COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 26, 2022
The City Council of the City of Vinton, Iowa met in regular session on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 7:00pm in Council Chambers of City Hall, 110 W 3rd Street with the following members in attendance:
Present: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark
Absent: None
Motion by Bearbower, second by Pflughaupt to approve the agenda as presented. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the consent agenda as presented. Approved unanimously. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file council meeting minutes of May 12, 2022, approval of cigarette/tobacco permits for Vinton Dollar Fresh, Casey’s, Fareway and John’s Qwik Stop, approval of class C liquor license for La Reyna, approval of Class C liquor license for American Legion and approval of city invoices.
Communications, Petitions & Remonstrances – None
Committee Reports
The Culture & Recreation committee met prior to review a draft ordinance regarding food trucks operating in Vinton. After input from food truck owners and council, the draft will be updated and represented.
Citizens Input
Ann Jorgensen (1010 Cedarview Drive) addressed council with concerns about increased water rates and the risk of losing the Vinton Country Club as a customer.
Tami Stark (1115 3rd Avenue), Lois Mulvaney (1005 3rd Avenue), Eric Upmeyer (915 E 3rd Street) and Matt Boggess (802 W 15th Street) respectively addressed council with concerns regarding the recent resignation of librarian Renee Greenlee.
Old Business
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the third consideration of Ordinance 1072 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Viton by designating a new revitalization area (Edwards Plumbing & Heating). Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to adopt above stated Ordinance 1072. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Bearbower, second by Gates to approve the second consideration of Ordinance 1073 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Vinton, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to loading zones. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. This will shift the loading zone for Nature’s Corner one parking space to the south.
John Mossman, board president for the Vinton Country Club asked council to consider reverting back to a tiered water rate system for all high volume users through the month of September. VCC wishes to pursue digging a well to support the irrigation system with the club house remaining on the City water system. City Attorney, Doug Herman and Tionna Pooler, Financial Advisor spoke to council with concerns and possible considerations. No action was taken.
New Business
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve the first consideration of Ordinance 1074 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. This would increase the water rate to $2.65 per 100 cubic feet from $2.30. The monthly meter charge would remain at $9.75.
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing for the FY22 budget amendment. After no comments, the Mayor closed the public hearing.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the resolution amending the current budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing for the draft environmental assessment for the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airport. Administrator Ward shared the assessment is still in the draft stage and just because a project is listed in the draft assessment does not mean the project is going to be completed. Several questions were asked about the turtles and the wetlands. All official comments and responses to comments will be filed with the FAA final report.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Gates to approve a quote from Northway Well & Pump Co for well #3 modifications. The modifications are a result of a recent inspection. Council member Hessenius questioned why the modifications were not done at the time of install. After discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn. Superintendent Walker will follow up with Northway.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve a resolution approving disbursement of hotel/motel tax proceeds to Vinton Unlimited. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Stark to approve the resolution to allow permission for the sale of certain real property by the Iowa Braille & Sight Savings School, LLC (parcel 33). Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. Council’s approval is a condition of the development agreement.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the resolution to allow permission for the sale of certain real property by the Iowa Braille & Sight Saving School, LLC (parcel 8). Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Hessenius to approve the Business Improvement Grant program application for Henkle Creek Mercantile. Approved by the following votes: Bearbower, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
A public hearing will be held June 9, 2022 at 7:00pm to transfer Parcel D from the City of Vinton to Anderson Creek.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the special event application for Boom-Fest. Approved unanimously. The event will be held August 27, 2022.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve sidewalk reimbursement for 910 2nd Avenue. Approved unanimously.
A work session will need to be scheduled for review of the employee handbook.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported he anticipates the library board meeting next week to determine the next steps for hiring of a new Director. The resolution for wage adjustments for the next fiscal year will be on the agenda for the next meeting.
Building Inspector Hansen reported he attending the nuisance abatement conference last week. The court date for Alphagen is next week. Lots of construction happening!
Dave Lira, police officer, reported two juveniles have been charged for the incident in Riverside Park and the surrounding area.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Walker reported they have received an excellent response from the service line questionnaire that was sent out. Staff are working on the annual lab certifications.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess thanked Ted Paxton & Charlie Garwood and their respective departments for the quick work on the fire at Riverside Park. The damaged structure will be demolished in the upcoming weeks. There may be one replacement option that is available yet this fall. Concrete work for the pickleball courts and the Kiwanis Park shelter is scheduled for next week.
City Clerk Schwan reported City departments are slowly making the transition over to the vintonia.gov email server.
Good & Welfare
Kudos to the Parks & Recreation Department for opening the splash pad early. The two officers will graduate from the Academy tomorrow. Party in the Park is in three weeks!
With no other business before the council, motion by Hessenius, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn the meeting. Approved unanimously.