Belle Plaine, Iowa

October 15, 2025

The Belle Plaine City Council met on October 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Garrett Landuyt presiding. Present were Councilpersons Judy Schlesselman, Dillion McGrane, Mitch Malcolm and Charmaine Wickwire. 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 October 1st, receiving & filing of the minutes from the August 26^th meeting of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board of Trustees, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Public Audience: None

Mayor Landuyt opened the public hearing at 6:32 p.m. on the expansion of the Belle Plaine Urban Renewal Area. Steve gave a broad explanation of the project. With no other questions or comments from the public, the public hearing was closed at 6:34 p.m.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #25-10-01; a resolution to declare necessity and establish an urban renewal area, pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and approve the Urban Renewal Plan Amendment for the Belle Plaine Urban Renewal Area. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Shawn Arey could not be at the meeting but provided an update on the progress of his nuisance abatement at 1506 Rainbow Drive. The council asked Steve to clarify a few items regarding placement of Shawn’s new shed and otherwise acknowledged that he has made great progress on the property. The problem with the trailer has been resolved and we will consider this matter complete.

A discussion was held on a recent nuisance abatement notice given to Virginia Smalley of 1407 7^th Avenue. This location has a repetitive and ongoing issue with junk cluttering the property. Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire to have our lawyer file contempt charges for violating the 2024 Court order which prohibited future violations and that no extension to the current abatement notice will be given. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the closing of 12^th Street from 9^th Avenue to 10^th Avenue on Saturday, November 29^th for Holiday Homecoming per a request from Belle Plaine Community Development. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Chief Hudson handed out the monthly CFS report showing 246 calls for service in September. Officer Ecker has graduated from the academy and it back at work. Officer Lerma is at the academy and will graduate in November. Chief attended the small Agency Chief’s Conference at DMACC last month. The 2^nd annual Cops and Goblins event is being held on Halloween night from 5-8pm at the fire station with the BP Fire Department and BP Area Ambulance Service. Lastly, Chief Hudson asked for council support in hiring a couple more reserve officers which they granted.

Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire to approve Resolution #25-10-02; a resolution to award bid for the Spring 2026 Tree Replanting Project to Nolan Landscaping of Tiffin, Iowa in the amount of $22,195. This project is covered by a grant and will cover 85 new trees for Prairie Park to replace those damaged along the creek during the derecho. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

A discussion was held on plans to fill the At Large Council vacancy created by the appointment of Garrett Landuyt as our mayor. Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman, to proceed with the required Vacancy Notice which will notify the public that the city council intends to fill the seat by appointment at the November 19, 2025, city council meeting. Eligible electors wanting to be considered for the appointment should submit a request in writing to the City Clerk by November 13th. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve the split of 3^rd quarter mayor’s pay between the Mayor and Mayor ProTem due to Morrow resigning in August. On roll call vote, Schlesselman, Malcolm, and McGrane voted aye with Wickwire voting in opposition. Motion carried 3-1.

Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire to approve a Business Incentive Grant (Interior/Exterior Grant) for Sankot Garage at 807 13^th Street in the amount of $4,500. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

The City Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report for August were presented to the council.

City Administrator Steve Beck reported on the Wetland Project, E66 project by the DOT, and meetings with our engineers on the water projects. We have plans to flush hydrants again in April. Two fiber optic companies are in town working on finishing their build-outs as well as the gas buildout project that will continue through the winter as weather permits. The federal government shutdown is affecting multiple areas. Our auditors will be here on Monday and Tuesday to complete our annual audit. Our newly acquired vac/jetter/hydro excavation truck is here!

We know that locate flags in your yard can be annoying, but PLEASE do not remove them. We will continue to communicate this message via Facebook, our website, and text-em-all.

Mayor Landuyt appointed Charmaine Wickwire to the role of Mayor ProTem. A discussion was held and mutually agreed upon to officially move the city administrator performance evaluation to November of each year. A Council Workshop was set for October 29^th at 6:30pm to allow for a more in-depth discussion on the airport, water projects, and downtown awnings. Mayor Landuyt will be attending the landfill meeting this week.

Old Business: None

Committee of the Whole: A discussion was held on reserving the most northern parking spot on the west side of City Hall for 15-minute parking for residents to do business in City Hall. Sandy will create a draft update to the parking ordinance and bring to the next meeting for review by council.

Mitch had some information regarding the time capsule at city hall which is due to be opened in July 2026. Mitch Malcolm and Charmaine Wickwire will co-chair a time capsule committee to start working on plans for next July’s event.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Malcolm to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:22 p.m.

_____________________________
Garrett Landuyt, Mayor

Attest: ___________________________
Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.