REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 2021
The City Council of the City of Vinton met in regular session at 7:00pm on December 9, 2021 in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 110 W 3rd Street. Mayor Maynard administered the Oath of Office to Bethany Gates, 4th Ward Council Member, Rylie Pflughaupt, At-Large Council Member and Darren Burken, Police Officer.
At 7:10pm, Mayor Maynard called the meeting to order with the following members in attendance: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates 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 November 22, 2021, receive & file Parks & Recreation meeting minutes of November 11, 2011, approval of city invoices.
Communications, Petitions & Remonstrances
Several council members have heard concerns regarding the piles of broken asphalt on the Iowa Braille School property. Building Inspector Hansen is addressing the concern.
Committee Reports – None
Citizens Input – None
Old Business
Motion by Gates, second by Stark to approve the second consideration of Ordinance 1068 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to the boundaries of the wards/precincts of the City of Vinton, Iowa. Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Mayor Maynard left the meeting.
Motion by Edwards, second by Hessenius to accept the street improvement project. Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. Engineer Nate Kass recommended the acceptance based on direct observations and review of the project. The two year maintenance bond begins on the date of acceptance.
Motion by Gates, second by Edwards to approve pay estimate #9 (retainage) to Boomerang for the street improvement project. Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Mayor Maynard returned to the meeting.
New Business
Mayor Maynard opened the public hearing on the proposed precinct/ward boundaries. After no comments, Maynard closed the public hearing.
Motion by Gates, second by Edwards to approve the Master Agreement for Professional Services for Airport Planning, Engineering and Construction Services for November 2021 through November 2026 with Bolton & Menk for the Vinton Veterans Memorial Airport. Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark.
Motion by Edwards, second by Stark to approve the quote for server and workstation backup solution from VGM Forbin. Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. This solution will provide increased computer server and workstation protection in the event of an issue.
Motion by Gates, second by Edwards to approve a resolution to set a hearing and give notice on a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning district map (Arbuckle). Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The public hearing will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 7pm.
Motion by Gates, second by Edwards to approve a resolution to set a hearing and give notice on a proposed ordinance to amend the zoning district map (Showers). Approved by the following votes: Edwards, Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The public hearing will be on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at 7pm.
Due to the holiday, the 2nd December council meeting will be held Wednesday, December 22 at 7:00pm in City Hall.
Reports
City Administrator Ward reported an invoice from Hobarts for the IBSSS demo grant will be on the next council agenda. The High School public speaking class will be using council chambers next week. The computers from the State of Iowa have arrived.
Street Superintendent Meyer reported crews have begun trimming trees. A plan is in place for tree trimming at Evergreen Cemetery.
Water/Wastewater Superintendent Walker reported a clarifier went down and the issue is unknown yet. The new hires are completing certifications.
Police Chief Paxton reported the Holiday with a Cop event will take place on Sunday, December 19 at Theisens. The community has been extremely generous with donations.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported over 150 families had breakfast with Santa last weekend. Over 25 homes are taking part in the “Deck the House” lighting contest. Bids are currently being accepted for a concrete slab at Kiwanis Park. The first e-sports tournament took place this evening in partnership with the VS school district.
Building Inspector Hansen reported the abandoned lot on west 6th Street has been cleaned up. The retention basin is being dormant seeded. An unsafe building notice has been served to the owners of the Seed House on 2nd Street. Hansen requested a work session in the upcoming weeks to discuss a fee schedule for civil infractions.
City Clerk Schwan reported our new Utility Billing Clerk will begin on December 15. The City is now live in the new financial platform with eLation. Staff have gone through training all week. City employees have been using the new timecard system for two weeks now.
Mayor Maynard asked the Council to consider a one-time bonus for City employees who worked full time during the pandemic. Council Member Edwards requested that be added to the next agenda for discussion.
Good & Welfare
The Christmas lights around town look great!
With no other business before the council, motion by Hessenius, second by Gates to adjourn the meeting. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:00pm.