REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 10, 2016
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 10th day of March, 2016, 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, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Absent: Hessenius, Stark.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mayor Watson reported item 12 needed to be deleted from tonight’s agenda. Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to approve the amended agenda. Question: Aye – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Parr to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and file the Council meeting minutes of Feb. 25, 2016, approve invoices, receive and file the February revenue and expenditure report, receive and file the Parks and Rec. board meeting minutes of Feb. 11, 2016, receive and file the 2015 Water Report and to approve the renewal of a class b native wine permit with Sunday sales for Hope Chest Antiques and Décor.
Eric and Donna Lamphier, 1304 E 7th Street, spoke to council about a water drainage issue on their property. They would like to have a culvert installed. Their neighbor Donna Martin, 1302 E 6th Street, is okay with the idea of a culvert. The street and water superintendents will look into this for the Lamphiers.
Kurt Karr, iVinton member, told council this committee is looking for firms that can do telecommunications feasibility studies.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-2017. The proposed budget is $16.50 per thousand, same as the current year levy. The Mayor closed the hearing.
Motion by Parr, second by Elwick to pass a RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2017. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 03-16-01 passed and approved.
Motion by Parmater, second by Elwick to pass a RESOLUTION TO DECLARE CERTAIN CITY PROPERTY AS SURPLUS PROPERTY. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION
03-16-02 passed and approved. The 1984 Grass Rig Jeep will be sold.
Motion by Parr, second by Hesson to pass a RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A SEWER JETTER TRUCK. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 03-16-03 passed and approved. The bid is awarded to Vactor for $355,522.50. This price includes trading in the city’s 1985 model.
Councilman Parr spoke to council on behalf of Mitch Long, 1203 E 15th Street. Parr asked if the ditch along the county home road could be cleaned out. The county would have to be contacted for this. He also asked if a valve with a shut off could be put in.
Nate Kass, Fehr Graham engineer, suggested that for a possible housing development that it be done in two or three phases. A new development would include curb and gutters and seal coat streets. Motion by Parr, second by Hesson to approve a not to exceed $600 cost estimate for Fehr Graham to prepare an engineering estimate for phase one. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The proposed area is south of the high school.
The Presbyterian Church, 608 1st Avenue, is requesting diagonal parking along 6th Street. They would need to use the right of way portion. Street superintendent stated this would give an additional 2 parking spaces. Council asked if the funeral home along the other one-half of this block is interested in this diagonal parking. If this project is approved, no cost will be paid by the city. Motion by Parmater, second by Parr to table this topic. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Administrator Ward will seek more information from the church.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to pass a RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE BENTON COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parmater, Parr. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 03-16-04 passed and approved. Steve Meyer Consulting has prepared this plan.
Motion by Parmater, second by Elwick to table the water pump repairs and replacements till the next meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Police Chief Paxton asked if council would consider a full-time secretary for his department. When they have a full council they plan to discuss this.
Mayor Watson reported contacting DNR about two houses the city was awarded through the court system. The houses could be burned if the shingles are removed. Motion by Hesson, second by Elwick to approve seeking bids for removing shingles and accept the lowest bid. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Administrator Ward reported he will be attending the IMMI conference in Iowa City. He also stated he has been appointed to a creative corridor committee.
The Clerk reported the part-time accounts payable position has been filled. The North East Iowa Regional League’s next meeting is on franchise fees.
Chief Paxton reported with the nicer weather there has been some issues with residents’ vehicles. He also stated more contributions have come in for the K-9 unit. The evidence room has been reorganized.
Good & Welfare: The middle school play Pocahontas is this weekend.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:25 p.m.
____________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk