HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/15/94COUNCIL WORK SESSION
December 15, 1994
4:00 p.m.
First Floor Conference Room
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Collier, Krizek, Mollenhoff, Anders,
Murphy, Getty, Jordan.
Moved by Getty, seconded by Mollenhoff that the Agenda, as
proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion
carried.
Discussion was heard regarding acquisition of property in Sherwood
Park.
Jordan now present at 4:03 p.m.
Councilperson Mollenhoff stated that he would now support the
property acquisition after verification that it is in Phase I or
II. Councilperson Jordan questioned whether staff has been
overestimating relocation costs and would this impact completion of
Phase I and II. Mark Boesen, Community Development Director,
stated that costs can be different than initial estimates.
Relocation specialists work with residents to find comparable
properties for relocation estimates. Costs estimates show that if
all properties are acquired in Phase I and II approximately $90,000
in acquisition funds and $60,000 in relocation funds could be left.
Councilperson Getty reported that he was concerned with stalling of
Phase III if there is a balance of $90,000 available for this
Phase.
Staff was asked to report on the plan for demolition of these
properties. Mark Boesen informed the council that there are State
grant funds available through FEMA 404 which would provide funding
for demolition. State administrators have said that the funds are
still available and recommended that staff make application for the
funds after a minimum of ten properties have been acquired and
specific addresses can be identified. Councilpersons Mollenhoff
and Jordan expressed their concern with the risk that property tax
dollars may be needed to pay the $400,000 in demolition costs.
Councilperson Anders stated that there isn't risk involved as the
properties can sit vacant until such time as other monies are made
available.
Don Temeyer, City Planner, confirmed that the State of Iowa has
received $8 million dollars in FEMA funds for flood related
programs and that the State is looking for programs that are
eligible to use these funds. Councilperson Krizek requested that
an application be made as soon as 10 houses are acquired and
scheduled for demolition.
Councilperson Anders requested that the council be polled for a
commitment for their vote on this issue and suggested that the
council needs to get beyond each property purchase. Councilperson
Jordan stated that he will still vote no on these purchases, and he
is not satisfied with the long-range plan that has been set forth.
Don Temeyer made the correlation between the policy set for
acquisition of Riverview property over time which has resulted in
a complete buyout. It was confirmed that Sherwood Park would need
to remain as green space due to limitations set on building in the
flood plain.
Mayor Rooff polled the council on their support for finishing Phase
I and II. Councilperson Mollenhoff restated that he supported
Phase I and II buyouts but would not support any program which
required the use of property tax dollars. He won't support Phase
III until the plan is demonstrated and available demolition funds
have been identified. Mark Boesen confirmed that the plan is not
to ask for any property tax dollar support. The Mayor continued to
poll the council with the following result: Ayes: Six. Nays:
Jordan.
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Finance Committee
December 15, 1994
Page 2
Agenda items for the council meeting to be held on Monday, December
19, 1994, were reviewed and discussed with representatives from
departments that had items on the agenda.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty,
seconded by Murphy that the meeting be adjourned at 5:56 p.m.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk