REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 8, 2021
The City Council of the City of Vinton, Iowa met in regular session on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 110 W 3rd Street with the following members in attendance:
Present: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark
Absent: None
Due to COVID-19, the meeting was also held electronically via Zoom.
Mayor Maynard called the meeting to order.
Mayor Maynard administered the Oath of Office to Police Officer Ben Eden.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the agenda as presented. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Parr, second by Gates to approve the consent agenda as presented. Approved unanimously. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file Council meeting minutes of June 24 & June 28, 2021, receive & file Library meeting minutes of May 12 & June 9, 2021, approve invoices, approve the renewal of a Class C liquor license for J’s Pub & Eatery, LLC and approve the Class B Beer Permit for Vinton Unlimited.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances – None
Committee Reports – None
Citizens Input
Adam Bearbower, 1012 G Avenue questioned the nuisance abatement notice he had received for junk vehicles. Council asked Mr. Bearbower to speak with Code Enforcement Officer Hansen about his concerns.
Darryl McNeal, 102 G Avenue questioned the nuisance abatement notice he had received. Mr. McNeal is to speak with Hansen. If concerns still exist after speaking with Hansen, a written appeal may be presented to council.
Valerie Close, 612 B Avenue spoke to council about a resident on 8th Street needing an ADA ramp installed. Administrator Ward will work with the project engineer to find a solution.
School Resource Officer Josh West provided an update to the Council. West is entering the 4th school year as the SRO in the Vinton Shellsburg District. This will be the last year under the grant funding agreement. Main duties are law enforcement/security, adjunct counselor and adjunct teacher.
New Business
Motion by Gates, second by Edwards to approve invoice #3 from Boomerang for Street Improvement work. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve a resolution to approve reimbursement to Vinton Braille School LLC from the Iowa Vacant Building Rehabilitation Fund Forgivable Loan Award. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
Motion by Elwick, second by Edwards to approve a resolution to approve reimbursement to Vinton Braille School LLC from the Iowa Vacant Building Demolition Fund Grant Award. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to approve the quarterly disbursement of hotel/motel tax proceeds to Vinton Unlimited. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to set July 22, 2021 at 7:00pm as the time and date for a public hearing on a proposal to enter into a General Obligation Wastewater Improvement Loan Agreement. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
Motion by Gates, second by Edwards to approve a request from the Vinton Community Foundation for the annual disbursement of funds. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This was included as part of the budget.
Motion by Parr, second by Elwick to approve a request from Vinton Unlimited for the annual disbursement of funds. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This was included as part of the budget.
Nate Kass from Fehr Graham presented a proposal to install a booster pump station at the base of each water tower to increase water pressure across the community. No action was taken.
Motion by Parr, second by Stark to approve a business improvement grant application for John’s Tire Service. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This is to assist with sidewalk repair.
Motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to approve the placement of a memorial bench along the sidewalk on the corner of 4th Street and 1st Avenue.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported Ashley Hinson’s staff will be visiting Vinton to talk about USDA funding for the emergency services building. Ward will be attending the summer city managers conference next week.
Building Inspector Hansen reported he has been working with Attorney Herman on several nuisance properties. The property cleanup went well. Some demolition has begun at the former Steam Plant property. No utilities will be turned on until the building in listed in safe status. The property owner still has not submitted a milestone plan for construction despite being asked multiple times.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent reported the new employees are doing well. Lift stations are being cleaned. Currently flushing dead end hydrants. Quotes for a mini excavator are being gathered.
Good & Welfare
Boomtown and Boom-Fest are coming up. Kudos to Hansen for all of his work on code enforcement lately.
With no other business before the council, motion by Hessenius, second by Edwards to adjourn the meeting. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:15pm.