REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 26, 2023
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 26th day of January, 2023 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present: Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark; Absent: Bearbower.
Eric Cowles, APWA Iowa Chapter Award Chair, presented the City of Vinton Parks & Recreation Department with an award for Nathan’s Miles glow trail.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the 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 are to receive & file Council meeting minutes of January 12, 2023, receive & file Library about meeting minutes of December 14, 2022, receive & file Airport meeting minutes of January 18, 2023, approval of Class B beer permit for Kwik Trip, approval of Class C retail alcohol license for Vinton Country Club and approval of City invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances
Councilmember Bearbower submitted a letter of resignation from her 3rd Ward council seat.
Committee Reports
Business type activities met to review RFPs for sanitation haulers for the new contract beginning July 1, 2023. The committee is recommending S&J Sanitation. City staff will draft a resolution for the next council meeting.
Public works committee met to discuss meter pits and water heaters. With meter pits being installed, contractors and residents need to be aware an expansion tank may be needed.
A work session was held with North Benton Ambulance to discuss possible merger with the City. Another work session is scheduled for February 9 to discuss the financial impact.
Citizens Input – None
Old Business
Peggy Schott, owner of 201 1st Avenue was present along with her son Andrew to provide an update to the council. A bid has been secured for the demolition of the single-story structure. There is no start date for the work as they are waiting on asbestos testing. Schott’s asked for a letter of support from the City for grant applications.
New Business
Mayor Maynard opened the hearing for the maximum property tax levy for fiscal year 2024. Administrator Ward notified council that a bill is being presented at the Capitol that may affect the valuations used for the budget. Limited information is known at this time. The maximum property tax levy of $13.34670 does not include debt service. Maynard closed the hearing.
Motion by Hessenius, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution approving the fiscal year 2024 maximum property tax dollars. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve a resolution adopting the City of Vinton records request policy. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to approve a resolution approving acceptance of acquisition plat for S Avenue right of way acquisition Westridge Estate Section 18, Twp 85 North, Range 10 West Of the 5th PM, City of Vinton, Benton County. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, seconded by Stark to approve a resolution to allow permission for the sale of certain real property by Vinton Braille School LLC. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve a resolution adopting the 2023 goal setting report. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Hessenius to approve the professional design services agreement from Fehr Graham for Sanitary Sewer Main Improvements. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The project is located on B Avenue between 13th and 14th Street with the intent to install a new sanitary sewer line.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the professional services agreement from Shive Hattery for Recreation Center Improvements Conceptual Planning. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the quote from Hawkeye Truck equipment for a dump truck box. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to approve the quotes from Lifetime Fence for fences/gates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. These will replace current fences around lift stations.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the request for sewer forgiveness at 104 S R Avenue Lot 26. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This resulted from a water leak.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported he will have a meeting next week with Homeland Security regarding the BRIC grant. The electric department is asking about sharing the cost of a new bucket truck.
Code Enforcer Hansen reported he spoke to Kiwanis Club. A brownfield grant has been submitted for the former East School. A committee meeting is requested to begin discussing rental code.
Police Chief Paxton reported a public safety building meeting will be held early in February. Paxton reminded residents to not park on the streets during snowfalls.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported the new Rec Coordinator will attend the next council meeting. A visioning meeting with Trees Forever was held last week.
Mayor Maynard asked residents to please be conscious of neighbors when moving snow and ice from your properties.
Good & Welfare
Park and Rec BINGO is Sunday beginning at 5pm!
With no other business before the Council, motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Hessenius to adjourn. Approved unanimously.