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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06/19/2000June 19, 2000 The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Regular Session at City Hall Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, June 19, 2000. Mayor John R. Rooff in the Chair. Roll Call: Anders, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Berry. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Invocation by: A moment of silence. Pledge of Allegiance: Dennis Gentz, Assistant City Engineer. ORAL PRESENTATIONS 113932 - John Holmes, 425 Kingbard, stated that he read an article in Friday's paper regarding neighborhood parks. Mr. Holmes distributed handouts to the council regarding the neighborhood parks. Mr. Holmes stated that the first page is a copy of a proposed deed, and he has looked at the deed and it doesn't include conveyance of the alley. Mr. Holmes stated that all the parks are circumcised by an alley. Mr. Holmes reviewed a letter from him to Mr. Russ Candee, 808 Lawnhill, regarding the neighborhood parks. Mr. Holmes stated that he researched the Iowa Code when the neighborhood parks were started, and that he read Chapter 13 that if the city accepted the plat and the playgrounds were part of the plat, then the parks are also accepted. Mr. Holmes stated there are four neighborhood parks in Kingbard Hill and the question is were those areas intended for use by the pubic, can all children use them, and the answer is yes, the public owns the park. Mr. Holmes reviewed a letter written to City Attorney Jim Walsh on October 29, 1999 whereby he informed the city that unless the city follows Section 354.22 of the Code of Iowa, he would file a suit. Mr. Holmes asked the council to please follow Section 354.22 of the Code of Iowa. Mr. Holmes stated that if the city wants to vacate the alley and parks, they can do that, but first they need to give a two weeks notice and have a hearing. Mr. Holmes stated that if the city conveys the parks by Quit Claim Deed, as proposed, it will create title problems for the citizens and could make it difficult to sell the property to another buyer. Jim Walsh, City Attorney, stated that Mr. Holmes has made good and valid points. The city just wants to find a way to solve the problem. The city is saying if you want to sign the Quit Claim Deed, its yours and good luck. Mr. Walsh stated that the county found pieces of property not on the tax roll, and they want a way to tax them and want someone to have ownership. If the Quit Claim Deed helps, fine, if not the city's position is we don't want them, but we don't want them sold at tax sale. Mr. Walsh stated if this doesn't help, the city tried. If Mr. Holmes wants something more, we will try, but we don't want to vacate something we aren't sure we own. Mr. Walsh stated that the city does not feel we own the property. Mayor Rooff stated that the discussion has centered around getting the property back to the neighborhood, not to sell. Mayor Rooff stated that he would like to visit with Mr. Holmes some time this week. Mr. Holmes stated that the parcels are surrounded by alleys and this proposal should include sale and conveyance of the alleys around the parks. The city should convey the doughnut as well as the hole. Councilperson Murphy commented that some of the citizens have garages by the alleys. Mr. Holmes stated that if the city's position is you don't own them, fine don't give deeds. Mr. Holmes stated that he will work with the county on the neighborhood parks. Mayor Rooff stated that the city just didn't want the county to put the properties up for tax sale. Sandra Issacs, 711 West 1st Street, stated that she received a ticket while parked in her driveway. Ms. Issacs referred to Section 273, No Parking, of the Traffic Code. Ms. Issacs stated that Section 273(16) allows businesses to apply to the city council for a permit to allow parking on the parking. Ms. Issacs asked the city to change this to allow any business or property owner to apply for a permit. Ms. Issacs asked the council to take this under consideration. Mayor Rooff stated that the city has some trouble in her area with garbage trucks, and if we force them in the street we will have a problem. Mayor Rooff stated that the city has had tremendous complaints from neighborhood associations, and the Police Chief sent officers out to enforce the code. June 19, 2000 Page 2 ORAL PRESENTATIONS CONTINUED Russ Candee, 808 Lawnhill, stated that his property abuts one of the neighborhood parks. Mr. Candee thanked Mr. Holmes and he agrees with his position. Mr. Candee stated that there is a right way to do this but not the way the council is planning. Mr. Candee stated that he thinks in the long run, it's going to create a lot of problems for the property owners in that area if the quit claim deeds are approved. Mr. Candee stated that it is a three-part problem, the city, county and property owners. Mr. Candee stated that the way the city is handling the problem with quit claim deeds is not the right way. Mr. Candee stated that he is not taxed for the neighborhood park, but it makes his property more valuable, that he could make the argument because the park is there, it makes his property more valuable. Keith Ross, 420 Hewitt and a member of the Unity Neighborhood Association, stated that he brought concerns of his neighborhood association to the city, and the city trimmed trees, filled holes and built new homes that had to be rebuild because of problems. Mr. Ross stated that the elderly need help with roofs and siding that they can't afford to buy. Nothing has been done about the street lights, and the dark streets are a haven for drug users. Mr. Ross stated that people dump tires, mattresses, etc. There are no curbs and gutters, and they have crushed rocks for street, including Hewitt, Webster, Quincy and Peak Street. Mayor Rooff stated that those streets were seal coated and that the city has seal coated about 55 miles of streets. Steve Decker, Superintendent of Streets, stated that the city hired a private contractor for those areas, and he will look at the streets. Mr. Ross stated the city installed two stop signs and speed limit signs around Grant School, but there are two signs without poles, Mr. Ross commented that they asked for sidewalks where there are no homes. Feguson Field has no lighting, the toilets can't be used and there is gang activity around there all night long. Mayor Rooff stated that he remembers when the city got together with Unity Neighborhood Association and made a list of all their needs for housing, including roofs and siding. Mayor Roof stated that the city promised to put lights on Ferguson Field and lights on Ash Street. Mayor Roof stated that Unity receives the bulk of Renew Waterloo funds, and if these items are not completed he will investigate. Mr. Ross stated that police response time is not good. When they call the Police Department, they are given the third degree over the phone and by the time the Police Department gets there, they are gone. Mayor Rooff stated that he needs a date and time because there is a printout that will show response time, and he will follow up. Mr. Ross stated that a major concern is they don't think the city is recruiting the North side for businesses, that everything is going to the South side. Mr. Ross stated they don't think this is fair. This is not a high crime area. The city needs to get together to recruit businesses to the north. Mayor Rooff stated that the city does not recruit retail, they will locate where they want to. Mayor Rooff stated that there are three developments in the Logan area. Councilperson Berry has set up meetings with owners of property in that area. The city is trying hard to stimulate this area. There is a new Osco and Casey's being planned, and a business up from McDonalds. Mr. Ross stated that the neighborhood association is working hard to Renew Waterloo, but they don't get enough information. Councilperson Berry stated that she agrees with needing information, and she is planning to make sure all neighborhoods are informed. Councilperson Berry stated that she has been on KBBG and is looking at a newsletter. Councilperson Berry stated that she plans to attend Unity's meetings. Joyce Wilder, 226 Bates, asked when the city will clean up on Linden Avenue. No one has been back and there is garbage along the street. Mayor Rooff stated that the city will look at that tomorrow. June 19, 2000 • • ORAL PRESENTATIONS CONTINUED Page 3 Ms. Wilder stated that on June 8, 2000 at 10:25 p.m. she was coming across Martin Luther King Drive when something hit her vehicle. She talked to dispatch, and it took to 10:47 p.m. for the Police Department to get to her house. The officer told her that earlier that day children were throwing rocks at cars. If that is true why weren't the officers watching the area to catch the kids. Mayor Rooff responded that Chief Koehrsen will visit with her. Robert Sieglaff, 914 West Third Street, stated that regarding the city workers getting pay raise, he is not getting a raise on retirement, and he does not think this is a good time for a pay raise. Mr. Sieglaff stated that parking on the parking should not be discussed. Some vehicles park near corners and block the view. No other cities allow this, why change the ordinance. Murphy/Gronen that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. 113933 - Krizek/Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, June 19, 2000, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. 113934 - Murphy/Gronen that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, June 12, 2000, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 113935 - Anders/Krizek that communication from Traffic Engineer transmitting recommendation of award of contract in the amount of $41,723.00 to K & W, Inc., of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in conjunction with the F.Y. 2000 Traffic Signal Materials, W. 11th Street at Commercial Street, Contract No. 590, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said award of contract", be adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-336. 113936 - Anders/Krizek that communication from Traffic Engineer transmitting recommendation of award of contract in the amount of $37,073.00 to K & W, Inc., of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in conjunction with the F.Y. 2000 Traffic Signal Materials, Kimball Avenue at Rachael Street, Contract No. 610, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said award of contract", be adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-337. DOCUMENTS 113937 - Anders/Krizek that communication from Traffic Engineer transmitting Contracts and Bonds in the amount of $41,723.00 from K & W, Inc., of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in conjunction with F.Y. 2000 Traffic Signal Materials, W. 11th Street at Commercial Street, Contract No. 590, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said documents", be adopted and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-338. June 19, 2000 Page 4 DOCUMENTS CONTINUED 113938 - Anders/Krizek that communication from Traffic Engineer transmitting Contracts and Bonds in the amount of $37,073.00 from K & W, Inc., of Cedar Falls, Iowa, in conjunction with F.Y. 2000 Traffic Signal Materials, Kimball Avenue at Rachael Street, Contract No. 610, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said documents", be adopted and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-339. 113939 - Anders/Krizek that communication from Neighborhood Services Coordinator transmitting contract with the Iowa Department of Economic Development to administer Emergency Shelter Grant Program (ESPG) in the amount of $78,230.00 to be distributed to four local homeless service providers, with payment of $3,980.00 to the city for administrative expenses, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said contract", be adopted and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-340. 113940 - Anders/Krizek that communication from Superintendent transmitting Change Order No. 8 for a net for work to be performed by Fagen, Inc. Water Pollution Control Facilities, Contract file and approved and Mayor authorized to Jordan, Getty. Motion of Water increase in in 113941 - Anders/Krizek carried. Pollution/Flood Control the amount of $20,891.00 with Easton Avenue received, placed on Five. Absent: conjunction No. execute 549, same. be Ayes: that communication from Associate Engineer transmitting Preliminary Engineering Agreement with Parson Transportation Group, Inc., for engineering services at a maximum cost of $44,639.25, with city's estimated cost of $8,927.85, in conjunction with San Marnan Drive Traffic Improvements -Phase I, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said preliminary agreement", be adopted and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-341. RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED 113942 - Gronen/Murphy that "Resolution increasing the time limit on 21 meters on the north side of Sycamore Street from Park Avenue to 3rd Street from two hours to ten hours", be adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-342. 113943 - Gronen/Murphy that "Resolution approving and accepting Quit Claim Deed from the Waterloo Community School District for the former Hewitt School located at 348 N. Elk Run Road", be received, placed on file and adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-343. 113944 - Gronen/Murphy that communication from Personnel Director transmitting 3.5 percent salary increase for non -bargaining employees for F.Y. 2001, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said non -bargaining salary for F.Y. 2001", be adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-344. June 19, 2000 • • RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED CONTINUED 113945 - Gronen/Murphy Page 5 that communication from Fire Chief transmitting request to certify to property taxes unpaid Life Safety and/or Rental Inspections/Secured Property Fees, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said request", be adopted and City Clerk instructed to notify Black Hawk County Treasurer of same. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-345. 113946 - Gronen/Murphy that communication from City Clerk transmitting request to certify to property taxes certain unpaid sewer and garbage fees be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said request", be adopted and City Clerk instructed to notify Black Hawk County Treasurer of same. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-346. 113947 - Gronen/Murphy that communication from Facilities Maintenance Supervisor transmitting request to expend up to $40,000.00 in G.O. Bonds for the Fiscal 2000/2001 pool renovations be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said request", be adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-347. 113948 - Gronen/Murphy that communication from Assistant City Engineer transmitting request to temporarily restrict parking on the north side of the 200-400 blocks of Rath Street from Vinton Street to Dunham Place and the east and west side of the 300-400 blocks of Dunham Place from Rath Street to Lafayette Street; and to place temporary stop signs on east and west bound Lafayette Street at Dunham Place, north and south bound Dunham Place at Sycamore and Rath Streets, eastbound Sycamore Street at Dunham Place and eastbound Rath Street at Dunham Place in conjunction with the F.Y. 2000 Sycamore Street Reconstruction and Vinton Street Sewer Improvements, Contract No. 613, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said request", be adopted. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-348. ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED 113949 - Anders/Murphy that "an Ordinance extending boundaries for the Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area (CURA)", be received, placed on file and passed for the second time. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. BILLS PAYMENT 113950 - Krizek that "Resolution approving Schedule AP640, pp. 1-91, dated June 19, 2000, in the amount of $1,566,456.78, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office", be adopted, together with recommendation of approval of the Finance Committee. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2000-349. NEW BUSINESS 113951 - Berry/Anders that communication from Mayor Rooff transmitting recommendation of reappointment of Bruce Braley, Brenda Durbahn, Howard Craven and David Leonhart to the Historic Preservation Commission, with term expiration date of April 7, 2003, be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. June 19, 2000 NEW BUSINESS CONTINUED Page 6 113952 - Berry/Anders that communication from Mayor Rooff transmitting recommendation of appointment of Katie Fitzgerald -Welch to the Telecommunications Commission, with term expiration date of December 1, 2002, be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. TRAVEL REQUESTS 113953 - Krizek/Gronen that the following travel request, with expenses not to exceed amount shown, be received, placed on file and approved: 1. Dave Boesen, Fire Inspector Arson K-9 Handler, to attend Arson K-9 Recertification in Rosemont, Illinois, on June 26-29, 2000, with costs not to exceed $556.00, including use of city vehicle. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. MISCELLANEOUS 113954 - Krizek/Gronen that the following beer and liquor license permit applications be received, placed on file and approved and endorsed applications forwarded to the Iowa Beer and Liquor Control Department: 1. Beer/Liquor License Permit Application Class C Park Road Inn, 306 Park Road (Renewal) (Expires 6/30/01) (Includes Sunday Sales) Half -Pint Saloon, Inc., 1831 Independence Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 6/29/01) (Including Sunday Sales) B.P.O. Elks Club, 407 E. Park Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 6/30/01) (Includes Sunday Sales) 2. Liquor License Permit Application Class A Fraternal Order of the Eagles, 202 East 15t Street (Renewal) (Expires 6/30/01) (Includes Sunday Sales) Newell Street Community Hall Building, 820 Newell Street (Renewal) (Expires 7/10/01) 3. Beer License Permit Application Class C Petro N Provisions, 2100 Lafayette Road (New) (Expires 6/23/01) Osco Drug, 2060 Crossroads Blvd. (Renewal) (Expires 7/24/01) (Includes Sunday Sales) 4. Wine License Permit Application Class B Osco Drug, 2060 Crossroads Blvd. (Renewal) (Expires 7/24/01) (Includes Sunday Sales) 5. Beer/Wine License Permit Application Class C Young Arena, 125 Commercial (Transfer to Cultural Arts Center, 225 Commercial Street on July 1, 2000) Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. BONDS 113955 - Anders/Berry that the report of the City Attorney and list of bonds filed with the City Clerk through June 19, 2000, be received, placed on file and report and bonds be approved. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. June 19, 2000 ADJOURNMENT 113956 - Berry/Gronen • • Page 7 that the Council adjourn at 6:17 p.m. Ayes: Five. Absent: Jordan, Getty. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk