Belle Plaine, Iowa

July 2, 2025

The Belle Plaine City Council met on July 2, 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 Charmaine Wickwire. Also present were City Administrator Steve Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton. Councilperson Dillion McGrane was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of June 18^th, Council Minutes of June 25^th, 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. to take bids for the property at 902 13^th Street. With no bids received, Morrow closed the hearing at 6:35 p.m.

Brenda Martin presented information and requested a water bill utility credit. After much discussion the council instructed the clerk’s office to follow the existing policy and to offer a payment plan to Ms. Martin as well. Late penalties will be held if she follows the payment plan.

Dave Hrabak from the Belle Plaine Community Center was present to give their quarterly report.

Lee Weeda was in attendance from the Airport Commission. The commission is going to work on drafting an Airport Manager’s job description to present to the council. We will also look at options to pay off the old fuel system, adjusting residency requirements for the commission members, and some insurance requirements. Further follow-up will occur at the August 6^th Council Meeting.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Landuyt to approve resolution #25-07-02; a resolution proposing to dispose of real property at 1507 6^th Avenue and publishing a notice of public hearing. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to approve resolution #25-07-03 (with a few minor changes); a resolution amending the schedule of fees for construction/building permits and compensation to zoning administrator. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the first reading of Ordinance #25-5 which would amend the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine by amending the provisions pertaining to Chapters 165.24 & 165.28 regarding construction permit fees. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Malcolm to waive the second reading of Ordinance #25-5 which would amend the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine by amending the provisions pertaining to Chapters 165.24 & 165.28 regarding construction permit fees. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Malcolm to approve the first reading of Ordinance #25-6 which would amend the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine by amending the provisions pertaining to Chapter 57 regarding Dangerous and Vicious Animals. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Wickwire to waive the second reading of Ordinance #25-6 which would amend the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine by amending the provisions pertaining to Chapter 57 regarding Dangerous and Vicious Animals. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

The council discussed possible compensation changes for the mayor, city council, and the city attorney. The council decided to make no changes to compensation at this time.

City Administrator Steve Beck reported the Frontier groundbreaking is scheduled for July 11^th. We have received a letter granting an $800,000 principal loan forgiveness from the State Revolving Fund. There is a resignation of a member of the Zoning Board that will need filled. Also, that the intersection repairs are still pending a route decision by the DOT as that intersection will have to be closed for up to 3 weeks when repairs are being done.

Mayor Morrow talked about parade plans and that he attended the recent Airport Commission meeting last week. He will be on vacation mid-July.

Correspondence: None

Old Business: None

Resident Comments: None

Committee of the Whole: Discussion was held regarding several possible revisions to the Urban Chickens Ordinance Chapter 58. Those changes will be drafted into an ordinance change and brought to the next meeting for possible approval or further modification. In addition, Garrett Landuyt has been appointed by the City Council to be the permitting officer for urban chickens.

Motion by Landuyt, seconded by Schlesselman to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

_____________________________
Lyle Morrow, Mayor

Attest: ___________________________
Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.