Government : Council plans Meeting Monday evening 6:00 p.m. concerning Street improvements

The City Council met on Thursday night.

Before the meeting, the council had a Public Works meeting where the council discussed meter pits as well as the water line and who will own what. The proposed plan is for the city to own the water lines from the main to the city right of way, and the homeowner would own and be responsible for the lines from the right of way to the home.

Kurt Karr addressed the council expressing a request for the council to hold a closed session.

Under old business, a motion was made to approve a preliminary plat for the Mary Ingall's subdivision located on the site of the Iowa Braille Sight Savings School property. The city is hoping to close on this with Hobart Restoration within the next two weeks to begin moving forward on the development of the site. The City Administrator, Chris Ward will be sitting down with several leaders on the project this week. This will be one of the first steps needed for the project.

The approval of the splash pad bid was passed by the council as well. Councilman Edwards shared that his kids were "stoked" about the project to which Matt Boggess of the Vinton Parks and Recreation doubted it was as much as he was! The splash pad will be constructed at the Kiwanis Park.

Street projects are in the works, property owners have been invited to a public hearing on Monday at City Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m. There will be a discussion on entry/exit, garbage pick up and any other questions citizens may have.

USCellular also requested permission to upgrade equipment on top of the water tower.

Tom Richtmeier, manager of the Light Plant also discussed a safety program involving the training of people in various departments of the city employees. The city of Vinton is included in a group of cities, Vinton is the largest of the group which also includes the following: Brooklyn, Garwin, Gladbrook, Dysart, Hudson, LaPorte, Reinbeck, Montezuma, Shellsburg and Traer. He discussed the increase in cost for the program, which will train electric workers, and other departments in areas that put them at risk. He explained that from 2013-15 there were three incidents in the electric department that put the workers in danger, and he emphasized that if it saves a life, you can't worry about the cost. The programs would be personalized for the various departments. The council had several questions before making a decision.

Several motions were made to transfer funds to necessary accounts.

February 13th the budget hearing will be held as well as a hearing on the maximum property tax dollars as part of Truth in Taxation, a requirement of the state but as the City Administrator explained, the numbers published won't be the same as what the final numbers would be, because it does not include all areas of the budget.

Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer sent a letter to the city inquiring about any transportation and infrastructure projects on the federal side that Vinton might have need of. Sidewalks along Highway 218 were suggested as a safety concern for Americorp residents, as well as the planned walking trail that will be going in along the wetland project, and bridges were also suggested. If there are other projects the council can submit ideas by February 5th.

The Police Chief, Ted Paxton said that the city will finally receive a vehicle that's been in the works for the past 3 years and will pick that up next week.

Paxton also met along with the City Administrator to discuss plans with representatives of the Willis Dady Homeless Services to work on converting a park shelter that is not used in the city. Vinton does have homeless in Vinton who sleep in the parks, sometimes causing damage to restrooms in search of shelter. The service has also been in contact with the Rural Access Center and plans are being made to try to make the facility work for homeless to stay from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The funds to operate this, are not coming from the city for the project. The shelter under consideration is located on Q Ave. and West 1st St. It is thought that the organization will be at the next council meeting.

There was an update on the Jim Gill agreement, and it is moving along.

Under Good and Welfare, Tom Richtmeier shared with the council that line foreman Brad Still and his family are going through a difficult time. Brad and wife Christine's son Brennen was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and is receiving an experimental treatment for the cancer. Tom asked for everyone's prayers for the young man.

A Special Government will meet at 6:30 p.m. on February 13th to discuss the way the council makes appointments and ordinances that deal with how the council conducts meetings.

The meeting was adjourned.