Belle Plaine, Iowa
February 19, 2025
The Belle Plaine City Council met on February 19, 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, and Charmaine Wickwire. Councilpersons Mitch Malcolm and Dillion McGrane were absent. Also present were City Administrator Steve Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Landuyt to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of January 15th, Budget Workshop Minutes of January 29th, receiving and filing of the minutes from the November 26th meeting of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board of Trustees, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Resident Comments: None
Mindy Atkinson was present to introduce the newly hired BPCDC Director, Emma Peebles. Emma told the council a little about her background, some of the many ideas she has for BPCDC, and shared her office hours. Council members welcomed Emma to her new role!
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the following documents relating to the CDBG-DR Housing Grant for Homeplace Properties LLC (King Theater project) and authorize the mayor to sign them; A-Developer Agreement, B-Mortgage Form; C-Promissory Note; D-Assignment of Leases and Rents; E-Developer Covenants form. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Chief Hudson gave the monthly police report and handed out the Call Count report for January. He provided a copy of the resignation letter from Officer Garwood effective March 14th.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Wickwire to approve resolution #25-02-01; a resolution proposing to dispose of real property and publishing a notice of public hearing. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Landuyt to approve entering into an agreement with Government Window for our online and credit card payments (switching from GovPay). The new software will integrate with our accounting software. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman to approve resolution #25-02-02; a resolution to set a public hearing for Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 6:30pm in the Belle Plaine Council Chambers for the Proposed Property Tax Levy for FY26 ($16.90093). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
The city council discussed the possible disposition of newly acquired city-owned bare lot at 709 13th Street (parcel #03041150). A resolution will be prepared and presented at the next meeting to show the intent to sell the property and set a public hearing for its sale.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Wickwire to approve a tax abatement under the old/original Belle Plaine Revitalization Plan for Garling Construction, Inc. (Athletico Building) at 503 13th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa (parcel #03029160) since the building was completed in 2023. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
The approval of a tax abatement for Dan Bussey at 809 21st Street was tabled until the next meeting.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Landuyt to approve the reappointment of Brandon Kienitz to the Airport Commission for a 3-year term. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the appointment of Matt Moore to the Airport Commission for a 3-year term. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Wickwire to approve renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with Outdoor Service & Sunday Sales for the Belle Plaine Country Club, 1911 13th Ave N, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Employee Handbook Changes in Section 4: Leave Benefits (except for FLMA section which will be reviewed at a future meeting). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
The City Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report for January were presented to the council. They also received a packet of updated handouts from FY26 planned budget changes decided at the January 29th Budget Workshop.
City Administrator Steve Beck reported on upcoming meetings and conferences he will be attending in March and April, updates on various projects in progress, and the status of several grants. He also extended his thanks to Jay Hamilton, Chief Hudson, and the BP Fire Department for their assistance on the President’s Day holiday with traffic control when the train broke down across all three crossings.
Mayor Morrow extended his compliments to the Public Works crew on the great job they did with snow removal on last week’s snow event. He also gave an update on recent meetings for the Landfill, BDG, and the Benton County Assessor’s Meeting. Information was handed out on the various city-owned properties for the council to think about future disposition plans. A more formal discussion will be held at a future meeting.
Correspondence: None
Old Business: Council members instructed Steve to look at record and post options for council meetings. Until a video option is put in place, future meetings will be audio taped (starting with the March 5th meeting).
The council asked for the status of phase I of the water meter project. There is a meeting with the vendor on Thursday, February 20th. We will make sure that any concerns we have are answered.
Resident Comments: None
Committee of the Whole: Council would like us to look at installing video cameras as several other city-owned facilities. We will investigate options. Also, a brief discussion of timeclocks was held. This will be discussed further when all council members are in attendance.
Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Wickwire to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:41 p.m.
Lyle Morrow, Mayor
Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk
Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.
Jim Magdefrau 