Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/03/95COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 3, 1995 5:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Anders, Krizek, Collier, Mollenhoff, Getty, Jordan, Murphy. Human Rights Commission Members present: Chairperson George Meeks, Jim Glaza, Sister Kathleen Grace, John Mau, Mike Allen and Harris Ceaser. Moved by Krizek, seconded by Collier that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Four. Absent: Jordan, Murphy, Getty. Motion carried. Councilpersons Getty and Jordan now present at 5:10 p.m. Assistant City Attorney Sang -Ki Han provided a summary of the proposed changes to the Human Rights Ordinance. These changes were initiated by Petter Middleton to bring the ordinance into compliance with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission regulations and to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will also provide the Commission with an expanded quasi-judicial role for case management. Councilperson Murphy now present at 5:12 p.m. Councilperson Krizek asked the Human Rights Director to identify any increased costs associated with the expanded powers represented in the new ordinance form. Human Rights Director Walter Reed responded that there were no substantial changes to the current Human Rights investigation procedures and no new costs should be realized. Assistant City Attorney Han stated that any expanded quasi-judicial role will be the result of the Iowa Civil Rights Commission forwarding cases to the local authority and these cases would be reimbursable after resolution. Councilperson Anders asked for a report on availability of staff for the current caseload and whether any backlog exists. Mr. Reed stated that the Commission is working diligently in case management. The current staff has fifty to sixty cases per person with an additional listing of twenty complaints for investigation. The new changes to the ordinance would provide the Commission an opportunity to generate income if cases are resolved through ICRC reimbursement. Councilperson Collier requested an estimate of the additional revenues which could be generated. Walter Reed estimated that $1,200 would be generated and the award of additional funds from grants are being investigated. The process of mediation was explained by Sang -Ki -Han as an additional avenue for investigators to use in dispute resolution. Human Rights staff are required to remain neutral during the investigation of a complaint; however, once probable cause is identified then they must act as an advocate for compliance with the ordinance and seek remedies for the complainant. Human Rights Commissioners advised that they supported the ordinance changes. George Meeks expressed the Commissioners' belief that the changes will provide support to the community and allow the Commission to educate the community on its neutral role. The Commissioners stated that to adequately meet the needs of the community, additional staff must be hired to handle the caseload. The Council advised the Human Rights Director to work with the Personnel Department on this staffing request. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Murphy that the meeting be adjourned at 5:30 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Susan Fangman City Clerk COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 3, 1995 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Anders, Krizek, Collier, Mollenhoff, Getty, Jordan, Murphy. Moved by Murphy, seconded by Krizek that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Traffic Operations Superintendent Mike Mrzlak reported on the five applications for Traffic Safety Improvement funds that are on the council agenda for approval. The intersections have all been investigated and signal placement at this time is warranted. Some of the applications have been delayed during the layoff of the Traffic Engineer and need to be acted on expediently. The Iowa Department of Transportation should provide funding for the signal improvements at these intersections. City Planner Don Temeyer updated the council on the traffic plan for San Marnan Drive and Texas Street. The Traffic Engineer is preparing a request for permission to install a temporary signal at this exit ramp from the State of Iowa. The temporary signal would be a timed signal without traffic loops until the permanent signal application is approved. Further down the street on San Marnan, a three lane project is being developed for Hammond and San Marnan. The third lane will allow for establishment of a turn lane. The Carlos O'Kelly's site plan was discussed and the parking lot plan was altered to allow for development of a right hand turn lane on Flammang for San Marnan. Mr. Temeyer invited the council to attend a meeting with the Planning Commission to be held on the next fifth Monday to discuss the traffic patterns and growth of the Crossroads area. Councilperson Krizek requested an explanation for the Ninth Street exit from Washington as it has created merging problems on Washington. The speed of vehicles is a cause of concern in this area along with the weaving pattern. City Planner Don Temeyer identified the area being discussed as a state interstate that was engineered by state agencies. The exit does include a weave pattern which is normal for interstate highway's exit and enter zones. Traffic Operations Superintendent Mike Mrzlak informed the council that a "Be Prepared to Stop" sign is scheduled to be placed near this exit to help reduce travelers' speed. The exit was designed as an alternate route for Eleventh Street to help with traffic flow patterns. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Collier, seconded by Krizek that the meeting be adjourned at 5:55 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Susan Fangman City Clerk