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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07/24/2017COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 24, 2017 3:30 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Morrissey, Powers, Lind, Amos, Schmitt, and Welper. Absent: Mr. Jacobs Moved by Welper seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Objective: Update on University Avenue Project. Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained that the staff and engineers have been working on obtaining public input and developing proposals for the project. Larry Wiele, AECOM, provided an overview of the recommended changes to University Avenue. Recommendations include a four -lane road with a trail on either side from Highway 63 to Tunis Drive, and a five lane road with two way left turn lane and bike trails on University Avenue from Tunis Drive to Midway Drive. He provided an overview of aesthetic improvements, bus stop recommendations, and recommended changes in speed. He further explained the impact of utilizing roundabouts vs. signalized intersections on University Avenue with the recommendation of utilizing signalized intersections for the project. The schedule for the project is to complete final design and right of way acquisition through 2017, let bids by January 2018, with construction beginning in spring 2018 through 2021. Mayor Hart stepped out at 4:00 p.m. Mr. Lind questioned the right-of-way acquisition. Larry Wiele explained that expansion is needed for turn lanes and recreational trails in some areas. Mr. Lind questioned if the city maintains the trails and sidewalk. Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained that some of the sidewalk would need to be maintained by the city and some by residents. Mr. Lind questioned if it would be beneficial to include aesthetic designs now. Larry Wiele explained that it would if funding was available. Eric Thorson explained that the cost of enhancements have not yet been prepared yet and additional funding would need to be identified. Mr. Schmitt questioned how many signalized intersections there would be, and how many Cedar Falls has. Larry Wiele commented there would be seven and a half signals, since Waterloo will be responsible for half of the cost of the Midway intersection, and he does not know how many signals Cedar Falls has. Mr. Schmitt questioned the difference in travel time with the use traffic signals verses roundabouts. Larry Wiele explained that roundabouts offer minimal travel time savings when compared to traffic signals and therefore the cost of the design change may not be warranted. Mr. Schmitt questioned how the concept of Waterloo compares to Cedar Falls. Larry Wiele explained that the goal is to have a design comparable but one that is cost effective. Mr. Morrissey questioned if Cedar Falls has a five lane configuration in their project. Page 2 Larry Wiele explained that Cedar Falls has a different design. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the design will be confusing to motorists. Larry Wiele commented he does not believe it will be confusing to motorists, as the design is common. Mr. Powers commented that it would be part of the transition from Waterloo to Cedar Falls. Mr. Morrissey questioned the speed limit that was used for the roundabouts vs. signalized intersections. Larry Wiele explained that the speed limit used for the calculation was 45 mph. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the calculation was figured at 35 mph and if using a different speed would change the figures for roundabouts. Larry Wiele explained the numbers are close now and he is not sure the change would make a significant difference. Mr. Morrissey questioned if a roundabout could be used at the Greenhill and University Avenue intersection so that the city would no longer need maintenance on the bridge. Larry Wiele explained that over time, it would be a cost savings but the initial investment would be sizeable. Mr. Morrissey questioned the second phase of the project. Larry Wiele explained the different phases of the project. Mayor Hart returned at 4:14 p.m. Mr. Powers questioned if further community meetings will be held. Eric Thorson explained that the recommendations would be brought to council for approval followed by an additional public comment meeting for public input, and a public hearing will take place prior to awarding bids. Mayor Hart explained that the project has a Facebook page to continue to gather public input. Objective: Discussion of shared services at Waste Treatment Facility. Kevin Blanshan, Executive Director of INRCOG, provided an overview of the purpose of the Shared Services Committee, and identified areas of opportunities for sharing, such as Human Resources and Wastewater Subcommittees. Brian Schoon, INRCOG, explained that a Wastewater Regionalization Subcommittee was formed and has studied the 1973 area wide sanitary sewer study, which included Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Hudson, Evansdale, and Elk Run Heights. AECOM was approached to develop a new study to determine whether or not regionalization is still feasible. He further outlined the time frame and benefits. Mayor Hart stepped out at 4:27 p.m. and returned at 4:27 p.m. Mr. Lind questioned how Waterloo would pay for the study. Kevin Blanshan explained the current proposal is that only Waterloo and Cedar Falls would split the cost of the study 50/50. The city would need to determine the source of revenue. Page 3 Mr. Lind commented that our plant is fairly modern and questioned why the city would shoulder half of the cost of the study when it would primarily benefit other cities. Mayor Hart questioned if the plant will need changes in the future. Steve Hoambrecker, Waste Management Services Director, explained that improvements will be needed at the plant in the future to meet nutrient reduction requirements, but the cost has not yet been determined. Mayor Hart commented on the opportunity for council to hear the long range scope of the project, and acknowledged it will be a long process to determine if the city wants to enter into a partnership and move forward. Mr. Morrissey questioned if different locations would be chosen for plants if this proposal moved forward. Kevin Blanshan explained that it is undetermined at this time. Mayor Hart commented that it does not appear to be cost effective for Waterloo at this point to build a new plant but the study would be able to tell the communities if it is possible. Mr. Powers commented that it is valuable to at least do a study. Mr. Morrissey questioned if storm water is included in the proposal. Kevin Blanshan explained that it would only include sanitary sewer. Objective: Presentation provided by Buxton Representatives. Mr. Powers stepped out at 4:35 p.m. and returned at 4:35 p.m. Antoine Long, Buxton, provided an overview of the company and market analysis of retail spending and consumer habits in Waterloo. He explained that Courtyard by Marriot will be opening in Fall of 2017, along with different types of retailers looking to come to the area, such as a sub sandwich shop, quick service restaurant, coffee shop, and dining/sit-down dining. Mayor Hart questioned if it would be best for staff to attend the retail convention at Las Vegas along with local developers to network with retailers. Antoine Long, explained that it would be very beneficial for staff and developers from Waterloo to have a presence at the conventions. He further provided an overview of the next steps to continue generating retail responses along with marketing tools for local businesses to effectively market their business to the community. Mayor Hart commented that he would like to look at what other cities are doing to close deals with potential retailers, including best practices, to make Waterloo competitive. Mr. Welper questioned the impact of online shopping on retail. Antoine Long explained that online shopping is having an impact on apparel brands but other types of retailers, such as grocery stores, are less affected by online shopping. Mr. Powers questioned if Buxton has data on states that charge for sales tax. Mr. Schmitt stepped out at 5:02 p.m. and did not return for the remainder of the meeting. Antoine Long explained that he does not currently have that available, but offered to look into a state by state breakdown. Mr. Powers questioned if focus is placed on a particular sized franchise. Page 4 Antoine Long explained that their database has over 500,000 retailers ranging from big box to regional retailers. Mr. Morrissey questioned if Buxton tries to fit retailers in a downtown market at locations such as the former public market. Antoine Long commented that specific retail interests to fit a particular location will be considered. Mayor Hart commented that it is important to understand that this is one tool to use for development but others need to be explored as well for other industries in Waterloo. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper seconded by Morrissey that the meeting be adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Kelley Fe City Cler hle