REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

NOVEMBER 25, 2019

   A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 25th day of November, 2019, 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, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Absent:  None.

   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

   Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to approve the agenda.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Parr, second by Hesson 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 November 14, 2019, approve invoices in the amount of $92,840.65, receive and file the Library Board meeting minutes of November 13, 2019 and to receive and file the October building permit report.

   Stark reported that the Public Works Committee met to discuss possible street projects with Nate Kass, Fehr Graham engineer.  Mayor Maynard stated that a general work session was held earlier this evening.

   The Mayor announced that now was the time and place set to hold a public hearing on the annual urban renewal report for fiscal year 2018-2019.  There were no comments.  The Mayor closed the hearing.

   Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to receive and file the 2018-2019 State Annual Urban Renewal Report.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Administrator Ward stated this report shows TIF revenues from the past fiscal year.

   Motion by Elwick, second by Parr to receive and file the County Tax Increment Financing report.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Administrator Ward stated this is requesting tax increment financing for the next fiscal year.

   Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to table consideration of roof restoration bids for the waste water treatment plant.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Superintendent Walker will seek bids that include the same quantity of insulation.

   Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to have City Attorney Fischer proceed with vacating an alley between H and I Avenues in Block 2 of West Vinton.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved this vacation.

   Motion by Parr, second by Hesson to fill the 2nd Ward Council seat by appointment at the December 26th council meeting.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  Anyone that lives in the 2nd Ward and is interested in filling this position, should send a letter of interest to City Hall or attend the December 12th council meeting to express their interest.         

   Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve a cost share with Virginia Gay Hospital for a water booster pump.  The City will pay $15,000 and VGH is to pay $10,000 towards this water booster pump.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to consider water line replacement costs for three properties owned by Andrew Elwick.  A contractor had damaged a water line that services four houses on E Avenue, three are Elwick properties.  This line has been temporarily repaired.  After discussion no action was taken.  The individual water lines do not need to be replaced.

   Lucas and Katie Baxter, 1307 G Avenue, asked to temporarily connect their sump pump to the sanitary sewer line.  They had purchased their home without being told about a spring underneath the house.  If a sump pump is drained to the street, the water ponds at the intersection of 13th Street and G Avenue, then freezes.  Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to allow their sump pump to be connected to the sanitary sewer for this winter.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve a pre-application to IDOT for a five year federal airport improvement program.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Hesson, second by Edwards to approve a lease agreement for flood damaged property with Brett Stein.  The lot is on the southeast corner of the intersection of 3rd Street and 3rd Avenue.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.  The lease is for $1.00 per year.  Stein plans to place rock on this lot.  He will send a letter requesting permission to park trailers on this lot.

   Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to approve the Cedar Valley Time and The Vinton Eagle as the official newspapers for the City.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Stark, second by Parr to approve a request for the Tour De Lights 5K route on December 15th.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Administrator Ward stated he has scheduled meetings to attend: an Iowa League workshop, a meeting with Hobarts and Rob Levis to discuss buildings at the Braille school campus and an emergency management meeting.  City Clerk reported the landfill commission is planning a food compost site, seeking another roof bid for City Hall, received one proposal for auditing, financial advisor is reviewing the sewer rate ordinance, and a retirement open house for Street Superintendent Rick Erickson is Wednesday afternoon.  

   Good & Welfare:  The police department is working on their Holiday with a Cop.  They hope to be able to serve at least thirty children.  Happy Thanksgiving.

   There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.  Time: 8:12 p.m.