VINTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 28, 2021

A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 28th day of January, 2021 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Due to COVID-19 virus, the meeting was also held electronically using Zoom which was hosted at 110 W 3rd Street. Mayor Maynard presided with roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr and Stark.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mayor Maynard offered condolences to the Hesson family. Council member Hesson served on the City Council for the last 5 years and will be greatly missed.

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

Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to approve the consent agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The consent agenda included the following items: receive & file Council meeting minutes of January 14, 2021, receive & file Library meeting minutes of December 9 & 21, 2020, approve invoices and approve the renewal of a Class C liquor license w outdoor services & Sunday sales for the Vinton Country Club.

A work session was held prior to this council meeting with the architects of the public safety building. Floor plans and funding models are being discussed.

Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to approve the second consideration of an ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF VINTON, IOWA BY ADDING NEW SUBSECTIONS REGARDING STOP SIGNS AND NO PARKNG ZONES. Questions: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve the second consideration of an ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 155, BUILDING CODE AND BUILDING HOUSE BOARD OF APPEALS ADOPTING THE 2021 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE. Questions: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to waive the 3rd reading of an ordinance to amend Chapter 155, Building Code and Building House Board of Appeals adopting the 2021 International Building Code. Questions: Nays – Elwick. The motion failed.

Motion by Edwards, second by Elwick to approve an invoice for Shive Hattery in the amount of $3,917.51 for south trail improvements. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to approve an invoice from Shive Hattery in the amount of $4,828.60 for the Community Wellness Center project. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This invoice will go towards the City’s portion of this initial phase of the project. Vinton Shellsburg CSD has already paid their previously agreed to portion.

Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF VINTON TO ENTER INTO AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH VINTON-SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion by Edwards, second by Hessenius to approve a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF VINTON TO ENTER INTO AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH J.ALLAN & TERESA M. MERCHANT. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Motion by Elwick, second by Edwards to approve a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF VINTON TO ENTER INTO AN EASEMENT AGREEMENT WITH VINTON-SHELLSBURG COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The above three easements are for the south trail improvement project.

Motion by Edwards, second by Hessenius to approve a transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Library Fund in the amount of $64,857.50. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.

Due to the passing of Council Member Hesson, there is a vacancy as the Fourth Ward representative. The vacancy may be filled by appointment or special election. If filled by appointment, the individual would serve until the next regular election. If filled by special election, the individual would serve until December 31, 2023. No action was taken.

Several appointments to various boards and commissions have expired. Council members will contact individuals to see if they are interested in being reappointed or appointed.

City Administrator Ward has been contracted about a request for industrial tax abatement in the industrial park. A budget workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, February 3 beginning at 5:30pm with the department heads. The novation process with the AmeriCorps lease has been complete as Hobart’s are now officially the lease holder. The Everest Infrastructure Partners proposal for the cell phone tower lease discussed at a previous meeting isn’t allowable under Iowa law.

Police Chief Paxton is looking to increase the parking fine by $5. Council asked to see a draft of the proposed change for the next council meeting.

Park & Recreation Director Boggess shared Party in the Park planning has begun for this upcoming summer. Job applications are also being accepted for summer positions.

City Clerk Schwan shared the iVinton office has hired a fulltime Customer Service Specialist so Tyneal Herger will now transition into the fulltime role of Utility Billing Clerk & Accounts Payable. Mike Barron has been elected as the chair of VMEU & VMCU for 2021. Schwan and Paxton would like to make some updates to the Employee Handbook. Council supported Schwan and Paxton preparing the suggested changes and presenting them council in the future.

Mayor Maynard stressed for residents to move cars from streets and city parking lots during snow events or risk being ticketed and/or towed.

Good & welfare: Kudos to the street department for doing a wonderful job of clearing the streets.

Being no other business before the council, motion by Edwards and second by Parr to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 7:55 p.m.

Categories: 2021