HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-2/20/2017February 20, 2017
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Regular Session at Harold E. Getty Council Chambers,
Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, February 20, 2017. Mayor Quentin Hart in the Chair. Roll Call:
Jacobs, Morrissey, Powers, Lind, Amos, Schmitt, and Welper.
Prayer or Moment of Silence.
Pledge of Allegiance: Kelley Felchle, City Clerk.
146077 - Welper/Schmitt
that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, February 20, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.,
be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
146078 - Welper/Schmitt
that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, February 13, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.,
be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
Jim Chapman, 224 Bertch, apologized for an email Mayor received from Kevin Dill, Veteran Affairs
Commission, and thanked the Waterloo Police Department for positive experiences that he routinely
has when working with officers. He further questioned if the ambulance and police department
would not have to respond to emergencies if they are not needed.
David Dryer, 3145 W. 4th Street, apologized that his comments are taken in a negative manner and
clarified that he presents negative things in hopes that they will get better. He also commented that
he believes the property owner never wins during budget time.
Todd Obadahl, 124 Amity Drive, said that he hopes that if he brings negative things, he further
commented that he encourages the city council to vote on whether or not to return recycling funds
to residents and that councilmembers should focus on Waterloo.
John Sherbon, 1715 Robin Road, commented that the canopy has not been maintained and
questioned if maintenance will be budgeted to maintain the canopy and other city facilities in the
future.
Mayor Hart commented that part of the CIP request will include a building audit for all city
facilities.
Mr. Morrissey shared that this Thursday, February 23, at Waterloo Public Library, will be his 38th
Ward 3 meeting and that he has invited Chief Trelka, Abraham Funchess, and Jeff Bales, along with
Jerome Amos and the residents of Ward 4 to discuss gun issues and railroad quiet zones.
146079 - Welper/Schmitt
that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
146080 - Welper/Powers
that the following items on the consent agenda be received, placed on file and approved:
a. Resolutions to approve the following:
1. Resolution approving Finance Committee Invoice Summary Report, dated February 20,
2017, in the amount of $2,363,398.22 a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's office,
together with recommendation of approval of the Finance Committee.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-120.
February 20, 2017 Page 2
2. Resolution setting date of public hearing as March 6, 2017, for a request by Noe and Selivy
Sibrian, to enter into a development agreement, to vacate, sell and convey a portion of
Dubuque Road right-of-way for $1,000.00, located adjacent and north of 2006 Dubuque
Road, and instruct City Clerk to publish notice.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-121.
3. Resolution setting a date of public hearing as March 6, 2017 for the sale and conveyance of
city owned property located at 515 E. 3rd Street, 519 E. 3rd Street, 516 Pine Street, and 521
Pine Street, to JSA Development, LLC, in the amount of $1.00, and authorize City Clerk to
publish said notice.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-122.
4. Resolution setting date of public hearing as February, 27, 2017, to approve plans,
specifications, form of contract, etc. for demolition services for 1020 Wellington Street, 717
Fairview Street, 27 John Street, 408-410 Logan Avenue, 1120 Washington Street, 1201
Mulberry Street, 106 Woodside Drive, 1017 Chalmers Avenue and 1005 Chalmers Avenue,
and authorize City Clerk to publish notice.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-123.
5. Resolution approving preliminary specifications, bid documents, etc., and setting date of bid
opening as March 16, 2017 and date of public hearing as March 20, 2017, for FY 2017
Highland Park Playground Project, and instruct City Clerk to publish notice of specifications,
bid document, etc.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-124.
6. Resolution approving preliminary plans, specifications, form of contract, etc. and setting date
of bid opening as March 9, 2017 and date of public hearing as March 13, 2017 for the F.Y.
2017 Site Grading for the Northeast Industrial Park Project, Contract No. 926, and instruct
City Clerk to publish notice of preliminary plans, specifications, form of contract, etc.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-125.
7. Resolution setting the date of public hearing as Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. to
approve the FYE2018 budget and instruct the City Clerk to publish notice
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-126.
b. Motion to approve the following:
1.
2.
a.
a.
Travel Requests
Name & Title of
Personnel
Class/Meeting
Destination
Date(s)
Amount
not to
Exceed
Abraham Funchess, Jr.,
Executive Director
African American
Children & Families
Conference
Cedar Falls,
IA
February
23-24,
2017
$125.00
Approved Beer, Liquor, and Wine Applications
Name & Address of
Business
Class
New or
Renewal
Expiration
Date
Includes
Sunday
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Club Post 1623
1406 Commercial Street
A Liquor
w/Outdoor Service
Renewal
1/14/2018
X
Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
February 20, 2017 Page 3
146081 - Schmitt/Amos
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on the sale and conveyance of city -owned
property located at 1003 Lafayette Street to Karina Valdez with a purchase price of $130,000
through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, as published in the Waterloo Courier on February
13, 2017, be received and placed on file. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written and oral objections and
there were none.
146082 - Schmitt/Amos
that the hearing be closed. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
146083 - Schmitt/Amos
that "Resolution authorizing sale and conveyance of 1003 Lafayette Street to Karina Valdez, in the
amount of $130,000", be adopted. Roll -call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Mr. Lind questioned the cost of construction.
Rudy Jones, Community Development Director, explained that they partnered with Habitat for
Humanity and that the price to build was more than the sale price but would get council the hard
numbers.
Mr. Lind asked the reason for the difference between cost to build and selling price.
Rudy Jones stated that there were some timing issues that worked against the city.
Mr. Schmitt asked if this was the property previously approved for federal funds.
Rudy Jones confirmed.
Mayor Hart questioned how many houses have been built with the NSP program.
Rudy Jones explained that 6 or 7 rehabilitation and new homes have been built in the 900 and 1000
block of Lafayette Street.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-127.
RESOLUTIONS
146084 - Lind/Powers
that "Resolution approving award of bid to McGrath Auto, Cedar Rapids, IA in the amount of
$24,898, for the purchase of one (1) Front Wheel Drive Cargo Van, to support Animal Control
Operation", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Six. Nays: One (Schmitt). Motion carried.
Mr. Lind thanked everyone for coming to a reasonable solution for the purchase of the van.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-128.
146085 - Lind/Powers
that "Resolution authorizing an exception to the City of Waterloo purchasing procedures, to approve
piggyback from the current active bid from Bill Colwell Ford, Hudson Iowa, for the purchase of one
(1) 2017 Ford Interceptor SUV in the amount of $28,576", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-129.
146086 - Lind/Powers
February 20, 2017 Page 4
that "Resolution recommending final acceptance of the Rehabilitation of Taxiway A and Runway
12/30 Crack Sealing Project, and Approve Release of Pay Estimate 5 (final), in the amount of
$42,901.50, to Aspro, Inc. of Waterloo, Iowa, and authorize the Airport Director to execute said
document", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-130.
146087 - Morrissey/Amos
that "Resolution approving award of contract to Mike Dolan Concrete and Masonry, Inc., of
Waterloo, Iowa, in the amount of $141,709.87, and approving the contract, bonds, and certificate of
Insurance for the FY 2017 Permeable Alley Project, Contract No. 905, and authorize Mayor and City
Clerk to execute said documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-131.
146088 - Morrissey/Amos
that "Resolution approving award of contract to Wapsi Pines Lawn Care & Landscaping, of Cedar
Falls, Iowa in the amount of $17,150.00, and approving the contract, bonds, and certificate of
Insurance for the FY 2017 Tree Clearing - City Composting Site Project, Contract No. 927, and
authorize Mayor and City Clerk to execute said documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Six.
Abstain: One (Schmitt, due to the fact he has a family member employed with the awarded
contractor). Motion carried. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-132.
146089 - Morrissey/Amos
that "Resolution approving Supplemental Agreements to 60/20/20 Railroad Surface Crossing Repair
Agreements, for the E. 4th Street and Nevada Street Crossings, to clarify the maximum amount of
retainage that Highway Authority may elect to retain, when making progressive payments to
Company, as provided under Section IX of the aforesaid separate agreement", be adopted. Roll call
vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-133.
146090 - Welper/Morrissey
that "Resolution approving a request by JDE Engineering, on behalf of the City of Waterloo, for the
final plat of Wagner Road Subdivision, a six (6) lot industrial subdivision, located to the north of
3488 Wagner Road", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-134.
146091 - Welper/Morrissey
that "Resolution approving the Final Plat of Southland Park Fifth Addition, a re -plat of lots C-1, C-2,
and C-3 in Southland Park Third Addition, to allow for the development of six (6) new residential
lots", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that the property is for
the Masonic Lodge and explained that the developer is working through the Iowa State Work Force
Housing Program, where investment tax credits can be obtained, and also get a refund on sales
service and use tax.
Mr. Lind questioned if the city's participation has changed.
Noel Anderson explained that the timeline may change in the development agreement but the
financial commitment will remain the same.
Mr. Jacobs questioned if the parking requirements for the property have been looked at.
February 20, 2017 Page 5
Noel Anderson explained the available parking for the property.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-135.
146092 - Welper/Morrissey
that "Resolution supporting the application by Park Avenue Lofts, LLC, for the Iowa Workforce
Housing Tax Incentives Program, to construct twenty-seven (27) residential units in Waterloo,
located at 325 East Park Avenue", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-136.
146093 - Amos/Powers
that "Resolution amending the Real Estate Purchase Agreement with Locus Partnership, approved
on October 10, 2016, regarding timeline for vacating the property from February 10, 2017 to March
31, 2017, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and fully execute all necessary
documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-137.
146094 - Amos/Powers
that "Resolution approving an additional $7,500 in funds from the City of Waterloo for local match
to $600,000 in federal STP funds for the Northeast Industrial Access Study, and authorize Mayor
and City Clerk to sign and fully execute all necessary documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried. Motion carried.
Mr. Powers questioned what the acronym stands for.
Noel Anderson explained that STP stands for Surface Transportation Funds and explained the goals
of the Northeast Industrial Park Access Study.
Mayor Hart questioned the contribution of each entity.
Noel Anderson explained the city's financial commitment.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-138.
146095 - Schmitt/Morrissey
that "Resolution approving Development Agreement between City of Waterloo and BCS Properties,
LLC for the construction of a $2 million commercial building, tied to the overall development of 10
acres of land, with 15 years at 95% tax rebates, generally located northeast of the intersection of East
Ridgeway Avenue and Highway 63, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and fully
execute all necessary documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Noel Anderson provided an overview of items 14-17, noting that these are a series of projects all in
the area of the Hwy 63 and W. Ridgeway intersection. Noel explained the various opportunities that
are being added to Waterloo through the expansion of these businesses. Noel detailed the rationale
behind the tax rebates, explaining that the contractor is baring the costs to complete the entire
infrastructure required to support the development.
Mayor Hart commented that one of the parties that is relocating to the development was gridlocked
in their current location and was looking to move out of Waterloo and instead, decided to stay in
Waterloo.
Noel Anderson confirmed that is Reed Properties.
Mayor Hart questioned how city works with developers when looking to relocate.
Noel Anderson explained that the city shows businesses properties based on their needs.
February 20, 2017 Page 6
Mr. Jacobs thanked Noel Anderson for his work on the project.
Mr. Lind questioned if the businesses will bring new jobs.
Noel Anderson explained that they are expanding locations and looking to add jobs.
Mr. Lind questioned if the tax rebates being offered, compared to the actual cost of development
have been compared and found to be fair market value.
Noel Anderson confirmed the numbers are correct.
Mr. Lind questioned if the city thinks the cost of development and giving away of the land will be
approximately 95% tax rebate over the 15 years.
Noel Anderson confirmed, and explained that as additional businesses move into the development,
the city believes that the rebate will pay for the infrastructure costs and the investment that the
developer is making.
Mr. Lind questioned the debt service levy exceptions in the development agreement.
Noel Anderson explained how the debt service levy is impacted by the development agreement.
Mr. Lind questioned if this will cause VGM to want to change their development agreement because
they believe this one is better.
Noel Anderson explained that this will not cause VGM to change the development agreement they
are locked in.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if surrounding communities could offer incentives to these business.
Noel Anderson explained that other cities cannot offer TIF incentives.
Mr. Schmitt asked if the Planning & Zoning Department is keeping an inventory of what the city has
available.
Noel Anderson confirmed that the city does keep track of buildings available in Waterloo and that
part of the partnership with Cedar Valley Chamber Alliance assists in marketing available sites.
Mr. Schmitt asked if there are innovative ways being offered to attract new employers to come to
Waterloo by offering incentives to use existing structures in the city.
Noel Anderson stated he was not aware of any outside of cash grants from a TIF, which is seen with
some hotel deals.
David Dryer, 3145 W. 4th Street, commented that infrastructure is available in other locations in
town and it would be good to get businesses to locate in places where infrastructure exists.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-139.
146096 - Schmitt/Morrissey
that "Resolution approving Development Agreement between City of Waterloo and BCS Properties,
LLC for the development of land to other third party businesses and developers, by offering the land
for development at low costs, for the overall development of over 10 acres of land, with 15 years at
95% tax rebates, generally located northeast of the intersection of East Ridgeway Avenue and
Highway 63, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute all necessary documents", be
adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-140.
146097 - Schmitt/Morrissey
February 20, 2017 Page 7
that "Resolution approving Development Agreement between City of Waterloo and Fusion Real
Estate Properties, LLC for the development of a 10,000 square foot commercial building, with a
minimum assessed value of $750,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and fully
execute all necessary documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-141.
146098 - Schmitt/Morrissey
that "Resolution approving Development Agreement between City of Waterloo and Reed Properties,
LLC for the development of a 10,000 square foot commercial building, with a minimum assessed
value of $900,000, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute all necessary documents", be
adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-142.
146099 - Lind/Morrissey
that "Resolution amending the existing 657A Sale of Property Policy to add provisions for payment
back for acquisition price ($5,000), plus another $5,000, upon completion for successful
development", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Noel Anderson provided an overview of the changes to the policy.
Mayor Hart commented that this will help incentivize people to improve existing housing stock.
Mr. Jacobs questioned if the city has considered linking with a Neighborhood Association to make
one of the lots a community garden.
Noel Anderson commented that the city does have a program for community gardens and the
neighborhoods are required to mow around the lot. He further commented that sometimes after time
passes that the garden plot falls to the wayside and the city is back to maintaining the lots.
Mayor Hart commented that the city needs to get to a point where a non -buildable lot could be
moved to the hands of the abutting neighbor.
Noel Anderson added this has been discussed at the budget meetings.
Mr. Lind asked if the acquisition price is a $1.00, is the buyer still eligible for the $5,000 pay back
upon completion of the development agreement.
Noel Anderson confirmed the buyer would be eligible, if the resolution is adopted.
Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, questioned how soon the policy would be in force.
Noel Anderson commented that the policy would be in force once the resolution is signed.
Mr. Lind questioned if the homes on the consent agenda are 657A houses.
Noel Anderson explained the status of the homes on the consent agenda.
Mr. Lind questioned if the developer would be eligible for the $5,000 once the project is completed.
Noel Anderson confirmed then explained the eligible amount as outlined in the development
agreement.
Mayor Hart confirmed the property location and the benefit of developing the area.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2017-143.
ORDINANCES
146100 - Morrissey/Amos
February 20, 2017 Page 8
that "an Ordinance amending the 2007 Code of Ordinances of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, by
repealing Article 1- Definitions, Article B-4 - Weed Complaints, Article B-5 - Notice to Property
Owners, Article B-6 - Payment, Assessment of Costs, Appeal, Article B-7 - Exceptions, Article B-8
- Violation; Penalty, of Chapter 5 - Vegetation, of Title 7 - Public Ways & Property and enacting in
lieu thereof a new Article 1- Definitions, Article B-4 - Weed Complaints, Article B-5 - Notice to
Property Owners, Article B-6 - Payment, Assessment of Costs, Appeal, Article B-7 - Exceptions,
Article B-8 - Violation; Penalty, of Chapter 5 - Vegetation, of Title 7 - Public Ways & Property", be
received, placed on file, considered and passed for the first time. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
146101 - Morrissey/Amos
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two prior meetings be
suspended. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
146102 - Morrissey/Amos
that "an Ordinance amending the 2007 Code of Ordinances of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, by
repealing Article 1- Definitions, Article B-4 - Weed Complaints, Article B-5 - Notice to Property
Owners, Article B-6 - Payment, Assessment of Costs, Appeal, Article B-7 - Exceptions, Article B-8
- Violation; Penalty, of Chapter 5 - Vegetation, of Title 7 - Public Ways & Property and enacting in
lieu thereof a new Article 1- Definitions, Article B-4 - Weed Complaints, Article B-5 - Notice to
Property Owners, Article B-6 - Payment, Assessment of Costs, Appeal, Article B-7 - Exceptions,
Article B-8 - Violation; Penalty, of Chapter 5 - Vegetation, of Title 7 - Public Ways & Property", be
considered and passed for the second and third times and adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 5389.
OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS
146103 - Amos/Welper
to receive the City of Waterloo Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ending June
30, 2016 and place on file. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Waste Management Department budget presentation.
Steve Hoambrecker, Waste Management Director, provided an overview of his department and
proposed budget.
Mayor Hart stepped out at 6:38 p.m.
Mr. Powers commented that he would like to have discussions to help residents get excess water off
of their yards.
Mayor Hart returned at 6:39 p.m.
Steve Hoambrecker acknowledged the issue and will be looking for a solution going forward.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if they have looked at private companies to do some of the work.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that they have the equipment to do this and it is his opinion that the
man power should be applied to make it economical to the city.
Mr. Jacobs questioned if he looked at hiring another part time person to complete the duties.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that there was enough work to keep someone full time
Mr. Jacobs asked if the work could be completed with two part time workers instead, and wouldn't
that be better for the city budget wise.
February 20, 2017 Page 9
Steve Hoambrecker stated that the Union may have issue because they'd prefer to have full time
employees.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, confirmed that a discussion regarding part time
employees did take place at one time, and it was determined that full time was needed.
Steve Hoambrecker commented that he believes the work could be seasonal.
Mr. Jacobs questioned whether the lab position could have been made part time.
Steve Hoambrecker explained the position is currently part time until the additional work load
warrants full time.
Mr. Jacobs questioned if he would consider another part time position for the lab.
Steve Hoambrecker commented that he believes the city would be best suited by using a full time
position.
Michelle Weidner commented that an offer has been accepted to make it a full time position in July.
Mr. Lind questioned if the budget includes the four seasonal employees.
Steve explained the budgeted item.
Mr. Lind commented that he thinks it is amazing that the city can hire four seasonal employees for
the equivalent of one full time position because of benefits.
Michelle Weidner explained that is it not four for one. The positions are not equal in level of pay or
skill.
Mayor Hart commented that the departments are looking at creative staffing measures to create cost
savings.
Steve Hoambrecker commented that an extra set of hands is needed for safety and having seasonal
labor help the full time person is beneficial.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that they are diverting money to clean out one digester each fiscal
year.
Mr. Schmitt questioned the increase.
Michelle Weidner explained it is comparing the base level to the 2017 and is not
Mr. Lind commented that the additional needs decrease.
Michelle Weidner explained that multiple activities are on the page and part of it is due to increases
in revenue.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that contract carriers have not had a fee increase in several years.
Mr. Schmitt questioned the decrease in consulting.
Michelle Weidner explained that the decrease is due to studies related to the consent decree
concluding.
Mr. Schmitt questioned building maintenance increases.
Steve Hoambrecker provided an overview of needed maintenance at the facility.
Michelle Weidner explained the changes to the chargeback budget, sewer fund, and storm sewer
budget.
Mr. Lind questioned if most of the CIP requests are consent decree driven.
February 20, 2017 Page 10
Steve Hoambrecker reviewed CIP requests that are driven by the consent decree.
Mr. Lind questioned if neighboring cities will be looking to utilize capacity.
Mayor Hart confirmed.
Mr. Powers questioned safety needs for camera operators.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that confined space entry is done by three employees.
Mayor Hart thanked David Dryer for coming in for a meeting today.
Mr. Powers thanked Michelle Weidner and c
ADJOURNMENT
146105 - Welper/Morrissey
that the Council adjourn at 7:03 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
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