HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/18/94July 18, 1994
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Regular Session at City Hall Council
Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, July 18, 1994. Mayor John R. Rooff in the
Chair. Roll Call: Jordan, Collier, Krizek, Mollenhoff, Anders, Murphy, Getty.
Invocation by: Pastor Daniel J. Hoy, Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Pledge of Allegiance: Troop 182 --Nicole Sears, Katie Niemeyer, Jenny Free and Assistant
Leader Pat Sears.
Recognition of Week: Life Investors Insurance Co. of America, Frank Kneeland, Jr.
Mayor Rooff informed the audience of a program designed to provide jobs, recreation and
guidance to the city's youth while helping to revitalize neighborhoods. The Youth and
Neighborhood Initiative is intended to focus existing community efforts to help young people
while creating new opportunities through employment with the city. The program is designed
to involve 600 children and teenagers in 13 different programs over the next six to eight
weeks before school starts.
The program will include the following areas: youth activities, youth employment, job
training, neighborhood revitalization and mentoring programs for youth in need of guidance
will be provided by the Black Alliance. Resources include many of the city's operating funds,
which will either be money donated directly to the program or pay teenagers to help perform
city tasks such as mowing or painting traffic signals. The city has identified $165,000 that
can be used to get the program started. This is just a short-term fix, and it is intended to
make the program a part of our budgeting process.
103263 - Mollenhoff/Collier
that the Agenda, as amended, for the Regular Session on Monday, July 18, 1994, at
7:00 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103264 - Murphy/Krizek
that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, July 11, 1994, at
7:00 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
HEARINGS
103265 - Mollenhoff/Collier
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on request of George Marquart
dba Baird Industries, Inc. to rezone from "A-1 Agricultural District to "C-2"
Commercial District/"C-Z" Conditional Zoning property generally located at 3160 Logan
Avenue to allow expansion of the existing manufacturing and wholesale business, as
published in the Waterloo Courier on July 1, 1994, be received and placed on file.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103266 HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for
written and oral objections and there were none.
Don Temeyer, City Planner, stated that the rezoning request is subject to the
following conditions: 1) Any expansion of the employee parking area on the west side
of U.S. Highway 63 is to be screened from the adjoining residence by a solid fence
of no less than 6 feet high and hard surfaced, and 2) The future use of the property
on the east and west sides of the highway shall be restricted to the current
manufacturing and all wholesale, warehouse and commercial uses.
Anders/Murphy
that the hearing be closed and the recommendation of approval of the Planning,
Programming and Zoning Commission and oral and written comments be received and
placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103267 - Krizek/Mollenhoff
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance by
adding Subsection No. 54 to Section 2A -7N Conditional Rezoning Certain Property", be
received, placed on file, considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
103268 - Collier/Krizek
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two prior
meetings be suspended. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103269 - Murphy/Collier
that the following ordinance be recorded as having been considered and passed for the
second and third times and now placed on its final adoption. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
July 18, 1994 Page 2
Hearings - continued
103270 - Mollenhoff/Collier
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance by
adding Subsection No. 54 to Section 2A -7N Conditional Rezoning Certain Property", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4026.
103271 - Getty/Murphy
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on request of Allen Health
Systems, Inc. to rezone from "C-1" Commercial District to "C-2" Commercial District
property generally located at Heath Street and Logan Avenue (U.S. Highway 63) to
develop for highway commercial uses, including a motel and restaurant, as published
in the Waterloo Courier on July 1, 1994, be received and placed on file. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
103272 - HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for
written and oral objections and there were none.
Ernie Boykin, P.O. Box 1801, asked what size the motel would be and how the traffic
would affect the area. Fred Debe, Schenk Engineering, stated that at this time it
is proposed to build a 50 room Ramada Limited with expansion capability and the
restaurant will probably be a sit-down restaurant.
Krizek/Anders
that the hearing be closed and the recommendation of approval of the Planning,
Programming and Zoning Commission and written and oral comments be received and
placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103273 - Collier/Mollenhoff
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance by
adding Subsection No. 282 to Section 2A-5 Rezoning Certain Property", be received,
placed on file, considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
103274 - Murphy/Collier
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two prior
meetings be suspended. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103275 - Collier/Anders
that the following ordinance be recorded as having been considered and passed for the
second and third times and now placed on its final adoption. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
103276 - Mollenhoff/Krizek
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance by
adding Subsection No. 282 to Section 2A-5 Rezoning Certain Property", be adopted.
Ayes: Seven.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4027.
103277 - Mollenhoff/Murphy
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on request of Dan Deery Motor
Company to vacate, sell and convey a portion of city -owned property generally located
at the southwest corner of San Marnan Drive and Alexandra Drive for $25,000.00, as
published in the Waterloo Courier on July 5, 1994, be received and placed on file.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103278 - HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for
written and oral objections and there were none.
Don Temeyer, City Planner, stated that Dan Deery Motor Company will be required to
maintain the drainage ditch along San Marnan or prepare and construct a culvert plan
approved by the City.
Krizek/Collier
that the hearing be closed and written and oral comments be received and placed on
file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103279 - Mollenhoff/Anders
that "an Ordinance vacating a portion of city -owned property generally located at the
southwest corner of San Marnan Drive and Alexandra Drive", be received, placed on
file, considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
July 18, 1994
Hearings - continued
103280 Anders/Mollenhoff
Page 3
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two prior
meetings be suspended. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103281 - Collier/Krizek
that the following ordinance be recorded as having been considered and passed for the
second and third times and now placed on its final adoption. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
103282 - Getty/Murphy
that "an Ordinance vacating a portion of city -owned property generally located at the
southwest corner of San Marnan Drive and Alexandra Drive", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4028.
103283 - Mollenhoff/Krizek
that "Resolution authorizing sale and conveyance of a portion of city -owned property
generally located at the southwest corner of San Marnan Drive and Alexandra Drive for
$25,000.00 to Dan Deery Motor Company", be adopted and City Attorney instructed to
prepare and deliver a deed accordingly. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-342.
103284 - Murphy/Collier
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on amendments to Zoning
Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, as it pertains to the fence height limit along a side
street in the rear yard of a corner lot, as published in the Waterloo Courier on July
1, 1994, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103285 - HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for
written and oral objections and there were none.
Anders/Mollenhoff
that the hearing be closed and the recommendation of approval of the Planning,
Programming and Zoning Commission and written and oral comments be received and
placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103286 - Murphy/Collier
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance,
as it pertains to the fence height limit along a side street in the rear yard of a
corner lot", be received, placed on file, considered and passed for the first time.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103287 - Collier/Anders
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two prior
meetings be suspended. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103288 - Collier/Krizek
that the following ordinance be recorded as having been considered and passed for the
second and third times and now placed on its final adoption. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
103289 - Mollenhoff/Collier
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance,
as it pertains to the fence height limit along a side street in the rear yard of a
corner lot", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4029.
103290 - Krizek/Mollenhoff
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on request of Family YWCA of
Black Hawk County on behalf of the Family Service League to rezone from "R-2" One and
Two Family Residence District to "R-2" One and Two Family Residence District/"C-Z"
Conditional Zoning property legally described as the westerly 190 feet of Lot 27,
Auditor's Whitney Road Plat, as published in the Waterloo Courier on July 5, 1994,
be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103291 - Murphy/Collier
that the petition of opposition representing approximately 29.7 percent of owners of
property lying within 250 feet of the area to be rezoned, and letters of support of
said rezoning be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
July 18, 1994 Page 4
Hearings - continued
103292 - HOLD HEARING --This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for
written and oral objections.
Captain Michael Beener of the Waterloo Police Department read a statement from Police
Chief Bernal Koehrsen in support of the rezoning and the proposed battered women's
and children's shelter.
Marcia Mullikin, 3830 West 9th and Executive Director of Family Service League,
stated she has tried to accommodate the desires of the surrounding property owners.
She stated that victims of domestic violence should not be referred to as "those
people," because they include members of every race and socioeconomic status. She
continued that "those people" already live in every neighborhood in Waterloo.
Donna Nelson, 514 Columbia Circle, stated she was contacted as a business person and
after touring the present facility, she understood the necessity to establish a new
shelter. She stated the current facility is not accessible to the handicapped, lacks
private restroom and cooking facilities and eight people sleep in a room.
Sue Brainard, a teacher and an UNI graduate, stated she has lived in Waterloo for 26
years and has two children in the public school district. She stated her ex-husband
used to beat her and has threatened to kill her. The shelter is the only safe place
for her. She stated she has been separated for two years, divorced for one, and that
statistics support the likelihood that she could be killed now more than when she was
married.
Chari Bright, 210 Pauline Place and a member of the Board of Directors of the Family
Service League, spoke in favor of the rezoning request and asked that the council
vote in favor of the rezoning. She stated that a large number of children under the
age of 12 have witnessed their mother being beaten. If the mother is abused,
children also will be abused. These kids are confused and need a positive
environment.
Dan Gates, 121 Persian Road and a Coordinator of Batterer Education Program at the
Family Service League, stated he has worked with men who assault women. He asked if
the city is going to wait until help for victims is a mandate before we do something.
Nancy Habinck, 504 South Hackett Road, spoke against the rezoning. She stated there
is enough property in this town already properly zoned for this type of building, and
this should not be allowed in a residential area.
A concerned citizen stated spouse abuse is in every neighborhood. It crosses
economic lines and racial lines. We should support building a new shelter as our
fears are groundless.
Ted Schuler, 634 South Hackett Road, stated he has lived in Waterloo all his life.
He is not against the shelter but would like the council to look at it from the
homeowner's side. We want to have the right as a property owner to be concerned and
express our opinion and not be condemned because of our opinion. He stated he is
concerned about property values and safety in the area.
Jim Wheaton, Executive Director of YMCA for 18 years, stated that the YMCA is
concerned as an organization to do what is right for the city.
In response to a question from Kathy Oberle, 1101 Western Avenue, Don Temeyer, City
Planner, stated that a petition from the owners of 20 percent or more of the
surrounding property within 250 feet of the area to be rezoned requires a 3/4
favorable vote of the city council to approve the rezoning.
Mollenhoff/Murphy
that the hearing be closed and the recommendation of approval of the Planning,
Programming and Zoning Commission and written and oral comments be received and
placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103293 - Jordan/Collier
that "an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 2479, as amended, City Zoning Ordinance by
adding Subsection No. 55 to Section 2A -7N Conditional Rezoning Certain Property", be
received, placed on file, considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
103294 - Anders/Jordan
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two prior
meetings be suspended. Ayes: Five. Nays: Collier, Getty. Motion not carried.
July 18, 1994 Page 5
DOCUMENTS
103295 - Anders/Murphy
that communication from City Planner transmitting Preliminary Plat of Wessels Minor
Plat, together with Engineers Certificate of Survey and Deed of Dedication be
received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said preliminary plat", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-343.
103296 - Jordan/Murphy
that communication from Fire Chief transmitting Completion of Project and
Recommendation of Acceptance of Work performed by Don Gardner Construction in
conjunction with F.Y. 1994 Fire Station #4 Hose Tower Removal and Roof Replacement
Project, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said document", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-344.
103297 - Getty/Mollenhoff
that communication from Superintendent of Parks transmitting three-year contract with
golf pros at Byrnes, Gates and South Hills, together with recommendation of approval
of Park Board, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said contracts",
be adopted and Mayor and Acting Clerk/Auditor authorized to execute same. Ayes:
Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-345.
RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED
103298 - Anders/Murphy
that "Resolution approving and providing for the execution of Housing and Community
Development Block Grant Contract No. B -94 -MC -19-0008 by and between the City of
Waterloo and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (20th Year
Community Development Block Grant Program)", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-346.
103299 - Krizek/Mollenhoff
that "Resolution by the City Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, as the Waterloo
Housing Authority, authorizing execution of Annual Contributions Contract IA -05-E050-
013 with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to continue with the
assistance of 75 families who benefit from monthly Section 8 Housing Certificate rent
assistance payments", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-347.
103300 - Murphy/Jordan
that "Resolution by the City Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, as the Waterloo
Housing Authority approving Public Housing Management Assessment Certification with
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Ridgeway Towers Senior
Citizen Apartments and FSS Family Public Housing", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-348.
103301 - Getty/Collier
that "Resolution approving the acquisition contract payment in the amount of
$5,700.00 and accepting the deed for property located at 719 W. Donald Street (Arthur
F. and Louise E. Polk) in conjunction with the Donald Street Drainage Improvements
project", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-349.
103302 - Dick Grimm, Superintendent of Streets/Sanitation, stated that there will no longer
be garbage pick-up in these alleys. Customers will be notified prior to the closing
of the alleys.
Mol1enhoff/Murphy
that "Resolution approving dead -ending the alley extending from Elm Street to Mobile
Street between Franklin Street and Fowler Street, and the alley extending from Elm
Street to Mobile Street between Fowler Street and Courtland Street", be adopted.
Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-350.
July 18, 1994 Page 6
Resolutions to be Adopted - continued
103303 - Anders/Murphy
that "Resolution approving acquisition contract payments and accepting the deeds for
Parcel No. 12 (Steven E. & Lynn E. Gleason) in the amount of $55,000.00 and Parcel
No. 22 (James Lown) in the amount of $60,000.00 in conjunction with Sherwood Park
Voluntary Acquisition", be adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Mark Boesen, Community Development Administrator, stated that 45 property owners have
requested appraisals for possible buy out. These two properties are the first to
sign contracts. Seventeen offers for purchase have been sent to Sherwood Park
residents. Six contracts have been signed by homeowners wanting to sell and several
residents have been instructed to search for a new home. Mr. Boesen stated that the
Waterloo Community Development Board has designated approximately $1.5 million in
federal disaster assistance funds received after the 1993 floods to relocate as many
of the 51 homeowners in Sherwood Park who want to sell their homes.
Mayor Rooff stated that back in January this administration met with Sherwood Park
property owners to discuss fire protection and water service for that area. The
previous administration instructed staff to proceed with acquiring the acquisition
contracts. This administration wanted information collected and brought back to us,
but in the meantime contracts were sent out. He reported he has instructed that in
the future no contacts are to be sent out until brought back to council. This
federal money was given to the city because of flooding. He questioned Mr. Boesen
as to whether a study has been down to see if we can help other areas in the city,
such as the Donald Street culvert, and still have money left over to buy out Sherwood
Park residents or will the funds have to be returned to Washington. Mr. Boesen
stated that Community Development has looked at some other projects. These funds
must be used for flood -related purposes.
Councilperson Mollenhoff stated he has received a tremendous number of inquiries as
to why this money is being used to acquire property when people live there by choice.
No one has contacted him to express their support of acquisition of this property.
He questioned whether the homeowner has been made aware that the acquisition contract
was subject to council approval.
Councilperson Jordan stated that he did not feel he had enough information and if we
buy these properties, it would be impossible to turn down the other requests.
Mayor Rooff stated that people were led to believe that the city would purchase their
property. This does not seem to be prudent use of public funds. He questioned if
we purchase just these will we have to purchase the rest of the property. The
acquisition contract does say subject to council approval.
Councilperson Anders stated that he believed it would be in the city's best interest
to buy these properties.
Councilperson Getty stated that many of the residents living in Sherwood Park
probably will elect to stay in the area. He did not feel that the city should spend
tax dollars to buy half or three-quarters of them out when the rest of them will
still be down there with the same problems they have always had.
James Lown, 190 Greenwood Avenue, stated the city made him an offer and he is in the
process of building a new house. The residents were told to go ahead and move and
now the city does not want to purchase his property.
Lynn Gleason, 158 Greenwood Avenue, stated that she had spoken with the Mayor on
Wednesday and he said he would help her.
Kathy Oberle, 1101 Western, stated she felt some people had overstepped their
authority and negotiated with people we need to honor.
Larry Moses, 112 Greenwood, stated he was approached by the city that there was money
from the federal government for flood pathway people.
Mayor Rooff stated he believes the city is obligated to move ahead with the offers
made by Community Development staff to residents in the area. Future offers will be
put to the council before going out to the residents.
Lee Waterman, a resident of Sherwood Park, stated that this is the first time the
city is going to be spending money in Sherwood Park and now you want to renege on it.
Councilperson questioned what happens to the houses when the city buys them. Mr.
Boesen stated that we could possibly donate them or have them demolished. We will
apply to the State of Iowa for demolition funds.
Krizek/Murphy
to call the question and cease discussion. Ayes: Six. Nays: Mollenhoff. Motion
carried.
July 18, 1994
Resolutions to be Adopted - continued
Page 7
103304 - Anders/Murphy
that "Resolution approving acquisition contract payments and accepting the deeds for
Parcel No. 12 (Steven E. & Lynn E. Gleason) in the amount of $55,000.00 and Parcel
No. 22 (James Lown) in the amount of $60,000.00 in conjunction with Sherwood Park
Voluntary Acquisition", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Nays: Jordan.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-351.
BILLS PAYMENT
103305 - Krizek
that "Resolution approving Schedule A918, pp. 1-48, in the amount of $712,651.80,
with the deletion of PV #87154 in the amount of $15.48, dated July 18, 1994, a copy
of which is on file in the Clerk/Auditor's office", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-352.
NEW BUSINESS
103306 - Murphy/Collier
to instruct Forestry Coordinator to prepare plans, form of contract, etc. for FEMA
Tree Replacement Program, Phase II, be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
103037 - Anders/Murphy
that plans, form of contract, etc., for the FEMA Tree Replacement Program, Phase II,
be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
103308 - Murphy/Krizek
that "Resolution preliminarily approving the plans, form of contract, etc. for the
FEMA Tree Replacement Program, Phase II", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-353.
103309 - Getty/Mollenhoff
that "Resolution setting date of hearing on plans, form of contract, etc., and taking
of bids as August 1, 1994, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers on the
above project", be adopted and Acting Clerk/Auditor instructed to publish notice of
hearing accordingly. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1994-354.
103310 - Mollenhoff/Krizek
that the appointment of Sue Fangman to the position of City Clerk effective Tuesday,
July 19, 1994 be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes: Six. Nays: Getty.
Motion carried.
103311 - Mollenhoff/Murphy
that the appointment of Bruce Meisinger to the position of Finance Manager effective
Tuesday, July 19, 1994, be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes: Six. Nays:
Getty. Motion carried.
103312 - Krizek/Collier
that the appointment of Frank Mollenhoff as Acting Mayor Pro Tem be received, placed
on file and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
MISCELLANEOUS
103313 - Anders/Murphy
that the following beer and liquor license permit application be received, placed on
file and approved and endorsed application forwarded to the Iowa Beer and Liquor
Control Department and applications for pawnbroker's licenses be received, placed on
file and approved:
1. Beer/Liquor License Permit Application
Class C
Pardoe's Pizza Pub, 504 Riehl Street (Renewal) (Expires 7/28/95)
(Includes Sunday Sales)
Applications for Pawnbroker's License
Neal Hartman dba East 4th Street Pawn Shop, 619 East 4th Street
Ferris Stereo & Loan, 211 West 18th Street
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
July 18, 1994
BONDS
Page 8
103314 - Mollenhoff/Anders
that the report of the City Attorney and list of bonds filed with the Clerk/Auditor
through July 18, 1994, be received, placed on file and report and bonds be approved.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
103315 - Ernie Boykin, P.O. Box 1801, questioned if the homes the city has acquired could be
used for displaced persons when they are relocated. Mark Boesen, Community
Development Administrator, stated that some could be considered if the council wishes
to make them available to non-profit organizations.
Ms. Boykin questioned Waterloo Housing Authority Deb Collett regarding the property
on Johnson Street that was boarded up because it was a hazard as to whether they
inspected the apartment. Ms. Collett responded they did inspect Waterloo Housing
Authority's one apartment in that building, and if they see anything that is a hazard
they would report it.
Kathy Oberle, 1101 Western, questioned the transfer of $200,000 sewer revenue funds
to the General fund. She understands that the city wants to show Moody's Investors
that we have a good cash balance. Mayor Rooff stated that the city has $2.8 million
left in the sewer fund.
Leon Mosley, 99 John Street and a member of the St. Mary's -Gates Park Neighborhood
Association, reported that the group has been walking through the area around St.
Mary's Catholic Church for the past two weeks and plans to send letters to the owners
of the cars stopping in front of the house located at 112 E. Parker. They have
recorded license numbers of cars driving by and people stopping to allegedly buy
drugs. More than 70 plate numbers from surrounding communities such as Evansdale,
Jesup, Waverly, Marshalltown and even Minnesota have been collected. The group is
asking that 112 E. Parker Street be declared a nuisance.
Jerry Bates stated that we need to do something about this area together as a
community. He extended an invitation to everyone to come to the area and sit with
them.
Father Bob Hilmer, St. Mary's Catholic Church, stated he was personally concerned
about the welfare of the students attending St. Mary's School. A young girl was
severally beaten by people coming out of 112 E. Parker. This building is nothing but
a public nuisance, and he is tired of drug dealers parking their cars in St. Mary's
parking lot, and the garbage they leave.
Elizabeth Desseler, 415 Courtland, stated a meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 19,
by concerned citizen at 7:00 p.m. at the Waterloo Recreation & Arts Center. Seven
neighborhoods will be represented.
A resident of 1933 E. 4th Street stated she was afraid for her children because of
the drug activity in the area.
Mollenhoff/Murphy
that the above oral comments be received, placed on file and the Council adjourn at
10:05 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Tom Campbell
Acting Clerk/Auditor