COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2024

A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 8th day of February 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.

Motion by Parmater, seconded by Gates to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried.

Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried. Items on the consent agenda include receive & file Council meeting minutes of January 25 & 31, 2024, approval of special class C retail alcohol license for Cobblestone Inn Suites, approval of class B retail alcohol license for Dollar General, approval of tobacco retail permit for Family Dollar Store and approval of City invoices.

Committee Reports
A work session was held prior to the Council meeting to discuss West 1st Street and water treatment facility upgrades. The rental code meeting for February was rescheduled to a date yet to be set.

Citizens Input
Donna Whaley, with North Star Community Services asked Council to consider adding a handicapped parking space near the door of their office on West 5th Street. The public safety committee will meet to discuss.

Old Business
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the third consideration of ordinance 1094 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Motion by Elwick, seconded by Parmater to adopt the above stated ordinance. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to approve the third consideration of ordinance 1095 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to sewer rates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Motion by Elwick, seconded by Parmater to adopt the above stated ordinance. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to approve the second consideration of ordinance 1096 – an ordinance repealing section 99.02 pertaining to special rates for sewer service charges. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Mayor Maynard asked to table the proposal for professional services for water treatment facility from Fehr Graham.

New Business
Motion by Hessenius, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1097 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to sewer rates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Motion by Parmater, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the first consideration of ordinance 1098 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried.

Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on the proposed sale and transfer of City owned real estate. After no comments, Maynard closed the public hearing.

Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Parmater to approve the resolution approving sale and transfer of City owned real estate following a public hearing. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried. Staff will work with the City Attorney to prepare the deed for the alley.

Motion by Gates, seconded by Parmater to approve a resolution obligating funds from the urban renewal tax revenue fund for appropriation to the payment of annual appropriation tax increment financed obligations which shall come due in the current fiscal year. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt. Motion carried. This is the first TIF payment to Anderson Creek in this fiscal year.

Jeanne Mann presented an idea to the Council to plant flowers on bare property around the City. Seeding would be done on public property or private property with owners consent. Motion by Parmater, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve Mann’s request. Unanimously approved.

Reports
City Administrator Ward reported the reconstruction meeting for the WWTP plant is next week. Community garden spaces will be available beginning March 1. Water/Sewer Superintendent Walker reported staff continue to work on meter swaps and radio reads as available. He is working with a homeowner on 3rd Avenue regarding a missed sewer hookup. Police Chief Paxton reported the department has received 9 new AEDs as part of a grant. The 2nd Tahoe is expected back next week. Mayor Maynard reported the next budget work session is the 21st of February. The attorney continues to work with US Cellular on their requested lease amendment.

With no other business before council, motion by Hessenius, seconded by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Unanimously approved. Time: 7:40pm.