COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 25, 2024
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 25th day of April 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 and Stark.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried.
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Elwick to approve the consent agenda as presented. Question: Ayes – all. Motion carried. Items on the consent agenda include receive & file Council work session & meeting minutes of April 11, 2024, receive & file Airport meeting minutes of April 17, 2024, receive & file Library meeting minutes of March 13, 2024, receive & file Parks & Rec meeting minutes of April 11, 2024, approval of renewal of cigarette/tobacco permits for Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh, Casey’s (C Ave) and Casey’s (W 4th Street), approval of a special class C retail alcohol license for Lucky Wife Wine Slushies, approval of a special class C retail alcohol license for McBride Mobile Taps and approval of City invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances – None
Committee Reports – None
Citizens Input¬ – None
Old Business
City Attorney Doug Herman joined via Zoom to present recommendations to the proposed US Cellular water tower lease amendment terms. Recommendations included City engineer review, a 3rd party inspection, a performance and maintenance bond and an increase in the lease rate. Consensus of the Council was to have Herman respond to US Cellular with the recommendations described in his memo to the Council.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the proposal for professional services for the water treatment facility from Fehr Graham. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt and Stark. This agreement will include financing application, design, permitting, project letting, and construction observation.
New Business
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024. City Administrator Ward reminded Council the levy rate will remain at 15.685. After no other comments, Maynard closed the public hearing.
Motion by Stark, seconded by Parmater to approve the resolution adopting the City of Vinton annual budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt and Stark.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution to purchase street lights from East Central Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt and Stark. The light fixture/poles in Anderson Creek will be purchased by the Water Department.
Motion by Pflughaupt, seconded by Gates to approve the insurance renewal with PDCM Insurance for the upcoming year. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt and Stark. The renewal equates to a 0.00% increase with no change in coverage or benefits.
Jeremy Koopman was present to express his desire to purchase a small piece of ground directly west of his current parking lot that is owned by the City. The City acquired the small section of ground as part of the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School transfer. The property is primarily ditch/hillside with a small asphalt section on top and a crumbling retaining wall. Koopman is willing to have the property surveyed to begin the process. The City would need to schedule a public hearing prior to the sale.
Motion by Hessenius, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve a financial contribution in the amount of $6,000.00 to the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association for the Boomtown event. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parmater, Pflughaupt; Abstain – Stark.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Hessenius to approve the appointment of Rylie Pflughaupt to the Charles & Helen Yundt Charitable Trust Board. Unanimously approved.
Motion by Gates, seconded by Pflughaupt to approve the appointment of Megan Liles to the Vinton Parks & Recreation board for the unexpired remainer of the term ending June 30, 2025. Unanimously approved.
Motion by Parmater, seconded by Hessenius to approve the appointment of Dakoda Sellers to the Board of Adjustment & Appeals. Unanimously approved.
A public hearing for the FY24 budget amendment is scheduled for Thursday, May 23 at 7:00pm in City Hall.
Reports
Administrator Ward reported ECICOG staff will be in Vinton on May 7 to discuss potential partnerships on upcoming projects. Building Inspector Hansen reported six new homes are currently under construction. An appeal has been filed by the property owner of the Seed House so the unsafe building judgement is now sitting with District Court. Mowing season has begun. The west water tower has been washed. Work at the new sewer plant has begun. Paxton reported a new officer has been hired and is completing field training currently. Boggess reported mowing season has started for the parks department. The newly renovated shelter at BL Anderson will be dedicated in the upcoming weeks. A special meeting will be held Tuesday, April 30 to interview applicants for the 4th council ward seat.
Good & Welfare
Best wishes to Bethany Gates, thanks for serving on Council!
With no other business before the Council, motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Approved unanimously.