Belle Plaine, Iowa
November 20, 2024
The Belle Plaine City Council met on November 20, 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, Charmaine Wickwire, and Dillion McGrane. Councilperson Mitch Malcolm was absent. City Administrator Stephen Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton were also present. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by McGrane to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of November 6th (with 2 corrections: changing fire generator to fire department generator and adding “at owner’s expense” to the reinspection statement for 1502 6th Ave), and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Resident Comments: None.
Catalyst Grant Application Selection was tabled until the December 4th meeting.
Laurie Breja was in attendance to give an update on her nuisance abatement. Motion by McGrane, seconded by Schlesselman to grant an additional extension until 12/1/24. On roll call vote, McGrane and Schlesselman voted aye, Landuyt and Wickwire voted nay. Motion failed 2-2 so no additional extension was granted. Police Chief Kris Hudson is to take appropriate action.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire to approve Resolution #24-11-05; a resolution approving the Belle Plaine Municipal Airport Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0. Councilperson Wickwire requested scheduling an additional meeting with the Airport to answer questions regarding future plans. No meeting was set.
Police Chief Kris Hudson handed out a written department report as well as a Dispatch by Activity Type report for October.
Fire Chief Jason Kaplan gave the fire department’s semi-annual report to the council covering past, current, and future projects as well as training. The department has 2 new members in 2024, Jacob Ehlen and Jeremy Ginther, which brings their roster to 38 members.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #24-11-03; a resolution approving the annual urban renewal report for fiscal year 2023-2024. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by McGrane to approve Resolution #24-11-04; a resolution approving the TIF certification forms for FY26. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to approve renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for O’Learys Office Tap, LLC, 825 12th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
The October Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report were given to the Council for their review.
The council gave their feedback on the sample Service Line Coverage mailings that were provided for review. Sandy will share this information with Steve from Home Serve.
The City Administrator, Steve Beck, reported on many project updates including the status of the HAWK crossing-light system, water project progress, IT services, a P&Z meeting, the fire department generator, and adjustments to our public works department.
The mayor reminded the council members that the first January council meeting will need to move since January 1 is a holiday. He also mentioned that the budget process will be starting soon. He suggested the council look at the catalyst options, so they are prepared to make a selection at the next meeting.
Correspondence: A memo from Gage regarding conflict of interest surrounding a county airport commission role was discussed. Bruce Gapstur has indicated that he will resign the role with the county even though it appears there is no current conflict.
Old Business: An update of existing nuisance properties was reviewed with the council.
Resident Comments: Heather Hemness and Heather Sallee, two downtown business owners, voiced some concern with the city not having a Chamber of Commerce. Currently BPCDC does not appear to communicate much with business owners, and they are feeling somewhat excluded on downtown happenings. A question was also asked regarding any vacant building codes as the Sallee’s are having some problems with the vacant building next to theirs.
Committee of the Whole: The council discussed various city-owned properties. It is their desire to work at getting someone to build infill housing on the various residential properties. We will work on some plans to move this forward.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Schlesselman to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m.
Lyle Morrow, Mayor
Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk
Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.
Jim Magdefrau 