REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 8, 2022
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa was held on the 8th day of December, 2022 at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Maynard presided and the roll being called the following members were present: Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark; Bearbower was Absent.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – all. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are to receive & file council meeting minutes of November 21, 2022, receive & file airport meeting minutes of November 16, 2022, approval of a Class E retail alcohol license for Casey’s General Store, approval of cigarette application for Casey’s General Stores and approval of City invoices.
Communications, Petitions or Remonstrances – None
Committee Reports
The Public Works committee met on November 28, 2022 to discuss the requested extension of W 4th Street. The property owner needs to complete the dedication of land before infrastructure can be installed.
A general work session was held December 5, 2022 to discuss the proposed fuel surcharge for J&R Sanitation. The committee’s recommendation is on the agenda for consideration and possible approval.
A general government committee meeting was held on December 8, 2022 to discuss community beautification. Any initiatives of this group will roll into the visioning work being conducted by Trees Forever.
Citizens Input – None
Old Business
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve the first consideration of Ordinance 1076 – an ordinance amending the official zoning district map of the City (Sellers). After discussion, the motion and second were withdrawn. Mr. Sellers will consider requesting a variance from the Board of Adjustment.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve the second consideration of Ordinance 1079 – an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to utility vehicles. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark; Nays – Hessenius. The Mayor declared the motion carried. This consideration removed the requirement of turn signals.
Motion by Stark, second by Pflughaupt to approve an amendment to the City of Vinton garbage contract. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The amendment will allow J&R Sanitation to charge the City of Vinton a fuel surcharge. The surcharge will be determined monthly and be based on a mutually agreed upon formula.
New Business
Property owner Peggy Schott and son, Andrew Schott were present for a hearing for the nuisance violation at 201 1st Avenue. A final notice to abate the nuisance had been served to Schott’s in November following minimal improvement to the property as required by the nuisance violation served in November 2021. An unofficial masonry bid was received in late 2021 but no work has been completed. As two structural engineers indicate, the one-story portion of the property should be torn down. The two-story structure on the property is salvageable with considerable work. Council directed Schott’s to submit bids for demolition of the one-story portion by January 26, 2023 council meeting. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Pflughaupt, Stark; Nays – Hessenius.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution approving a grant agreement with IDOT for West First Street Rehabilitation Project. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The grant is for up to 80% of the project costs or a maximum of $1,054,310.00.
Motion by Elwick, second by Gates to approve a resolution approving the application of the Iowa Vacant Building Demolition Fund grant application from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. Question: Ayes – Pflughaupt, Stark; Nays – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius. The Mayor declared the motion failed. The Mayor reminded council cooperation on grants is part of the Development Agreement with Hobart’s. As the resolution failed, the City would be in violation of the Development Agreement. A meeting was scheduled for Monday, December 12 at 5:30pm to reconsider the resolution.
Motion by Stark, second by Elwick to approve a resolution approving the play of survey for Parcel A – part of Block 10, Griffin’s Addition to Vinton, Iowa. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Pflughaupt, second by Gates to approve a resolution to declare certain City property as surplus (1992 truck). Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution to declare certain City property as surplus (1996 truck). Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Pflughaupt to approve a resolution to declare certain City property as surplus (risers). Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Gates, second by Elwick to approve a resolution to declare certain City property as surplus (furniture). Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Elwick, second by Pflughaupt to approve the deposit payment to Park Planet for the Riverside Playground equipment. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Motion by Stark, second by Gates to approve enrollment in Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for the Volunteer Fire Department. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Gates, Hessenius, Pflughaupt, Stark. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The Fire Department budget will cover the yearly premium.
City Council received and filed the Annual Finance Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The annual report is due to the State by December 1.
City Council received and filed the Street Finance Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. The annual report is due to the State by December 1 in order to continue receiving road use tax funds.
A work session is set for December 22, 2022 at 6:00pm to discuss some requests from Hobart’s on the former IBSSS campus.
A public hearing is scheduled for December 22, 2022 at 7:00pm to discuss an application for CDBG-DR funds from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. These funds will be used to create new housing for eligible low-to-moderate income households in the community.
Reports
Street Superintendent Meyer reported crews have begun tree trimming. Equipment is ready for winter.
Parks & Recreation Director Boggess reported the Recreation Coordinator position is open. Breakfast with Santa is this weekend. The “Deck the House” contest is underway, don’t forget to vote!
Fire Chief Garwood reported the department has gained two firefighters as a result of two recent resignations.
Police Captain Parmater reported Holiday with a Cop is coming up soon. The community has been very generous with donations so they are expecting to be able to help 75-80 kids.
Code Enforcer Hansen shared the building activity has slowed down with the weather.
City Administrator Ward shared he will be attending the Empower Rural Iowa meeting next week. Our financial advisor is ready for water and sewer information so she can begin reviewing our projects. The high school public speaking class has been in City Hall this week giving speeches.
City Clerk Schwan reported budget work with department heads will begin soon. The emergency warning siren in Anderson Creek has been relocated and reprogrammed. The goal setting session with Pat Callahan is scheduled for Monday, December 12 beginning at 5:30pm.
With no other business before the Council, motion by Gates, second by Hessenius to adjourn. Approved unanimously. Time: 8:10pm.