Belle Plaine, Iowa

November 19, 2025

The Belle Plaine City Council met on November 19, 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 Attorney Gage Kensler and City Clerk Sandy Walton. City Administrator Steve Beck was absent. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of November 4th, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Public Audience: None

Mayor Garrett Landuyt was sworn in by City Clerk Sandy Walton.

Kate Robertson, Benton Development Group Director, was in attendance to discuss a possible alternative project for the CDBG-DR grant that was originally for King Theater Housing. She will pursue the discussed option and bring a development agreement proposal to the December 3rd council meeting.

Lee Weeda and several Airport Commission members were present. Lee gave a report on recent activities at the airport and the status of current projects. Some discussion was held regarding a facilities manager and re-doing future lease contracts. Lee reported that the Airport Commission will meet the last Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Malcolm to appoint Jacki McDermott to fill the vacant Council At-Large seat. On roll call vote, Wickwire, Schlesselman, and Malcolm voted aye, McGrane abstained. Motion carried 3-0. The Council also wished to thank Dennis DeVore his interest in the position and encouraged him to get his name on the ballot at the next election.

Police Chief Hudson provided a written report for the council.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve the second 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 4-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to approve the first reading of Ordinance #25-12; an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to the Library Board of Trustees going from 9 members to 7 members which was recently adopted at the recent election. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to waive the second reading of Ordinance #25-12; an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to the Library Board of Trustees. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by McGrane to waive and adopt the third and final reading of Ordinance #25-12; an Ordinance Amending the Code of Ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa, by amending provisions pertaining to the Library Board of Trustees. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0. This ordinance will go into effect once published on December 3rd.

Discussion was held on the recent Building Inspection Report for 832 12^th Street. It was suggested by Kensler that we check with Chief Hudson to see what the owner’s plans are to address the concerns brought out in the report. He will provide an update at the next meeting.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve Resolution #25-11-04; a resolution to accept and approve the Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2025. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Wickwire to approve Resolution #25-11-05; a resolution approving the annual urban renewal report for fiscal year 2024-2025. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Malcolm to approve Resolution #25-11-06; a resolution approving the TIF Certification Forms for FY27. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

The City Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report for September were presented to the council. The City Clerk also asked if the city would like to participate in a Voluntary Benefits offering in 2026. She will consider the options and roll something out for the employees by January.

City Administrator Steve Beck was not able to attend the meeting but provided a written update on planned meetings with Donovan from Fehr Graham for the WQI grant and a meeting scheduled with Heidi from Northland Securities to go over project funding strategies.

Mayor Landuyt is planning to attend the Landfill meeting on Thursday evening.

Old Business: Happy Birthday to Charmaine!

Motion by Malcolm to enter into closed session per Iowa Code 21.5 (1) (c) to discuss strategy with counsel in matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent where its disclosure would likely to prejudice or disadvantage the position of the governmental body in that litigation, seconded by Wickwire at 8:16 p.m. On roll call vote, McGrane, Schlesselman, Malcolm, and Wickwire all voted aye. Motion carried 4-0.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to come out of closed session at 8:47 p.m. On roll call vote, McGrane, Schlesselman, Malcolm, and Wickwire all voted aye, motion carried 4-0.

No action was taken from the closed session discussion.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.

Garrett Landuyt, Mayor

Attest: Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.