REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
FEBRUARY 23, 2023
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 23rd day of February, 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, Pflughaupt, Stark; Absent – Hessenius.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda include to receive & file Council meeting minutes of February 9, 2023, receive & file Airport meeting minutes of February 15, 2023, receive & file Library meeting minutes of January 11, 2023, receive & file Parks and Rec meeting minutes of February 9, 2023, approval of Class E retail alcohol license for Ehlinger’s Vinton Express, approval of Class C retail alcohol license for Ron-Da-Voo and approval of City invoices.
Committee Reports
A work session was held with S&J Sanitation to discuss the contract for sanitation services beginning July 1, 2023. A work session was held to discuss the request for additional parking at the Marvin Lindsey complex.
Citizens Input
Shelby Baker representing Baker Tree Service spoke in defense of the tree removal work in BL Anderson and Kiwanis Park. The work has not been completed and Baker believes the ground is not as damaged as perceived.
Old Business – None
New Business
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve the first consideration of Ordinance 1080 – an ordinance adding a new subsection regarding no parking zones. The proposed no parking zones would be along the gravel road to the sewer plant on the west of Marv Lindsey. After discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn to investigate if the City or Benton County needs to create the no parking zone.
The owner of the East School property has offered to gift the property to the City of Vinton. The property has been issued several nuisance violations that have yet to be remedied. Council hasn’t had prior discussion about the level of interest in this gift and the financial implications.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a proposal from Fehr Graham for Phase I Environmental Site Assessment for the East School. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, seconded by Gates to approve a quote from Active Therman Concepts for asbestos inspection for the East School. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the Iowa Brownfield Redevelopment Program Community Assistance Grant Contract. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This Brownfield Grant will cover the costs of the Phase I assessment and asbestos inspection previously approved.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve the annual service proposal and contract for Whelen outdoor warning sirens. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Elwick to approve the agreement for bridge inspections with Calhoun-Burns & Associates. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to approve an agreement with ICC Community Development Solutions for Content Management System. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This system will be used to digitalize and store files and records electronically.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported a work session needs to be scheduled to discuss the possible extension of West 4th Street due to a new home construction. Senator Grassley’s office has called to share the City has been awarded a grant for the airpacks for the fire department. The next budget work session will likely be the week of March 13.
Code Enforcer Hansen reported the rental code letter is being mailed out tomorrow to landlords.
Police Chief Paxton reported a new officer will begin March 1st.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported the department has been awarded a grant for a water bottle fill station in BL Anderson park.
Good & Welfare
Park and Rec BINGO is Sunday beginning at 5pm! Spring is almost here!
Motion by Stark, seconded by Pflughaupt to enter closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Elwick to exit closed session and return to open session per Iowa Code 21.5(3). Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a letter of intent regarding certain real property. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
With no other business before the council, motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to adjourn. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.