HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06/26/2017COUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 26, 2017
3:40 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Powers, Amos, and Welper. Absent: Jacobs. Mr. Lind and Mr.
Schmitt arrived at 3:41 p.m.
Moved by Welper seconded by Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Objective: Discussion of Automated Traffic Enforcement contract and ordinance.
Dan Trelka, Chief of Police, provided an overview of the contract and ordinance. He explained
that he would like to model the ordinance after Cedar Rapids as there is an opportunity to work
with them on the appeals process. He explained that the ordinance would allow for speed
enforcement. The company, Gatso, has a hand held and speed trailer device that officers could
use for speed enforcement. The speed trailer would show citizens how fast they are going and
issue a ticket and the tickets do not going on the driving record. Citizens that are against the
program state that this is all about revenue. Chief Trelka acknowledged the cameras would
generate revenue and indicated that it could be used to fund more officers or tax relief.
Mr. Lind questioned why speed would be mentioned in the ordinance and questioned if it could
be removed and added later.
Dan Trelka explained that it could be added later on and that he does not like issuing tickets for
speed but believes it would be beneficial for officers to use the technology to write tickets. He
further explained that having speed cameras does impact the driving in the community.
Mr. Lind commented that he likes that the funds could be used for tax relief or adding officers.
Dan Trelka explained that he could use three more officers and a clerk for Tri -County Task
Force but would like to see what types of funds are coming in first.
Mayor Hart stepped out at 3:52 p.m.
Mr. Morrissey commented that in 2005, the Federal Highway Administration conducted a
nationwide study of the red light camera systems and found there were higher amounts of rear -
end accidents. He further questioned if the equipment would cause increased time that yellow
lights are running to help reduce incidences of rear ending.
Dan Trelka explained that there is an industry standard for the length of time the light would
remain yellow, but that city traffic engineers would evaluate that over time. He further
commented that though initially the number of rear -end accidents may rise, it is important to note
that rear -end crashes tend not to be as dangerous as T-bone collisions.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if a cost is applied to having equipment at 13 intersections.
Dan Trelka explained the threshold for the red light system and the comparative costs.
Mr. Schmitt questioned how the ticket price would be set.
Dan Trelka explained that the council would set the fee and that Gatso would take 30-40% of the
ticket cost and that he would recommend setting the price of the red light violation at $60-$70.
Mr. Schmitt commented that residents on Downing Avenue would love to have stationary
monitoring.
Mr. Powers questioned how the billing for the company works.
Dan Trelka explained it is directly billed to the offender.
Mr. Powers questioned if the city gets reporting data from the company.
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Dan Trelka confirmed that reports are web based and readily available to police staff and the
finance department and can be generated by the desired parameters.
Mr. Powers commented he believes direct billing does help to ensure the integrity of the process.
He further commented that he recently had a conversation with a Deputy with Dubuque County,
who shared his support of red light cameras and believes their use has definitely reduced the
number of crime and activities in many communities.
Dan Trelka explained that since it is a web based system they can grant authorization to allow
government entities to utilize the cameras to see live video.
Mr. Powers questioned if Dubuque utilizes Gatso.
Dan Trelka explained that he does not believe that they are using this company.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if speed cameras would be moved around town.
Dan Trelka explained that the units could be moved around based on citizen complaints but
would like to receive direction from council on how the equipment should be used.
Mayor Hart returned at 4:06 p.m.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he would like to see enforcement on W. 3rd Street.
Dan Trelka explained that many streets, including W. 5th Street, have increased speeding
violations.
Mr. Welper questioned if the fine sticks with the car or the driver.
Dan Trelka explained the ordinance states the owner has liability for the violation.
Objective: Discussion of plans, renovations, and improvements to Downtown Waterloo
Convention Center and Ramada Hotel.
Edwin Leslie, Leslie Hospitality, presented an overview of their plan to purchase and renovate
the Ramada Hotel. The proposal is to make the hotel modern and business friendly. He further
provided an overview of the proposal to purchase and renovate the convention center. He
emphasized that when his company takes over ownership they will immediately be providing
quality service.
Mayor Hart commented that the first thing that struck him about his first meeting with Leslie
Hospitality was the focus on high standards, quality, and service. He further requested an
overview of his background and portfolio.
Leslie explained that he has been in the hospitality business for over 30 years and provided
details of his 15 years of experience working with Hilton Hotels and others. In 1996 started his
own firm, he explained that his niche is to find properties that are in the right market with good
location but that are being under served.
Mayor Hart requested information on the partnering aspect of his business.
Leslie explained that the operation of the convention center cannot take place without hotel
owners in the Cedar Valley come together to make the convention center a success. His plan is
to meet with other owners to help sell the facility and service their customers. He further
explained that he has seven other hotels to get convention leads from to bring them into
Waterloo.
Mr. Welper questioned if there will be down time during the renovation.
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Leslie explained that there will not be down time. His team is here this week to meet the staff
and to not displace currently scheduled events that are already taking place.
Mr. Welper questioned the timeline to renovate.
Leslie explained that the timeline is 9-18 months.
Mr. Powers questioned if contractors are brought in or if local contractors will be sought.
Leslie explained that they prefer to use local contractors.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the name would change.
Leslie explained that the plan is to change the name of the convention center this is a critical part
of bringing people to the community. Part of the renovation plan is to honor the Sullivan
Brothers by creating a memorial at the convention center. He further commented that he has
reached out to the family.
Mayor Hart commented that Aaron Buzza reached out to the family as well.
Aaron Buzza, Executive Director of Waterloo Convention & Visitors Bureau, explained he had a
conversation last summer with Kelly Sullivan to talk about the possibility of changing the name
of the convention center. He explained that Sullivan told him that she understood and as long as
their family has a presence at the site, her family would be supportive of a transition. He further
explained she was concerned about the artwork at the convention center and wants that to stay
with the Grout Museum or Waterloo Center for the Arts.
Mr. Lind questioned if his company can make the renovations happen for $6 million and that the
city has received quotes for much more over the years.
Mayor Hart concurred that several different amounts to perform renovations have been quoted
over the years.
Leslie explained that he believes $6 million dollars is adequate to give the representation needed
to be competitive with any convention center in the state of Iowa. He further outlined how the
$6 million is currently earmarked.
Mr. Lind questioned if he has stayed at Drury Inn and if the plan is to match that model.
Leslie confirmed that he has and that the Drury Inn is on the same level as a Ramada but that his
hotels are in competition in Marriott and Hilton and receive 4 stars or higher.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if the city recently committed half a million dollars for work on the
convention center, and the status of that work.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that the
development agreement does include a grant portion of existing bond funds.
Mr. Lind questioned if the Hotel/Motel funds would no longer be available to the convention
center.
Mr. Schmitt strongly suggested that they reconsider renaming the convention center.
Leslie explained he has huge respect for our military and shared has own family history of
military service going back to pre -World War II; however he believes a memorial setting can be
created to honor their service and not impact the name of the facility.
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Mayor Hart explained that setting the date of hearing is on the agenda for tonight and wanted
council to have an update prior to the meeting. He thanked Aaron Buzza and Mr. Leslie for
reaching out to the community and working to make this a smooth transition.
Steve Dust, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber, explained that when the city began
looking at how to boost interest in Waterloo and the Cedar Valley, Mr. Leslie's firm was
discovered and were impressed with the sensitivity the company pays to the local market, ability
to recruit events, collaborate with others in the hospitality business, and to truly know what our
market needs and wants.
Aaron Buzza explained that for several years they have had comments that the hotel and
convention center need improvement and believe that this organization is best equipped to take
on this project.
Mr. Amos questioned if the current employees at the Ramada and convention center will be out
of jobs or if they will be employed at the new hotel.
Mayor Hart explained the development agreement includes a minimum number of jobs needed.
He explained that everyone working will have a job. He has a 200 room hotel in Omaha that has
110 employees and the Ramada has just 19 employees to service a 200 room hotel and a 45,000
square foot convention center. He further explained that 100 employees are needed to service
the convention center when it is fully up and running.
Mr. Schmitt requested an overview of the bond funds dedicated to the facility.
Noel Anderson provided an overview of the two development agreements.
Mr. Schmitt questioned the total amount of bonds.
Noel Anderson explained the CIP provided for $70,000 for the next 5 years, or $3.5 million.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper seconded by Lind that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:47 p.m. Voice vote - Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kelley Fel
City Clerk
, CMC