REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 22, 2016
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 22nd day of August, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., in the Court Chambers, Benton County Court House, 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.
Mayor Watson asked Council to amend the agenda by moving the discussion of possibly purchasing the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School campus from new business earlier to Citizens Input. Motion by Elwick, second by Parmater to approve the amended agenda. Question: Aye – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are receive and file the Council meeting minutes of August 11, 2016, approve invoices and receive and file the Airport Commission meeting minutes of August 17, 2016.
Council received three e-mail letters from citizens concerned about the braille school.
Mayor Watson stated that City Council did not have enough information yet to decide whether or not to purchase the IBSSS campus for one dollar. Representative Dawn Pettengill and Senator Tim Kapucian were present. Many residents were also present. Administrator Ward was contacted in June about the braille school. Someone asked if it was statutorily possible to sell the campus. AmeriCorps NCCC has a lease but their funding is approved one year at a time. IBSSS employees have been told they would be out of a job in the near future. The legislature should vote to close or merge the deaf and braille schools. Representatives of AmeriCorps, Regents and City will meet to discuss options. The annual budgeted income and expenses show an operating deficit of $377,783. The State reported deferred maintenance costs of $1,577,000. It was asked if the City does not purchase the campus, who would it be offered to next? Pettengill is checking to see if there are any restrictions attached to the deeds before selling the properties. It was reported that the buildings are not on the state historical registry.
Council took a five minute recess from 7:44 pm to 7:49 pm.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing to declare the property at 615 A Avenue as a public nuisance. There were no comments. The Mayor closed the hearing.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing to declare the property at I Avenue and W 8th Street, the old braille school power plant, as a public nuisance. There were no comments. The Mayor closed the hearing.
Police Chief Paxton will start the enforcement of abating the nuisances of these two properties.
An easement between Lamphier 1304 E 7th Street and Martin 1302 E 6th Street properties has been recorded. The street department will now install a tile under the road between these properties. This should be done within the next two weeks.
Attorney Fischer reported that the airport hangar lease with Paradise Skydives stated the tenant was to construct a partition and to put in a concrete floor. This means the City is not obligated to reimburse Jay Speckeen for these expenses. Council took no action on this topic.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to pass a RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT SEWER VACTOR TRUCK. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 08-16-03. This purchase will be from Trans Iowa Equipment for $345,522.50.
Motion by Parr, second by Stark to approve an amendment to the police union contract in regards to the accumulation of comp time. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Abstain – Parmater. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Elwick to approve water plant pump repairs for west well #4 and to purchase a pitless adapter for this well. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The total cost from Northway Well and Pump Co. will be $26,455.33.
City Administrator Ward stated he had visited with Kay Wirth about sump pump ordinances. She likes the Cedar Falls ordinance regarding sump pumps.
Chief Paxton stated the speed trailer will be funded by an STP grant. Officer Parmater is enrolled in K9 schooling.
Good & Welfare: BoomTown is this Saturday.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:10 p.m.
________________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk