REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 25, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 25th 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: Bearbower, Elwick, Hessenius, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark. Absent: None. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Stark 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 August 11, 2022, receive & file airport meeting minutes of July 20, 2022 and approval of City invoices.
Committee Reports
A business type activities committee meeting was held August 15 with VMEU to discuss eLation software cost sharing. The committee is recommending to leave as is and revisit at budget time.
General Government met on August 25 to discuss changes to Chapter 75A concerning utility vehicles and the recent legislative changes. Recommendations have been made and a first reading will be ready for an upcoming council meeting.
Culture & Recreation met on August 25 to review the proposed food truck ordinance. After input from local food vendors, a few changes were made. A first reading will be ready for an upcoming council meeting. The committee also discussed community beautification and an offer for hanging flower pots at the intersections of 4th street. The offer for flower pots was put on hold until a plan for upkeep could be discussed.
Citizens Input
Brett Root, 403 S Avenue South shared concerns about encroachment and property line issues in the community. Root also asked council to consider establishing guidelines for living fences and hedge rows. Roots request was sent to the general government committee for discussion.
Bruce Gardner, Garrison, has asked council for feedback on a prospective business idea in the industrial park.
Old Business – None
New Business
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on the status of funded activities for the City of Vinton. It was noted that a CDBG Housing contract in the amount of $171,850 was awarded to the City of Vinton from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Nineteen applications were received and processed. Two homebuyers have been assisted to date. Through July 31, 2022, a total of $63,509.95 has been invoiced; $44,272.45 for homebuyer assistance, and $19,237.50 for grant administration and technical services. Homebuyer assistance expenses include down payment, eligible closing costs, and a home inspection fee. Two homebuyers have been assisted and a third homebuyer has secured a purchase agreement with a closing date pending. A completion date is anticipated for September 30, 2022. A contract amendment was approved by IEDA extending the contract performance period for an additional 60 days to accommodate the upcoming closing. Due to the extremely tight housing market conditions, the number of homebuyers assisted is projected to be 3, rather than the original 5 that were anticipated. No comments or questions were made by the public in attendance or participating via Zoom. Mayor Maynard closed the public hearing.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the quote from Quality Pump & Control for a new pump for the Ballpark lift station at a cost of $5,728.00. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the acceptance of the Anderson Park Courts Project. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The project has been completed and acceptance has been recommended by the engineer.
Motion by Elwick, second by Gates to approve pay estimate #2 (final retainage) for Anderson Park Courts project. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve a request from the Wiese Family for replacement of the walking trail drives. After brief discussion, both motions were respectfully rescinded and the item tabled. Parks Director Matt Boggess will schedule a meeting with council and Shive Hattery to discuss the drive issues.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Stark to approve the acceptance of the Rehabilitate Runway 9/27 project at the airport. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This project was completed last fall. The airport commission is reporting no issues and is recommending acceptance.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve pay estimate #3 for the Rehabilitate Runway 9/27 project at the airport. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This is the third and final pay estimate for this project. The FAA grant is covering 100% of the project costs.
Motion by Stark, second by Pflughaupt to approve the resolution authorizing disbursement of hotel/motel tax proceeds to Vinton Unlimited. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This is the quarterly pass through as approved by the voters.
A work session is scheduled for August 30, 2022 at 4:30pm with Hobarts and 5:30pm with Shive Hattery regarding the walking trail.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported we are still waiting for an updated contract from J&R Sanitation to be able to implement the fuel surcharge. The bridge needing replaced on East 13th Street may have a sidewalk included along the bridge if funds allow.
Police Chief Paxton reported his staff will be busy with Boomtown this weekend.
Water/Sewer Superintendent Walker reported crews have been making minor repairs to the plants, rodding sewers and learning the new locator/GIS mapping system.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported the department is closed this week for annual maintenance. Anderson Park Courts will have a grand opening celebration next Monday. The splash pad will be open until the end of September.
Building Inspector Hansen reported the old steam plant is demolished and work is still progressing to finish cleanup. The deadline for the Alphagen nuisance abatement is September 15. There is lots of pressure from Anderson Creek however the final plat isn’t complete.
Good & Welfare
A very happy birthday to Rylie’s grandfather who is turning 100. Boomtown is this weekend!
With no other business before the council, motion by Hessenius, second by Gates to adjourn the meeting. Approved unanimously.