Belle Plaine, Iowa
May 6, 2026

The Belle Plaine City Council met on May 6, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Garrett Landuyt presiding. Present were Councilpersons Charmaine Wickwire, Judy Schlesselman, Tim Werth, Jacki McDermott, and Mitch Malcolm; Also present was City Attorney Gage Kensler, City Clerk Sandra Walton, Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton, and Police Chief Kris Hudson.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by McDermott to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of April 15th, receiving and filing of the minutes of the March 24th meeting of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board of Trustees, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Public Audience: Melinda Schoettmer and Joy Wieditz, both campaign candidates for Benton County Treasurer, addressed the council.

At 6:41pm, Mayor Landuyt opened the public hearing to take bids for the property at 1010 8th Avenue. The opening bid received from Jerilyn DeRaad of Double Take Design was $60,000. With no other bids, the public hearing closed at 6:42pm.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McDermott to approve Resolution #26-05-01; a resolution that authorizes the final disposition of the real estate at 1010 8th Avenue. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Carl Mangrum was in attendance to ask for an extension on a nuisance notice received for 901 8th Avenue. Motion by Werth, seconded by Wickwire to grant the extension until June 6, 2026. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Max Flack was in attendance to ask that the city replace the alley approach to the north of 1005 9th Avenue. After hearing the request, it was determined that although it may be cracked, it does not currently present a safety hazard. No action will be taken by the city at this time.

Lance Weeda, Training Officer for the Belle Plaine Fire Department, was in attendance. He reported that the new fire truck should be finished in September. He also inquired about the possibility of having a mock accident at Franklin Park (like the Fire Department does at the high school) sometime around July 3rd. The council directed him to Belle Plaine Community Development as they coordinate the day’s events along with the Lions Club.

There was no motion received on the request for a Business Incentive Grant for L&A Traders LLC (Country Foods) as it is too soon since the last grant was awarded to them. The city clerk will contact the owner and let him know he may reapply when appropriate.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Malcolm to approve a Business Incentive Grant (Commercial Exterior Grant) in the amount of $3,600 for Preston’s Station Historic District Garage/Museum at 402 13th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the first reading of Ordinance #26-3; an ordinance amending the code of ordinance of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to water rates. Water rates would go from $8.60 per thousand gallons to $9.03 per thousand gallons and out-of-town rates would go from $10.99 to $11.54 per thousand. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Malcolm to approve the first reading of Ordinance #26-4; an ordinance amending the code of ordinance of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to sewer service charges. Sewer rates would go from $13.59 to $14.27 per thousand. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Wickwire to approve Resolution #26-05-02; a resolution authorizing submission of application for Iowa Department of Transportation airport funding and certifying eligibility requirements. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

The city council held a discussion on travel reimbursement for city administrator candidates. Motion by Werth, seconded by Wickwire to cover typical expenses such as airfare, mileage, meals, and one night of lodging. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Discussion was held regarding updates on several nuisance properties. Gage reported that the lien search was back indicating a mortgage on 1003 ½ 7th Avenue. Council instructed him to proceed with 657A court proceedings. He has also sent a letter to 909 3rd Avenue informing them of the nuisance status and asking for their abatement plan. The deadline was set for May 20th. Council instructed him to proceed with court proceedings if no response is received by the deadline. Also, an administrative search warrant was issued for 111 11th Street, and an inspection has been completed. Council instructed Gage to proceed with the dangerous building process for that property. It was also noted that the new owner of 1612 9th Avenue has begun repairs and is making progress on that property. Lastly, Gage was directed to send a letter to the owner of 710 17th Street making sure he is aware of the condition of the home. The city clerk will forward the inspection report to him for inclusion in the communication.

A written report on various projects was provided by the City Clerk. She will communicate with Fehr Graham regarding their request for an additional work session. We will instead address issues at the June 3rd council meeting.

The Public Works Supervisor reported that he has started filling the pool. He also reported that the lift station near the airport needs more work and is currently running on only one pump. The additional dirt work required near 1st Avenue is being paid for by our engineers. There was also additional discussion on the care of alleys versus streets. We will work on developing a new water service permit to help us have notice farther ahead of time.

The mayor commented on preparations for interview day for our city administrator candidates. On a separate matter, he wants to make sure we are not engaging two different engineers for parts of the same project. He also brought up recent concerns with e-bikes and e-scooters which are becoming a greater concern as they become more prevalent.

Old Business: A reminder we will gather to work on the time capsule contents on June 6th at 9am at the museum.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Schlesselman to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m.

                        _____________________________
                        Garrett Landuyt, Mayor

Attest: _______________
Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.