Belle Plaine, Iowa

September 16, 2026

The Belle Plaine City Council met on September 16, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Belle Plaine City Hall with Mayor Garrett Landuyt presiding. Present were Councilpersons Judy Schlesselman, Jacki McDermott, and Tim Werth. Councilpersons Mitch Malcolm and Charmaine Wickwire were absent; Also present were City Attorney Gage Kenseler, 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 McDermott, seconded by Schlesselman to approve the Consent Agenda, Council Minutes of September 2^nd City Council Meeting, receiving & filing of the minutes of the July 28^th meeting of the Belle Plaine Community Library Board of Trustees, and bills received. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Public Audience: None.

Mayor Landuyt opened a public hearing at 6:32 on exchange of real property: a park located at the corner of 5^th Avenue and 6^th Street in exchange for 1511 9^th Avenue. Lon Weber of the Parks & Rec Board was present to discuss the future amenities that acquiring 1511 9^th Avenue could provide as well as plans to make portions of the existing park safer and more accessible. Mark Drahn was also in attendance and discussed wanting to see more housing located at 1511 9^th Avenue instead of additional park space.

Public hearing closed at 6:58.

Resolution #26-09-02 was tabled so more options can be explored.

Mayor Landuyt opened the public hearing at 6:59 regarding application with the USDA Rural Development for financial assistance to develop the Belle Plaine Drinking Water Resiliency Project. Kerry Dixon and Shawn Leuth with Fehr Graham were present to summarize project goals and answer any questions.

Public Hearing closed at 7:05.

Motion by Schlesselman, seconded by Werth to approve Resolution #26-09-03 approving the USDA-RD application. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Tracy Alden was in attendance to provide an update on the nuisance notice received. She reported a few more things left to clean up. Motion by Werth, seconded by McDermott to grant an additional two-week extension for cleanup. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

Andy Dahlquist was in attendance to discuss clarification regarding parking near his home. Angela Wright presented photos of concerns she has regarding views of cars parked in this location near Andy’s home from her property. Gage will review the City’s parking ordinances further to address concerns.

Motion by Werth, seconded by McDermott to approve Resolution #26-09-01; a Resolution adopting the 2026 Benton County multi-jurisdictional local hazard mitigation plan. On roll call vote, all voted aye, motion carried 3-0.

The City Clerk provided a written report with updates on projects and handed out the Treasurer’s Summary Report and P&L Budget Report for August.

The Police Chief reported the full-time officer position has been filled by Nathen Trachta. He is expected to begin October 1^st with plans to start the ILEA in January. He also reported new laptops, bodycams, and car videos have been installed and set up.

The Public Works Supervisor discussed the effects of heavy rainfall during short periods to the sewer system. He has been working on a list of other projects due to the rain.

The mayor did not have anything further to report.

Committee of the Whole: Review and discussion of possible changes to be made including use of electric devices (electric fences/collars) to Chapter 55 Animal Protection and Control Ordinance was held. The first reading of proposed changes will be at the next meeting.

Old Business: Gage provided updates on current 657A proceedings for 1003 ½ 7^th Avenue and 909 3^rd Avenue. Discussion was also had about other recurring nuisance properties and how to proceed. It was decided to move forward with 657A proceedings for 301 11^th Street as it is apparently abandoned and unoccupied with no utilities. Other properties were reported as having been recently served abatement orders.

Correspondence: None.

Motion by Werth, seconded by McDermott to adjourn the meeting. All voted aye, motion carried 3-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:21 p.m.

_____________________________
Garrett Landuyt, Mayor

Attest: ___________________________
Janet Brandt, Assistant City Clerk

Transcribed by the Assistant City Clerk subject to Council approval.