REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JUNE 23, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 23rd of June, 2022 at 7:00pm 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: Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file council meeting minutes of June 9, 2022, approval of cigarette/tobacco permits for Ehlinger’s, approval of Class C beer permit for Kwik Star and approval of city invoices.
Citizens Input
Chuck Yedlick representing the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association spoke to council about the Boomtown event at the end of August. Yedlick will submit a special event application for approval at the next council meeting.
Old Business
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve the third consideration of Ordinance 1074 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Vinton, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Gates to adopt Ordinance 1074 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Vinton, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve a change order from Tschiggfrie Excavating for Anderson Parks Court Project in the amount of $1,530.27. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve a proposal for Remington Development Design from Fehr Graham. The Mayor would like council to consider a work session before moving forward with this project. The respective motions were withdrawn.
Administrator Ward updated Council that Benton County would need to approve the permit for a private well located within city limits, not Council as previously thought. Ward also reported a special irrigation rate already exists as irrigation and sprinkler meters aren’t assessed a corresponding sewer charge. Mr. Patrick Callahan of Callahan Municipal Consultants has offered to conduct an independent third-party review of the water rates and the request of the Vinton Country Club for a discounted water rate. It was the consensus of the council to move forward with Mr. Callahan. A formal proposal will be prepared for the next council meeting.
New Business
Motion by Hessenius, second by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution setting salaries and compensation for supervision, management and part-time employees for the fiscal year 2022-2023. The Water/Wastewater Superintendent and Street Superintendent positions are being recommended to move to a yearly salary rather than an hourly wage. After discussion, the respective motions were withdrawn.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve a resolution setting salaries and compensation for supervision, management and part-time employees for the fiscal year 2022-2023 with the adjustment of Parks & Recreation Director salary to $80,000 to match the Water/Wastewater Superintendent and Street Superintendent positions. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve a resolution adopting an employee handbook. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Bearbower, second by Gates to approve a resolution to approve a tentative agreement with the Local Unit 55 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution approving the plat for Anderson Creek Second Subdivision. The Planning & Zoning Commission has met and is recommending acceptance. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Josh Frye, owner of J&R Sanitation is asking council to consider adding a fuel surcharge for sanitation services as a result of the drastic increase in fuel costs. Frye is asking for the fuel adjustment to be documented on the first Monday of each month from an agreed upon website and subsequentially used for billing in the month. An ordinance amendment will need to be drafted for the next council meeting.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve a sidewalk reimbursement for 106 W 8th Street. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported the auditors have finished up field work. Ward will be out of the office until July 5.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Walker reported auto flushers have been installed in Anderson Creek.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported seal coating has started for the summer.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported Party in the Park was fantastic. Boggess is continuing to work with insurance on the truck and the playground replacement. Baker Enterprises has not been back this year to complete any work on the glow trail.
Good & Welfare
The Benton County Fair is underway.
With no other business before the Council, motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to adjourn. Approved unanimously.