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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/93CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 1, 1993 5:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Roll call: Mayor Manning, Buck, Budak, Lemke, Fox, and Wright. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed resolution of the city council repealing Resolution Nos. 13351 and 16063 relating to the powers of the Community Development Board. Jack Geist, Community Development Board member, stated that board members have difficulty with the proposed resolution as the resolution proposes that the board acts only in an advisory capacity to the council. The board has served the city very well and has freed the council of day to day functions. He stated that he was personally very disappointed over the proposed resolution and would no longer serve on the board if it were relegated to an advisory capacity. He suggested that the proposed resolution be reconsidered and that the memo to the Mayor and City Council from the board dated February 1, 1993 be used as a guide in changing the proposed resolution. He suggested that the current structure of the board be left in tact and that the council limit its changes to appointment making powers. The board has recognized that it was acting beyond its scope of authority and agreed with this clarification. Councilperson Buck stated that it was his understanding that the board has been an advisory board and that this resolution further clarifies the duties and responsibilities. City Attorney Jim Walsh stated that a question of what authority the board may exercise is a gray area particularly as it relates to delegation of authority. There is nothing in the State Code that discerns duties to be carried out by the board. Mr. Geist referred to a memo by then City Attorney Hugh Field concerning the "Hatch Act" as it relates to Iowa Code Section 403.16. Mr. Walsh stated that he was not aware how the "Hatch Act" would affect the situation. Councilperson Budak and Wright agreed with Mr. Geist's assessment that the only change necessary is to clarify the appointment authority of board employees. Councilperson Budak questioned why the additional verbiage was added to the proposed resolution. He supported the current board structure as a way of keeping politics out of board decisions. It was noted that compliance with the city's affirmative action plan came into play when the board appointed Mark Boesen as the director without the benefit of a hiring procedure. Noncompliance with this plan was the reason why the board revoked its decision to appoint Mr. Boesen as director. Councilperson Fox questioned whether the proposed resolution would change the day to day operation of the board. Discussion followed that the board willing relinquishes those responsibilities relating to budgetary matters. The board, however, is responsible for its own housing rehabilitation and asbestos contract awards. It was agreed that the city council should be the authority of last resort and that the board should be responsible for its own day to day operations but that the council should be given the authority to intervene at the appropriate time. Discussion was held on the term length. Current board members serve a five (5) year term. The proposed resolution reduces the term of office to three (3) years. Mayor Manning reported that he favors a shorter term length. The Mayor's Reorganization Committee also recommended that the city adopt a city wide policy of three (3) year term lengths. City Attorney Jim Walsh stated that he would work with the Community Development Board to satisfy their concerns concerning their scope of authority embracing the ideas discussed by the city council this evening. City Council Work Session February 1, 1993 Page 2 Action on said proposed resolution will be delayed for two weeks to allow an amended version to be drafted and discussed. No'official action was taken. With no further business before the Work Session, the meeting was adjourned at 5:35 p.m. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 1, 1993 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Roll call: Mayor Manning, Buck, Budak, Lemke, Fox, Angel and Wright. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss proposed solid waste services and budget for F.Y. 94. John Meyer, Public Works Director, presented a menu of services including required/mandated services, other solid waste services funded with garbage fees, and recycling services. With the evolution of recycling, the council must now make decisions as to what level of services will be provided and the associated monthly fee. Beyond that, the council may want to revisit the issue of privatization of said services. Angel now present at 5:45 p.m. Mr. Meyer detailed the existing level of services and asked that the council consider those services it wishes to maintain and the revenue necessary to provide those services. A service menu work sheet was detailed which included the basic cost of service, additional options and the additional associated costs. The council could consider a flat fee charge with no bag charge, a monthly fee which would include the first bag for each week and $1.00 for each bag thereafter, or $1.00 per bag for all bags. An alternative that was discussed and may be feasible is to provide yard waste collection and curb side recycling on alternate weeks. Gary Wilcox, representing the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Commission, urged the council not to cut the public relations budget as it is very important to the success of any recycling program. Mr. Meyer presented comparison of other Iowa cities as to the level of service provided and the monthly fee charged. Each council member was asked to provide Mr. Meyer with their service menu so that consensus can be established on the service level that will be provided. The issue of privatization of solid waste services was discussed. It was noted that approximately two years ago the city bid solid waste services but opted to continue with the city providing service. Mr. Meyer stated that if the council authorized the seeking of bids employment should not be restricted and that capitalization of cost be a part of the bid specifications. The council informally authorized Mr. Meyer to proceed with Requests for Proposals for privatization of garbage services with said documents to be approved by the council, prior to being sent out. No official action was taken and the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor