HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/18/90CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MINUTES
June 18, 1990
4:15 p.m.
Large Conference Room
Members present: Councilpersons Fox, Wright, Budak, Brown,
Dell, Buck.
Mayor Pro Tem Brown presided over the Work Session.
It was moved by Buck, seconded by Dell that the agenda, as
proposed, be approved. Motion carried.
The purpose of the work session was to discuss fire
inspection and fire alarm fees. Fire Chief Stan Stapella
reported that the proposed ordinance would lower the fire
inspection fees by as much as 40% for smaller businesses and
would produce annual income of approximately $80 - $90
thousand per year. Currently, the ordinance produces
approximately $125,000 per year with a collection rate of
about 80%. The major changes between the current ordinance
and the proposed ordinance is decreased costs to smaller
businesses and the additional fees charged for items such as
firework displays, explosives, haunted houses and carnivals.
The funds generated from these fees will be used for capital
expenditures in the Fire Department. City Staff and members
of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs
Committee met to review the proposed ordinance. After
review, the Committee gave their endorsement to the
proposed fees stating that they are more equitable for small
businesses. Chief Stapella pointed out that there is no
sunset provision within the proposed ordinance and stated
that it becomes very time consuming to go through the
process of reauthorization year after year.
No official action was taken concerning this item.
The proposed fire alarm ordinance was reviewed. Chief
Stapella stated that it closely follows the burglar alarm
ordinance administered through the Police Department. The
main difference between the two ordinances is the cost for
false alarms. The Chief pointed out that the proposed false
alarm fees are higher than for the Police Department since
considerably more equipment is required to respond to such a
call. Representatives of Hawkeye Alarm and Black Hawk were
present and expressed concern about the contents of the
ordinance. The Chief agreed to meet and discuss their
comments.
It was moved by Dell, seconded by Buck that action on the
fire alarm ordinance be tabled. Motion carried.
With no further business before the Committee, it was moved
by Buck, seconded by Budak that the meeting be adjourned.
Motion carried.
Larry P. Burger
City Clerk/Auditor