HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11/13/2017COUNCIL WORK SESSION
November 13, 2017
3:50 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Powers, Amos, and Welper. Mr. Jacobs arrived at 4:21 p.m. and
Mr. Schmitt arrived at 4:35 p.m. Absent: Lind.
Moved by Amos seconded by Powers that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Objective: Consent Decree Update.
Steve Hoambrecker, Waste Management Director, provided a comprehensive overview of the
various programs and Condition Assessment Work performed by Waste Management.
John LaPointe, AECOM, provided an overview of the Consent Decree requirements and the
studies that are required to meet them. He further provided details of the Master Plan of
Improvements and the cost of projects necessary to meet the minimum Consent Decree
requirements concerning SSOs, Bypasses, and Prohibited Discharges which is $17,904,000. The
total cost of projects which are needed to assure long-term compliance with the Consent Decree
requirements total $64,727,000, and the total infrastructure investment projected over 15 years is
$82,631,000.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that $17,904,000 worth of improvements that apply to the Consent
Decree are currently underway and can be completed in the next 3-5 years. Once the projects are
completed the city can apply to get out from under the Consent Decree. The majority of the
remaining projects would need to be completed over the next 15 years.
Mr. Morrissey questioned how high flow households could be identified without additional cost.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that during high flow conditions the clear water would be running
in but would require a footing drain inspection. He further explained that the deadline on the
footing drain program may be extended to allow further compliance.
Mr. Welper explained that his house is not hooked up to the storm sewer as it was built in 1921
and questioned what homes could still be included.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that the building department may be able to provide a better
answer to that question.
Mr. Powers questioned if a policy exists that would allow a compliant restaurant to not need re-
inspection after a period of time.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that it would be better to do regular inspections.
Mr. Powers questioned if there is a way to run pipe to move water that is pooling in yards due to
the footing drain disconnects.
Steve Hoambrecker explained that it is possible in some parts of town.
Objective: Review of Fireworks Usage Ordinance.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, provided an overview of the Fireworks Ordinance based on the
recommendation of the Public Safety Committee, and also shared what neighboring cities are
proposing.
Mr. Amos commented that he is not in favor of a complete ban.
Mayor Hart asked for clarification.
Mr. Amos explained that he would support any number of time restrictions, and reiterated that it
is a complete ban that he would not support.
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Kelley Felchle explained that if council should decide to choose different time restrictions than
what is proposed on the Ordinance, a motion to amend could be entertained, or it can be tabled to
a future date. She reminded the council that the date to make a decision was quickly
approaching, as the next usage date is the end of December.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if a decision could be made on just New Year 's Eve and push next
year's Fourth of July to another time.
Kelley Felchle explained that since other neighboring communities are currently dealing with
both dates, it would be best to make a decision that encompassed both.
Mr. Schmitt questioned how the police plan to enforce this ordinance.
Joe Leibold, Captain of Police, read an email received from Chief Trelka who was unable to
attend the meeting tonight. Chief Trelka's position is, that Fireworks should be allowed for
several days around July 4th and one or two days around New Year's Eve for limited times, noon
to midnight or otherwise, anything other than would be a nightmare for the Waterloo Police
Department to enforce.
Mr. Jacobs commented on his frustration over how the State initiated the Fireworks Bill. He
further commented that he is in favor of a complete ban due to the difficulty with enforcement,
and the cost to the citizens for police services.
Mayor Hart explained that the challenges to enforcement during the summer were that people
were not abiding by the rules. He further explained that Cedar Falls is in the process of voting
on a complete ban and that has heard support for a total ban.
Kelley Felchle explained that following a recent law suit in the State, it was ruled that cities
cannot require any kind of license in addition to the fireworks license. Therefore, the City can
no longer require a transient merchant's license for the fireworks vendors, which is unfortunate
because it was a great revenue generator.
Mr. Morrissey explained that he is in favor of some parts of the proposed ordinance, but not
others. He also said that he would like to add a section that says fireworks can only be sold in
industrial zoned areas, and also addresses signage, age limits to purchase, and other restrictions.
Mr. Schmitt commented that the suggested restrictions do nothing more than put additional
expectations on the police, and therefore does not agree with the suggestions. He further
commented that he would like to see limited times allowed for fireworks at the New Year, but
then see a committee formed comprised of Waterloo, Evansdale and Cedar Falls to finally get
this issue resolved.
Mr. Welper commented that he is in favor of banning the use like Cedar Falls has done which
would discourage the sale of fireworks and hopefully reduce the compliance issues the police
have to enforce.
Mayor Hart explained the difficulty with compliance even with the communication efforts the
City made.
Mr. Welper suggested tabling the item for one week.
Kelley Felchle explained that Council could also choose to fail the proposed Ordinance
Amendment that is on tonight's Regular Session agenda, and make a motion to return with
different uses outlined, or may choose to hold a Council Work Session, but the timing is crucial
as the December usage period is quickly approaching.
Mayor Hart explained that he would be willing to speak with both Mayors Brown and Faas a call
to find out how they came to the decisions they did, then return to council at a Work Session next
week with that information.
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With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper seconded by Schmitt that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:03 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
elley Fel
City Clerk
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