Packet: Tiffin Regular City Council Meeting (09/15/2026)

Agenda Item: E-1 ` City of Tiffin, Iowa Meeting: Tiffin City Council Meeting [AMENDED] Place: Tiffin City Hall 300 Railroad St, Tiffin, Iowa, 52340 Date/Time: September 1, 2026 – 7:00 p.m. Web Page: www.tiffin-iowa.org Posted: August 27, 2026 (website & front entry of City Hall) Mayor: Tim Kasparek W/WW Superintendent: Brett Mehmen Council At Large: Tim Orris – Mayor Pro-Tem D. of Public Works: Brian Detert Council At Large: Tony Johnson Recreation Director: Grant Weber Council At Large: Skylar Limkemann Building Official: Brian Shay Council At Large: Chris Olney Library Director: Elizabeth Petersen Grier Council At Large: Eric Schnedler Interim Fire Chief: Tom Hartshorn City Administrator: Doug Boldt City Engineer: MSA Professional Services Asst. City Administrator: Ashley Platz City Clerk: Abigail Hora City Attorney: Crystal Raiber Work Session - Call to Order – 5:30 PM A. Roll Call The City of Tiffin City Council held a work session Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Tiffin City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Kasparek called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM. Upon roll being called the following members were present: Tim Orris, Eric Schnedler, Tony Johnson, Chris Olney and Skylar Limkemann. Others present were City Administrator Doug Boldt, Assistant City Administrator Ashley Platz, and City Clerk Abigail Hora. B. Agenda Additions/Agenda Approval Motion to approve by Olney. Second by Orris. All ayes, agenda approved. C. Discussion and Review of Fire Department Operations, Activities and Outlook Report Discussion: Interim Fire Chief Tom Hartshorn provided an update on the Tiffin Fire Department’s progress over the past three months. Key areas of focus have included improving organizational structure, training, policies, equipment, and operational readiness. Call volume continues to increase, with approximately 695 calls expected in 2026. Department staffing and response coverage remain ongoing concerns, particularly overnight. Officer responsibilities have been reorganized to provide clearer accountability. Training opportunities have increased, including optional and small-group training. The new Engine 152 is now fully operational. The department is developing an EMS-only membership option to improve recruitment and response reliability. Part-time firefighter staffing options are being evaluated to supplement the volunteer paid-per-call model. A part-time training officer is also being considered to strengthen the department’s training program. Mutual aid coordination with surrounding departments continues to improve. The Chief identified department culture, trust, morale, and member engagement as areas needing attention. Future priorities include staffing, training, apparatus replacement planning, a new fire station, and eventually transitioning to a full-time Fire Chief. D. Discussion and Review of 2026 Community Events and Sponsorship Report – Rec Fest E. Questions from Council Members regarding items on the Regular City Council Agenda or Reports F. Other Business G. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Schnedler. Second by Orris. All ayes, meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM. City Council Agenda Page 1 of 3