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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-07/14/2014COUNCIL WORK SESSION July 14, 2014 4:15 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Cole, Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Sportsplex Development Agreement Rick Young, Waterloo Development Corporation, gave a presentation regarding Sportsplex Development Agreement and the need to amend it to allow for a sales tax exemption. The sales tax rebate is over $500,000 that will be lost if the agreement is not amended to remove the clause stating that the City of Waterloo can deny taking over the property after eight years, aka the "Put Clause". WDC will sign a statement noting that the mortgage will be paid in full prior to that time. This amendment will be brought before the Council on July 28, 2014. Mr. Lind questioned if this means this will be debt free. Mr. Young stated that WDC will guarantee this. Mr. Morrissey questioned what would happen if this was not approved. Mr. Young explained that the sales tax rebate would not be received if this is not approved. Mr. Schmitt questioned if this law firm that gave the agreement is the same on the City uses for other issues. He believes we have been getting poor legal advice. Mayor Clark confirmed that it was the Ahlers Law Firm. Mayor Clark explained that the "Put Clause" was included in the agreement at the request of the City. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that Ahlers did tell us that this was a process and was unique in the State. It was sound legal advice. Mr. Young agreed that this was sound legal advice that protected the City because the money was not raised at that time. It is now safer because WDC has raised the majority of the funds. Mr. Morrissey had the valuation of the property explained. Mr. Young explained that the competitive pool is still being considered as phase 3. Cole/Morrissey To recess until 4:45 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Proposed Vehicle Tow Ordinance The meeting was re -opened at 4:45 p.m. Dan Trelka, Director of Safety Services, explained the proposed ordinance. The ordinance will allow the Police Department to tow a vehicle for certain violations if the vehicle was used in the commission of the offense. There will be a civil penalty of $250.00. Mr. Schmitt questioned what if happening to those vehicles today. Director Trelka explained that most of the time the vehicles are left at the scene. Page 2 Mr. Hart questioned what happens if there are multiple people in the vehicle. Director Trelka explained that the vehicle will still be towed. Mr. Lind questioned if we have current facilities and companies that we use and do we tow now if a vehicle is abandoned. Director Trelka explained that there are several companies used by the City and the City may also look at utilizing this ordinance for abandoned vehicles and those not following the snow emergency guidelines. Mr. Jones clarified that the vehicle will have to have a current registration and then the length of time required before it is considered an abandoned vehicle. Suzy Schares, City Clerk, explained that the abandoned vehicle process allows for additional time past this ordinance. Mr. Morrissey questioned what happens if the case is dismissed or found not guilty. Director Trelka explained that this is a civil case and the owner of the vehicle could still be liable for the fine and charges. Mr. Jones questioned if the boot is being considered. Director Trelka explained this method is more secure and does not leave the vehicles on the side of the road. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Morrissey that the meeting be adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Suzy Schaes, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 11, 2014 4:10 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Cole, Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Moved by Hart, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Objective: SportsPlex Development Agreement Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained the amendment to the development agreement for the Cedar Valley Sportsplex being brought before Council tonight. The amendment removes the "put clause" allowing the City to refuse the gift of the building in eight years if the mortgage was not paid in full. The amendment does provide a guarantee that the building will be debt free. The amendment is to allow the Waterloo Development Corporation (WDC) to get a sales tax agreement for approximately $500,000. Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, thanked the WDC and Rick Young for their contribution to the community. An overview of the Sportsplex was given. Mark Gallagher, Recreation Services Manager, gave an overview of the future of the Sportsplex. The memberships have reached 1200 and continue to grow. Many partnerships have been gained and the building has had several rentals and the classes have been well attended. A marketing campaign will be launched this fall. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, gave the history of the Sportsplex project. Don Miller, 707 Stone Quarry Road, suggested the City pay $500,000 to make up for the lost sales tax spread out over eight years in order to retain the "put clause." He will donate $2,500 each year towards the Sportsplex. He asked that Council postpone the decision tonight to allow this proposal to be investigated. Gloria Little, 822 Baltimore, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause." David Dryer, 3145 W. 4t'' Street, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause" and asked that a guarantee be made that the Sportsplex remain profitable if it is removed. Randy Herod, 111 Highland Blvd, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause." Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause." He questioned whether Council can vote if they are members of the Sportsplex. Jim Walsh, City Attorney, explained that it is not a conflict of interest. Albert Little, 822 Baltimore, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause." John Sherbon, 1715 Robin Road, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause." Jim Mease, 1309 Pintail Drive, expressed concern with removing the "put clause." Tim Hurley, 1933 Crabapple Lane, spoke in support of removing the "put clause" to allow the WDC to receive the sales tax refund. Aaron Buzza, Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, explained the financial value of having visitors in the community for events held at the Sportsplex. Lisa Skubal, Vice -President Economic Development for Cedar Valley Alliance, explained the economic benefit of having a facility such as the Sportsplex. Lulu Hanson, 232 Hanson, spoke in opposition to removing the "put clause." Page 2 Rick Young, Waterloo Development Corporation/Young Development, explained the need for removing the "put clause" and obtaining the sales tax refund. Jim Mease, 1309 Pintail Drive, questioned the remaining balance needed to raise to pay off the mortgage. Rick Young explained that there is approximately $1 million dollars remaining. Don Miller explained that the WDC and the City knew that there was a probability of the Dept. of Revenue denying the sales tax refund. Rick Young explained that the agreement also explains that the City will work with the WDC to apply for the sales tax. Forest Dillavou argued to keep the "put clause." Randy Herod reminded Council that they represent the people. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 5:08 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Suzy Sc res, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director COUNCIL WORK SESSION August 18, 2014 3:35 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Cole, Jones, Schmitt, Lind Morrissey, and Welper. Absent: Hart. Moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Update on what Green Iowa AmeriCorps has done in Waterloo. Ashley Craft, Program Director Green Iowa AmeriCorps, explained that the AmeriCorps works on sustainability and residential energy efficiency in the area. They have conducted over 40 educational programs, weatherized over 200 homes in Black Hawk County, along with partnering with several other programs. Individuals in need can call 319-273-7233 or go online at www.greeniowaamericorp.org. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 4:43 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Suzy Sc ares, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director COUNCIL WORK SESSION September 2, 2014 4:35 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Cole, Jones, Schmitt, Lind Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Moved by Hart, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Update Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, gave an update on the eight existing TIF districts. They are used to eliminate blight and redevelop areas. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that TIF Districts are used in most cities in Iowa and is used to create a tax base that would not exist if the property remained bare land. Mr. Hart explained that the TIF incentives are for new businesses and if a business moves from one community to another City it has to be approved by the initial City. Mayor Clark referred the citizens to a pamphlet created by the Iowa League of Cities that explains how TIF Districts are used. Mr. Lind questioned how the success of a TIF District is measured and should we get rid of those that do not work. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that all of the City's districts have developments in going in them so they are all successful. Some are generating more activity than others. Michelle Weidner, CFO, explained that due to State law a TIF cannot have more revenue than debt or we could not collect revenue in that district. We are conservative with the districts due to the tax rollback and other factors out of our control. Mr. Schmitt questioned what was released from the Northeast Industrial TIF District. Michelle Weidner, CFO, released value from the district to all of the levy categories, meaning we lose about half of the revenue as it goes to other bodies such as the County and School District. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there are separate Master Plan agreements for different districts. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that this is the only Master Plan agreement for the San Marnan area. Mr. Hart questioned if TIF districts are always done at 100%. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that generally we do not do 100%. It is usually reduced based on a period of time. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 4:59 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Suzy Sch. res, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 27, 2014 4:00 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Jones, Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Absent: Cole. Moved by Hart, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Objective: FOG (Fat, Oil and Grease) Program Larry Smith, Waste Management Services Superintendant, gave an overview of the proposed fats, oil, and grease (FOG) ordinance that will aid in the prevention of sanitary sewer blockages and obstructions from fat, oil, and greases being discharged from commercial kitchens, restaurants, food processing facilities, and all other establishments where FOG from vegetable and animal origin are discharged directly or indirectly in the publicly owned treatment works. It causes over 50% of sanitary sewer overflows caused by blockages. There will be a FOG outreach program. The inspections will be annually for most businesses with more as necessary. Additional staff will be needed to conduct the inspections. Mr. Jones questioned if this is new to the business owners or if they are already in compliance, the cost of compliance, and the need for inspections. Mr. Smith explained that most restaurants already have grease traps but the majority of remaining businesses probably are not in compliance at this time. The city facilities are in compliance. The grease traps will need to be cleaned and inspected. Training for grease haulers will be conducted by the City. Mr. Jones questioned the time to remedy deficiencies that will be allowed for the food service establishment that are in violation. Mr. Smith explained that grease traps will be grandfathered in as long as the establishments remain in compliance. They cannot be replaced. The proposed ordinance will start January 1, 2015. Mr. Lind questioned the percentage of sanitary sewer overflows and the number of businesses not in compliance. Mr. Smith explained that it is referring to blockages of the sanitary sewer system and the city is unsure of the number of establishments not in compliance. Mr. Morrissey clarified that this does not affect private residents. Mr. Jones questioned what other communities have in place. Mr. Smith explained that several other cities have this program and we are looking at working with Cedar Falls to do an educational program together. They are also passing an ordinance. Mr. Welper questioned why the grease traps wouldn't be made out of fiberglass or composite and why we wouldn't educate the residents. Mr. Smith explained that they are manufactured out of those materials now. A public information program will be put in place. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Welper that the meeting be adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Suzy Sch. es, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director COUNCIL WORK SESSION October 13, 2014 4:10 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Cole (arrived at 4:11 p.m.), Jones, Schmitt (arrived at 4:11 p.m.), Lind (arrived at 4:11 p.m.), Morrissey, Welper, and Hart. Moved by Hart, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Objective: Footing Drain Removal Bob Bamsey, AECOM, gave an overview of the sanitary sewer issues relating to storm water and the foundation drain disconnection program. This is a primary focus for the CMOM program. The goal is to reduce extraneous flow into the system. The focus will be on the inflow and infiltration from private properties. This occurs from downspouts, basement sumps, and foundation drains being dumped into the sanitary sewer. Service area fifteen and sixteen will be the first areas focused on as part of the program. Craig Clark, Building Official, gave an overview of the proposed ordinance. The purpose of the ordinance is to eliminate foundation drain connections to the sanitary sewer system. Several other large cities in Iowa have a similar ordinance in place. Most Large cities are providing a rebate or incentive to households that correct the issue. The proposed ordinance will give the service area 2 years to correct this issue. Homeowners will be notified of the correction needed. The homeowner will then need to reroute the footing drain. The contractor will get the permit from the City and will be inspected. The City will reimburse the contractor up to $2,000.00 for the work performed. The total cost of the reimbursement will be approximately $7,000,000 for service area fifteen and sixteen for an estimated 3,500 homes. There will be a penalty for homeowners not in compliance after two years. Mr. Welper questioned who will be monitoring contractors to insure that they are giving an accurate quote. Craig Clark, Building Official, explained that the contractors will be given an explanation of what needs to be completed. Property owners need to get multiple quotes. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that bonds have been issued and the City will be able to bond for additional costs as needed without a huge issue. Mr. Morrissey questioned if a homeowner could deny access to the home and if the homeowner could still sell their home. He questioned if the storm water fee could be used. Craig Clark, Building Official, explained that the penalty will be assessed on a monthly basis until they are in compliance and after two years they will not receive the rebate. Property owners will need to contact a plumber to determine what changes are needed, if any. Chris Wendland, Attorney, explained that this will not impact selling the home. Whoever owns the home at the time will be responsible. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that the storm water fee does not generate enough revenue for this project and should be used for other projects. Mr. Lind questioned the amount collected annually for the storm water fee and if plumbers will be charging to give an estimate. He questioned why we are doing this now. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that approximately $1.7 million is collected and all but $.5 million is used for other programs. Craig Clark, Building Official , explained that most plumbers will not charge to give an estimate and the majority of homes can be repaired for approximately $2,000 - $2,500. The schedule is aggressive but staff has been working on getting the program up and running. Page 2 Mayor Clark explained that the City has been working on the program for years and we are running out of time to get started. The City believes that addressing service areas 15 and 16 will put a major dent in the issue. Bob Bamsey explained that after the two year timeframe the other area service areas will be added as needed. This is showing good faith and will go a long way with the EPA. Ms. Cole questioned what the consequences for not complying with the EPA. Bob Bamsey explained that the City could be fined for not complying. Passing the ordinance quickly is in the best interest of the City. Mr. Schmitt questioned how much money has been spent on slip lining and manhole covers. He also questioned if this includes the televising of the sewer system. Bob Bamsey estimated approximately $2.5 million has been spent to date on these projects. The City is doing things differently to make the system better as we do new projects. The televising is not included in that estimate. This program should reduce the I/I by 25-30%. Mayor Clark addressed the urgency for passing the ordinance. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Hart, seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 5:11 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Suzy Sch res, CMC City Clerk/Human Resource Director