VINTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 22, 2020
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 22nd day of October, 2020 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Due to COVID-19 virus, the meeting was also held electronically using Zoom which was hosted at 110 W 3rd Street. Mayor Maynard presided and with roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present: Edwards, Elwick (via Zoom), Hessenius, Hesson (via Zoom), Parr, Stark. Absent: None.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius 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 Council meeting minutes of October 8, 2020, approve invoices, approve renewal of a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for Mickey’s bar and receive and file the Library Board meeting minutes of October 14, 2020.
The Public Safety Committee meeting met at 6:00pm prior to this council meeting. The Public Safety Committee is making the recommendation to City Council to lift the street restrictions for UTV use and to allow for nighttime driving with the proper lights.
City Attorney Bob Fischer was unable to make contact with Jason Cox, a land owner with interest in the alley vacation between W 4th and W 5th Street as Jason is currently oversees. Fischer will continue to reach out.
Mayor Maynard declared that now is the time for a public hearing to request reimbursement for COVID-19 equipment for Virginia Gay Hospital. City Administrator Ward shared that the public hearing is required because of the use of Community Development Block Grant funds. After no public comment, Mayor Maynard closed the public hearing.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius for approval of Professional Services Agreement with Shive Hattery for conceptual work for proposed new Recreation Center. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. Representatives from Shive Hattery joined Matt Boggess, Park & Rec Director, to share plans to formally enter the design phase of this project in collaboration with the VS School District. This will include examination of cost, location and use for the existing Recreation Center. The VS School District has approved paying half of the agreement cost.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Parr to receive and file the Vinton Public Library Strategic Plan. Question: Ayes – All. Library Director, Janette McMahon, shared that the Library Board felt a revision to the existing Strategic Plan was necessary being a new Director had been hired. Janette reported that circulation has increased tremendously, they are working to update collections and that education and training for staff is a priority.
Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to approve pay estimate #1 to Shive Hattery in the amount of $162,756.80 for the south trail improvements. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. Matt Boggess shared the goal is to have dirt work done this fall and be ready to pave in the spring.
Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to approve the Community Center Cost Estimate from Shive Hattery in the amount of $3,850.00. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None.
Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to approve the Proposal for Professional Engineering Services with Fehr Graham for W 1st Street improvements from K Ave to R Avenue. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. This provides for the potential reconstruction project to be “shovel ready” in anticipation of a potential stimulus package. If a stimulus package doesn’t become available, the efforts are not wasted as the plans could be used whenever the city plans to begin the project.
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to pass a RESOLUTION TO PURCHASE A WATER SOFTENER PROVIDED BY HAUSERS WATER SYSTEMS IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $2,140.00 FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT. Question: Ayes – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Hesson, Parr, Stark. Nays – None.
Motion by Elwick, second by Parr to approve an RFP for Airport Engineers for Federal Fiscal Year 2021 to 2025. Question: Ayes – All. This is a requirement of the FAA every five years.
The City has received three applicants for Building Inspector. The City Council will meet for a work session on October 29, 2020 at 6:30pm to discuss the applicants.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve a sidewalk reimbursement for 411 E 4th Street. Question: – Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Nays – None. Abstain – Hesson. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
City Administrator Ward recently presented a recap of the last year of City activities to the Lions Club. Work has begun on Anderson Creek’s second phase. The City Hall roof continues to leak. Repair/replacement bids will be brought in front of council again at the next meeting. A special council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29 at 7:00pm to dispose of the former IBSSS property.
Street Superintendent Meyer stated cleanup days went well and they have started curbside leaf cleanup.
Police Chief Paxon shared 5 new reserve officers have been hired for the department. They begin training this weekend. A floor plan for the public safety building is expected in the next 2-3 weeks.
The Utility Billing Clerk position is posted and will remain open until November 6, 2020. Paxton, Richtsmeier, Ward and Schwan will review the applicants and conduct interviews.
Good and welfare: Trick or treating is Saturday from 5-7pm. Please be safe!
Being no other business before the City Council a Motion by Parr, second by Hessenius to adjourn the meeting. Question: Ayes – All. The motion carried. Time: 8:20 p.m.