News : New Officer sworn in at Vinton's City Council Meeting

Officer Braeden Ellis was sworn in as a new member of the Vinton Police Department

Property at 413 and 415 1st Ave. in Vinton quaified for CDBG block grant

The Oath of Office was given to Vinton Police Officer Braeden Ellis by Mayor Bud Maynard at the Vinton City Council last Thursday. Ellis comes from Elgin, Iowa and recently graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Police Science at Hawkeye Community College. His family is no stranger to serving in both Benton County and law enforcement. His father is currently the police chief in Postville as well as having served in Benton County's Conservation in the early 2000s. Braeden's parents, grandmother, sister and girlfriend were all in attendance for the swearing in.

With all members of the council present, Ron Hessenius, Rylie Pflughaupt, Tami Stark-Mahood, Wesley Recker, Zach Parmater and Andrew Elwick.

The agenda and consent agenda were approved as well as City invoices.

Minutes of the last meeting on June 13 were filed, as well as minutes from the Library and Vinton Parks and Recreation Department.

Approval was given for a Class C retail alcohol license for Golf Right, and renewal of cigarette/tobacco permits for Pink Clouds Smoke Shop was granted.

The council then received and filed communications, petitions or remonstrances.

Under Committee Reports, Ron Hessenius reported concerning the parking situation in the city lot. A work session was scheduled for August 8, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.

There was no Citizen's Input or Old Business.

Under New Business a Public hearing for Community Development Block Grant Housing - Upper Story Conversion Program applications. Tracy Achenbach of East Central Iowa Council of Governments addressed the council. 

Approval of a resolution authorizing and directing the mayor to sign, execute and submit an application and associated documents for funding to the Iowa Economic Development Authority ("IEDA") Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") Program was given. The amount of the funds requested $549,295. 100% of the funds will go to benefit residents at or below 80% of the median income. These funds will be used for the second floor of the buildings located at 413 and 415 1st Ave. in Vinton. The work will not affect those on the first floor and only affects the rear entrance at the back of the building. 

Also approval of resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign service agreement with East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) for the CDBG application preparation and for the administration of the CDBG housing - upper story conversion program grant, if awarded

Approval was given for updates to the employee handbook which can be seen below.

Approval was granted for payment of estimate #7 which affects the revised West 1st St. Reconstruction to Rathje Construction. The project is not quite complete. A walk through two weeks ago appears that the street went through the winter in good condition, but there are still minor reports and inspections that need to be completed.

The council then reviewed the proposal from Schminke Excavating for the Marvin Lindsey ballfield. The facility is requesting hook up the the main water and sewer system complete with a water pit. A one-inch service line is included in the estimate of $35,000. The council will wait for advice from City Administrator, Chris Ward for where this money could come from out of the FY2024-25.

Under reports, Ward notified the council that he will not be at the next meeting but at a conference in Dubuque. 

The lot next to the old Clingman lot in downtown Vinton is being offered for sale to the city to work with the planned city park. 

Craig Walker talked about an AC unit that needs to be repaired, Hessenius and Elwick discussed what could be done for the unit. No decisions could be made because it was not on the agenda. 

He will also be knocking on doors to locate lines on homeowner properties. 

Ted Paxton, Vinton Police Chief reiterated that he believes there is a lot of promise with the new hire. The department provided coverage for the Benton County Fair last week and Party in the Park this week. He also received a resignation from Wes Meyer, after 8 years and wants to advance his career. Paxton will be looking to hire another officer. 

Melissa Schwan, City Clerk, said that there were two total requests for work sessions prior to the next meeting one with Vinton Parks & Rec concerning the future of the department and a couple of projects and Vinton Unlimited concerning the pocket park project. Maynard mentioned the letter that was sent by Fischer concerning the additional lot next to the pocket park location concerning a discussion on the liens against the property. More research will be done concerning this.

A work session was scheduled for July 11, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

S&J Sanitation will be at the July 25, 2024 meeting just to give an update and to check in. 

Good and Welfare - Party in the Park is going on.

The meeting was adjourned.