Belle Plaine, Iowa
January 15, 2025
The Belle Plaine City Council met on January 15, 2025, 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, Mitch Malcolm, and Dillion McGrane. City Administrator Steve Beck, City Attorney Gage Kensler, and City Clerk Sandy Walton were also present. Councilperson Charmaine Wickwire was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Landuyt to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of January 3rd, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Resident Comments: None
Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 6:33 p.m. concerning the amendment to the current budget. Mayor Morrow closed the public hearing at 6:35 p.m. concerning the amendment to the current budget with no comments from the public.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McGrane to approve resolution #25-01-01; a resolution approving budget amendment #1 for FY25. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 6:36 p.m. concerning the proposed urban revitalization plan for the Belle Plaine Urban Revitalization Area. With no comments from the public, Mayor Morrow closed the public hearing at 6:38 p.m.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Landuyt to approve resolution #25-01-04; a resolution adopting the restated plan for the Belle Plaine Urban Revitalization Area. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Heather Hemness and Todd Hyde from Voices of Belle Plaine discussed a variety of ideas being brought forward by several local businesses.
John Taschner from the Belle Plaine Fire Department presented the 2024 Fire Department Call Report as well as a few other fire department updates.
The Community Center quarterly report was presented by Dave Hrabak.
Chief Hudson gave the monthly police report.
The quarterly airport report was given by Lee Weeda.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Landuyt to approve The Hometown Current as the official newspaper of the City of Belle Plaine for 2025. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Landuyt to approve renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with outdoor service & Sunday Sales for El Catrin Mexican Cuisine Inc., 1009 7th Avenue, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for Dollar General, 405 13th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to approve a Business Incentive Grant (Commercial Interior grant for $4,500 and Area Acquisition Assistance Grant for $1,000) for JWL Enterprises (Jennifer Lewis) at 823 12th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
The City Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report for December were presented to the council. They also received some handouts to review prior to the January 27th Budget Workshop. It was determined that several councilpersons may attend the BPCDC Annual Meeting on January 22nd, so Sandy will make sure to post the required notice of possible quorum.
City Administrator Steve Beck presented a quote for streaming equipment which led to a discussion of whether to live-stream or to record and post council meetings. This will be discussed more fully at the first February council meeting. Steve also gave updates on ongoing projects as well as other activities.
Mayor Morrow had no recent meetings but has several coming up next week. He did have a meeting with Lee Weeda on the evolving airport structure.
Correspondence: None
Old Business: None
Resident Comments: None
Committee of the Whole: None
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by McGrane to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
Lyle Morrow, Mayor
Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk
Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.
Jim Magdefrau 