Belle Plaine, Iowa

August 19, 2026

The Belle Plaine City Council met on August 19, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor ProTem Charmaine Wickwire presiding. Present were Councilpersons Mitch Malcolm, Judy Schlesselman, and Jacki McDermott. Present by phone was Councilperson Tim Werth. Mayor Landuyt was absent. Also present were City Clerk Sandra Walton, Assistant City Clerk Janet Brandt, Police Chief Kris Hudson, and Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

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

Public Audience: None.

Police Chief Kris Hudson gave the monthly police report.

Motion by Werth, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #26-08-02; a Resolution setting a public hearing on the city’s intent to dispose of real estate at the corner of 5^th Avenue & 6^th Street (known as Wille Park) by exchanging it for other property at 1511 9^th Avenue and publishing a notice of public hearing to be held on September 16, 2026. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by McDermott to approve Resolution #26-08-03; a Resolution setting a public hearing for September 16, 2026, for the USDA application. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Schlesselman to approve Resolution #26-08-04; a Resolution agreeing to apply for federal assistance with the USDA and authorizing signers. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Wickwire to approve passage of the first reading of Ordinance #26-5; an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 76 – Bicycle Regulations/Personal Conveyance Regulations. On roll call vote, Wickwire, Malcolm, Werth, McDermott voted aye, with Schlesselman voting in opposition. Motion carried 4-1.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Werth to approve waiving the second reading of Ordinance #26-5; an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 76 – Bicycle Regulations/Personal Conveyance Regulations. On roll call vote, Wickwire, Malcolm, Werth, McDermott voted aye, with Schlesselman voting in opposition. Motion carried 4-1.

Motion by Wickwire, seconded by Malcolm to waive and adopt the third and final reading of Ordinance #26-5; an ordinance amending the code of ordinances of the City of Belle Plaine, Iowa by amending provisions pertaining to Chapter 76 – Bicycle Regulations/Personal Conveyance Regulations. On roll call vote, Wickwire, Malcolm, Werth, McDermott voted aye, with Schlesselman voting in opposition. Motion carried 4-1. This ordinance will go into effect once published on September 2, 2026.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Wickwire to approve the Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive collection on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from Noon to 5:00pm at the corner of 13^th St and 7^th Ave in Belle Plaine (4-way stop) and also on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from Noon to 4:00pm at the corner of 12^th Street & 8^th Avenue in Belle Plaine (in conjunction with the Cider Stroll). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by Malcolm, seconded by Werth to approve a Business Incentive Grant (Commercial Exterior Grant) in the amount of $2,558.33 for Drahn Insurance Agency, Inc. at 821 13^th Street, Belle Plaine, Iowa. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Motion by McDermott, seconded by Malcolm to have Public Works move forward with demolition of the city-owned building at 715 12^th Street (former Ma’s Kitchen). On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 5-0.

Public Works Supervisor Jay Hamilton reported continued mowing due to excessive rain.

The City Clerk provided a written update on various projects. The July Treasurer’s Report and Profit & Loss versus Budget Report were presented to the council.

Committee of the Whole: A discussion on feral cats was held. Suggestions were made for keeping garbage bins tightly covered and making sure these cats are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and licensed. Tim suggested looking into the cost of a program for trapping/neutering/releasing feral cats. Judy suggested review of City Ordinance 55.09 to discuss at next meeting.

Old Business: None.

Correspondence: A thank you from Janet Johnson of the Hair Hut was received regarding the Business Incentive Grant that she received. A thank you card from July Celebrations Committee was shared for the fireworks donation.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Werth to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Charmaine Wickwire, Mayor ProTem

Attest: Janet Brandt, Assistant City Clerk

Transcribed by the Assistant City Clerk subject to Council approval.