REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 23, 2020
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 23rd day of April, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Vinton, Iowa. Due to the COVID-19 virus, this was held electronically using ZOOM Cloud, that was hosted at 124 Scenic Drive. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Absent: None.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Parr to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Parr to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and file the Council meeting minutes of April 9, 2020, approve invoices in the amount of $370,912.49, approve the renewal of a class C liquor license for American Legion, approve the renewal of a class E liquor license with class B wine and a class C beer permit for Fareway, to receive and file the March building permit report and to receive and file the Airport Commission meeting minutes of April 15, 2020.
Council received and filed a letter from Valerie Close, editor of Vinton Today.
Hessenius reported that the public works committee met to discuss GIS mapping, street projects and installation of water meter pits. The bidding for the street projects will be late spring or summer, with construction to start this fall. When installing water meter pits and galvanized pipes are found, water superintendent Walker will talk to the homeowner about possibly replacing the pipes.
Josh Geiger, 1014 E 6th Street, expressed concern about a request to rezone two parcels on E 6th Street from M-1, restricted industrial to B-1, commercial. Rezoning will change the setback requirements. He said there could be more traffic in this residential area. He would like to know what Brian Hamling is planning to build on East 6th Street.
Councilman Edwards would like the brush dump to be open more hours. He suggested the use of cameras and recording devices to watch the traffic. Street Superintendent Meyer said there are DNR regulations.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on an award provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority through a Community Development Block Grant. The grant will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for doctors at Virginia Gay Hospital. The Mayor closed the hearing.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF VINTON, IOWA, BY DESIGNATING A NEW REVITALIZATION AREA (Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh). Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and that said ordinance had been given its third consideration.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to now adopt the above stated ordinance. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared ORDINANCE 1046 duly adopted.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to adopt an ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE DIVISION OF TAXES LEVIED ON TAXABLE PROPERTY IN A PORTION OF THE VINTON CONSOLIDATED URBAN RENEWAL AREA KNOWN AS THE BRAILLE SCHOOL PROPERTY, PURSUANT TO SECTION 403.19 OF THE CODE OF IOWA. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and that said ordinance had been given its second consideration.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to pass a RESOLUTION ADOPTING RULES OF PROCEDURE COVERING THE CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY THE CITY COUNCIL. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 04-20-04 passed and approved.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR IOWA AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND CERTIFYING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 04-20-05 passed and approved. The airport commission would like to replace some hangar doors.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND TO LIBRARY FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 04-20-06 passed and approved.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to approve the proposed amendment #2 for the airport environmental study. After discussion, the motion and second were rescinded. Motion by Hessenius, second by Hesson to table this topic. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The DNR is requiring further studies on the impact to wildlife. The cost would be $105,200.00. An FAA grant would pay for 90% of the cost. CGA engineer, Joe Roenfeldt, said they could start the study in May. Council has concerns about the cost and funding source for this project.
Administrator Ward and engineer Roenfeldt said the City was awarded a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or CARES Act grant for $30,000. The funds are to be used for airport operations or expenses.
An ordinance to rezone 2 parcels on E 6th Street was referred to the general government committee. They will meet on May 14th at 6:00 pm.
An ordinance to amend front yards was also referred to the general government committee. The committee will meet on May 14th at 6:30 pm.
Elwick reported he had talked with Brian Lohrer about the dirt pile on his property on West 8th Street. Lohrer owns the properties on both the east and west sides of this lot. Concern was expressed about the possibility of dirt washing onto the street. Elwick will contact Lohrer again.
Administrator Ward reported interviews for a new library director will be held next week. Chief Paxton stated the community is doing well during the virus outbreak. He reminded everyone to continue practicing social distancing. Street Superintendent Meyer said the street department is thinking about disposing of some old equipment. They have an old woods mower, a snow blade, a frost bucket for a backhoe and maybe a single axel dump truck they would like to sell. He was told to put them up for sale on govdeals.com. Clerk said she is looking into installing a protective barrier between customers and employees in the front office. The electric utility board also approved temporarily waiving late fees on utility accounts. Payments for utilities may be mailed or put into either of the two drop boxes. A customer may sign up for ACH withdrawal. Also, payments may be made by debit or credit card over the phone. The business grant program and application are now on the website.
Good & Welfare: The fiber project is moving right along. New houses are going up in Anderson Creek Estates.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 8:17 p.m.