REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

AUGUST 22, 2019

   A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 22nd day of August, 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 Stark, second by Elwick to approve the agenda.  Question:  Ayes – All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Stark, 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 August 8, 2019, approve invoices in the amount of $118,519.93 plus one additional statement for $159.29 to BP for fuel purchases for the fire department, receive and file the Parks & Recreation Board meeting minutes of August 8, 2019, approve the renewal of a class C liquor license for Ron-Da-Voo, receive and file the Library Board meeting minutes of July 10 and August 14, 2019, and receive and file the July building inspector report.

   Stark reported that the general government committee met.  They discussed various projects.

   Katelyn O’Brien, high school student representative, requested permission for the homecoming parade route on Sept. 26, 2019.  Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to approve this request.  Question:  Ayes –All.  The Mayor declared the motion carried. 

   Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to adopt an ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF VINTON, IOWA, BY AMENDING THE OFFICIAL FLOOD PLAIN ZONING MAP.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried and that said ordinance had been given its third consideration.

   Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to now adopt the above stated ordinance.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared ORDINANCE 1043 duly adopted.

   Motion by Parr, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING CITY OF VINTON TO ENTER INTO FARM SUBLEASE WITH WAYNE SIELA.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 08-19-02 passed and approved.  This sub-lease also approves paying crop input costs and expenses of $954.15 to Wayne Siela.

   Council member Stark discussed nuisance abatements and process.  She would like to form a nuisance abatement review committee.  Some residents may need help or guidance to abate a nuisance.  Building inspector Jerry Michael stated there are currently 34 properties he is working on.  Many of the owners are working on complying.  A notice has yet to be served to the agent or owners of the old Braille school power plant.  A flow chart for the nuisance abatement process has been drafted.

   Council would like to see artwork for City Hall exterior east wall.  The local art guild will be contacted for ideas.

   The City has received property tax statements for 2 flood buyout properties and the 2 parcels purchased from the Corbett family.  Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to have the City Administrator request abatement of these tax statements from the county supervisors.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the disbursement of $6,395 to HACAP.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   Motion by Parr, second by Elwick to approve a sidewalk reimbursement of $750 to Hesson Properties, 210 W 6th Street.  Question:  Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.  Abstain – Hesson.  Nays – None.  The Mayor declared the motion carried.

   City Administrator Ward reported that the FEMA flood maps will be updated in 2021.  New LIDAR information will be used.  New mapping of Mud Creek and its tributary will need to be done.  EOR Engineers will talk with FEMA about the wetland project.

   A business type activities committee meeting is set for September 12th at 6:00 pm to discuss solid waste collections.  

   Administrator Ward will be planning a council work session to prioritize projects.  He received nine design proposals for the new emergency services facility.  He will be at the Iowa Downtown Conference in Dubuque August 28th.

   Hessenius reported that the hospital’s clinic addition is having an issue with the water pressure and volume in their lab.  The addition was completed in February 2018 and the water system operation was approved.  Since then the City has flushed the water system and their pressure and volume have decreased.  A booster pump may be needed.  The cost estimate is approximately $20,000.  Administrator Ward will discuss this with the water superintendent.  A company may need to be hired to check for a water leak. 

   Captain Dickinson reported that the police department will be busy.  Alex Reinert has resigned.  Another officer will be off duty because of a family illness.

   Council received a thank you letter from the family of Mary Watson.  A new building custodian has started work at City Hall.  The Board of Adjustments will meet on Aug. 28th.  Hobart has signed the letter of intent regarding the Braille school property.

   Good & Welfare:  The activities for the sesquicentennial have been enjoyed by many people.

   There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.  Time: 8:25 p.m.