COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 28, 2023
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 28th day of December 2023 in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present: Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark; Gates was absent.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Parmater, 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 meeting minutes of December 14, 2023, receive & file Library meeting minutes of November 8, 28 and December 8, 2023 and approval of City invoices.
Committee Reports
A work session was held prior to the council meeting to discuss water and sewer rate increases. An ordinance will be drafted for consideration at the next council meeting.
Citizens Input
Dakoda Sellers, 2108 W 4th Street, asked Council to heavily scrutinize City expenses.
Old Business
Motion by Hessenius, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the third consideration of ordinance 1092 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Vinton related to signage. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, seconded by Hessenius to adopt ordinance 1092. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
New Business
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on the proposed ordinance to vacate an alley. After no comments, Maynard closed the public hearing.
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1093 – an ordinance providing for the vacation of an alley in Vinton, Iowa. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Parmater to approve a resolution to declare certain City property as surplus property. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried. The dump truck will be sold on GovDeals.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Elwick to approve a resolution to recognize the Friends of the Vinton Public Library. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
Motion Stark, seconded by Parmater to approve change order #1 on the Veteran’s Memorial Airport Rehabilitate Runway 09/27 project. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried. The change order resulted in a decrease of $5,486.39 on the entire project.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve final pay (retainage) application to National Sealant & Concrete on the Veteran’s Memorial Airport Rehabilitate Runway 09/27 project. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Parmater to approve acceptance of project completion for the Rehabilitate Runway 09/27 project. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried. Acceptance was recommended by engineering firm Bolton & Menk and the airport commission.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to approve work order #2 to the professional services contract for obstruction identification and analysis by Bolton & Menk at the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airport. Council questioned the cost share of the project. After discussion, the respective motions were withdrawn. Motion by Stark, seconded by Hessenius to table the discussion until more information is received.
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Elwick to approve a quote from Hawkeye Communication for card access to City Hall. Question: Ayes – Parmater, Nays – Elwick, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion failed.
Anna Demuth, Director for North Benton Ambulance was present along with Eric Dickinson & Tami Stark, board members, to update the Council on business operations since the passage of the essential service levy.
A work session for FY25 budget work is scheduled for Wednesday, January 31 beginning at 5pm.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported he is meeting with ECICOG to proceed with a housing grant application. The City has not received valuation numbers yet to begin budgeting for FY25.
Police Chief Paxton reported Holiday with a Cop was a very successful event again this year serving 74 kids. Officer Lira is retiring. Officer Stephenson is going through field training since his graduation from the academy.
City Clerk Schwan shared she has been working with the Airport Commission as they have made the decision to increase hangar rental fees. They are also asking for new lease agreements to be signed and returned as part of the rental increase.
Good & Welfare
Have a safe and happy new year!
With no other business before the Council, motion by Parmater, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:20pm.