REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 27, 2017
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 27th day of April,
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, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Absent: Hessenius, Parmater.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to approve the agenda. Question: Aye – All. The
Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Parr, second by Stark to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All. Nays
– None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and
file the Council meeting minutes of April 13, 2017, the Library Board meeting minutes of March
8, 2017 andthe Airport Commission meeting minutes of April 19, 2017, andto approve the
renewals of a class C liquor license for American Legion, a class B native wine permit with
Sunday sales for Cameron’s and a class E liquor license with Sunday sales for John’s Qwik Stop.
The library received a thank you letter from Morris and Ida Higgins.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to pass a RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A PROPOSAL
FOR AUDITS OF THE CITY OF VINTON FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30, 2017, 2018
AND 2019. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared
the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 04-17-04 passed and approved.
Council’s general consensus was to proceed with gravelling the west half of an alley in the 200
block between 4th and 5th Avenues. This is due to the E 3rd Street reconstruction project.
Jerry Michael, building inspector, reported on building permits. There are currently 4 houses
under construction. The hospital is working on their expansion. Brian Hamling is rebuilding an
apartment building after last year’s tornado. Michael is looking into seven nuisance properties.
The police department will be assisting him with three administrative warrants. The new
building permit fee schedule goes into effect on July 1, 2017.
Administrator Ward stated that recently passed state legislation will allow Vinton time to look
at possible use options for the IBSSS campus. A new section in Iowa Code 270.10 gives the
City of Vinton the right of first refusal to the IBSSS property. City Attorney Fischer helped draft
language for Representative Pettengill and Senator Kapucian to work with at the State. The bill is
on the Governor’s desk to be signed. The next visioning committee meeting will be held on May
2nd, from 6 to 9 pm, at the Kirkwood Center.
B.J. Wayson would like to re-subdivide his property to sell a small 30 foot parcel to a new
property owner. The planning and zoning commission should review this request and make a
recommendation back to Council. Motion by Parr, second by Stark to refer this re-subdivision
request to the Planning & Zoning commission. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the
motion carried.
Council discussed the idea of making the airport a regional airport. A few businesses do
operate at the airport. Benton Development Group will be contacted for their input. If the City
would share the airport with the County, a 28E agreement will be needed.
Administrator Ward reported that he and Attorney Fischer have been talking with the hospital
and the county assessor about property taxes and road use taxes and Cedar View Drive. Ward
also reported that IDOT is calculating quantities for the E 3rd Street project to verify the
contractor with the lowest bid. Ward stated the owner of the Imperial Apartments, which were
damaged by last year’s tornado, is working with his insurance company. FEMA was in Vinton
last Monday to look at the sewer line near the river. Council asked Ward to contact AquaDam
about a possible flood prevention plan using their flood barriers.
Clerk reported that Attorney Fischer has completed the sale proceedings for the A Avenue lot.
The City has received payment for the lot and a reimbursement for expenses from LDM, Inc.
The fifth annual Party in Pink 5K is planned for June 23rd. VGH asked to put a memo on utility
billings about this event. Council’s general consensus was to approve this request. Renewal of
the City’s health insurance plan will be on the next Council agenda.
Good & Welfare: The City of Vinton has earned the recognition as a 2016 Tree City USA by
the Arbor Day Foundation.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:05 p.m.
________________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk
Categories: 2017Meeting Minutes