REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2017
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 23rd day of February,
2017, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Watson presided
and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present:
Elwick, Hessenius,Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve the agenda. Question: Aye – All. The Mayor
declared the motion carried.
Motion by Parr, second by Hesson to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All.
Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to
receive and file the Council meeting minutes of February 9, 2017 and to receive and file the
Airport Commission meeting minutes of January 18 and February 15, 2017.
Council received a letter requesting the handicap parking space be removed from in front of
411 A Avenue. The building at this address had been a chiropractor and now will be a real estate
office. Council’s general consensus was to approve this request. A resolution to remove this
handicap parking space will be on the next council agenda.
Administrator Ward stated that the Vinton Country Club has asked to be allowed to burn some
brush. Motion by Hesson, second by Parmater to allow the Country Club to burn. They are to
pick days with a favorable wind direction. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the
motion carried.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on a proposal
to dispose of an interest in real property by selling it at a public auction. The property is located
at 908 A Avenue. The property had sustained fire damage. The City acquired the property. The
City demolished the house.The Mayor closed the hearing.
The Mayor opened the floor to the bidding process.The only bidder was LDM, Inc. for
$12,800, plus legal, publication and closing expenses. A resolution will be on the next council
agenda to transfer ownership of this property.
Motion by Parr, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE REPLACEMENT
FIRE LADDER TRUCK. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark.
Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 02-17-02
passed and approved. The cost will be $50,000.
Motion by Stark, second by Parr to receive and file the audit report for fiscal year ending June
30, 2016. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None.
The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Acumen requested a work session with Council to discuss health insurance. They would like
to become the agent of record for the City of Vinton. There have been recent changes at the
State level to Iowa Code Chapter 20 effecting public employment relations and collective
bargaining. The City has two current union contracts. There may be potential changes to the
Affordable Care Act. Council felt there are too many unknowns at this time and did not schedule
a work session for this topic.
Administrator Ward reported that there is no water main on the 700 block of Sixth Avenue. One
water service line from 8th Street supplies either 3 or 4 houses. This causes very low water
pressure at one of the houses. Motion by Parmater, second by Parr to have the water department
install a water main on this block, including a fire hydrant. This line will not be looped.
Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor
declared the motion carried. Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to have the home owners pay
for the tapping expenses and the City will take care of the corporation. Question: Ayes –
Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parmater, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the
motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Parmater to set a public hearing date for a propose budget
amendment for fiscal year 2016-2017 for March 23rd at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – All. Nays –
None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Administrator Ward reported the IBSSS Visioning Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb.
28th. A resident on W 5th Street says the street is very rough. He has left a message with
Congressman Blum’s office to inquire about AmeriCorps. Multiple water tower paint sample
results have been received showing high levels of lead. The water tower repair and repaint will
be considered at the next council meeting. Council plans to adopt a building permit fee schedule
similar to the City of Urbana’s.
The housing group of Benton Development Group met to discuss nuisance properties. The
owners of 615 A Avenue have appealed to a higher court on the recent judgment against their
property.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:10 p.m.
________________________________
John R. Watson Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Cindy Michael City Clerk
Categories: 2017Meeting Minutes