The Vinton City Council held their meeting last Thursday evening. All members of the council were present: Ron Hessenius, Tami Stark-Mahood, Zach Parmater, Wesley Recker, Andrew Elwick and Dakoda Sellers via zoom and Mayor Bud Maynard. 

Following the call to order and roll call, Pledge of Allegiance, agenda approval, consent agenda, receiving and filing communications it was time for Committee reports. 

Hessenius reported on the Public Safety meeting held prior. There was a discussion about minors hanging out in the downtown area at night. There was a discussion about adding cameras to the downtown area as well as adding more lighting. 

Vinton Police Chief added at some point in the discussion, that in addition to putting teens into the juvenile system for breaking the laws, there can be fines given to the parents for damage minors do in the downtown. 

It is encouraged for businesses downtown to put up cameras and share the data with the Vinton Police Department when needed. 

Safety at problem intersections was discussed after accidents in town. The city is considering adding yield signs to remind drivers to be careful. Stark-Mahood also mentioned that some intersections have their visibility blocked by property owners. Residents are reminded to be aware of vehicles, and even trees that need to be trimmed to open up the line of sight at intersections. 

Melinda Schoettmer and Bethany Hantz candidates in the Primary Election also addressed the council concerning their campaigns for office.

Misty Meister addressed the council concerning the old East School building and inquired as to why they weren't forcing its removal. Meister had been forced to remove the old steam plant from property that was in her name on the west edge of Vinton. Following the meeting, I asked Brian Zoll, Code Enforcement, about the situation. He explained that it is in the process of being taken care of. To those who have followed these instances, the process is lengthy. Old East has been sold to an out of town company near Des Moines, so Zoll had to try to track down a person associated with the business. That is a near impossible task sometimes. The owner was finally found and has now been notified of repairs that need to be made. The process is underway, but as with every situation like this, it sometimes takes months or years to work it through the legal system. Patience is part of the process. Meister has also addressed a garage, and Zoll said it too is in the process of being taken care of. 

Meister left the meeting in true form as she did last time she attended. She cussed out the council and flipped them the bird. There is such a thing as free speech, but there is also something called "class," and Meister failed to show any of the latter.

Tami Stark-Mahood addressed the council as a citizen asking that they readdress the parking situation for those living downtown.  

Under old business, the council approved the second consideration of ordinance 1115, an ordinance amending provisions that apply to peddlers, solicitors and transient merchants changing the fee schedule charged by the city. Fees will now be $100 for 2 weeks and an additional $10 per person. A lanyard and license will be issued by the city to the seller.

Under new business, there was a public hearing on the budget amendment with no input from citizens, a resolution was approved amending the current budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

The first consideration of ordinance 1116, an ordinance amending provisions pertaining to drug paraphernalia, was approved bringing the ordinance in line with state law. It is below this article. 

Approval was given for a resolution setting salaries and compensation for supervision, management and part-time employees for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Approval was given for a resolution to declare certain City property as surplus property and a water/sewer credit granted for 600 W 17th Street.

Approval was granted for the Touch a Truck event organized by the Vinton Public Library on July 31 from 10:00 a.m. to noon. 

Reports

Vinton Police Chief Ted Paxton, reported that the department is now fully staffed, he will check into the camera situation and also the remote locking of the Martin Shelter. 

Scottie Wirth, of Vinton Parks and Recreation, reported that the pool is now open and that the department is booking the skating rink, pool, and Celebration Park for various schools and events this summer. He reported that the new staff is doing excellent in their positions and that there will also be new outdoor fitness equipment installed by the end of June at Kiwanis Park.

Brian Zoll, Building Code and Inspector, said he has some 70 cases open and welcomes the community to contact him with other concerns. He is also looking at TIF funding that might be available to help with the old east school building.

Melissa Schwan, City Clerk, said that there will be a partnership discussion with the VPD and mental health services on June 11 at 6:30 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. there will be a discussion on downtown parking and fencing heights. She also updated the Handbook members to Parmater and Sellers. 

On the 25th there will be a work session to address permit filings for things like furnace installations and etc. (and probably more!) 

Proposed Drug Paraphernalia ordinance is below:

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