REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 10, 2020
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 10th day of December, 2020 at 7:00pm. Due to COVID-19 virus, the meeting was held electronically using Zoom which was hosted at 110 W 3rd Street. Mayor Maynard presided with roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Absent: Hesson.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The consent agenda included the following items: receive & file the Council meeting minutes of November 24, 2020, receive & file the Parks & Recreation Board meeting minutes of November 12, 2020 and to approve invoices.
Mayor Maynard received a letter from Dave Hanson.
Council member Stark shared that North Benton Ambulance is in the process of hiring a Director and an Assistant Director. Interviews will be in the upcoming week for the Director position.
The committee for the public safety building continues to meet. Work continues on floor plans and associated square footage and budget. Dirt is expected to be moved in the spring.
Motion by Edwards, second by Elwick to approve the third consideration of an ordinance amending provisions regulating the operation of utility vehicles with section 75.05 omitted. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Parr to adopt the above stated ordinance. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared ORDINANCE 1049 duly adopted.
Motion by Stark, second by Parr to approve the bid from Roger Rouse in the amount of $24,390.00 for roof repairs at City Hall. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr. Nays – Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the request for 1307 G Avenue sump pump to discharge into the sanitary sewer. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
The residents have hired a contractor to do the necessary work but to date, the contractor hasn’t been able to complete the job.
The IPIB has dismissed the complaint filed by 615 A Avenue. City Attorney Bob Fischer recommended the city council meet in a closed session at the next meeting to discuss future steps.
City Administrator Ward has been working with Attorney Sueppel regarding the contempt charge facing the property owners of the old IBSSS steam plant property. Erecting a fence to secure the property was discussed but no action was taken. Next step is to wait for the judgement on the current charges pending.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve pay estimate #4 for the splash pad project in the amount of $81,196.50. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The features have all been turned on and tested.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REIMBURSEMENT TO VINTON BRAILLE SCHOOL LLC FROM THE IOWA VACANT BUILDING REHABILITION FUND FORGIVEABLE LOAN AWARD in the amount of $57,316.30. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The City will be reimbursed by the State of Iowa once appropriate paperwork is submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE REIMBURSEMENT TO VINTON BRAILLE SCHOOL LLC FROM THE IOWA VACANT BUILDING DEMOLITION FUND GRANT AWARD in the amount of $42,987.19. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The City will be reimbursed by the State of Iowa once appropriate paperwork is submitted to the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
City Administrator Ward shared the City currently follows the 2006 International Building Code. Adoption of a more recent update is required for grant requirements as well as providing assistance to the new building inspector. No action was taken.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to receive the preliminary plat for phase two of the Anderson Creek subdivision and send to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the sidewalk reimbursement for 210 W 8th Street. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
After a brief discussion, consensus of the council was to hold the next City Council meeting on Wednesday, December 23 at 7:00pm.
City Administrator Ward will be beginning budget work with each of the department heads in the upcoming week.
Water Superintendent Walker shared the sewer jetter is in Iowa. It should be here by the end of December.
Street Superintendent Meyer shared the crews are preparing for a possible snowfall this weekend. As a reminder, please keep parked cars off the streets in the event of a snowfall to assist with snow removal.
City Clerk Schwan has received several applications for a fulltime building inspector. After brief discussion, Ward, Paxton, Hessenius, Elwick and Schwan will serve as the interview committee. Schwan will arrange the interviews in the upcoming week.
Police Chief Paxton reminded residents to move vehicles off the streets if it snows this weekend. The new police vehicle has arrived, it will hopefully get equipped in January.
Park & Recreation Director Boggess reported that Breakfast with Santa, Drive-Thru Style, was well attended.
Mayor Maynard thanked the council for their work this year, great things are happening.
Being no other business before the City Council a Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 7:45 p.m.