A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 14th day of May, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 virus, this meeting was held electronically using ZOOM Cloud, that was hosted at 124 Scenic Drive in Vinton. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Absent: Hesson.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Hesson joined the meeting.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and file the Council meeting minutes of April 23, 2020, approve invoices in the amount of $1,063,993.15, to receive and file the April revenue and expenditure report, to receive and file the Library Board meeting minutes of March 11th and April 15th, and to renew a class B beer permit with Sunday sales for Pizza Hut.
Mayor Maynard stated that Steve Spencer, 712 E 4th Street, had contacted him about trees he had planted in the public right of way. Street Superintendent Meyer said that one tree should be moved back 5 more feet from the property line.
Stark reported that the general government committee met to discuss a request for rezoning of parcels on E 6th Street. The Planning and Zoning Commission had met to discuss this topic and they have approved the zoning change. The committee also discussed a request from Jim Struve, 141 Scenic Drive, to build a detached garage. This property is surrounded by three streets, but has only one front yard. Struve was told to apply again for a building permit.
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 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 1047 duly adopted.
Motion by Hesson, second by Edwards to table a bid from Emerson Crane Rental to remove the waterslide from the swimming pool. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Council would like to receive another bid.
Council received a GIS mapping proposal from Fehr Graham engineers. The County Assessor’s office has a mapping system. Before approving the Fehr Graham proposal, council will research possibly using the county’s system.
ClapSaddle-Garber Engineering has given council a proposed amendment #2 to the airport environmental study. Administrator Ward stated he and engineer Joe Roenfeldt have talked with FAA and DNR and Stantec. They were able to reduce the scope of work on tracking turtles and have lowered the cost estimate. Council will consider the new amendment at their next meeting.
Council discussed re-opening city facilities. City Hall will open after protective barriers are installed. City Hall’s west entrance by the Police department will remain locked. Parks Director Boggess said they are closed till the end of May. The park board will consider if and when to open the swimming pool and when to re-open the rec and skate centers.
Councilman Parr left the meeting.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to approve a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FUND TO DEBT SERVICE FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 05-20-01 passed and approved.
Mayor Maynard left the meeting.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to receive and file the audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor ProTem declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Elwick to approve a repair quote for Well #3 from Northway Well and Pump in the amount of $12,989.54. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor ProTem declared the motion carried.
Mayor Maynard rejoined the meeting.
Grant Rothweiler, PDCM Insurance, reported that for health insurance coverage the city has an option to move from a small group size to a mid-sized market. The premiums for the mid-size market are 13% less than the small group premiums. The dental insurance premiums remained the same as last year. Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the mid-size group Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance renewal with PDCM and to renew the dental insurance. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Nate Kass, Fehr Graham engineer, said there could be a possible federal stimulus program for street projects, through a HEROES Act. Council could have Kass start the design for a “shovel ready” project. West 1st Street and West 8th Street would be federal-aid routes. Council would like to contact the county about West 1st Street, to see if they can assist or share expenses.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve a copier lease for City Hall with Access Systems. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Kaitlyn Emrich to the Parks and Recreation Board. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to approve a request from the fire department to burn the structure at 302 W 8th Street on either May 16th or May 30th. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Fire Chief Garwood said they would be doing some training. Barricades will be used and they plan to start around 8:00 am.
Motion by Edwards, second by Elwick to approve a sidewalk reimbursement in the amount of $750 to LDM Inc for the sidewalk at 503 3rd Avenue. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Sidewalk reimbursements for properties in the new Anderson Creek Estates was discussed. City ordinance requires new housing developments to install sidewalks. It was mentioned that Westridge Estates were required to put in sidewalks.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve a sewer bill adjustment back to the average consumption for a water leak at 606 11th Avenue. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Hesson to set a public hearing for a proposed budget amendment for FY 2019-2020 for May 28th at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Elwick to set a public hearing to review an application for a State Revolving Fund loan for June 25th at 7:00 pm. A loan could assist with design costs for proposed improvements to the wastewater treatment system.
Mayor ProTem Stark read a proclamation, proclaiming May as Benton County Historic Preservation Month.
Administrator Ward said Kaitlin Emrich sent message thanking council for her appointment to the Parks Board. Hy-Vee is planning to open next week. He said, as of today, he has been with the City of six years. Chief Paxton said there is a new speed sign on 13th Street and is working on one for C Avenue. He said there was a really nice 13th birthday parade for Brennen Still on May 4th. Street Superintendent Meyer said they are working with the electric utility on the municipal parking lot on E 4th Street. Water Superintendent Walker said they have been busy doing locates. They also have been working a watermain for the splash pad. A new mixer had been put in at the plant but it didn’t work, so for now, the old mixer was put back in. Clerk reported that McDowell’s will be putting up a protective barrier at city hall soon and a general work session is scheduled for next Thursday at 7:00 pm. Mayor Maynard said there was a splash pad ground breaking ceremony on Thursday. A developer’s agreement with Hobarts is almost done. They are still working with the federal government on the lease with AmeriCorps.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Hesson to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 9:01 p.m.