HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/09/95City Council Work Session
October 9, 1995
5:15 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Chairperson Anders, Mollenhoff, Getty, Jordan,
Murphy, Krizek
Members absent: Collier.
It was moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy to approve the agenda as
proposed. Ayes: Six. Absent: Collier. Motion carried.
The proposed vehicle for hire ordinance was reviewed. City Clerk
Sue Fangman explained the changes that were made to the ordinance
in response to the City Attorney's research on Department of
Transportation regulations. The proposed changes exempt vehicles
for hire that are Iowa Dept. of Transportation charter carriers
from the business licensing fees and regulations. The chapter
would still require registration of a charter carrier with the City
Clerk's office, proof of the D.O.T. certificate and a certificate
of insurance for $300,000 in auto liability insurance.
Councilperson Mollenhoff inquired whether the City could require
all citizens to carry auto liability insurance. Assistant City
Attorney Sang-ki Han informed Mollenhoff that State statute
regulating auto insurance pre-empts the City's authority on this
issue.
Deann Downs, 1st Class Professional Coaches, reported that she had
received a copy of the ordinance and she was comfortable with all
the language as proposed. She received additional information from
the Department of Transportation that taxicabs must get an air
transport exemption and have a uniform I.D. card from the State of
Iowa. She stated that other citizens still had concerns about
vehicle safety standards.
David Gross, 1107 E. Mitchell Ave, stated that as a citizen he
would like an assurance that when using the vehicles for hire he
would arrive at his destination safely. Councilperson Jordan
stated that he would support the City requiring vehicle
inspections. Councilperson Krizek responded that there are
problems with requiring inspections which include setting the
standards and choosing qualified inspectors. Police Chief Koehrsen
reported that vehicle inspection is a state prerogative and the
State of Iowa has discontinued requiring vehicle inspections. It
is the Chief's contention that the City should not police this
area. Officers will issue summons for vehicle which don't comply
with the regulations as set forth in the Department of
Transportation regulations. Councilperson Anders stated that the
State of Iowa couldn't regulate inspections without fraud occurring
and he felt the City should leave requiring inspections out of the
ordinance. Councilperson Getty concurred with Anders.
Councilperson Krizek proposed that the issue could be revisited and
the ordinance change if needed in the future.
It was moved by Getty, seconded by Murphy to approve the vehicle
for hire ordinance as proposed and to place it on the council
agenda for approval. Ayes: Six. Absent: Collier. Motion
carried.
With no further discussion on this item it was moved by Mollenhoff,
seconded by Getty to adjourn the meeting at 5:40 p.m. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Collier. Motion carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk
City Council Work Session
October 9, 1995
5:30 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Chairperson Anders, Mollenhoff, Getty, Jordan,
Murphy, Krizek
Members absent: Collier
It was moved by Jordan, seconded by Mollenhoff to approve the
agenda as proposed. Ayes: Six. Absent: Collier. Motion
carried.
Dick Melick, Iowa State Snowmobile Association, reported that the
snowmobile ordinance that was addressed last spring still needs to
be updated because the current ordinance lists routes into town for
fueling and food that do not exist. The snowmobile club worked
with the planning and police departments last spring to establish
an ordinance which would specify appropriate routes for snowmobiles
to operate in the City limits. The routes selected connect the
Five Star Snow Trails to access for fueling and rest stops for
snowmobilers. Melick submitted six letters from area businesses
supporting the establishment of access routes to their place of
business.
Mr. Melick addressed the concerns that were raised at the final
reading of the ordinance in April. The snowmobiler's don't want
unlimited access to operate on City streets and agree to post and
distribute the approved routes to their members. He agrees that
snowmobilers should follow the laws or be ticketed for violations.
Mr. Melick reported that children under age 16 are prohibited from
operating vehicles without adult supervision. There is a need to
allow the two hundred fifty miles of groomed trails access to
fueling and rest stops and work at establishing staging areas to
gain access to the trails.
Police Chief Koehrsen stated that the Police Department doesn't
support this ordinance because it is unenforceable by them. The
department doesn't have access to snowmobiles for officers and
violators may run from officers into areas that are inaccessible to
police vehicles. The current ordinance does allow entry into the
City but many of the streets are not viable due to the Highway 218
reconstruction. The Chief agreed that the noise from mopeds and
motorcycles is no different than snowmobiles and he stated he would
ban them if allowed but the State of Iowa regulates their
licensing.
Larry Coffin, 1006 Martin Rd, presented a letter of objection and
petitions in objection to allowing snowmobiling in the City limits.
The petitions contained two hundred thirteen signatures requesting
the City adopt a "No Snowmobiling with in the City Limits"
ordinance. Coffin cited safety and enforcement concerns as a
police officer and city driver. Snowmobilers are difficult to
identify because they are wearing helmets or masks, they create a
distraction to motorists and operate in areas designated for
walking or skiing in area parks. He stated that there are
complaints regarding noise and damage to private and public
property from operating snowmobiles.
Councilperson Anders verified that snowmobiles are operating in
city parks and on the bike trails as soon as there is a two inch
snow fall.
Dick Melick restated that the ordinance is just to allow entry to
fueling and rest locations. Many progressive communities in
Minnesota and Iowa welcome the snowmobilers and consider them a
tourism income to their community. Area cities like Hudson do
allow some limited entry into town.
Councilperson Krizek pointed out that Hudson isn't the same size
community as Waterloo.
Council Work Session
October 9, 1995
Page 2
Barb Coffin, 1006 Martin Road, reported to the council that cross
country skiing trails are obliterated from snowmobilers. The
current ordinance does allow some entry but she would prefer a "No
Snowmobiling" ordinance.
Councilperson Getty moved to table this item for two weeks and
asked the City Attorney to compare the new proposed ordinance to
the old ordinance for the council, seconded by Jordan. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Collier. Motion carried.
With no further discussion on this item it was moved by Murphy,
seconded by Mollenhoff to adjourn the meeting at 6:00 p.m. Ayes:
Six. Absent: Collier. Motion carried.
Susan Fangman
City Clerk