HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06/05/2017BUILDING & GROUNDS COMMITTEE
June 5, 2017
4:50 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Schmitt, and Welper.
Moved by Welper seconded by Morrissey that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice
vote -Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Moved by Welper seconded by Morrissey that the request by Jason Grimm to purchase a city
owned lot located adjacent to 157 University Avenue for $2,000, with Development Agreement,
be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Chris Western, City Planner, explained that the applicant wants to build a garage on the property
and that another group is interested in putting in a garden on the property.
Mr. Welper questioned how the proposal applies to the land sale property.
Chris Western explained that the owner is willing to put a garage on the property within two
years.
Mr. Schmitt questioned where the owner lives.
Chris Western explained that Mr. Grimm lives at 157 University Avenue. He further explained
that the garden group has no problem with the sale of property.
Moved by Morrissey seconded by Welper that the request by First Baptist Church and EMBARC
(Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center) to garden (4) four city owned
parcels located between 133 and 157 University Avenue, be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Three.
Motion carried.
Mr. Welper commended the local gardeners for their ability to put together areas to grow their
crops, however he has received complaints in the past that the properties become an eye sore if
they're not cleaned up after the crops are harvested.
Meg with UNI Local Food, explained that the gardener's will be asked to clean up the area after
the growing season.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if this could be added to the agreement.
Chris Western confirmed the language is already part of the agreement.
Mr. Welper questioned the length of the agreement.
Chris Western explained that the agreement is for two years but that the city would be willing to
extend it to three years.
Mr. Welper questioned what would happen if someone wanted to build a house on the property.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning Developer, explained that the process to build on a these
lots would likely take about two years, so he is comfortable with a two year agreement.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if a clause could be inserted that would allow the city to leave the
contract if interest for housing comes along after the growing season is over.
Noel Anderson noted that language to that effect, is currently a part of the agreement.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Morrissey seconded by Welper
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:58 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchle, CMC
City Clerk