Greenlawn secures caretaking into 2028

AFTON - A question mark on Greenlawn Cemetery can finally be erased following the city council’s approval of a three-year contract for mowing from Kelly Klommhaus.

Klommhaus, originally hired in 2024 as an emergency mower for Labor Day events, secured a year-long contract for Greenlawn’s upkeep in 2025. Following praise from the city and Greenlawn’s independent board, the city accepted a new contract for Klommhaus to continue his work into 2028 for $35,000 annually.

As part of the contract, Klommhaus will perform mowing and spraying of the cemetery grounds. The contract includes annual caretaking of planted peonies on graves within the cemetery, a tradition now preserved.

During last Tuesday’s city council meeting, city officials discussed the possibility of adding an additional contract for Memorial Day activities or offering the opportunity for fundraising local organizations such as FFA.

Gary Clear and Harold Dalton renewed their positions to the cemetery board following their recommendation during the meeting. Their appointments were approved; Councilmember Kristie Nixon abstained from this vote.

In other Afton City Council news...

Other city boards received appointments. Afton’s rec board saw the renewal of Brandon Cosner and Jacob Roan to the board. Cosner and Roan initially joined the board to fill the terms of individuals who had resigned and will continue with new terms following the recommendation of the board. Their new terms will last three years.

The city’s planning and zoning board saw Mark Williams and Mary Hill appointed for five-year terms. The board of adjustments appointed Sharon Swanson for a five-year term.

The Afton Development Corporation, represented by K’Lea Johnson during the meeting, requested permission to install a new town sign to replace an aging sign near the entrance of town and St. Edwards Catholic Church. The replacement sign is expected to be similar but longer lasting.

Due to the sign’s visibility from the highway, additional communication will need to be performed with the Iowa DOT and other organizations in order for the replacement to occur. Johnson said the ADC expects to pay for the full replacement.

Tara Boswell spoke during the meeting and asked the city to take action on an elm tree on nearby city property which has dropped branches on and damaged Boswell’s property on West Iowa Street.

Boswell was concerned the tree could injure local residents or damage nearby utility structures. Members of the city council committed to researching the tree and possibly hire a specialist to make a decision.

Along with accepting the audit review for fiscal year 2025, audit services for fiscal years 2027 through 2029 were approved for an increasing annual cost ($12,400 in 2027, $13,350 in 2028, $14,375 in 2029).

A family’s request for an exemption from the city’s fencing ordinance for their property was approved. Larry and Rhonda Baumfalk received the exemption after the issue was originally introduced in October.

Alcohol licenses were approved for a cattlemen’s banquet event by Sidetrack, LLC (on the condition of completed requirements) and an annual license for local restaurant L Ranchito.

Meggen Weeks will continue as city attorney for $250/hr.