Belle Plaine, Iowa
November 5, 2025
The Belle Plaine City Council met on November 5, 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, and Charmaine Wickwire. Councilperson Mitch Malcolm was absent. Also present were City Administrator Steve Beck and City Clerk Sandy Walton. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of October 15th, Council Workshop Minutes of October 29th, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Public Audience: Brian Baumgartner from Belle Plaine Hardware commented on the overgrown trees in the downtown. He feels they have become too large and suggests that they get removed. He has checked with other businesses, and this is the general consensus. They could potentially be replaced with a smaller variety.
Mayor Landuyt announced the city’s appreciation to Chief Kris Hudson who celebrates 30 years with the City of Belle Plaine this week! Thank you for your dedication, Chief!
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to approve Resolution #25-11-01; a resolution pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 80D.7 regarding the carrying of handguns, shotguns and tasers by a reserve office (Derek Quigley). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Emma Peebles, BPCDC Director, was present to talk about the Parade Route for the Holiday Homecoming Lighted Parade. We may try to limit parking to one side of the street during the parade to see if that works well. Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire to approve the parade route from Chelsea Savings Bank to the Belle Plaine Area Museum on Saturday, November 29th with the parade starting at 5:30pm. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Fire Chief Kaplan gave his semi-annual report from the Belle Plaine Fire Department, reporting on grant funding, tanker repairs, and the new generator.
Community Center Board President, Dave Hrabak, gave a quarterly report for the Community Center. The cement work has been completed, and the floor has been recently refinished.
Kerry Dixon, Tim Chan, and Austin Zwaschka from Fehr Graham attended the council meeting, discussing the various options being explored regarding treatment of water from Well #6.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the first reading of Ordinance #25-11; an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to Parking Limited to 15 Minutes (which will create a 15-minute parking spot on the west side of City Hall). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to approve Resolution #25-11-02; a resolution that defines and explains the investment policy of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by McGrane to approve Resolution #25-11-03; a resolution regarding final approval of plat for the Erger subdivision. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by McGrane, seconded by Wickwire to approve renewal of a Special Class E Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for L&A Traders LLC (DBA Country Foods) 1206 7th Avenue, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to approve renewal of a Class C Retail Alcohol License with Sunday Sales for O’Leary’s Office Tap LLC, 825 12th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.
A discussion was held regarding maintenance or removal of the overgrown trees located downtown. Motion by McGrane, seconded by Schlesselman, to start taking down trees throughout the downtown area and pursuing replacements via Tree Board recommendations. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0. Removal will probably start in January.
City Administrator Steve Beck gave updates on various projects including the E66 project by the DOT, the start of the Wetland Project, and the Frontier project.
Mayor Landuyt reminded the council to turn in their City Administrator evaluation forms to city hall by 5pm on November 10th and that the evaluation will be completed in closed session on November 17th at 6:30pm. He extended his congratulations to Judy Schlesselman and Mitch Malcolm on the outcome of the recent election.
Old Business: None
Correspondence: An email regarding the donation of materials and labor from York Construction for the sidewalk to the gazebo at Box Park was shared with the council. Thank you!
The Building Inspection Report competed recently for the property at 832 12th Street was given to council for their review. This will be discussed at the next meeting on November 19th.
Committee of the Whole: Charmaine gave an update on the Time Capsule Celebration. She and Mitch have met once and have a second meeting scheduled for Sunday. Many more people will be involved as we get closer to the July 2026 event. Judy has some articles to share and will forward them to the council.
Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
Garrett Landuyt, Mayor
Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk
Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.
Jim Magdefrau 