REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 10, 2022
The City Council of the City of Vinton, Iowa met in regular session on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 110 W 3rd Street with the following members in attendance:
Present: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark
Absent: None
Motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to approve the agenda as presented. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Hessenius, 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 January 27, 2022, receive & file Airport meeting minutes of November 17, 2021, approval of city invoices, approval of Class C liquor license renewal for Vinton Country Club, approval of Class E liquor license renewal for Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh and approval of Class E liquor license renewal of Ehlinger’s Vinton Express.
Communications, Petitions & Remonstrances – None
Committee Reports
A work session was held February 9 to discuss an update on the Vinton Braille School LLC development and on and February 10 to discuss the airport hanger leases and future Wellness Center plans.
Citizens Input – None
Old Business
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing for the proposed maximum lax levy for FY23. After no comments, Mayor Maynard closed the hearing.
New Business
Motion by Hessenius, second by Gates to approve a resolution to approve the FY23 maximum property tax dollars. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick 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: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Darryl McNeal, 102 G Avenue, was present to speak on a nuisance violation. Mr. McNeal is requesting an additional six months from the City Council to address the nine abandoned vehicles in his yard. Mr. McNeal admitted several of the cars do not run. While progress had been made on a prior nuisance violation at the same address, no progress had been made on removing the vehicles before the winter weather came. City Council agreed to give Mr. McNeal until April 30th to address the violation. Anything not operable on May 1st will be removed and billed to Mr. McNeal. Mr. McNeal agreed to have the Code Enforcement Official visit the property tomorrow and help determine which vehicles are operable.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the partnership request from United Way of East Central Iowa. United Way is looking to possibly rent the office space next to City Hall and was requesting use of City trash cans and to have the City plow the parking lot as in-kind support for a grant match. While Council was supportive of the initiative, the requests are not feasible at this time. Pflughaupt and Gates withdrew their respective motions. No further action was taken.
City Attorney Doug Herman provided Council with recommendations from the State Auditor’s office regarding working with non-profit organizations. A simple but formal contract is recommended to be established with the Vinton Community Foundation and Vinton Unlimited to ensure the funds are being spent appropriately. Ward will have Herman draft a contract and present at a future meeting.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Elwick to receive and file the Blanding’s Turtle Survey from the Vinton Memorial Airport. Approved unanimously.
Reports
City Administrator Ward has completed orientation for the Grow Iowa Task Force and will begin attending meetings.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported crews continue to work on tree trimming and removal.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Walker requested a work session with council to discuss the engineer’s recommendations for booster pump options.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported summer applications continue to come in. Boggess has been invited to speak to the Cedar Rapids Rotary about the glow trail.
Building Inspector Hansen reported a small property clean up was done today. Hansen reminded the public that if you receive a notice and need help, ask! Updating registration on a junk/abandoned vehicle doesn’t completely address the issue and is only part of the solution.
City Clerk Schwan reported City Hall will have reduced hours during the final week of the software conversion.
Mayor Maynard invited department heads to submit written reports to Council in lieu of attending the meetings.
Condolences to the family of Dean Schminke. Dean was a tremendous asset to the community and will be dearly missed.
With no other business before the Council, motion by Hessenius, second by Gates to adjourn. Approved unanimously. Time: 7:30pm.