Government : Vinton City Council Meeting Notes for 4/9/26

A storm drain collapsed along the riverbank.

The Vinton City Council met at 6:30 p.m.The Business Type Activities Committee discussed the Vinton Code of Ordinances Chapter 122 concerning Peddlers, Solicitors and Transient Merchants. 

The discussion was had concerning permits and costs. The committee suggested a 2-week permit requiring the permit holder to come down to City Hall, fill out an application, provide identification, proof of bonding and they would be provided with a lanyard for a fee of $100. There would be a printed picture and expiration date on the lanyard for residents to be able to easily identify. If there is a group, each additional lanyard would be $10. 

There would be no rebate for unused time. 

At 7:00 p.m. the council held their regular meeting with Dakoda Sellers, Tami Stark-Mahood, Wesley Recker, Zach Parmater and Andrew Elwick in attendance and Ron Hessenius absent. 

The council was called to order followed by the Pledge of Allegiance

Both the Agenda and Consent Agenda were approved.

The council received and filed council meeting minutes of March 26, 2026

Approval was given for a Class F retail alcohol license for Benton County Agricultural Society and the City invoices.

Under Committee Reports a recap of the 6:30 meeting was shared as well as a meeting held on Wednesday evening where Mayor Bud Maynard and City Clerk, Melissa Schwan, along with the city attorney, met to discuss the police union representatives to discuss the police contract. He said the meeting was quick and they will have that for the council's approval at a later date. 

There was no Citizens' input nor Old Business.

Under New Business, approval was given for a change order #1 for Water Treatment Plan Improvements as well as approval of pay estimate #26 for WWTPI.

A request for utility forgiveness for 305 N Ave. South was not granted, though it was a hardship for the family the council does not approve these requests in general. 

Under Reports

Craig Walker of the Water Department reported that the hydrants were flushed across the city, some meters were changed. They are also working on the Lead Water Line Inventory survey concerning the types of water lines running in residents' homes a requirement of the DNR. 

The septic receiving station was up and running as of Thursday. 

Chief of Police, Ted Paxton shared that the department is back up to being fully staffed. 

The IDOT (Iowa Department of Transportation) would like to reduce the speed limit south of town at the Garrison turn off from 45 to 35 and later they will decrease the speed south of town on Hwy 218. 

City Inspector reported on new construction that is taking place for two homes. The house that caught fire on 8th St. will be torn down soon. He is also in contact with other homeowners concerning maintenance.

Under Good & Welfare, Schwan reported that she had a Planning and Zoning Meeting on Tuesday and in April they will have a recommendation concerning an Ordinance update concerning downtown upper story apartments. 

She also received a letter from Pat Lyons concerning the transactions that have taken place on behalf of Sewer Equipment of America,including the grant from the state. He was inquiring about the status of the city's development agreement. The city attorney was contacted. 

Maynard said that the City Attorney will work on an agreement. 

A conversation was held concerning the tobacco ordinances in town and the need to update those to come in line with new state law. These will be discussed in a work session at 6:00 p.m. before the next council meeting for education and discussion specifically related to tobacco device permits that are issued in town. New laws begin July 1. 

Scott Meyer notified the mayor on Wednesday that a storm sewer came apart east of the power plant and will be repaired. Maynard is guessing that it will require about 32 feet of repairs so that it doesn't settle causing more issues. (If you see it, stay back from it! That's what a zoom lens is for.)

Elwick inquired what the dates were on the Seed House inquiring where that was. It is believed that there was a June 1 deadline. There has been some delays due to weather.

Maynard discussed and Reviewed Chapter 21 and 23 which require a secretary at some of the board meetings and deciding if it can be someone outside the city or if the clerk will need to attend.. That will fall under General Governement. Also the city handbook needs to be updated. 

The meeting was adjourned.