Belle Plaine, Iowa
July 15, 2026

The Belle Plaine City Council met on July 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Garrett Landuyt presiding. Present were Councilpersons Mitch Malcolm, Charmaine Wickwire, Judy Schlesselman, Jacki McDermott and Tim Werth. Also present was City Attorney Gage Kensler, City Clerk Sandra Walton, Police Chief Kris Hudson, and Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of July 1, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Public Audience: None

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McDermott to approve the appointment of Kary Markham to fill the vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Board with the term to expire June 30, 2029. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Lance Weeda from the Belle Plaine Fire Department reported that Toyne has started to build our new fire truck with an estimated completion date of early October. He also reported on a Kids Safety Fair planned for August 29th from 10am-1pm at Franklin Park. The Fire Department in conjunction with the Police Department and the Belle Plaine Ambulance Service have many activities planned.

Kerry Dixon and Shawn Lueth from Fehr Graham presented the plans for use of our USDA Federal Earmark as well as plans for additional financing to complete the desired projects. Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the selection of Package 2 projects (new standpipe, well house power upgrades, a new well #7, and possible water main upgrades) for use of the USDA Federal Appropriation Funding. Total package cost is estimated at $7,901,800. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Jackie Toennies presented the Annual Library Report.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Werth to approve Resolution #26-07-01; a Resolution regarding the carrying of handguns, shotguns, tasers, ASP batons, and OC spray by reserve officer, Joshua Richter. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Malcolm to approve Resolution #26-07-02; a Resolution to annually designate the official location for posting public meeting notices. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #26-07-03; a Resolution approving a wage increase for the City Clerk. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Discussion was held on the setting of three pay classes for the clerk’s office. Many concerns were brought forth, and this item was tabled to the next meeting to allow for more thought.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Wickwire to approve the request from Belle Plaine Discount to place a Pokémon card dispenser in front of their store at 818 12th Street. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McDermott to approve a Special Class C Retail Alcohol License (BW) with Sunday Sales for J’s Tavern, 803 12th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

After much discussion on scooters and e-bikes, it was decided that Councilpersons Werth and Schlesselman will draft a proposal to bring to the next council meeting for review and possible approval. It was also suggested that education on the proper use of these devices be included in the upcoming Kids Safety Fair in August.

Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton reported that Alliant is beginning the last phase of their gas project along 8th Street. The spraying for dust control on the northern portion of 1st Avenue is planned for next week and new signs for that area have been ordered. The resurfacing of the City Parking Lot was completed last week.

The City Clerk provided a written update on various projects. Applications for the Assistant City Clerk position are being received with interviews expected to start next week. The interview committee will be Mayor Landuyt, City Clerk Sandy Walton, and either Councilperson Werth or Wickwire.

The mayor had no meetings to report on. He has been talking to many residents and working on rates.

Committee of the Whole: More discussion was held on desired changes to our zoning regulations. The council would like to see a document created that would track any applications denied and the reason. They would also like a document that can be handed out explaining the appeal process to anyone who has a permit denied. Sandy will draft some documents, review with the mayor, and get with our Zoning Administrator. It was also recommended to complete an ordinance revision based on items already recommended by the Planning & Zoning Board regarding lot sizes.

Gage gave an update on the 657A status for 1003 ½ 7th Avenue. Per direction from the council, he will begin the same process at 909 3rd Avenue. Lastly, he is starting the dangerous building process for 111 11th Street. Chief Hudson will be issuing a clean up order for 1407 7th Avenue. This is a habitual location, and we will seek a firmer solution. Lastly, the house at 710 17th Street will be placarded as a dangerous building. Gage gave a few suggestions on ways we could firm up our nuisance responses. We will look to increase the fines in our existing ordinance to help deter repeat offenders.

Old Business: Mitch wanted to extend his thanks to the city crew and all who helped with the time capsule.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Malcolm to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 5-0. 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.