A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 26th day of 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: Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Absent: Edwards, Hessenius.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick 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 September 12th, approve invoices in the amount of $148,316.74, with a description correction for the invoice to Independent Public Advisor to say quarterly retainer services, and to approve a class B wine permit for Casey’s General Store.
Mayor Maynard reported that council had a work session earlier tonight. They discussed the wetland project.
Lola Brown, 302 4th Avenue, was not present at the meeting tonight.
Jim Struve, 141 Scenic Drive, stated he would like to build a detached garage. His property is unique since it has three “front” yards. Because of the three front yards he is not able to meet the setback requirements. He had applied to the Board of Adjustments for a variance. They denied the variance. It was suggested to have the Planning & Zoning Commission look at the zoning ordinance with setback requirements. Motion by Hesson, second by Parr to have the Planning & Zoning Commission meet to discuss this topic. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Hesson to approve a winch purchase for wastewater treatment plant up to $5,700. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Matt Johnson, Cedar Valley Bank & Trust, talked about a home buying grant program that could financially assist people in purchasing a lot in the new housing development and to build a new home. There are ten smaller lots in the new development. The program offers a five year forgivable mortgage. Johnson asked the City to consider matching $10,000 or $15,000 per lot. The developer’s agreement and final plat are to be considered at the next council meeting.
Chief Paxton asked council to consider an ordinance dealing with minors possessing air guns. An ordinance for this will be prepared for the next council meeting.
The City is looking for a volunteer chairperson for the 2020 Census Complete Count Committee.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE OFFICIAL 2019 FISCAL YEAR STREET FINANCE REPORT. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 09-19-03 passed and approved.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to pass a RESOLUTION SETTING COMPENSATION FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES – GATE ATTENDANTS. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 09-19-04 passed and approved.
Motion by Hesson, second by Elwick to approve hiring Ryan Anderson as the assistant director for the parks and recreation department. His starting salary will be $36,500, plus other benefits. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Hesson to approve a cell phone reimbursement to the police administrative assistant for $200 per year, paid quarterly. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Parr to approve the Mayor’s re-appointments of Dave Vermedahl and Dr. Elgin to the hospital board for three year terms. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
A general government committee meeting will be held on October 10th at 6:30 pm to discuss Vinton Unlimited’s grant program that will be using funds from the hotel/motel tax.
Administrator Ward reported that four architect firms have been interviewed for designing a public safety facility. More information will be given at the next council meeting. He will be attending the ICMA conference on Oct. 19th to 23rd. He and Attorney Fischer were in court on Wednesday dealing with the Osborn nuisance abatement case. Chief Paxton said they have two applications wanting to fill the vacancy of Officer Reinert. Mayor Maynard said a FEMA executive was in Vinton this week. Police union negotiations will start soon. Clerk reported fall clean up days are scheduled for Oct. 5th & 6th. Council candidates have filed election paperwork to run for Mayor, At-Large, and 4th Ward, but no one filed for the 2nd Ward. The final payment from IDOT for the E 3rd Street project was received. Because of the delay in building the splash pad, the Kiwanis Club is asking for a short-term temporary refund of part their contributions.
Good & Welfare: Homecoming is this week.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 8:25p.m.