REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 11, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 11th day of August, 2022 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present and absent: Present: Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark.
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 Hessenius, 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 July 28, 2022, receive & file Vinton Parks & Recreation board meeting minutes of July 14, 2022, and approval of City invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances
Council received an email from Blake Henkle on Riverview Drive regarding the storm sewer discharge on his property. City staff will review.
Committee Reports
The committee for the Emergency Services building met on the 9th. The architect is to be providing an updated cost estimate. Administrator Ward will begin submitting preliminary paperwork for funding. With the decline in population in the last census, funding assistance is available up to 75 percent.
Citizens Input
David McNeal, 409 E 5th Street, spoke in support of the repeal of the breed specific animal ordinances in Vinton and Benton County as his family is one of the impacted in Keystone.
Laura Hopper, rural Keystone, also spoke in support of repealing the breed specific animal ordinances.
Old Business
Motion by Stark, second by Pflughaupt to approve the third consideration of Ordinance 1075 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Vinton, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to solid waste collection fees. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, send by Gates to adopt Ordinance 1075 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Vinton, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to solid waste collection fees. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the quote from Frontline Warning Systems for outdoor siren programming. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The siren was previously owned by Duane Arnold and was given to the City with the closure of the facility. The siren will be located in or near Anderson Creek subdivision.
New Business
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve the quote from McDowells for shelter house roof repair in Cedar Bend Park. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This is a budgeted item for the fiscal year.
Mr. Patrick Callahan presented his findings from the City Water Rate Structure review and analysis he recently conducted. After reviewing information and giving consideration to all comments, Mr. Callahan is recommending the City retain the current flat rate structure for water usage. Council had no questions.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Stark to approve the disbursement of funds to Vinton Unlimited. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This is the annual disbursement of $25,000 and LOST funds.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the hiring of Scott Wirth as Assistant Director of Vinton Parks & Recreation. Question: Ayes – Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Kevin Kirchner, General Manager for the Electric Utility approached council about how the eLation software cost is being shared among the departments. In the spring of 2021, both the electric board and council approved the cost-sharing arrangement to split the costs based on revenue with a plan to review/adjust every two years. Kirchner is wondering if Council would be willing to reconsider the arrangement and split the costs based on customer count instead. The business-type activities committee will meet to discuss and consider.
Several individuals spoke to council asking for a reconsideration of Chapter 56 of the Vinton Code of Ordinances concerning breed specific bans of animals. Preston Moore, Iowa State Director for the Humane Society of the United States offered assistance in drafting such changes. No action was taken and the discussion was sent to the public safety committee for further review.
A public hearing will be held on August 25, 2022 at 7:00pm at the Vinton City Hall. The purpose of the hearing will be to discuss the status of funding for the City of Vinton’s Homebuyer Assistance Program. The project is being funded through a Community Development Block Grant provided by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the City of Vinton.
A work session will be held on August 15, 2022 at 7:00pm to discuss the development agreement amendment requested by Hobarts. Attorney Grossklaus has reviewed the amendment and has guidance.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported the traffic count for the bridge on West 13th Street has been updated which means federal grants may be available. The Benton County Supervisors approved the tax deed turnover for the vacant lot on W 6th Street.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported crews are working on the last six blocks of seal coating for the summer before beginning some patch and concrete work.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported the annual glow ball tournament is this weekend. The DNR has awarded a grant for a city-wide tree inventory. The pool closes for the season on August 14. A meeting is scheduled with Shive Hattery tomorrow to discuss wellness center renderings.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Walker reported crews have been replacing hydrants. The new locator has arrived so staff has been doing some training.
Police Captain Parmater reported Boomtown is coming up. The police department won the 2nd annual “pitching for pins” baseball game against the Vinton Shellsburg wrestling team.
Melody Snow, Vinton Unlimited Director reported the annual Boomtown event is coming up August 27th. The summer punch card promo just wrapped up with over $90,000 in spending.
With no other business before the Council, motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to adjourn. Approved unanimously.