A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 11th day of June, 2020, at 7:14 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa and also electronically, due to the COVID-19 virus, using ZOOM Cloud 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.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Hesson 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 May 28, 2020, approve invoices in the amount of $653,622.87, receive and file the May revenue and expenditure report, receive and file the Airport Commission meeting minutes of May 20, 2020 and to approve a cigarette/tobacco permit for Hy-Vee. Council would like to talk with the Airport Commission about a new mower.
Hesson reported a resident from his ward asked him about the fees for fence permits. Another person expressed concern about water drainage. It was suggested that the school district and the city work together to try to minimize storm water issues. Mayor Maynard said a resident had called him about a neighbor moving dirt causing water to drain to their property. The Mayor and Administrator will check on this.
Parr reported the Public Safety Committee met May 30th to look a parking in Anderson Creek Estates. The committee recommends no parking along the side of the street that has the fire hydrants. They also recommend stop signs being posted in this subdivision. A resolution will be prepared for the posting of these signs.
Edwards said a resident had spoke to him about a building for sale next to City Hall. Council will discuss this property at their next meeting.
Virginia Holsten, long-time Vinton Librarian, introduced Janette McMahon, Vinton’s new Librarian. McMahon invited council to a retirement walk-through reception, with social distancing, for Holsten on June 23rd from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on a proposed outdoor trail. Matt Boggess, Park & Rec Director, said the proposed trail will go out for bid soon. They anticipate starting the project next year and that it will take four to five months to complete. The Mayor closed the hearing.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF VINTON, IOWA, BY AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING DISTRICT MAP OF THE CITY. 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. Administrator Ward said that the Planning and Zoning had met to discuss this rezoning request and recommend that council approve the zoning change. Property owner Brian Hamling will talk with Planning and Zoning chairman about his plans.
Mayor Maynard asked to set a public hearing for the above proposed zoning change for June 25th at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Larry Andreesen, Benton County Assessor, said that he has talked with the county’s GIS mapping service company, Schneider. They would like to discuss Vinton and other Benton County cities possibly using their services. A meeting will be scheduled for early July.
Council discussed when to re-start assessing late fees on past due utility accounts. The Electric Utility Board will also discuss this topic at their July meeting. Utility customers will be notified when this is to take place.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION SETTING DATE FOR SALE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION CORPORATE PURPOSE BONDS, SERIES 2020A AND APPROVING PRELIMINARY OFFICIAL STATEMENT. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 06-20-01 passed and approved. A public hearing is set for June 25th at 7:00 pm.
Motion by Hesson, second by Elwick to approve a request to place signs along the Hinkle Creek bridge, on 3rd Street, for Benton-Tama Nutrient Reduction Project. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Street Superintendent Meyer recommends these signs to be placed on posts and not on delineators.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve a lease with Pitney Bowes for a new postage meter. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Elwick to approve the Mayor’s appointment of Cara Martin and John Frazier to the Library Board. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to set a public hearing for a CDBG application for June 25th at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This Community Development Block Grant does not require matching funds from the City and can be used for the entire community. East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund will administer this program.
Mayor Maynard read a proclamation proclaiming June 20 as John Gualtier Day in Vinton. He thanked everyone who has served and protected this country and community.
Mayor Maynard read a proclamation Paint the Town Purple for Alzheimer’s Day, proclaiming June 17 at Alzheimer’s Day in Vinton. He asked residents to please show their support to those who have this disease.
Administrator Ward said that City Hall is now connected to the new iVinton high-speed internet. An ordinance for sewer rates will be on the next council agenda. He thanked everyone who has reached out to him this past couple of weeks. Clerk reported that garbage and recycling fees will increase in July. They currently are $13.90 per month, going to $14.15 per month. Chief Paxton asked residents to contact his department to let them know if any loved one has Alzheimer’s. Mayor said Vinton is fortunate to have a strong police department.
Motion by Parr, second by Hesson to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 8:18 p.m.