A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 23rd day of January, 2020, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius 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 January 9, 2019, to approve invoices in the amount of $57,020.07, to approve the renewal of a class C liquor license with outdoor service and Sunday sales for Vinton Country Club, to approve the renewal of a class B beer permit with class B wine permit and with Sunday sales for Dollar General and to receive and file the November-December 2019 building inspector report.
A letter was received from Valerie Close. The Mayor had received a letter from Kurt Karr and the Chief of Police Ted Paxton.
Stark reported the that the public works committee had met to discuss water meter pits and water lines. They will be meeting again with Water Superintendent Walker.
Alan Woodhouse, 1515 Washington Drive, apologized to Valerie Close for comments he made to her following a VMCU Trustee meeting last week. Kurt Karr stated he had mailed letters to council members.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE A PRELIMINARY PLAT – MARY INGALLS SUBDIVISION. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-03 passed and approved. Administrator Ward stated that the Planning and Zoning Commission had previously reviewed this plat and recommended that council approve it. Ward also said a meeting with Hobart Historic Restoration is scheduled.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO AWARD BID FOR A SPLASHPAD. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-04 passed and approved. The bid is awarded to Boomerang Corp for $222,000.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTON TO APPROVE ENGINEERING SERVICES FROM FEHR-GRAHAM ENGINEERING. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-05 passed and approved. This approves services for three street projects in the amount of $138,500.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO AMEND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH USCOC OF GREATER IOWA. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-06 passed and approved. This will allow US Cellular to make alterations and upgrades to their equipment at the east side water tower.
VMEU General Manager Tom Richtsmeier talked about a proposal from IAMU for a new HISS safety staff program. IAMU would designate a safety professional for 11 communities in this area. Vinton is the largest of these cities. Council asked him to find out if other cities are interested in participating in this program.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND TO AIRPORT FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-07 passed and approved. The transfer amount is $10,000.
Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND TO LIBRARY FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-08 passed and approved. This transfer is in the amount of $59,605.
Motion by Stark, second by Parr to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX FUND TO LIBRARY FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-09 passed and approved. This transfer is in the amount of $19,900.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM LANDFILL/COMPOST/RECYCLE FUND TO GENERAL FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-10 passed and approved. This transfer is for $40,000.
Motion by Parr, second by Stark to set a public hearing for a budget amendment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 for February 13, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to set a public hearing for the maximum property taxes for February 13, 2020 at 7:00 pm. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
City Administrator Ward reported Representative Abby Finkenauer sent a letter inquiring about possible federal transportation projects. A union negotiation meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday. The street design meeting with Fehr-Graham is Monday night. Chief Paxton said the new police vehicle is at Junge Ford. He and Administrator Ward met with a Willis Dady representative to look at the Don Martin Shelter. Clerk reported the City has received a check from EMC insurance for the water tower repair and the City Hall will be looking for a new custodian. Mayor Maynard reported he had met with Jim Gill about abating a nuisance.
Good & Welfare: An account has been set up at Farmers Savings Bank and Trust to assist the family of Brad Still, VMEU lineman, with medical expenses for one of his sons.
A general government committee will be held on Feb. 13th at 6:30 to discuss appointments to boards and commissions and council procedures.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Hesson to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Time: 7:48 p.m.