REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 10, 2021
The City Council of the City of Vinton, Iowa met in regular session on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 110 W 3rd Street with the following members in attendance:
Present: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark
Absent: Gates
Due to COVID-19, the meeting was also held electronically via Zoom.
Mayor Maynard called the meeting to order.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Stark to approve the consent agenda as presented. Approved unanimously. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file Council meeting minutes of October 28, 2021, receive & file Library meeting minutes of August 3, 11, 17, September 8, 22, 28, 29 and October 4, 2021 approve city invoices and approve library invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances
Council Member Elwick has heard from a resident regarding some issues with setbacks for a home addition.
Committee Reports
A work session was held prior to the council meeting to discuss water rates for high consumption, particularly for the Vinton Country Club.
Citizens Input
Kevin Schlarbaum, Mt. Auburn, & Shadoe Vogt, Shellsburg, spoke to council about their desire to hold Benton County RockFest someplace downtown for Fall 2022, possibly at the intersection of 4th Street and A Avenue. Schlarbaum will fill out the special events application and return prior to the next council meeting.
Old Business
Motion by Stark, second by Hessenius to approve the second consideration of Ordinance 1067 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to the Parks & Recreation Board. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
New Business
Motion by Edwards, second by Elwick to approve a resolution approving the application of the Iowa Vacant Building Rehabilitation Fund Forgivable Loan and Grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. This is the 2nd round of funding that is available through the State of Iowa. If awarded, the City would administer the loan/grant as is currently being done with the 1st round.
Motion by Elwick, second by Edwards to approve a resolution to approve reimbursement to Vinton Braille School LLC from the Iowa Vacant Building Rehabilitation Fund Forgivable Loan Award. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Approximately $31,000 remains to be reimbursed from the initial award.
Motion by Elwick, second by Edwards to approve a resolution to approve reimbursement to Vinton Braille School LLC from the Iowa Vacant Building Demolition Fund Grant Award. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Approximately $347,000 remains to be reimbursed from the initial award.
Motion by Edwards, second by Hessenius to approve a resolution approving disbursement of hotel/motel tax proceeds to Vinton Unlimited. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark.
Motion by Stark, second by Edwards to approve pay application #2 to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete for the Rehabilitate Runway 9/27 project at the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airport. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. The striping has been complete, all that remains is the retainage.
Mayor Maynard left the meeting.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Edwards to approve pay application #7 to Boomerang for the street improvement projects. Approved by the following votes: Ayes: Edwards, Elwick, Hessenius, Parr, Stark. Engineer Nate Kass shared that construction is complete, all streets are open. There are a very few items on the punch list left. A semi-final payment is expected for the next council meeting.
Mayor Maynard returned to the meeting.
Josh Frye, owner of J&R Sanitation, is requesting a possible amending to the Waste Management Plan to provide for weekly recycling pickup instead of bi-weekly. Frye has received comments from residents asking for more frequent collection. The increase in pickup could come at a cost of an additional $4 per customer per month. Frye will present a formal amendment draft for discussion at the next council meeting.
Mayor Maynard questioned Frye about the current practice of recycling collection with the new truck. Residents are seeing that the recycling and garbage are being combined in the truck. Frye explained that the new truck has two separate compartments and a diverter is enacted on top of the truck to allow the recycling to go into one compartment and garbage into another. On non-recycling weeks, Frye uses both compartments for trash to balance out the weight in the truck.
The owner at 410 H Avenue has spoken with Scott Meyer about a storm sewer extension at the property. Meyer secured a quote for materials at a cost of over $12,000. Meyer is looking for direction from council on how to proceed. Council asked Meyer to get a quote for the concrete for the next council meeting.
Now that 2020 census data has been released, state and local governments need to review and possibly update council ward and precinct maps. The City of Vinton has 60 days to complete the review. Even if no changes are made, new ordinances will need to be passed. There are ideal populations and variance limits set by the State. Schwan shared the current ward/precinct boundaries in the mapping software. Maynard suggested shifting the boundary lines to follow the railroad tracks. Schwan will take the suggested changes and bring back for consideration at the next council meeting.
Council Member Hessenius asked to discuss the location and process of meter pit installation. Preferred location for meter pit location is in the city right of way but with the understanding that it isn’t always possible. Consensus was minimal replacement of equipment but at the discretion of Superintendent Walker.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported the Benton County Auditor and Treasurer have approached him about the City possibly taking ownership of the vacant lot on W 6th Street. Ward will get further details for the next council meeting. Representatives from Lynch Dallas would like to schedule an exempt session to start discussing union negotiations. Ward has met with Happy Time representatives regarding their financial status. They would like to schedule a meeting soon to discuss a possible grant partnership.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported leaf pickup is in full swing. Crews are getting equipment ready for winter.
Water Superintendent Walker reported staff are rodding the last of the sewers. One employee will be out on medical leave soon.
City Clerk Schwan reported the Utility Billing Clerk position is open. Budget worksheets will be handed out to department heads soon. Schwan reminded Council Members to let her know if they wished to attend MLA in December.
Mayor Maynard shared he felt the glow trail repairs are not satisfactory – there are issues with the driveway and the ADA panels. Rylie Pflughaupt has resigned from the Library Board due to being elected to City Council.
Good & Welfare
Remember to thank a Veteran! Congratulations to all who were elected in the most recent election. The Veterans Holiday parade is next week (Nov 18).
With no other business before the council, motion by Parr, second by Edwards to adjourn the meeting. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:45pm.