Belle Plaine, Iowa
June 17, 2026

The Belle Plaine City Council met on June 17, 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, and Tim Werth. Councilpersons Jacki McDermott and Mitch Malcolm were absent; Also present was City Clerk Sandra Walton, Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton, and Police Officer Ben Ecker. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of June 3rd (with typo correction), Minutes of Special June 5th City Council Meeting, Minutes of Special June 9th City Council Meeting, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Public Audience: None

The May police calls-for-service report was handed out to council. Officer Ecker gave a police report. Some discussion on scooters and electric motorcycles was held.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Werth to approve Change Order #3 for the North Wetland Project for adjustments for seeding, rock, and silt fencing for final field quantities; decreasing by $2,424.80. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Wickwire to approve pay application #5 to Lodge Construction, Inc. for the North Wetland Project in the amount of $20,346.14. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #26-06-04; a Resolution to accept the North Wetland Project as complete and approve the release of retainage in the amount of $13,105.28 after the required 30-day waiting period (7/17). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Kerry Dixon and Shawn Lueth from Fehr Graham answered city council questions regarding design services for the South Wetland Project. Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Werth to approve the proposal from Fehr Graham for design services for the South Wetland Project in the amount of $89,800. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the 2026-2027 cigarette licenses for Casey General Store, Zip Mart, Grieder Oil, Grieder Beverage Depot, Dollar General, and Country Foods (L&A Traders LLC). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Wickwire to approve a Business Incentive Grant (Commercial Exterior Grant) for the Hair Hut at 903 13th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa, in the amount of $4,500. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton reported on alley work, storm clean-up, and action taken to get the city reimbursed for work done on the skid loader.

The City Clerk provided a written update on various projects as well as the May Treasurer’s Report and City Budget Report.

The mayor mentioned recent concerns brought to his attention from the public regarding kids on scooters. We will review ordinances by other cities to see if ours can be improved upon. He also mentioned that a business owner would like to paint their store front lime/neon green. We will investigate whether we are still under any restrictions from Main Street Iowa or the Historical District.

Judy reported that there were 9 flags down due to the storm, 4 poles were broken, and Jay has 1 more. We may need to order some more poles but will try our best to get them up by the 4th of July.

Committee of the Whole: An initial brainstorming session was held regarding possible changes to our zoning regulations. Some topics brought up were minimum lot size, required/consistent setbacks, minimum house size, accessory buildings on a lot, mixed use of commercial property, and fences. More discussion will be held on July 15th on what items the council would like our Planning & Zoning Board to consider.

Old Business: Judy again brought up whether we need to have porta-pots downtown for the 4th of July. The city hall restrooms will be open for public use during the parade. The mayor will discuss any additional needs with BPCDC.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Wickwire to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

                        _____________________________
                        Garrett Landuyt, Mayor

Attest: _______________
Sandra Walton, City Clerk

Transcribed by the City Clerk subject to Council approval.