Belle Plaine, Iowa
March 5, 2025
The Belle Plaine City Council met on March 5, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Pro Tem Garrett Landuyt presiding. Present were Councilpersons Garrett Landuyt, Judy Schlesselman, Dillion McGrane, and Mitch Malcolm. Councilperson Charmaine Wickwire and Mayor Lyle Morrow were absent. Also present were City Administrator Steve Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of February 19th, receiving and filing of the minutes from the January 28th meeting of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board of Trustees, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Resident Comments: None
Jay Hamilton, Public Works Supervisor, reported on the recent water main break on 10th Avenue, status of Phase I of the new water meter project, progress on the gutting of 715 12th Street, and some ideas on conserving water at the sewer plant with new equipment to help cool seals.
Emma Peebles and Amber Hoover from BPCDC gave a quarterly report on the activities the new Director is working on and the start of the event planning season. Emma also reported that Tammy Manley has joined the BPCDC board. They are still working to fill two additional vacancies on the board.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Schlesselman to approve resolution #25-03-01; a resolution proposing to dispose of real property (709 13th St) and publishing a notice of public hearing. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McGrane to approve a tax abatement under the new Belle Plaine Revitalization Plan for Dan Bussey at 809 21st Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa (parcel #03010875). On roll call vote, McGrane, Schlesselman, and Malcolm voted aye, Landuyt abstained due to conflict of interest. Motion carried.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to approve renewal of a Class E Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for Karam Kaur Khasriya, LLC (Zip Mart), 702 13th St, 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 B Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for Family Dollar Stores, 509 13th St, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to approve a contract for porta-pot rentals for 2025 with Jay Bird’s Porta-pot Rentals. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to have Steve Beck reach out to Marengo to see if they would be interested in providing mosquito control for Belle Plaine this coming season. If Marengo is not interested, they approve the signing of a mosquito control contract with Mosquito Control of Iowa. If Marengo is interested, a quote for their services is to be brought back to the next council meeting for review. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
A discussion was held on the possible addition of FMLA benefits being added to the Employee Handbook. The council desires more information. Sandy will get with Lynch Dallas, employment attorneys, to answer some questions and bring a recommendation back to the next council meeting.
The Council discussed the current distribution of the city newsletter to local businesses. To save on monthly postage, we will encourage businesses to receive newsletters electronically versus receiving a paper copy each month. Paper copies will be available at City Hall for anyone who wishes to pick one up.
City Administrator Steve Beck reported on recent meetings he has had regarding source water protection, manganese technical assistance, and floodplain management. He has been working closely with Nate from Fehr Graham and Joe from Bolton & Menk on several projects. He will be in Des Moines on March 10th-11th for the Water Quality seminar.
Councilperson Malcolm commented on the water restrictions that the Poweshiek Water Association has announced that they will be implementing again in our area. The council would like for us to keep the public informed on our well status and make sure our well levels are good. If it becomes necessary for us to also make any restrictions, we would like to give our residents adequate notice.
There was no mayor’s report this meeting.
Correspondence: None
Old Business: More discussion was held regarding recording options for future council meetings. Mitch has some information and will get it to Steve. We will continue to audio record meetings until we are able to post video recordings.
A compete list of 2024 building permits was distributed to the council. The clerk’s office will make sure to inform future applicants of their possible eligibility for tax abatement.
The fact that some information regarding contacts needs to be updated on our city website was brought up. If anyone sees some information that they believe is not current, please contact the City Clerk’s office so we can update it appropriately.
Resident Comments: None
Committee of the Whole: None
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Garrett Landuyt, Mayor Pro Tem
Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk
Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.
Jim Magdefrau 