A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 9th 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: Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Absent: Edwards.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Parr, 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 December 26th and December 30th, approve invoices in the amount of $449,775.23, receive and file the December revenue and expenditure report and to receive and file the Parks and Recreation Board meeting minutes of December 12th.
Hesson reported that the Public Works Committee had met to discuss the installation of water meter pits and water lines. There will be another committee meeting to further discuss this topic. Also, the General Government Committee will review the ordinance on water lines.
Luann Karr, 305 1st Avenue, spoke to Council. She stated she had received two write-in votes for the 2nd ward council seat, which she has declined. She would like the City to have open communications and be transparent. Amy Edison, 1015 Golf View Drive, stated she is still interested in being on the VMEU Board of Trustees.
The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing regarding a nuisance on the property at 7th Avenue and E 2nd Street. James Gill, 1009 A Avenue, is the owner of this property. Attorney Fischer said that a previous notice of a nuisance had be abated. There is a bamboo pole structure, two non-functioning lawn mowers and wood planks. In early December a new notice to abate was sent to clean up the property. Gill has requested this hearing for tonight. Motion by Parr, second by Stark to have Mayor Maynard meet Gill at the property Saturday morning to review a list of items to be removed. Council will allow Gill 30 days from Jan. 13, 2020 to remove the items. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Gill said he would like to put up a building for storage. Fischer said a primary structure has to be built prior to an accessory building.
Motion by Hesson, second by Stark to adopt an ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF AN ALLEY IN VINTON, IOWA. Question: Ayes – Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and that said ordinance had been given its third consideration.
Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to now adopt the above stated ordinance. Question: Ayes –Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared ORDINANCE 1045 duly adopted.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OF QUARTERLY CELL PHONE CHARGES TO DEPARTMENT HEADS. Question: Ayes – Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-20-01 passed and approved.
Motion by Hesson, second by Stark to approve the recent splash pad bid from Boomerang, in the amount of $222,000. Question: Ayes – Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Parks and Rec Director Boggess explained they had sought bids other times, with the bids coming in too high. He says this is a good bid. Boggess will prepare a resolution for approving this bid for the next council meeting.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve contracts with Fehr-Graham Engineering for street projects. They are for Sixth Street from Second Avenue to C Avenue, East Tenth Street and East Eleventh Street from First Avenue to Second Avenue and West Ninth Street from First Avenue to C Avenue. Question: Ayes – Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Administrator Ward has talked with the financial advisor. They will be working on general obligation bonds in the amount of three million dollars for these street projects.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to appoint Scott Meyer as the new street superintendent. Question: Ayes – Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Attorney Fischer said it was unusual that no one ran for the 2nd ward council seat. There were two write in votes for Luann Karr, which she has declined. There were two write in votes for Le Cox, but it was determined that she does not live in the 2nd ward. The appointment of Andrew Elwick was premature since the vacancy did not occur until January. Council could now decide to appoint someone to the vacancy or hold a special election. An estimated cost for a special election is $3,000. Council will hold a special council meeting on January 16th at 5:00 pm to consider how to fill the 2nd ward council vacancy.
An appointment should be made to the VMEU Trustee board. Mayor Maynard wants to have boards and commissions be gender balanced. He wants council to establish a policy on the process for making appointments to boards. A general government committee will meet on January 15th at 7:00 pm to discuss this topic.
Resolution 01-84-4, rules of procedure for the conduct of City Council business will be discussed at the general government committee meeting on January 15th.
Council reviewed some information on a possible new IAMU HISS safety management service. Eleven towns are in our service area. Vinton’s expense would be split between the electric utility and the city. VMEU General Manager Richtsmeier will be asked to attend a council meeting to explain this proposed program.
Administrator Ward said that the State has awarded the City two million dollars. This is for demolition and rehabilitation costs at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. One million is from the Vacant State Building Demolition grant program. And from the Vacant State Building Rehabilitation loan program, $500,000 is a forgivable loan and $500,000 a zero percent interest loan. Pat Baird, Dennis Lausar, Melissa Schwan, Administrator Ward and the lobbyist have worked very hard to receive these awards.
Mayor Maynard read a proclamation, proclaiming February 13, 2020 as Iowa Honey Bee Day.
Administrator Ward said he had spoke with KWWL about the awards from the State. He will be out of the office on January 20th. US Cellular will be asking to amend their water tower lease. The planning and zoning commission has met to discuss the Mary Ingall subdivision preliminary plat. This plat will be on the next regular council agenda.
Officer Parmater stated the police department is getting closer to hiring a new officer.
Good & Welfare: It is National Law Enforcement Day Appreciation. The boys bowling team is doing well.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 8:29 p.m.