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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/01/95COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 1, 1995 4:45 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Anders, Murphy, Getty, Krizek, Collier, Mollenhoff. Members absent: Jordan. Moved by Getty, seconded by Mollenhoff that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. City Clerk Sue Fangman presented revisions to the currant Taxicab ordinance for the council to review. The changes were prompted by complaints to the Mayor's office regarding obsolete requirements in the ordinance and problems with enforcement of the ordinance. The ordinance definition of vehicle for hire is being expanded to include limousine or shuttle services. These services will be included in the business licensing and be required to maintain liability insurance and hire drivers with valid Iowa commercial driver's license (CDL). The Black Hawk County Health Department has reviewed the language regarding the inspection process and sanitary conditions requirements. Changes have been made to these sections to strengthen the authority of the Health Department in their inspection efforts. Each taxicab will be inspected annually before the license is approved and inspections will also be required upon a substantiated complaint. Taximeters are not required but rates must be posted in the passenger section for the public to see and verify upon completion of each trip. Councilmembers Krizek and Getty expressed their discontent with the sanitary conditions and appearances of some of the taxicabs. Sang - Ki Han, Assistant City Attorney, explained that the current ordinance does require a sanitary appearance but allows for no specific method of enforcement. It was moved by Getty, seconded by Murphy to authorize these revisions and recommend adoption of the ordinance changes by the City Council. Before a vote on the above motion, Councilperson Mollenhoff asked if any of the taxicab or limousine owners had reviewed the proposed changes. Staff reported that the ordinance hadn't been released before the council reviewed the proposed changes at the work session. It was moved by Mollenhoff, seconded by Getty that the above motion be amended to add the following: and to instruct the City Clerk to submit the proposed revisions to the taxicab and limousine services for their input with a two week deadline for comments. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. With no further discussion a vote was taken on the original motion, as amended, with the following result. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Mollenhoff that the meeting be adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. Susan Fangman City Clerk COUNCIL WORK SESSION May 1, 1995 5:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Anders, Murphy, Getty, Krizek, Collier, Mollenhoff. Members absent: Jordan. Moved by Krizek, seconded by Collier that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. Mr. James Doeden, Field Services Coordinator, for the Iowa Department of Transportation introduced himself and explained the new Field Services Team concept the IDOT is implementing. Mr. Doeden explained that there is a new public input initiative and the Field Services Team was established for this purpose. Field Services is soliciting input from local government agencies, local communities and residents on methods for providing information services, customer service and planning services to the residents of Iowa. Mr. Doeden disseminated brochures, maps and directories for the Mayor and Council to use to contact the Iowa Department of Transportation. He asked the Council for their input on other possible avenues for dissemination of materials to the public. It was suggested that service groups and the Public Library system were avenues for distribution to the public. Councilperson Collier requested an update on the distribution of new license plates. Mr. Doeden explained that new plates are projected to be released in late 1996 or early 1997. The new plate design is still under discussion in the legislature and no firm decision has been made. Rent a space plates are an option that is being considered at this time. Councilperson Anders requested an explanation about the DOT reclaiming University Avenue from the City's maintenance responsibilities. Mr. Doeden stated that the DOT is establishing a system which requires that the State covers its fair share of roadways in comparison to other major cities and University Avenue would increase the mileage in the metro area to a more equitable level. Councilperson Krizek identified the landlocked neighborhoods created by the new US 63 & HWY 218 exchange. She requested the DOT engineers review the options and provide a timeline for improving access to HWY 63 for the Mullan Avenue area residents. Councilperson Mollenhoff expressed his displeasure with the design and options for the Katoski/Greenhill Road intersection. Councilperson Anders also complained about the turnaround time for traffic signal funding. He reported that cities are facing serious public safety issues and need to address them more quickly than the two year funding period allows. Mr. Doeden agreed to look into the concerns raised by the Council and would be willing to return for another work session if the need arises. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Collier that the meeting be adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Jordan. Motion carried. Susan Fangman City Clerk