REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 21, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 21st day of November, 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, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Stark 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 November 10, 2022, approval of Class C alcohol license for Mickey’s Bar and approval of City invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances
Nancy Scott submitted her resignation from the Planning & Zoning Commission Board effective at the end of the year.
Citizens Input
Dakoda Sellers, 2108 W 4th Street, asked for the council to hold a meeting to discuss roles and responsibilities of the City staff members. Sellers also requested an update of his rezoning request.
Greg Walston representing ISU Extension and the Master Gardeners thanked council for allowing the groups to utilize the 3rd on 3rd Gardens. The groups were able to donate approximately 15,000 pounds of food to 9 food pantries.
Old Business
Motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to approve the first consideration of Ordinance 1079 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to utility vehicles. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark; Nays – Hessenius. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This consideration removed the requirement of turn signals.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Elwick to approve an amendment to the City of Vinton garbage contract. Jennifer Zahradnik representing J&R Sanitation provided an amendment that was different than the counteroffer previously recommended by the business type activities committee. The new method to calculate the fuel surcharge is considered the 5-5-5 method and would cover all petroleum products, not just fuel. The motion and second were withdrawn. A special meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 5 at 6pm with Josh & Roni Frye to further discuss.
New Business
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the annual urban renewal report for FY21/22. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve the annual tax increment financing report. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Melody Snow & Karilea Ries visited with Council to inquire about the intended use of the former Clingman Pharmacy lot on 4th Street. Only a portion of the vacant lot is owned by the City. Vinton Unlimited would like to pursue the opportunity to turn that space into a permanent food truck space with picnic tables. No action was taken at this time.
Chuck Yedlik representing the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association (IPA) informed Council that Vinton Unlimited is stepping away from chairing the Boomtown committee. Yedlik asked for feedback on whether or not the event should continue in Vinton and if so, who will organize fundraising, ticket sales, parking, vendors, etc. The IPA only focuses on the fireworks show. Council acknowledged the event is great for the community and directed the City Clerk to put an advertisement in the newspaper to gauge interest on serving on the committee.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the business improvement grant for Think Snow LLC. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
The City Council received & filed the airport improvement program reapplication. No other action was taken.
The property owners of 201 1st Avenue had submitted a written request for a hearing for the nuisance violation at that address. Due to a medical event in recent days, the owners are unable to attend the meeting. The hearing will be rescheduled for the December 8, 2022 council meeting. City staff will notify the property owners.
Motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to approve the request to waive fees for public records request. Mr. Dakoda Sellers has made a request for certain public records. Both IT and Attorney time are needed to complete the request so a quote of $1,295.75 has been provided to Mr. Sellers. Upon receiving the quote, Mr. Sellers has requested the fees be waived as the “disclosure of public information is in the public interest and will contribute to the public’s understanding of local government operations.” Attorney Doug Herman informed Council that the City is able to charge reasonable fees under Iowa Code. As stated in the quote, any overpayment would be returned to the party having paid once the work is performed. Question: Ayes – Bearbower; Nays – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion failed.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported the public hearing scheduled for CDBG funds will need to be rescheduled. The early drafts of the West 1st Street project are in and will be presented at the next meeting. The plans are to go out for bid in 2023 with construction being in 2024. City Hall will be closed November 24 & 25 for Thanksgiving.
Melody Snow, Vinton Unlimited reported the holiday open house was well attending last weekend. The holiday lights punch card promotion is under way. Another round of “Good Neighbor” awards will be later this week.
Police Chief Paxton reported the annual Holiday with a Cop will be coming up soon.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported crews are still conducting leaf pickup and will switch to tree trimming when the leaves are finished.
City Clerk Schwan reminded council the homework for the Visioning Session with Pat Callahan is due December 3. The general government committee is meeting December 8 at 6:30pm to discuss community beautification.
Good & Welfare
Shop local this holiday season, give where you can.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to enter into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5 (1)(i) – to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to exit closed session and return to open session per Iowa Code 21.5(3). Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Time: 8:35pm.