Government : City Council will look at ATV/UTV ordinance again

During Thursday night's council meeting, the council addressed several topics of business.

Shelby Baker addressed the proposed removal of the Ash trees that were included on the agenda. The removal of Ash trees was discussed Bids will be put out for the removal of the trees in the area parks.

Under old business:

The council adopted Ordinance 1078 which added Chapter 124, Food Trucks.

Mark Elwick addressed the council about his concern with the city requiring UTV/ATV laws that are more strict than what the state requires. The city would have required turn signals. He asked about the requirements and why they were stricter in Vinton. The state changed requirements this last summer and the city updated its ordinance.

The council did not approve a second reading of proposed Ordinance 1079 amending provisions pertaining to utility vehicles. The addition of turn signals was in the original ordinance, the council voted to remove that requirement in a 4 to 2 vote with Hessenius and Pflughaupt opposed the change.

The council also approved making a counteroffer to present to J&R Sanitation for a fuel surcharge concerning garbage collection. J&R put in its first request in June and it has been a six month struggle for the business to provide the proper documentation that the city requested for approval.

Last month's meeting brought Jennifer Zahradnik, the attorney for J&R Sanitation who presented two considerations to the council concerning a change in the fuel surcharge. The business consumes approximately 2,350 gallons of diesel for garbage and recycling collection and disposal for Vinton.

At the beginning of the contract, J&R's diesel fuel costs were around $3.16 per gallon. The costs have jumped dramatically for the business bringing the average costs to around $5.21 per gallon costing the business an estimated $4,144.49 extra per month.

The council approved $11,999.10 to cover the last three months (August-October) for the additional costs to the business. The offer will now be presented to the business.

The proposed adjustment to the cost, would be calculated at the end of each month based on the average fuel price for that month. The adjustment would be added on to the resident's bills for the next month.

The council approval of RFP for Sanitation Services beginning July 1, 2023.

The council voted to accept a 1.5 million dollar grant from the state to replace the East 13th Street Bridge over Mud Creek. Any cost above that, the city would have to cover. This is strictly a grant with no matching funds required.

A sidewalk reimbursement for 809 F Avenue was also approved.

Received & filed WWTP Facility Compliance Evaluation Inspection. Craig Walker addressed the inspection with the council.

A date was set for a public hearing for CDBG disaster recovery funds at the December 8 meeting.

A date as set for General Government committee to discuss community beautification also on December 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Because of Thanksgiving, the next city council meeting will be held on November 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Reports

Councilwoman Tami Stark and city clerk Melissa Schwan had the annual IPERS compliance call. It was an opportunity to review the IPERS benefits and payouts to see if all of the information is being filed correctly. There is nothing out of the ordinary to report.

Melissa Schwan requested a closed session on the 21st for a job review marking her second year with the city.

Craig Walker reported that work will be done on West D St. to repair the road. Beginning on Monday, November 14 the road will be closed for approximately a week. Walker also said that an antenna was placed on the water tower to enable the meter readers.

Chris Ward reported that the Urban Renewal and Tiff report will be ready for the council, this is used to prepare the budget for the next year.

Good & Welfare

The mayor reminded residents of the holiday parade on Thursday, November 17 and the chili supper held at the fire station supporting the Eastern Iowa Honor Flights before and after the parade.