each month, and approved on-site training from Metering & Technology. Several line-item claims and fund totals were recorded in the minutes for the period 6/17/26–7/7/26, with an itemized claims list included in the official minutes.

A proposal to allow golf carts on Main Street was tabled; the council asked citizens to provide a proposal explaining the rationale and an operational plan before further discussion. Other topics briefly noted for future attention included golf course equipment, city restrooms for Hobo Days and bikes/scooters.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54 p.m. and the minutes were signed by Mayor Jim Nelson and attested by City Administrator/Clerk Diane Price.