REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2015
A regular meeting of the City Council of Vinton, Iowa, was held on the 8th day of January, 2015, at 7:00 p.m., in the City Hall Council Chambers, Vinton, Iowa. Mayor Watson presided and the roll being called the following Council Members were present and absent: Present:  Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Absent: Bendull.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Elwick, second by Stark to the consent agenda. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. Items on the consent agenda are invoices, December revenue and expenditure report, reappointment of John Anderson to Electric Board of Trustees, a six year term and reappointment of Leon Whelchel to the Airport Commission, a six year term.
Council received a letter from Jesse Henkle expressing concern about animal control because of a stray dog in his neighborhood.
Friends of the Shelter inquired about the City’s plans for the shelter building. This will be discussed later in the council meeting.
Motion by Hessenius, second by Parmater to pass a RESOLUTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM LANDFILL/COMPOST/RECYCLE FUND TO GENERAL FUND. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried and declared RESOLUTION 01-15-01 passed and approved. The amount of the transfer will be $14,583.35.
Motion by Elwick, second by Parmater to approve interim pay for Captain Bruce Smith in the amount of $228.48. Question: Ayes – Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
Administrator Ward stated that the County plans to hire an animal control officer, but has yet to do so. After they hire an animal control officer, the City can partner with them for animal control services.
Mayor Watson stated that a contract with Cedar Valley Humane Society would be a possibility because they are willing to pick up animals. Brad Havran reviewed Friends of the Shelter financial numbers and the number of animals handled and euthanized. Kim Frank suggested forming a committee to discuss animal shelter options. FOTSI employees and volunteers do the work because they are concerned about the welfare of animals.  Motion by Elwick, second by Hessenius to appoint Parmater and Stark as committee members to consider options for shelter operations and animal control. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried. A county supervisor will be asked to join this committee. If the City were to contract with Cedar Valley Humane Society the shelter would be used to house animals during the three day holding period. Council took no action on any contract for animal shelter services.
Bendull arrived to the meeting. Time: 8:25 p.m..
Grant Rothweiler, PDCM representative, reviewed requirements for compliance of the Affordable Care Act. Motion by Parmater, second by Elwick to approve PDCM to proceed with making sure the City is compliant with the ACA. Question: Ayes – Bendull, Elwick, Hessenius, Parmater, Stark, Vermedahl. Nays – None. The Mayor declared the motion carried. The estimated cost is $500.00
The health and dental insurance renewals will be reviewed in the near future. Vision insurance and long-term disability may also be considered.
Motion by Vermedahl, second by Parmater to approve the appointment of Vinton Newspapers, which are The Cedar Valley Times and The Vinton Eagle, as the official newspaper. Question: Ayes – All. The Mayor declared the motion carried.
A budget workshop will be held on Jan. 15th, starting at 6:00 p.m..
Administrator Ward reported working on the next fiscal year budget and he has received an invitation to attend a literature meeting.
Clerk reported receiving notice from the County Engineer stating that the per capita fee for the landfill fee will remain at $33.00 for fiscal year 2015-2016. Also, the gate fee will remain at $25/ton for municipal waste collected. City staff is working on an urban chicken/duck permit application.
Good & Welfare:Â Happy New Year.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned. Time: 9:05 p.m..
________________________________
John R. Watson     Mayor
Attest:Â ___________________________
Cindy Michael   City Clerk