REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 23, 2015
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 23rd day of July, 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: Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mayor Watson swore in the three new police officers, William Spece, Wesley Meyer and Justin Coshow.
Motion by Stark, second by Parmater to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are: receive and file the council meeting minutes of July 9th, Library Board minutes of May 13th, Parks & Rec. Board minutes of June 11th and Airport Commission minutes of July 15th; approve the renewal of a class c liquor license with Sunday sales for Berry’s Lanes and approve the renewal of a class c beer permit with Sunday sales for Fast Stop.
Stark reported the public safety committee had met to discuss the golf cart ordinance. This committee recommends an annual permit, proof of insurance, no standing on a cart, nor sitting on another’s lap on a golf cart.
Darrell Christy stated that the Iowa Northern Railroad has planned a mini rail car day on Sept. 12th. He requested to close 8th Avenue from 6th Street to 8th Street to allow the participants to load and unload their mini rail cars onto the railroad track. This will be a few hours in the morning and a few hours later in the day. Motion by Vermedahl, second by Elwick to approve this request. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Chuck Yedlik, Boomtown representative, thanked council for their past support to Boomtown. This year will be their 9th annual event. He asked council to consider a financial contribution again for this year’s event. Motion by Parmater, second by Bendull to approve a $2,000 contribution to Boomtown. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Vermedahl. Abstain – Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Vermedahl, second by Elwick to pass a RESOLUTION SETTING DATE FOR SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE AND REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2015 AND AUTHORIZING THE USE OF A PRELIMINARY OFFICAL STATEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE SALE OF THE BONDS. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 07-15-03 passed and approved. The sale date is set for August 13th.
Council recessed at 7:15 p.m. and reconvened at 7:20 p.m.. Council stepped outside to look at the sewer departments old mowers.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID FOR SEWER DEPARTMENT MOWER. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – Bendull. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 07-15-04 passed and approved. The bid is awarded to Kromminga Motors for $32,400.00. It was suggested to plant native grasses on the steep slopes.
After discussion, council’s general consensus was to have Craig Walker as the superintendent for both the water and wastewater departments. He has licenses for both of these departments. A resolution will be on the next agenda for this appointment.
Administrator Ward stated that he surveyed other towns for a storm water utility rate. The average rate is $3.87 per month per address. The city is also considering an increase in water and sewer rates. Council will review utility rates with a public advisor this fall.
Lori Arbuckle was present asking about animal control and cats. Council reviewed the 28E agreement with Cedar Valley Humane Society, which covers dogs. If a cat is sick or injured the police department can approve getting the animal to CVHS.
Mayor Watson asked council to consider giving a lot on Q Avenue to Larry Druschel, McDowells, to build a house on within 12 months. Attorney Fischer stated the city could not give away a lot. They could take bids. Administrator Ward will talk with a planner. He is looking for a preliminary plat of Westridge and will talk with Fehr-Graham Engineers.
Motion by Vermedahl, second by Parmater to pass a RESOLUTION DESIGNATING CITY ADMINISTRATOR AND CITY ATTORNEY AS AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES TO RECEIVE INFORMATION AND RECORDS FROM BENTON COUNTY FARM SERVICE AGENCY. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 07-15-05 passed and approved.
Motion by Vermedahl, second by Elwick to pass a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF VINTON, IOWA TO ENTER INTO AMENDED CASH RENT FARM LEASE AGREEMENT WITH BRYON GEATER FOR A PERIOD OF THREE (3) YEARS. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 07-15-06 passed and approved.
Todd Gloede inquired about the city putting in a street in Eastview Addition. Concern was expressed about storm water if a street is built. Administrator Ward will talk with Fehr-Graham Engineers about dirt and fill to Eastview.
Motion by Elwick, second by Parmater to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Lori Smith and reappointment of Deb Rundlett to the Library Board, each for a 4 year term. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Parmater, second by Stark to set a hearing date of August 13th on a notice to abate nuisance for Tim and Jane Osborn. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Administrator Ward reported on: 1) attending the city manager’s conference 2) RAGBRAI 3) to be a barbeque judge and 4) electric utility insurance claim.
Clerk reported a locksmith replaced the north city hall door lock.
Chief Paxton reported: 1) busy with RAGBRAI 2) car cruise 3) ordinance recodification 4) two new non-certified officers will attend the academy from Aug. 31st to Oct. 30th.
Good & Welfare: Great volunteers and great day for RAGBRAI. High school boys baseball is headed to State.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 9:10 p.m..
________________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk