News : Changes in the Law, require updates to Vinton Ordinances

Several laws in Iowa have changed so the City of Vinton now has to update its own ordinances/laws. The State of Iowa's laws went into effect as of July 1, 2024. Here are the ordinances that will be changed to reflect the state's changes.

Definitions

Ordinance: A local law

Amending: Changing the wording of

Pertaining to: Having to do with

First Consideration: The council has to follow a process of approving these changes a few times before they are given final approval.

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- First consideration of ordinance 1101 - Pedestrians Right-Of-Way

An ordinance amending provisions pertaining to pedestrians' right-of-way. This creates a new definition for pedestrians and modifies the regulations providing pedestrians in the right-of-way as well as defining who a vehicle must yield the right of way to. It also updates the definition of vehicle in the traffic code to match the definition in the Code of Iowa.

- First consideration of ordinance 1102 - Adult Establishments.

This is an ordinance adding a new section pertaining to adult establishment nuisances. This ordinance creates a new definition of "nuisance" in the Code of Iowa that pertains to the business license of adult establishments and provides local governments additional tools that mirror the Code of Iowa to mitigate threats to public safety that arise from these businesses.

- First consideration of ordinance 1103 - Electronic Meetings.

This is an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to electronic meetings. This requires governmental bodies to allow hybrid or electric participation to official meetings.

- First consideration of ordinance 1104 - Fiscal Management.

An ordinance amending provisions pertaining to operating budget preparation. This updates the code to match the budget process implemented by the State for Fiscal Year 2024. This changes the dates and deadlines and creates a ratcheted Consolidated General Fund Levy.

- First consideration of ordinance 1105 - Publication.

An ordinance amending provisions pertaining to the publication of minutes.

This creates new regulations and requirements for official newspapers. It changes the language about when a City Clerk has to provide minutes to the newspaper to be published following a meeting.

- First consideration of ordinance 1106 - Bonds.

An ordinance amending provisions pertaining to bond requirements. This allows a public officer to hold an insurance policy in lieu of a bond.

- First consideration of ordinance 1107 - Fire Officials.

An ordinance amending provisions pertaining to fire officials' authority to cite violations. This amends and verifies based on specific regulations, who within a fire company is authorized to cite violations.

On September 26, 2024, this ordinance was added to the list:

-First consideration of ordinance 1108 - Stop Signs.

This is an ordinance adding new subsections regarding stop signs by adding additional subsections 162-166 to Section 65.02 entitled, "Stop Required."

65.02 Stop Required

Every driver of a vehicle shall stop in accordance with the following:

162. Vehicles traveling south on J Ave. will stop at 9th St.

163. Vehicles traveling south on J Ave. will stop at 13th St

164. Vehicles traveling north on J Ave. will stop at 9th St

165. Vehicles traveling west on 11th St. will stop at K Ave.

166, Vehicles traveling east on 11th St. will stop at J Ave.