REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 23, 2015
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 23rd day of November, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Watson presided and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Absent: Bendull.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Parr to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and file the Council meeting minutes of November 12, 2015 and November 14, 2015, receive and file the Library Board meeting minutes of September 9, 2015 and October 14, 2015, receive and file the Parks and Recreation Board meeting minutes of November 12, 2015 and to receive and file the Airport Commission meeting minutes of November 18, 2015.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to approve a request for the Tour DeLights run/walk route on December 6, 2015. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on a proposal to dispose on an interest in real property for Lot Five, Maple Lane Subdivision Part One, by taking bids. An interested party was not yet present. Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to table this topic till later on during this meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The Mayor closed the hearing.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on a proposal to dispose on an interest in real property for Lot Seven, Maple Lane Subdivision Part One, by taking bids. One written bid was received from Jim Hill for $1,680.00, plus costs. The Mayor closed the hearing. Motion by Parmater, second by Stark to accept this bid. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Closing on this lot shall be on or before January 1, 2016. A single family dwelling is to be built within five years.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on a proposal to dispose on an interest in real property for Lot Nine, Maple Lane Subdivision Part One, by taking bids. One written bid was received from Jay Usher for $1,680.00, plus costs. The Mayor closed the hearing. Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to accept this bid. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Closing on this lot shall be on or before January 1, 2016. A single family dwelling is to be built within five years.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Parmater to adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF VINTON, IOWA, BY AMENDING PROVISIONS PERTAINING TO THE INSTALLATION OF WATER SERVICE PIPE. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and that said ordinance had been given its initial passage. This ordinance amendment will require adding tracer wire to be buried along with new water service pipes.
One housing needs assessment proposal was received from Maxfield Research and Consulting. The total cost is $15,615.00. A possible grant from ECICOG could help fund this project. The housing needs assessment would be necessary for any developer to receive tax credits. It also would help the City with potentially qualifying for a CDBG grant for sewer plant improvements. Council’s general consensus was to proceed with this study. A resolution to approve the Maxfield proposal will be on the next council agenda.
Administrator Ward reported he had looked into what other communities have for building inspectors. He reported that Vinton is the largest community in the state that does not have a full time building inspector. Center Point may be interested in forming a 28E agreement to share a building inspector. A building inspector/code enforcer could also work on nuisance abatements and planning and zoning issues. Administrator Ward will seek possible commitments from Center Point, Atkins and other nearby communities.
Bendull joined the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Motion by Parmater, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO REFUND SPECIAL REVENUES. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 11-15-07 passed and approved.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve pay estimate #4 and change orders #1 and #2 for the airport runway 9/27 improvements project. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared the motion carried. Eggleston Concrete Contractors will be paid $14,933.99.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to approve the Annual Urban Renewal Report. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Bendull to approve a sidewalk reimbursement to Tenny and Deb Jertson, 410 E 4th Street, in the amount of $500.00. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Councilman Parr inquired about weeds along the railroad tracks. Administrator Ward will contact the railroad company.
Mayor Watson attempted to contact via phone the person supposedly interested in Lot 5 of Maple Lane Subdivision Part One. He did not make contact. This lot did not sell.
Mayor Watson reported the new landfill cell is in operation. He attended a meeting with IMWCA on worker compensation insurance. Employees should wear seatbelts when driving or riding in vehicles. Administrator Ward reported he had posted two houses with petitions for the court process. Auditors were here today working on the electric utility. He and the clerk attended a budget workshop. He will be starting the budget for fiscal year 2016-2017 soon. The Clerk reported Mr. Staab will be retiring at the end of the year. The library was given 3 computers. A new server computer will be installed this week. Rick Ohrt and Tyler Technologies will be doing this. City Hall is closed Nov. 26th and 27th.
Good & Welfare: Happy Thanksgiving.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:20 p.m.
________________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk