COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2024
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 11th day of January 2024 in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present: Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt; Stark was absent.
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda include receive & file Council meeting minutes of December 28, 2023 and January 4, 2024, receive & file Parks & Recreation meeting minutes of November 9 & December 14, 2023, receive & file Airport Commission meeting minutes of December 20, 2023 and approval of City invoices.
Stark joined the meeting via Zoom.
Citizens Input
Mark Vogt with Pollution Control Systems addressed the Council regarding the quotes for Budd’s Lift Station repair. Vogt felt the quotes received by the City were not comparable.
Old Business
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the second consideration of ordinance 1093 – an ordinance providing for the vacation of an alley in Vinton, Iowa. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
New Business
Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1094 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Gates to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1095 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to sewer rates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to approve a resolution approving designation of official newspaper. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried. The Cedar Valley Times and the Vinton Eagle will be the official newspaper for 2024.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the quote from Zimmer & Francescon for Budd’s Lift Station equipment replacement. After discussion, the respective motions were withdrawn. Engineer Nate Kass was directed to get a 3rd quote for consideration at the next meeting.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Elwick to approve the quote from SnapSports for new Rec Center flooring in the amount of $24,881.50. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt, Stark. Motion carried.
The City has received a request from US Cellular to amend the current lease for the water tower. The City Attorney is recommending some changes including the lease amount. The Council would like some clarity on the lease details including what equipment is staying or what would be added. The City Administrator is directed to work with Attorney Doug Herman and US Cellular to clarify.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to reappoint Brett Caspers to Electric Utility Board of Trustees for a term ending December 2029. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to reappoint Kimberly Noe to the Airport Commission for a term ending December 2029. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried.
Hessenius had previously been serving on the Rural Fire Advisory Board and Elwick had been serving on the Vinton Unlimited board. Both of their terms have expired. Both indicated they would be willing to continue serving on those respective boards. Their appointment will be at the next council meeting.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported department budgets are coming in. City Hall will be closed January 15.
Police Chief Paxton reminded residents to move their vehicles off the roads with the impending weather. Paxton asked to discuss the possibility of a snow emergency for the community.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported winter pickleball league is starting along with other winter sports and leagues. The VPRD board has elected officers for the new year.
Good & Welfare
Please adopt a fire hydrant and keep the hydrant clear of snow and make it accessible and visible.
With no other business before the Council, motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:00pm.