REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 23, 2021
The City Council of the City of Vinton, Iowa met in regular session on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 110 W 3rd Street with the following members in attendance:
Present: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark
Absent: None
Due to COVID-19, the meeting was also held electronically via Zoom.
Mayor Maynard called the meeting to order.
The Oath of Office for Officer Smothers was postponed to the October 14 council meeting.
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve the agenda as presented. Approved unanimously.
Motion by Edwards, second by Gates to approve the consent agenda as presented. Approved unanimously. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file Council meeting minutes of September 9, 2021, receive & file Parks & Recreation meeting minutes of July 8, August 12 & September 9, 2021, approve city, library and airport invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances
A thank you note was received from the Iowa Pyrotechnic Association for the City’s contribution to the Boomtown event.
Committee Reports
A work session was held prior to the council meeting to hear a presentation from Happy Time Child Development Center staff and board members. There is a severe child care shortage in Vinton, Benton County and the state of Iowa.
Citizens Input
Ben Arbuckle, 2530 59th Street Drive, Vinton, addressed the Council regarding the status of his rezoning request. City Administrator Ward hasn’t received the application to rezone from Mr. Arbuckle’s neighbor yet. Once the application is received, the Planning & Zoning Commission can schedule a meeting to discuss.
Old Business
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the second consideration of Ordinance 1064 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances by amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. The proposed ordinance will increase tag and turn on fees as a result of disconnection. Residents disconnected from electric and water service will not be charged two tag fees.
New Business
Motion by Gates, second by Parr to approve the first consideration of Ordinance 1065 – an ordinance amending the code of ordinances by adding a new section providing exemptions to frost protection. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. The proposed ordinance will allow for the exemption of frost protection for detached structures under 1,008 square feet.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve a resolution authorizing adoption of amended and restate policies and procedures regarding municipal securities disclosure. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. The resolution is a result of the bond issuance for the sewer plant regarding transparency when borrowing funds.
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve a resolution approving the plat of survey for Parcel D, part of Homecoming Court, Anderson Creek Estates First Addition to the City of Vinton, Iowa. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This has previously been approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to approve a quote for water tower inspection submitted by Fehr Graham. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. The cost is $2,500 and includes inspection of both water towers.
Mayor Maynard left the meeting.
Motion by Edwards, second by Gates to approve charge order #8 for the street improvement project. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Parr, Stark; Nays: Hessenius. The change order is for additional retaining wall block and sidewalk at the bid price.
Mayor Maynard returned to the meeting.
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve the participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This program is similar to LiHEAP and will be facilitated through HACAP.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess asked Council to table the request for street closures on October 16, 2021.
Motion by Parr, second by Edwards to approve the request from HACAP for disbursement of funds. Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This annual contribution of $6,395.00 is included in the budget.
Council Member Parr asked the Council to consider amending the current Code of Ordinances regarding pole type accessory structures and exterior building materials. City Administrator Ward reminded Council that these items are in the code chapter pertaining to zoning so the Planning & Zoning Commission would need to make any recommendations for changes to the City Council. Consensus of the Council was the forward the review of Vinton City Code Chapter 165.11.2(A) and 165.21.6(K)(4) onto the Planning & Zoning Commission for discussion. No further action was taken.
The Vinton Parks & Recreation Board along with VPRD Staff are requesting possible amendments to the Code of Ordinances Chapter 24 regarding the structure and duties of the Board. A work session will be scheduled with park staff and council to discuss the possible amendments.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported the walk through on 9th & 10th Streets have been completed. Airport painting will be on the next council agenda for approval. Three candidates are being interviewed for the Library Director position. Ward recently visited with Attorney Dave Grossklaus and it was recommended to have a meeting to refresh the roles and responsibilities outlined in the Development Agreement for the former IBSSS property. Ward will be attending the annual ICMA conference during the first week of October.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess shared the field drive work has started along the trail. Boggess continues to apply for additional grants.
Water Superintendent Walker reported crews continue to work on replacing hydrants, valves and installing meter pits. Hydrant flushing will take place October 4-7th. They will begin hauling sludge in the next couple of weeks.
City Clerk Schwan reported the Vinton Municipal Electric Utility Board of Trustees wishes to have a meeting with the Council on Tuesday, October 5th at 6pm to discuss a possible partnership on the development of the 36 acres on the southwest side of town. The meeting will be held in City Hall.
Mayor Maynard shared some possible funding opportunities for the sewer plant expansion. Maynard would like to have a work session prior to the next council meeting to discuss further.
Good & Welfare
Clean up days are scheduled for October 2 and 3 from 7am to 3pm. Thanks to all who filed to run for council and Mayor seats in the November election.
With no other business before the council, motion by Hessenius, second by Gates to adjourn the meeting. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:30pm.