The Royal City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, 6:30 p.m. at the Community Building. Mayor Ihry called the meeting to order and the roll was called with the following council members present: Bill Burgeson, Monica Kelly, Tabitha Howe, Jeff Van Westen.
Mayor Ihry then read a letter of resignation from council member Johnnie King. The council acknowledged the resignation. General discussion followed on a possible replacement. Mayor Ihry gave the council her recommendation for a council member. The council would like to make an appointment to avoid a costly election. The city attorney will be contacted about notification.

The minutes of the previous meeting had been read by the council. M. Kelly made a motion to approve the December minutes. J. Van Westen seconded. All ayes; motion carried.
The financial report and bills for January were reviewed by the council. M. Kelly made a motion to approve the financial report. J. Van Westen seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Mike Buren presented his maintenance report. He reported that work will be done soon on a lift station pump. Barb Fletcher presented her clerk's report. She was given permission to contact Scott Breidinger to make repairs to the community building wall.

Mayor Ihry made the following appointments for the city council members - Jeff Van Westen-Mayor Pro-Tem, emergency management, police & new business; Tabitha Howe-water, sewer, sanitation; Bill Burgeson-Fire Dept., streets & alleys; Monica Kelly-parks & recreation; the new council member will be maintenance.

J. Van Westen made a motion to reappoint Barb Fletcher as city clerk/treasurer. B. Burgeson seconded. All ayes; motion carried. J. Van Westen made a motion to reappoint Mike Buren as city street, sewer & maintenance supt. M. Kelly seconded. All ayes; motion carried. M. Kelly made a motion to reappoint the Hartley Sentinel/Everly-Royal News as the city's official newspaper. T. Howe seconded. All ayes; motion carried. J. Van Westen made a motion to reappoint the Home State Bank as the city's official depository. B. Burgeson seconded. All ayes; motion carried. T. Howe made a motion to reappoint Bradley Howe as the city's official attorney. M. Kelly seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Mayor Ihry reminded council members and employees that any reimbursement expese should have explanation of items and/or mileage, be signed and given to the city clerk for reimbursement.

The Royal Public Library is applying for a grant from the Clay County Community Foundation. The city is a 501 (c) (3) group and has to sponsor said application. The library is asking for funds for two new computers, desks and software. T. Howe made a motion to fiscally sponsor this application. M. Kelly seconded. All ayes; motion carried.

Iowa Lakes Regional Water will be increasing the city's water rate by 5% effective July 1, 2012. The council decided not to raise water rates at this time and continue to monitor the situation.

Tabitha Howe was appointed as the city's representative to the Northwest Iowa Area Solid Waste Agency and Monica Kelly will serve as the alternate.

Barb passed around tax forms for new council members and Mayor to complete.

Budget forms for 2012-13 were given to the council for review. The budget will be gone over by line item in February.

J. Van Westen made a motion to adjourn the meeting. T. Howe seconded. Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

Florence Ihry, Mayor