Government : City Council addresses various topics including obtaining the old East School

The Vinton city council met on Thursday evening with a full agenda.(To watch the meeting, click HERE)

All filings, minutes and invoices were also approved. At the top of the business was to approve alcohol licenses for Ehlingers and the Ron-Da-Voo.

Under Committee Reports, Tami Stark reported on a meeting held with the new sanitation provider. 

Citizen's Input included a statement from Shelby Baker who had been hired by Vinton Parks and Recreation to remove Ash trees from area parks. The ground had begun to soften when Baker had driven equipment across the parks leaving ruts in the ground. Baker complained that VPRD Director Matt Boggess had "harassed" him for tearing up the parks. Baker plans to come in again and clean up sticks and plans to backfill the holes following the removal of stumps this week. His contract with the city expires March 30, and Boggess had promised to extend the contract to preserve the properties. Baker plans to continue work tomorrow (Friday) and power sweep then bring a roller in to try to smooth out the ruts left in the ground. 

Under new business, a discussion was held concerning the first consideration of Ordinance 1080 an ordinance adding a new subsection regarding no parking zones surrounding the area surrounding the Marvin Lindsey Field. The city first needs to annex the area surrounding the field before it can move ahead. Plans will move forward to annex that section which could take more than 6 months.

The council also discussed a property transfer agreement for the old East School building. City Attorney Doug Herman joined the discussion walking the council through the process. There is an offer to gift the property back to the city. The city would have to accept the responsibility of the due taxes, which can be handled by asking the county to forgive them. The property would be transferred as is and the city would also need to pay for the update of the abstract and have it tested for environmental hazards. Grant proposals have been submitted by City Inspector Blake Hansen to help cover some of these expenses. 

The owner was served originally in September of 2022 and again in November or December. The city is making inquiries into possible grants to take care of the property.  The council was unsure if they even wanted to take on the project. Mayor Maynard suggested that there be more communication before moving into agreements as a transfer agreement was made before the council gave approval. The attorney suggested that if the council is agreeable to phase one, checking for issues concerning chemicals and inspections could begin. Following that, the city could qualify for help with asbestos removal via grants. Approval was given to get a proposal from Fehr Graham for phase one. The council also agreed to get an Environmental Site Assessment and quote from Active Thermal Concepts for asbestos inspection followed by approval of Iowa Brownfield Redevelopment Program Community Assistance Grant Contract that would pay for the above.

The council gave approval of an annual service proposal and contract for Whelen Outdoor Warning Sirens and approval was also given for an agreement for bridge inspections with Calhoun-Burns & Associates covering all four bridges in town. 

Approval was given for an agreement with ICC Community Development Solutions for a Content Management System. This would put all of the city records into a database to be stored electronically. 

City Administrator Ward said at the next work session, Matt Wilden will be there and then there will be a discussion about the bridge contract with Ferh Graham. He said that Senator Grassley's office also called to let the city know that the fire department had been fully approved for air pack equipment.

City Inspector, Blake Hansen, said that the proposed Rental Code will go out tomorrow in the mail to area landlords. 

Melissa Schwan, city clerk said that she has spoken with the new garbage hauler and reminded the council that applications to fill the 3rd Ward vacancy will be mailed out following the 4:00 p.m. deadline on Friday.

Matt Boggess reported that he was awarded a $5,000 "ReThink your Drink" grant from Delta Dental for a water bottle refill station at BL Anderson Park and that Vinton was the first one awarded the grant this year. 

He also mentioned that there could be potential budget issues with legislation that is working its way through Des Moines. The legislation may affect the Parks & Recreation budget as well as other city departments. 

The council then moved into a closed session pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(j) to discuss the purchase of particular real estate where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property.