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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11/20/2017COUNCIL WORK SESSION November 20, 2017 4:00 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Morrissey, Powers, Amos, Schmitt, and Welper. Absent: Jacobs, Lind Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Objective: Review University Avenue Enhancements. Eric Thorson, City Engineer, and Larry Wiele, AECOM gave an overview of proposed enhancements on University Avenue, costs and funding opportunities. James Bolger, Leisure Services, addressed the Council regarding estimated maintenance costs associated with the University Avenue enhancements, based on the maintenance costs incurred with the Highway 63 North Enhancements Project. Mr. Wiele asked that the Council complete and return the survey by November 29th to determine enhancement priorities, in preparation for the gaming grant application. Mr. Welper commented regarding the colors fading with pavers. Larry Wiele addressed maintenance of pavers. Mr. Powers questioned grants opportunities for maintenance expenses. James Bolger explained grants awards and explained the City is currently spending $8,658 for University Avenue maintenance. Larry Wiele explained they are investigating stouu water protection along with other grant opportunities. Mr. Amos and Mr. Schmitt questioned the comparison to Cedar Falls enhancements. Larry Wiele explained the proposed plan would exceed what Cedar Falls has done in enhancements, and that Cedar Falls has a shorter section of roadway for enhancements. Mr. Schmitt questioned Cedar Falls going over budget for their enhancements. Larry Wiele explained those budgeted amounts couldn't be assigned directly to enhancements. Mr. Morrissey commented regarding a 35 mph speed limit along the entire corridor of Greenhill and implementing round -abouts as opposed to fully signaled intersections. Mr Schmitt questioned snow removal along Shaulis road. James Bolger explained that University Avenue is a pedestrian sidewalk and would be cleared whereas the other is considered a recreational trail and will not be cleared during the winter. Mr. Morrissey questioned grants received and if Local Option Sales Tax monies can be used. Eric Thorson explained allowed uses for Local Option Sales Tax revenues. Mr. Powers questioned using Road Use Tax funds or Gaming Commission awards. Mr. Wiele explained the next meeting is will be a public hearing with the council. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director explained Enhancement Funds, federal funds, will be looked as part of the funding process. Page 2 Moved by Welper, seconded by Morrissey that the meeting be adjourned for five minutes. Voice -vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Moved by Morrissey, seconded by Powers that the meeting be reconvened at 4:45 p.m. Voice - vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Objective: Discussion of an ordinance allowing fireworks usage on July 3, 4, and December 31 from 12:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. each year. Dave Zellhoefer, City Attorney addressed the Council regarding discussion and passage of fireworks regulations and ordinances by other cities in the state and those cities banning use of fireworks. He further explained the hours proposed on the agenda for December 31st would be allowed, but that the State Code restricts usage to 11:30 on the 4th of July. Mr. Zellhoefer indicated the Mayor requested a plan be formulated during this session to be put on the November 27th agenda, and if that didn't happen the Mayor was prepared to place a total ban of fireworks on the next agenda. Mr. Welper commented he is in favor of ban on Class 1 fireworks. Dave Zellhoefer reviewed the definitions of Class 1, 2 and Novelty fireworks. Mr. Zellhoefer explained we are currently allowed to limit fireworks to zones but the City is not allowed to limit permitting of fireworks. Mr. Morrissey explained that he spoke with the Evansdale Mayor and Cedar Falls Council members regarding their intentions for fireworks usage. He also commented on the different classes of fireworks and not wanting to ban novelty fireworks because of the confusion of each definition and provided proposed changes to the ordinance. Mr. Amos questioned our legal ability to bill the state for enforcement of SF 489. Dave Zellhoefer responded that he doesn't believe that's possible, but that he would review it. Mr Schmitt's commented that his understanding is that Evansdale is going to allow fireworks on New Year's Eve and three days for the 4th of July and that he would like to meet and get input from other cities so everyone has similar regulations. Mr. Schmitt requested the council vote to allow fireworks New Year's Eve, and not make any decision on the 4th of July, until the new Council is seated so they might have input, and have the council appoint two council members from each city to faun a public safety committee to review, and make a recommendation before the July 4, 2018. Mr. Morrissey explained Evansdale established an ordinance months ago and his understanding from discussions with the other communities is that each city needs to make their own decision. Mr. Morrissey commented he would be against any fireworks usage thru January 3`d, based on comments made during his Ward meetings. Mr. Welper commented that fireworks are still being illegally shot off to date and would support a total ban of fireworks. Mr. Amos commented that he would respectfully disagree because of the comments he has received. He further stated he would like to back the window down but is not in favor of a total ban. Mr. Powers stated he is in agreement with Mr. Amos. Mr. Powers reasoned that as fireworks are still available for purchase in Iowa and other states, a total ban is not going to stop the illegal use of fireworks. Joe Libold, police captain, explained a total ban would not eliminate illegal use but that usage was substantially less before fireworks were legal in Iowa. Page 3 Mr. Powers explained that veterans have indicated to him that they want the opportunity to use fireworks but that people have indicated they do not want fireworks used during any holy holiday. He further commented on the fiscal impact of the State's decision to allow fireworks and possible grants for fireworks safety education. Mr. Powers asked that the council form a decision within the next week regarding the use in January. Dave Zellhoefer reminded the council, per Mayor Hart, there would be something on next week's agenda regarding a total ban of fireworks. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Morrissey, seconded by Powers, that the meeting be adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried. Le • s + M. Ever,, CMC, IaCMC Deputy City Clerk