REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 8, 2023
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 8th day of June, 2023 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present: Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda include receive & file Council committee & meeting minutes of May 25, 2023, receive & file Class B retail alcohol license for Kwik Trip, Inc, approval of Class C retail alcohol license for American Legion, approval of City invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances – None
Committee Reports
The Business Type Activities met prior to the Council meeting to discuss sanitation rates for residents. A draft of the rates will be presented at the next council meeting for discussion.
Citizens Input
Darran Sellers, 1103 10th Avenue voiced concerns with the Planning & Zoning Commission regarding membership, process and procedure.
Blake Henkle, 202 Riverview Drive voiced safety concerns with street parking on portions of Riverview Drive. The Public Safety committee will meet to discuss further.
Old Business
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on proposed ordinance to amend the zoning district map (Sellers). Tami Stark spoke in opposition of the requested zoning change. Jason Thompson, neighbor, shared concerns of decline in property value if the project were to move forward. Mary Barkdoll, neighbor, shared she had not been notified of the proposed change until she received notice of the public hearing. Dakoda Sellers, property owner of the property, encouraged Council to vote in favor of the project citing community benefit. City Attorney Doug Herman was also present to answer questions. After lengthy discussion, Maynard closed the public hearing.
Motion by Hessenius, seconded by Gates to approve the first consideration of Ordinance 1083 – an ordinance amending the official zoning district map of the City (Sellers). Question: Ayes – none; Nay – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion failed.
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on the proposed contract documents and estimated cost for the West 1st Street Improvements. With no comments, Maynard closed the hearing.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Parmater to accept the bids and awarding of contract to Rathje Construction Co. for West 1st Street Improvements. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Parmater to approve a resolution proposing disposal of an interest in real property by sale and notice of public hearing (512 W 6th Street). Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The buyer from the auction on May 25, 2023 did not sign the purchase agreement or pay for the lot so the property needs to be auctioned again. The auction and hearing will be held June 22, 2023.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the proposal for lift station improvements in Budd’s Addition from Fehr Graham. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The cost is not to exceed $51,500.00.
New Business
Mr. Jim Gill, property owner, was not present for the hearing regarding the nuisance violation at the 700 block of East 2nd Street. Police Chief Paxton reviewed the violations for junk and tall grass that have been served on the property. Motion by Gates, seconded by Stark to find the property owner guilty of the violations previously served. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Council directed the Code Enforcement Department to abatement the nuisances.
Motion by Elwick, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution to approve professional design services to perform project scoping study for the tributary to Mud Creek by Veenstra & Kimm. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The scoping study will be paid by the BRIC grant the City has been awarded.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution to adopt an update to the employee handbook. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The updates will go into effect July 1, 2023.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve disbursement of hotel/motel tax proceeds to Vinton Unlimited. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Amount received from the State for the most recent quarter was $10,809.82 with $8,107.37 going to Vinton Unlimited.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution setting salaries and compensation for employees for fiscal year 2023-2024. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Hessenius to approve a quote from Metal Supermarket for clarifier ring for skimmer arm at WWTP. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a vending machine waiver for McBride Mobile Taps. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Hessenius to approve a quote from Life Fitness for rec center equipment in the amount of $33,876.57. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Stark to approve the appointment of Brett Caspers to the VMEU/VMCU board for a term ending 12/31/23. Approved unanimously.
Stark made a motion to table the request for planning & zoning to review and make recommendation for petition to vacate alley & street, seconded by Gates. Approved unanimously.
The first council meeting in July will be moved to Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 7:00pm.
A public hearing for State Revolving Fund loan application for improvements to the City’s wastewater system will be held July 27, 2023 at 7:00pm in City Hall.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported he has met with everyone regarding the Marv Lindsey parking expansion. The County will complete the drive work with the City paying for the culvert.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Walker reported the B Avenue sewer project is going well, all sewers are reconnected.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported the department is in full swing for the summer. Party in the Park is next week.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported seal coating is starting for the summer season.
Good & Welfare
The Hairball concert is this weekend. Have fun and be safe.
Party in the Park festivities kick off Thursday, June 15.
With no other business before the Council, motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:25pm.