REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 8th day of September, 2022 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present: Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt; Absent: Stark.
Motion by Gates, second by Bearbower to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file council meeting minutes of August 25, 2022, receive & file airport meeting minutes of August 17, 2022 and approval of City invoices.
Citizens Input
Bruce Gardner, 200 N Sycamore, Garrison again asked for council feedback on a prospective business idea in the industrial park.
Old Business – None
New Business
Motion by Hessenius, second by Pflughaupt to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1076 – an ordinance amending the official zoning district map of the City (Sellers). The application for zoning was denied by the Planning & Zoning Commission citing spot zoning. The property owner disagrees with the decision and is asking council to overturn the P&Z recommendation by passing this ordinance. After discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn. Motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to send the rezoning request back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for reconsideration. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1077 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to alcoholic beverage control. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The ordinance reflects legislative changes that went into effect July 1, 2022.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Pflughaupt to approve the purchase of a Code Enforcement/Building Inspector vehicle from Ervin Motors. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt; Nays – Bearbower. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The 2022 GMC Canyon will be purchased for $38,795.00 and will be expensed from the police department ARPA funds. The previously used vehicle will be offered to the airport.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve the fuel surcharge on J&R Sanitation invoices #13928 and #14239. A proposed contract amendment was presented to council in June 2022 from J&R Sanitation requesting a fuel surcharge be added to the bills due to the increased cost of fuel. While council adopted an ordinance allowing for the collection of the surcharge, a contact amendment has not been agreed to by council. After discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn. The proposed amendment will be sent to Lynch Dallas for review.
Motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to approve the proposal for GIS zoning map from Fehr Graham. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The $4,500 proposal will digitize the current map and update reflecting changes made since 2007. A new map will be able to saved and updated using eLation.
Motion by Elwick, second by Pflughaupt to approve a proposal for Remington Development Design from Fehr Graham. Questions: Ayes – None; Nays – Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt. The $63,000 proposal was for design services for public infrastructure for a subdivision near the former Remington Seed.
At the request of Parks & Recreation Director Matt Boggess, the approval of a security camera quote from Electronic Engineering for the Skate Center was tabled.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve the low-income household water assistance program (LIHWAP) for FY23. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This is the 2nd year of the LIHWAP program designed to provide financial assistance for water service. The program is facilitated by HACAP.
Motion by Bearbower, second by Gates to approve the special events application for Nathan’s Miles Glow Run to be held on October 22, 2022. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve sidewalk reimbursement for 713 A Avenue. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve sidewalk reimbursement for 1010 E 5th Street. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
The public safety committee has been requested to meet to discuss street signage at Anderson Creek however no meeting date has been set.
A public hearing for approval of resolution of necessity, estimate of cost, plat and schedule of assessments for a special assessment project will be held Thursday, September 22 at 7:00pm in Vinton City Hall. This is at the request of the property owner for assistance with needed water infrastructure repairs.
Mayor Maynard set Monday, October 31 from 5:00-8:00pm as trick or treating hours.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported he will be out of the office for a conference September 16-21. The Vinton Early Learning Center board is requesting a work session with council. The pre-application for the emergency management building has been submitted. The Iowa DOT has Vinton in the queue for the replacement of the 13th street bridge. The City of Belle Plaine has inquired about interest in creating an airport authority.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Walker reported the position of wastewater maintenance worker is open.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported Baker Enterprises has almost completed the trail drives. They have agreed to adjust change order #8 unit prices to match change order #7. Registration has closed for fall sports – there is great participation numbers.
Building Inspector Hansen reported work is almost completed at the steam plant. A collection of properties on W 8th Street was recently in court for their violations. The property owner has 90 days to become compliant or be fined.
Police Chief Paxton reported officers have been conducting trainings for teachers and staff at the VS Schools. Boomtown went well.
City Clerk Schwan reported she will be attending a lunch and learn event organized by Benton Development Group later in September. The food truck and UTV ordinance drafts are expected for the next council meeting.
Good & Welfare
Vinton Shellsburg fall sports are in full swing – go Vikes!
With no other business before the Council, motion by Pflughaupt, second by Hessenius to adjourn. Approved unanimously.