A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 25th day of April, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive and file the Council meeting minutes of April 11, 2019, to receive and file the Airport Commission meeting minutes of April 17, 2019, to approve the renewal of a class B beer permit with Sunday sales for Pizza Hut and to receive and file the March building inspector report.
Edwards reported he had received an inquiry about building a detached garage on a property that has three front yards. An application for a building permit was denied because it did not meet the setback requirements. The owner could appeal to the Board of Adjustments.
Hessenius reported that the public safety committee had with Chief Paxton to discuss look alike guns. Chief Paxton will draft a new ordinance regarding this type of gun.
Melissa Smith, Virginia Gay Hospital Home Health, and Matt Boggess, Parks and Recreation director, talked about a Healthy Hometown/Parklet Initiative. They would like to create a pop up park in the alley just west of the Palace Theatre. The Healthy Hometown initiative is being promoted by Wellmark, for people to eat well, move more and feel better. Council’s general consensus was for them to proceed with designing this seasonal parklet.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to approve a request for community catalyst and building remediation grant funding for Clingman Pharmacy and Fischer Law Firm. The cost estimate from Pickering Backhoe Service is for $30,744.45. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Adam Rodenberg, Middle Cedar Watershed Management Authority, was not present tonight. Administrator Ward said that Rodenberg is preparing to go out for bids for the wetland project. Ward will seek quotes for the house demolition. It was suggested to see if the house could be moved instead of demolishing it.
Council received a list of nuisance properties that building inspector Jerry Michael is working on. Joe Schott, owner of 201 1st Avenue, asked for time to do repairs. Council asked him to clean up the outside by May 23rd. Then he should get a building permit to do repairs or remodeling. Council would like to see improvements within 90 days of the permit. A letter was received from Attorney John Fischer, representing Matt Merchant, regarding the old IBSSS power plant. Council asked Administrator Ward to contact Bill Sueppel about this property. Building Inspector Michael can issue a municipal infractions for a property on West 16th Street.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to approve the health insurance renewal with Wellmark/BlueCross Blue Shield. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This is a “PPO” plan with a premiums increase of about 8 percent over the current policy. Administrator Ward will sign the HIPAA document to be returned to the PDCM Insurance office.
Administrator Ward stated that g-mail accounts could be set up for council members. After checking into cost, e-mail accounts using the current webhosting service would be more economical. The clerk will contact Rick Ohrt and Jason Hicok to have these new e-mail addresses setup.
Administrator Ward stated that the airport does have economic impact to the City. According to the DOT it creates 3.5 jobs directly and 4.5 jobs indirectly. There are two businesses located at the airport. The City receives revenues from farm rent, fuel sales and hangar rent. Federal and State grants have been received for various projects at the airport. Also, the National Weather Service reports from the airport.
A public works committee will be held on May 9th at 6:00 p.m. Nate Kass, Fehr Graham engineer will be present. They will discuss possible street projects.
Administrator Ward will seek contact information for the clerical union representative.
Motion by Parr, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION ORDERING CONSTRUCTION OF THE SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT PROJECT AT THE VINTON VETERANS MEMORIAL AIRPORT IN VINTON, IOWA, SETTING PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT AND ESTIMATED COST AND DIRECTING PUBLICATION OF NOTICE TO BIDDERS. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – Elwick. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 04-19-03 passed and approved.
Motion by Hesson, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL FUND TO LIBRARY FUND. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 04-19-04 passed and approved. This approves a quarterly transfer of $57,869 to the Library.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to approve requests from the Parks and Recreation department for street closings for Party in the Park activities on June 20th to June 23rd. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Elwick to set a public hearing for the splash pad bids for May 9th. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. It was suggested that maybe a new storm shelter could be built near the splash pad.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to set a public hearing for a proposed budget amendment for the current fiscal year for May 23rd at 7:00 p.m. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Hesson, second by Hessenius to approve a proclamation declaring May 12-18, 2019 as National Hospital Week. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Administrator Ward reported that the community gardens will be started tomorrow. The public works union, IBEW 55, would like to meet again soon. Attorney Fischer has been working on the flood buyout properties. The Benson fence is not yet cut off to the correct height. Captain Dickinson said they hosted an armor training at the EOC. Clerk reported two new chicken permits have been issued recently. City Hall gutters were repaired today. An Iowa League of Cities nuisance abatement conference will be in Coralville on May 15th. New fuel pump at airport is almost complete.
Good & Welfare: VMEU and VCU are moving forward with the broadband/fiber optics project.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to go into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i). Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Time: 9:12 p.m.
Council reconvened regular session. Time: 10:05 p.m.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Hesson to adjourn the meeting. Time: 10:05 p.m.