Belle Plaine, Iowa

April 19, 2023

The Belle Plaine City Council met on April 19, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers with Mayor Dave Fish presiding. Present: Judy Schlesselman, Garrett Landuyt, Mary Pech, Mitch Malcolm, and Lyle Morrow. Also present: City Administrator Stephen Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Pech, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of April 5, 2023, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried.

Resident Comments: Darin Rinderknecht of Van Horne was present to introduce himself. He wants to purchase one of the nuisance properties at 1502 6^th Avenue to rehabilitate it. He plans to close on the property on May 19^th. We will add him to the May 3^rd agenda for official proceedings.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Morrow to approve the setting of a public hearing for Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall to amend the current budget (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried.

Mayor Fish swore in Tyler Chekal as a full-time police officer.

Brian Baumgartner, BPCDC President, introduced Ashley Drahn as their new Executive Director. She is currently busy working on RAGBRAI and the July 3^rd/4^th Celebration. Brian also would like BPCDC to be placed on the May 3^rd agenda to discuss possible exit from Main Street Iowa.

Andy Neuhaus and Mark Drahn from the Lions Club were present to let Council know that this will be their last year of organizing the July 4^th Celebration. They will be handing things off to another group next year. They are willing to help with insurance, etc. and they certainly want the celebration to continue, but they do not have the people needed to continue in their current role.

Police Chief Kris Hudson presented the call for service log for March. He gave updates on repair issues with the Tahoe and Silverado. Officer Batcheller takes his physical agility test on April 24^th and will attend ILEA in May. He also presented a list of nuisance letters issued this spring. The council instructed him to reach out to any that have not been cleared up instructing them to either give an update on their status or attend a council meeting to address the complaint.

Laurie Papesh of 605 10^th Street was present to address the nuisance at her property. She requested a 30-day extension. It was suggested that he place a tarp over the construction trailer to keep items from blowing out and to keep Chief Hudson informed of progress.

Motion by Morrow, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #23-04-07; a resolution approving transfer of funds in FY2023. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Pech to approve a one-time utility credit of $284.16 at 1112 14th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa created by a broken pipe to the water heater. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried.

The City Treasurer’s Report, City Budget Report, and Solar Report for March were given to the Council for their information. We also discussed whether to complete an interfund loan to the garbage/landfill fund. It was decided to allow it to remain negative for 1 more year to see what progress can be made with the new hauler rates.

Committee of the Whole discussed possible nuisance properties from a dangerous building standpoint. The City Clerk will work with Chief Hudson on drafting letters to these properties letting the owners know that they should address some issues which would prevent them from being issued official nuisances/dangerous buildings. In roughly 30 days, we will determine which should be officially inspected.

Steve Beck, City Administrator, reported that city wells have gained a little bit. He continues to work on possible grants for wetland creation/restoration at the well fields. He is preparing for Federal Court on May 2^nd on two FEMA projects. He recently attended the Rural Summit with Kate Robertson and Ashley Drahn which allowed for some good economic development contacts. Jay inspected the pool and has found areas that need repair, calc, and painting. Repairs will be made prior to this pool season. The quote for a test well will be placed on the May 3^rd Council Meeting for approval. Jack the filter guy checks in periodically. Steve is working with ECICOG on a Spring Tree Grant. There are several boring crews in town working on build-out projects.

There has been no meeting between The City and BPCSD. Dave with again email Chad regarding the old Junior High property.

The Mayor had no meetings to report on. Benton County Landfill meets this week. He talked about possible changes coming regarding Emergency Management Meetings. We had a brief conversation about the city paying bills online versus cutting checks. The City Clerk will create a list of beneficial online payments and give it to the council in June.

Correspondence: A letter from the Arbor Day Foundation was given to the Council. It named Belle Plaine a 2022 Tree City USA.

Old Business: None

Resident Comments: None

Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Morrow to adjourn the meeting. On roll call vote, all voted aye. The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

David R Fish, Mayor

Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.