Belle Plaine, Iowa

April 17, 2024

The Belle Plaine City Council met on April 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Lyle Morrow presiding. Present were Councilpersons Garrett Landuyt, Judy Schlesselman, and Charmaine Wickwire. Council person Mitch Malcolm was absent. City Administrator Stephen Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton were also present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the Consent Agenda (with items concerning the fire truck purchase and change order #1 for the Franklin Restrooms postponed until a future meeting), Council Minutes of Special April 3 Proposed Property Tax Levy Meeting, Council Minutes of Regular April 3 Meeting, and bills received. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Resident Comments: None

Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 6:33 p.m. concerning Municipal Infraction of Chapter 56 of the Belle Plaine City Code that deals with delinquent dog/cat licenses that are past due. No residents were present to give a reason why they should not have to register their pet(s). Mayor Morrow closed the hearing at 6:35 p.m.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire, to turn over the delinquent dog/cat licenses to the BP Police Department for processing. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Todd Happel of Anderson-Bogert was in attendance to review the signal equipment quotes received. Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Wickwire, to award the quotes per Anderson-Bogert’s suggestion to CSLA and General Traffic Controls for an overall total of $37,994. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Robert Brown was present regarding the nuisance notices he received for 205 11^th Street and 204 10^th Street. After much discussion, motion by Wickwire, seconded by Landuyt for Brown to get current plates and tags on his vehicles and to keep areas tidy. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0. We will reach out to Mr. Brown after a meeting with our attorney to determine what needs to happen so that he does not have a need to return each spring.

Police Chief Kris Hudson gave his report. Andrew Batcheller will graduate from ILEA on Friday, April 19^th. The chief is hoping to have a new officer hired before the next meeting. The speed signs are up and running. He has been receiving good feedback on them from the public. Officers completed annual firearms training this week. Chief is planning to attend the Iowa Police Officers Association Conference in Coralville May 20-23. He is still awaiting feedback from the County Sheriff on them helping when we are short-handed.

An update from Jeremy & Kelly Owens was given to the council for their review. They appreciated the update and hope to have another positive update from the Owens’ next month.

Potential letters were reviewed with the council regarding sidewalks in need of attention. Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman, to approve Resolution #24-04-06; a resolution regarding sidewalk repairs. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman, to approve a tax abatement under the Belle Plaine Revitalization Plan for Premier Buildings LLC (Danny Viall) at 101 11^th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa (parcel #03028400). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Landuyt, to approve the appointment of Tracy Parizek to the Airport Commission (to replace Tyler Brandt due to resignation) for the unexpired term which goes to January 2025. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

The City Clerk presented the Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report for March. An updated Grant Report was also given to council members for their review. The City Clerk reported that Budget Amendment #2 for FY24 would be presented at the next regular meeting.

City Administrator Steve Beck reported on a possible change in watering options for the downtown biocells, gave an update on the site evaluation for the Wetland Project, applying for an extension from FEMA for the Wellfield Generator project due to possible electrical upgrades at the wellfield, and tree watering guidelines. He will be putting out an article soon to help give the public some direction on tree watering. Wells are holding steady, with a very slight gain of roughly 6 inches.

Mayor Morrow read the Arbor Day Proclamation. He also recently attended the last Airport Commission meeting. He has more meetings coming up later this week for the Landfill and Assessor’s Meetings.

Correspondence: A letter from Steve Hiveley regarding recent leak detection was given to council for their review.

Old Business: A reminder of the Special Council Meeting for FY25 Budget will be held in special session next Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.

Resident Comments: None.

Committee of the Whole: Discussion was held regarding a 4-way stop to the 13^th Street/8^th Avenue intersection. Instead of adding an additional stop at this location, the council felt it might be better to remove the 4-way stop at the 13^th Street/9^th Avenue intersection to help traffic flow. A potential ordinance revision will be presented at the May 1^st meeting for the Council’s consideration.

Some discussion was held regarding possible changes to our zoning code. Based on their request, the clerk’s office will provide a building permit list periodically for their review. Discussion was also had with possibly adding a provision in the code that property lines are to be surveyed by the property owner wishing to build. Further discussion involving these topics and others such as lot sizes, minimum house dimensions, etc. will be back on the May 15^th Council agenda.

Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Wickwire to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:44 p.m.
Lyle Morrow, Mayor

Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.