REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 23, 2017
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 23rd day of March,
2017, 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, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to approve the agenda. Question: Aye – All. The
Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All.
The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and file the
Council meeting minutes of March 9th, to receive and file the Library Board meeting minutes of
February 8th and to approve a new 6 month class B beer permit with Sunday sales for Benton
County Ag Society.
Administrator Ward stated one person commented that the current building permit fees were
too high.
Roseanne Schwenker, 506 E 10th Street, stated she is concerned about animal neglect. She
provides foster care for dogs. She hears a dog barking inher neighborhood all the time, day and
night. Council asked her to document when she hears the barking and to call the police
department.
Dave Vermedahl, Cedar ViewCondo Associationboard member,stated they would like the City
to take over ownership and maintenance of Cedar View Drive. The width of the street is a
concern for the City. Storm water may be an issue. Public right of way would be needed.
Administrator Ward will seek a cost estimate for surveying.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on the
proposed budget for fiscal year 2017-2018. There were no comments. The Mayor closed the
hearing.
Motion byStark, second by Parmater to pass a RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE ANNUAL
BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 2018. Question: Ayes – Elwick,
Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried
and declared RESOLUTION 03-17-06 passed and approved.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to pass a RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH BUILDING,
PLUMBING, MECHANICAL AND OTHER PERMIT FEES, AMENDING RESOLUTION
NO. 02-02-10 AND SET BUILDING INSPECTOR COMPENSATION. Question: Ayes –
Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the
motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 03-17-07 passed and approved. The new fees will
be effective July 1, 2017.
Administrator Ward stated that Veenstra&Kimm, Inc. will be seeking bids this fall for the west
water tower repairs and painting. Loren Leach, V&K engineer, has preliminary specifications
for the project. The cost estimate is $450,000. The financial advisor is looking at the current
water rates.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to set a public hearing on a proposed budget amendment
for fiscal year 2016-2017 for April 13th at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared
the motion carried.
Motion by Parmater, second by Hesson to approve pay estimate #2 to WRH, Inc. for the
ultraviolet light replacement at the wastewater system plant in the amount of $59,964.95.
Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor
declared the motion carried.
Council reviewed the City’s code chapter 91 Water Meters. Water Superintendent Walker has
asked Council to consider adding the requirement of installing outdoor meter pits for new
construction or when a water service line is being replaced. This will make it easier for water
meters to be replaced because the City will not have to schedule with the home owner to get
inside the house. The meter pits do protect the meters from freezing. The estimated cost of a
meter pit is $500. Council’s general consensus was to have Administrator Ward draft an
ordinance adding the water meter pit requirement.
Mayor Watson reported the next IBSSS advisory committee meeting will be held on April 5th at
the high school.
Administrator Ward reported: 1) The financial advisor is looking at water rates and garbage
and recycling rates. 2) The airport is looking at engineering firms that will do an environmental
study on the “duck pond”. 3) FEMA was in town and looked at the 13th Street bridge. 4) FEMA
may do a relocation study for the fire department but probably not the electric generation plant.
5) The community gardens on Q Avenue will be starting soon. 6) ECICOG will be working on
the flood buyouts.
The City’s property and liability insurance renewals were received with a minimal increase in
premiums.
Parr inquired about the old braille school power plant. The building inspector will be asked to
check on this property.
Good & Welfare: The hospital is hosting a health fair. Habitat for Humanity will be working
on homes in Vinton this summer.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:50 p.m.
________________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk
Categories: 2017Meeting Minutes