Belle Plaine, Iowa
April 16, 2025
The Belle Plaine City Council met on April 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Lyle Morrow presiding. Present were Councilpersons Judy Schlesselman, Mitch Malcolm, Dillion McGrane, and Charmaine Wickwire. Also present were City Administrator Steve Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton. Councilperson Garrett Landuyt was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of Special April 2 Proposed Property Tax Levy Meeting, Council Minutes of Regular April 2 Meeting, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Resident Comments: None
Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 6:34 p.m. for the 2025-2026 Budget of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa. With no comments or questions from the public, Mayor Morrow closed the hearing at 6:36 p.m.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to approve Resolution #25-04-01; a resolution to approve the City of Belle Plaine Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Mayor Morrow opened the public hearing at 6:37 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. With no one contesting the list, Mayor Morrow closed the hearing at 6:39 p.m.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to turn over delinquent dog/cat licenses to the BP Police Dept. for processing. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Police Chief Kris Hudson presented the March monthly call report. He also reported that Officer Sabanagic is in week #5 at the academy and Officer Ecker will attend this summer. To date, 22 abatement orders for nuisances have been issued this spring
Lee Weeda, Airport Commission Chair, gave the quarterly airport report. He reported on some security updates, drain line repairs, a visit from the state inspector, and current CIP projects. They will need to deal with drainage outflow and would like to burn off some grass.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to approve Work Order #2; a supplemental work order for professional services for the T-hanger extension. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McGrane to approve Resolution #25-04-06; a resolution approving an application for federal aviation funding assistance for the T-hanger extension improvements project at the Belle Plaine Municipal Airport in Belle Plaine, IA. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve Resolution #25-04-07; a resolution authorizing submission of application for IDOT airport funding and certifying eligibility requirements. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by McGrane seconded by Wickwire to approve Resolution #25-04-03; a resolution proposing to dispose of real property (1005 9th Ave) and publishing a notice of public hearing being set for May 21, 2025. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
The council discussed the city-owned property at 715 12th Street. They decided to put this back on the May 7th meeting for further discussion.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #25-04-05; a Resolution Certifying Properties to the Benton Co Treasurer Pursuant to Benton Co Ordinances 68 & 69 and to Iowa Code 446.19A. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire, to approve the setting of a public hearing for Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 6:30 pm in Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall for Amendment #2 to the current FY26 budget. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Wickwire, to approve an agreement with the City of Marengo for 2025 mosquito control services with an expiration date of 9/30/25. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0. This will now need council approval by the City of Marengo to take effect.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane, to approve a new lease agreement with EO Johnson (Koch) for the copier at city hall. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McGrane, to approve Resolution #25-04-04; a resolution approving the transfer of funds. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.
The City Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report for March were presented to the council.
City Administrator Steve Beck reported on the status of our various water projects, permit applications, and grant updates. He stated that our coordinating engineer with Fehr Graham has changed, and that the new relationship is working well.
Mayor Morrow presented the Arbor Day Proclamation which will be April 25th. He will be attending the landfill meeting on 4/17.
Correspondence: None
Old Business: Malcolm presented an option regarding a video proposal for council meetings with broadcast capabilities. The cost is roughly $350. This will be placed on the May 7th council agenda for a council vote to wrap up this topic.
Resident Comments: None
Committee of the Whole: A discussion was held regarding various council members attending meetings of the various appointed boards and committees. The consensus was that they are open meetings, but we don’t want the boards to feel like they are being monitored. We do want them to feel supported.
Also discussed were other suggestions the council would like to make to the P&Z Board regarding possible changes to the city code. P&Z recently made a determination on nonconforming (small) lots. Steve will stay in touch with the board on other topics before we make official changes to the city code.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Malcolm to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 p.m.
_____________________________
Lyle Morrow, Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Sandra Walton, City Clerk
Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.
Jim Magdefrau 