HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-11/17/2008November 17, 2008
The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Regular Session at City Hall Council
Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, November 17, 2008. Mayor Timothy J.
Hurley in the Chair. Roll Call: Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie
Schmitt. Absent: Cole.
Moment of Silence.
Pledge of Allegiance: Salvation Army After School Program Students—Dana Scott, Taleigha
Watson, Shania Campbell, Tanaia Watson, Megan Horn, Michael Thomas, Lyisha Dixon.
128129 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the Agenda, as amended, for the Regular Session on Monday, November 17,
2008, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Motion carried.
128130 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve
that the Minutes, as
2008, at 5:30 p.m.,
Motion carried.
Schmitt
proposed, for the Regular
be accepted and approved.
Session on Monday, November 10,
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Mayor Hurley presented the NFL Football Coach Award to the following: Alex
Hansen, Clint Miller, Chris Fuller, Tom Eighmey, Noel Anderson, Brad Schneider
and Corey Obermeier.
Mayor Hurley presented Football Players of the Year to Tyre Reed and Kourtney
Medina.
Mayor Hurley read a Proclamation declaring November 19, 2008 as National GIS
Day.
CONSENT AGENDA
128131 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the following items on the consent agenda be received, placed on file and
approved:
a. Resolution to approve the following:
1. Resolution approving Schedule AP642, pp. 1-95, dated November 17, 2008, in
the amount of $2,850,224.84, a copy of which is on file in the City
Clerk's office, together with recommendation of approval of the Finance
Committee.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1008.
b. Motion -to approve the following:
1. Communication from Mayor Tim Hurley transmitting recommendation of
appointment of Larry Smith to the position of Superintendent of Waste
Management Services, effective November 17, 2008.
2. Communication from Superintendent of Waste Management Services
transmitting request for an exception to the City of Waterloo Residency of
Critical Municipal Employees and City Department Heads Policy.
3. Robert Walker,
International
December 9-10,
city vehicle.
Combination Inspector, to attend 2008 Code Seminars for the
Codes and National Electrical Codes in Ankeny, Iowa on
2008, with costs not to exceed $460.00, including use of
4. Troy Luck, Dustin Mason and Brad Purdy, Firefighters; to attend Iowa
Weapons of Mass Destruction Task Force Training in Anniston, Alabama on
October 4-12, 2008, with costs not to exceed $1,500.00.
5. Neil Caughron, Charlie Donahue, David Jensson and Josh Heller,
Firefighters; to attend Iowa Weapons of Mass Destruction Task Force
Training in Anniston, Alabama on November 1-9, 2008, with costs not to
exceed $4,400.00.
November 17, 2008 Page 2
Consent Agenda continued
6. Fire Department Instructor to teach Technician Recertification Class in
Marshalltown, Iowa on November 12-14, 2008, with costs not to exceed
$245.00.
c. Beer License Permit Application
Class B
LaMichuacana Restaurant, 1221 Franklin Street (Renewal) (Expires 11/11/09)
(Includes Sunday Sales)
d. Beer/Liquor License Permit Application
Class C
Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Cafe, 1331 Flammang Drive (Renewal) (Expires
12/30/09) (Includes Sunday Sales)
e. Beer License Permit Application
Class C
Save More, Inc., 1975 Franklin Street (New) (Expires 11/19/09) (Includes
Sunday Sales)
f. Outdoor Service Area Application
Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Cafe, 1331 Flammang Drive
g. Bonds.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
HEARINGS & BIDS
128132 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on Purchase of One Heavy
Duty Brush Chipper Unit, as published in the Waterloo Courier on October 31,
2008, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion
carried.
128133 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections and there were none.
Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that the hearing be closed. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128134 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that "Resolution confirming approval of specifications, bid document, etc. in
conjunction with Purchase of One Heavy Duty Brush Chipper Unit", be adopted.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1009.
128135 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that "Resolution authorizing to proceed in conjunction with above purchase", be
adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1010.
128136 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk to open and read bids and refer to
Superintendent of Central Garage for review:
Bid Price
Bidder Bid Price With Trade
Bandit Industries, Remus, MI $71,218.63
Aspen Equipment Co, Ankeny, IA $56,629.00 $48,629.00
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
• •
• •
November 17, 2008
Hearings & Bids continued
128137 - Getty/Hart
Page 3
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on Purchase of Ambulance
Chassis, as published in the Waterloo Courier on October 30, 2008, be received
and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128138 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections and there were none.
Getty/Hart
that the hearing be closed. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128139 - Getty/Hart
that "Resolution confirming approval of specifications, bid document, etc. in
conjunction with Purchase of Ambulance Chassis", be adopted. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1011.
128140 - Getty/Hart
that "Resolution authorizing to proceed in conjunction with above purchase", be
adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1012.
128141 - Getty/Hart
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk to open and read bids and refer to Fire
Chief for review:
Bidder
Harrison Truck Centers, Waterloo, IA
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128142 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
Bid Amount
$72,799.00
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on Collection Storage for
Center For The Arts, Phase II and Phase III, as published in the Waterloo
Courier on October 30, 2008, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128143 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections and there were none.
Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that the hearing be closed. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128144 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution confirming approval of specifications, bid document, etc. in
conjunction with Collection Storage for Center For The Arts, Phase II and Phase
III", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1013.
128145 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution authorizing to proceed in conjunction with above project", be
adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1014.
November 17, 2008 Page 4
Hearings & Bids continued
128146 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk to open and read bids and refer to
Director of Cultural & Arts Commission for review:
Bidder
OSDI, Des Moines, IA
Artistic Storage, Chicago, IL
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128147 - Steve Schmitt/Welper
Bid Amount
$194,197.00
$168,180.00
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on 2008 W.S.A. Restroom
Project, as published in the Waterloo Courier on November 7, 2008, be received
and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128148 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections and there were none.
Mayor Hurley noted that no bids were received for this project. The Leisure
Services Director will rebid the project at a later date.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if this is a stand-alone facility or will it be
built in with the rest of the complex.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director,' explained that this will be a new free-
standing restroom. There is a restroom there now but this will be an additional
one. There is funding through a variety of sources such as gaming, hotel/motel,
etc.
Steve Schmitt/Welper
that the hearing be closed and oral comments be received and placed on file.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
128149 - Reggie Schmitt/Greenwood
that communication from Superintendent of Traffic 0
recommendation of award of contract in the amount
Incorporated of Russellville, Arkansas in conjunction
Parking Meters and Related Equipment, be received,
"Resolution approving award of said contract", be adopted
perations transmitting
of $32,501.00 to POM
with Purchase of 100
placed on file and
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Mayor Hurley noted that Sandie Greco, Superintendent of Traffic Operations, is
recommending that council accept the second highest bidder by a little over
$1,000.00. Ms. Greco's narrative to the council makes good justification for
her recommendation and in long run it will be more cost effective for the city.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1015.
PETITIONS FROM PUBLIC
128150 - Reggie Schmitt/Greenwood
that communication from Assistant City Engineer transmitting request of Cedar
Valley Corp. for a variance to the Noise Ordinance on November 17, 2008 through
September 1, 2009 in conjunction with F.Y. 2008 West Commercial Street
Extension, River Road Relocation and Storm Water Pump Station, Contract No. 720,
be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said request", be adopted.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1016.
• •
November 17, 2008 Page 5
Petitions from Public continued
128151 - Reggie Schmitt/Greenwood
that communication from Assistant City Engineer transmitting request of Crandall
Construction, Inc. for a sidewalk grade variance for sidewalk to be located at
1800-1806 Commercial Street, be received, placed on file and "Resolution
approving said request", be adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained that Crandall Construction recently
purchased those structures on Commercial Street, and they are going to renovate
those structures. Crandall Construction wants a public sidewalk in front of the
buildings, and it needs to match up with the front door that already exist.
They are going to be several inches above our normal grade, but once its all in
and they have filled in you won't even notice it, and the ADA grades will be
met.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1017.
REPORTS
128152 Reggie Schmitt/Greenwood
that communication from Chief Financial Officer transmitting City of Waterloo
Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2008 to be filed with the
Auditor of State, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
financial report", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1018.
DOCUMENTS
128153 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Development Director transmitting application
with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for FY09 Economic
Development Initiative Special Purposes grant funds in the amount of $343,000.00
to be used for neighborhood revitalization to stabilize existing housing through
repairs and energy efficient programs, be received, placed on file and
"Resolution approving said application", be adopted and Mayor authorized to
execute same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1019.
128154 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Development Director transmitting application
with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for FY09 Economic
Development Initiative Special Purpose grant funds in the amount of $196,000.00
to be used for renovation, construction and build out of the Cedar Valley
TechWorks facility, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
application", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1020.
128155 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Development Director transmitting application
with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for FY09 Economic
Development Initiative Special Purpose grant funds in the amount of $343,000.00
to be used for the Chamberlain site demolition, be received, placed on file and
"Resolution approving said application", be adopted and Mayor authorized to
execute same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1021.
November 17, 2008 Page 6
Documents continued
128156 - Welper/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Building Official/Maintenance Administrator transmitting
Professional Services Agreement with Struxture Architect of Waterloo, Iowa at a
cost of $18,112.50 for preliminary site and structure design for new fire
station #8, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
agreement", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if council is approving the agreement for up
to $18,000.00.
Mayor Hurley responded that council is approving that we have Struxture
Architect do a preliminary design and cost it out because we have a price set,
and we are not going to do it if it goes over that. The cost for the services
is borne by the interested company not by city. Mayor Hurley noted that whether
the city does it or not, the company is going to pay for this assessment.
Councilperson Getty stated that it seems to him that the company hasn't decided
for sure if they want to buy that property, and they want to look at the figures
first.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, explained that the
city entered into a purchase/sale agreement for the site with the company out of
Chicago. That company is still in their due diligence period investigating
that their site plan will work, and that the site is properly zoned and
adequately sized to fit their pharmacy facility with a drive -up that they want
to put there. They had their crews out there doing some surveying work last
week to finish up their due diligence. They continue to try to make sure the
site works for their plans.
Councilperson Getty asked why would we move ahead with the drawings and designs
for a new Fire Station 8 until that company has committed to buying it.
Mr. Anderson commented that based on one of the sites that the city has tied up
for the new Fire Station, it is imperative that we move forward at this time.
We will probably come back with an amendment to the original agreement to make
sure that everything is covered by them since we are moving faster than the
original agreement asked for.
Mayor Hurley noted that the city will not go forward if the price is not right.
We still have that election, so we need to get an architectural firm to give us
a pretty firm look at what this venture could cost.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1022.
128157 - Welper/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Superintendent of Traffic Operations transmitting
Completion of Project and Acceptance of Work performed by KWS Electric at a
total cost of $20,551.35 for U.S. 20 and Iowa 21 Ramps Traffic Signalization,
STP -U-8155(675)-27-07, be received, placedon file and "Resolution approving
said documents", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1023.
128158 Welper/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting
amendment to Jumpstart Small Business Assistance Program agreement with Iowa
Department of Economic Development to allocate remaining funds to the city for a
total of $683,768.00, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
amendment", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1024.
•
• •
November 17, 2008 Page 7
ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED
128159 - Getty/Greenwood
that "an Ordinance expanding the Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area (CURA)
to include commercial areas along LaPorte Road/Hwy 218, and along University
Avenue/Ansborough Avenue, an area south of Northgate Addition, a part of Section
14 Township 89 Range 13 and the Cedar River", be received, placed on file,
considered and passed for the third time. Ayes: Five. Nays: Hart. Absent:
Cole. Motion carried.
128160 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (41a)
Derbyshire Road to Section 543, Thru Streets (install yield sign on West
Mitchell Avenue at the intersection with Derbyshire Road)", be received, placed
on file, considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Motion carried.
128161 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two
prior meetings be suspended. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128162 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (41a)
Derbyshire Road to Section 543, Thru Streets (install yield sign on West
Mitchell Avenue at the intersection with Derbyshire Road)", be considered and
passed for the second and third times and adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4929.
128163 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (161a)
Hammond Court to Section 551, Parking Prohibited at All Times on Certain Streets
(restrict parking on both side of the 100 block of Hammond Court from Hammond
Avenue West to the alley)", be received, placed on file, considered and passed
for the first time. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128164 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two
prior meetings be suspended. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128165 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (161a)
Hammond Court to Section 551, Parking Prohibited at All Times on Certain Streets
(restrict parking on both side of the 100 block of Hammond Court from Hammond
Avenue West to the alley)", be considered and passed for the second and third
times and adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4930.
128166 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (67a)
Greyhound Drive to Section 543, Thru Streets (install stop signs on Athens Drive
at Greyhound Drive and on Cyclone Drive at Greyhound Drive)", be received,
placed on file, considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Six. Absent:
Cole. Motion carried.
128167 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two
prior meetings be suspended. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
November 17, 2008 Page 8
Ordinances to be Adopted continued
128168 Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (67a)
Greyhound Drive to Section 543, Thru Streets (install stop signs on Athens Drive
at Greyhound Drive and on Cyclone Drive at Greyhound Drive)", be considered and
passed for the second and third times and adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4931.
NEW BUSINESS
128169 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
to instruct Superintendent of Central Garage to prepare specifications, bid
document, etc. in conjunction with Purchase of Seven 2009 Ford Crown Victoria
Police Interceptor Squad Cars, be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes:
Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128170 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that specifications, bid document, etc. in conjunction with Purchase of Seven
2009 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Squad Cars, be received and placed
on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128171 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution preliminarily approving specifications, bid document, etc. in
conjunction with above described purchase", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent:
Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1025.
128172 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution setting date of hearing on specifications, bid document, etc.
as December 8, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers and taking of
bids on the above described purchase", be adopted and City Clerk instructed to
publish notice of same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1026.
128173 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
to instruct Leisure Services Director to prepare plans, specifications, form of
contract, etc. in conjunction with 2008 Dog Park Fencing Project, be received,
placed on file and approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
128174 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that plans, specifications, form of contract, etc. in conjunction with 2008 Dog
Park Fencing Project, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent:
Cole. Motion carried.
128175 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution preliminarily approving plans, specifications, form of
contract, etc. in conjunction with above described project", be adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt commented that he just wanted to confirm that the
funding for the dog fence is all coming from private donations and not
taxpayers' money. Mayor Hurley responded that is correct.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1027.
• •
• •
November 17, 2008 Page 9
New Business continued
128176 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution setting date of hearing on plans, specifications, form of
contract, etc. as December 1, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council
Chambers and taking of bids on the above described purchase", be adopted and
City Clerk instructed to publish notice of same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1028.
128177 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Development Director transmitting proposed 3rd
Amendment to Section 108 Loan Guarantee/BEDI Grant Application Budget, be
received, placed on file and "Resolution setting date of hearing as December 1,
2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers on the above described
request", be adopted and City Clerk instructed to publish notice of same. Ayes:
Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1029.
128178 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting
Development Agreement with Roosevelt Roby to sell and convey property generally
located at 132 Sumner Street for $3,600.00, be received, placed on file and
"Resolution setting date of hearing as December 8, 2008, at 5:30 p.m. in the
City Hall Council Chambers on the above described request", be adopted and City
Clerk instructed to publish notice of same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2008-1030.
128179 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that extension of curbside yard waste pickup to December 12, 2008, be approved.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Greenwood noted that he had a couple more people call today that
over the weekend filled up their blue can and there would not be another recycle
week next week. The suggestion was to not have a recycle in the month of
November. Recycle pickup is this week so there is no more. Councilperson
Greenwood stated he knows extending the yardwaste pickup will add extra stress
on our budget, be he supports doing this.
Mayor Hurley commented that this is a fair idea and helpful to our citizens, and
that, hopefully, the weather will be nice so everyone can take advantage of
this.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
128180 Forrest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, stated that for several years he has
come before council to address the street lights' situation. He recently made a
report to Traffic Operations as well as Mayor Hurley about the large number of
street lights that are out on University Avenue and at the very same
intersections that he reported for three or four years. Two or three of them
out at major highway intersections. The count he gave to the city last time was
between 40 and 50 lights. They haven't worked in four or five years.
MidAmerican Energy does fix some, but if they fix one two go out. Its just
never ending on University Avenue and all the way through our city. Highway 63
and Ansborough is just the same intersections all the time. Mr. Dillavou stated
he believes there has to be some way to either quit paying for them or get them
fixed and working.
Sandi Greco, Superintendent of Traffic Operations, reported she had a couple of
employees go out last week early in the morning, and they wrote down all the
pole numbers that are out on University Avenue, and they were turned into
MidAmerican Energy last week. Ms. Greco stated she heard from Mike Massina this
morning, and MidAmerican Energy has crews out on University Avenue this week
working on those lights. They hope to get them back on by the end of this week
or next week including the ones on Highway 63. Ms. Greco noted that the city
received a rebate from American Energy last year for the lights that were out.
November 17, 2008 Page 10
Oral Presentations continued
Mr. Dillavou stated the city needs an ongoing process to keep them working
rather than waiting until someone like him reports them out.
Ms. Greco noted that MidAmerican Energy is suppose to be doing underground
repair this week on University Avenue as that seems to be the main problem.
Mayor Hurley stated the lights do not belong to the city, we pay for them and it
has been frustrating to get them out and underground.
Mr. Dillavou stated they keep talking underground, but these lights go off and
on. There has to be electricity to the top of the pole to make it go off and
on, so he doesn't think the electricity under the ground has a breaker under it.
Mayor Hurley commented probably not a breaker but maybe a break in the circuit.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if the lights are metered or capped and does the
city pay a per light per pole.
Ms. Greco responded the city pays per light pole. The majority of MidAmerican
Energy's lights are not metered. Some of ours are but MidAmerican Energy's
lights are not.
Councilperson Greenwood stated there was one in his neighborhood that he had
MidAmerican Energy look at a couple three years ago. and they said the
underground is wire feed, that it must be broke somewhere, and he asked if the
city is paying for that light.
Ms. Greco responded that the city still pays for them even though they are out,
and that is why we report them as soon as we get reports that they are out.
Councilperson Greenwood commented that the light in his neighborhood that has an
underground wiring problem, that MidAmerican Energy told him three years ago
that its wiring they are not going to fix, that the city is still paying for
that light. Councilperson Greenwood asked how much per month does the city pay
for that light.
Ms. Greco responded the cost per monthdepends on which type of light it is, if
its decorative or just on a wooden pole 100 watt. Each one has a different
rate.
Councilperson Greenwood noted that that light in his neighborhood is on a
decorative pole. Ms. Greco responded that the city probably pays about $11.00
per month for that light.
Councilperson Getty stated that he mentioned the problem with the street lights
at last Thursday's agenda meeting as he was concerned with the residential areas
on Cedar Bend by the new Lincoln School. There are several lights out in that
area that haven't worked for quite some time. He contacted Ms. Greco who
turned them into MidAmerican Energy. Councilperson Getty stated that he doesn't
understand MidAmerican Energy's problem that they give us all the lip service
they want, but that still doesn't turn on the lights. Councilperson Getty asked
for a report on how much rebate MidAmerican Energy gave the city for those
street lights. Councilperson Getty stated that he would suggest that everyone
with a street light out pick up the phone and call Ms. Greco's office. Mayor
Hurley stated they could also call the Mayor's office. Councilperson Getty
stated they should call either office, give us the address and then we should
check to find out why the light is not working. If its MidAmerican's problem
then lets see about getting some more rebate back from them because there are a
lot of lights all over our residential areas that just do not work.
Mayor Hurley commented that we do need the eyes and ears of citizens like as Mr.
Dillavou as he has been very good, very patient and very frustrated about it.
Hopefully, on University we are going to see a change. Mayor Hurley commented
that the city does not have a Traffic Department with enough people to make
these rounds and go at night especially, so this is one where citizens' eyes and
ears definitely helps.
Councilperson Hart stated that last Friday we had the Human Rights Conference at
Hawkeye Community College, and he complimented the Executive Director and
Councilman Reggie Schmitt for being in attendance. From what he has heard from
other staff members, this is one of the best conferences they have been to, and
it was a great opportunity for law enforcement, community members, young people,
whomever, to be able to dialogue and come together for a common cause.
• •
• •
November 17, 2008 Page 11
Oral Presentations continued
Councilperson Hart thanked all those who were in attendance and the conference
planning committee.
Councilperson Hart stated that Chamberlains is not a dump site, it's a recycling
site. If you need to take recyclable materials there please do so, but for the
people that misuse the intended use, that is terrible. Its been a good
opportunity for people to get rid of those recyclable things that are in their
house, but its not for couches or loveseats. Councilperson Hart challenged the
community that if they see someone doing that or dumping things that are not
suppose to be there to give us a call at city hall and let us know because we
want to maintain the integrity of what it is used for. Councilperson Hart
stated that his plea to the community is to stand up, even if its someone from
outside of the community it doesn't make a difference because two wrongs don't
make a right, Stand up, let people know, get license plates down and lets
maintain the integrity of what that site is intended for in regards to
recycling.
Mayor Hurley stated that he and staff are giving serious consideration as to
what to do with that site because of the abuse, and we need a site in that area.
We don't want to throw out the baby with the bath water and make it inconvenient
for the vast majority of people who use our recycling sites, including
Chamberlains. We have a great recycling program, which as a matter of fact is
envied throughout the state. Mayor Hurley noted that we did have a citizen take
down a license plate and actually follow an out-of-state contractor who was
dumping shingles at that site. We found the person, took him back to the site
where they had to clean it up and then he was issued a citation. We will
follow-up on those kind of violations, but we obviously need the help of our
citizenry. Mayor Hurley stated he also is hearing nothing but good things about
the Human Rights Conference and had he not been in Orlando at the National
League of Cities annual conference, he would have been there.
Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Cole. Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
128181 - Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that the Council adjourn at 6:25
carried.
p.m.
Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion
Nancy Ecl ert , CMC
City Clerk