HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01/12/2009• •
January 12, 2009
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, January 12, 2009. Mayor Timothy J.
Hurley in the Chair. Roll Call: Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper,
Reggie Schmitt.
Moment of Silence.
Pledge of Allegiance: Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director.
128400 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the Agenda, as amended, for the Regular Session on Monday, January 12,
2009, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128401 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, January 5,
2009, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
128402 - 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. 1-72, dated January 12, 2009, in
the amount of $1,323,889.38, 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. 2009-9.
b. Motion to approve the following:
1. Communication from Superintendent of Traffic Operations transmitting
recommendation of appointment of Matt Vlasak to the position of Traffic
Signal Technician Foreman, effective January 13, 2009.
c. Liquor License Permit Application
Class E
Hy -Vee Food Store, 4000 University Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 3/15/10)
(Includes Sunday Sales)
Hometown Foods, 1010 E. Mitchell Avenue (Renewal) Expires 3/9/10) (Includes
Sunday Sales)
d. Wine License Permit Application
Class B
Hy -Vee Food Store, 4000 University Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 3/15/10)
(Includes Sunday Sales)
Hometown Foods, 1010 E. Mitchell Avenue (Renewal) Expires 3/9/10) (Includes
Sunday Sales)
K -Mart, 3810 University Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 2/28/10) (Includes Sunday
Sales)
e. Beer License Permit Application
Class C
Hy -Vee Food Store, 4000 University Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 3/15/10)
(Includes Sunday Sales)
Hometown Foods, 1010 E. Mitchell Avenue (Renewal) Expires 3/9/10) (Includes
Sunday Sales)
K -Mart, 3810 University Avenue (Renewal) (Expires 2/28/10) (Includes Sunday
Sales)
f. Beer/Liquor License Permit Application
Class C
Blue River, 315 W. 4' Street (Renewal) (Expires 2/14/10) (Includes Sunday
Sales)
g. Outdoor Service Area Application
Blue River, 315 W. 4th Street
January 12, 2009 Page 2
Consent Agenda continued
Ayes: Seven, with Councilperson Steve Schmitt abstaining on PV in the amount of
$1,518.50 and PV in the amount of $237.50 for work performed by Schmitt Telecom
Partners. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
128403 - Getty/Hart
that communications from Leisure Services Director transmitting recommendation
of award of bid in the amount of $62,799.00 to Waterloo Implement of Waterloo,
Iowa in conjunction with the Purchase of Three John Deere 5085M Tractors With
Attachments, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving award of said
bid", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-10.
128404 Getty/Hart
that communication from Leisure Services Director transmitting recommendation of
award of bid in the amount of $37,308.22 to Tennant Company of Minneapolis,
Minnesota in conjunction with the Purchase of One Tennant S30 Sweeper, be
received, placed on file and "Resolution approving award of said bid", be
adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Greenwood inquired where the city will use this sweeper and why
are we not using one of the city's other sweepers.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, :responded that this sweeper will be used
in the downtown area, and the sweeper will be shared with Traffic Operations.
Its a smaller sweeper, a trailer -able sweeper that will be moved around. It
will be used for the Riverwalk Loop Expo Plaza as well as the parking ramps.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-11.
PETITIONS FROM PUBLIC
128405 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Police Chief transmitting request of John Deere Waterloo
Works to extend the original date of closing of River Road from Commercial
Street in a northwesterly direction to Conger Street from November 15, 2008 to
April 15, 2009 as part of maintenance and resurfacing of the bridge over Black
Hawk Creek and construction of a new internal road at the Westfield Avenue site,
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.
Mayor Hurley noted that council received a note from Jeff Kutz from Deere today.
Councilperson Getty stated he 'did' not see the letter from Mr. Kutz.
Councilperson Getty stated his concern and as Councilperson Steve Schmitt
mentioned last week about waiting -`for cement to be poured, is the bridge
completed.
Jeff Kutz, representing John Deere, responded that the bridge was completed on
time. Deere requested and it was granted by the city council that the road be
closed for the first time until November 15, 2008. That was completed all on
schedule. The second project came up, which is actually the internal road which
runs parallel to River Road that will service the east end of the plant. Deere
had had some things to do before then, such as some storm sewer work and filling
in a corner of the pond. Deere had to ask for an extension until the January
15, 2009 date for the River Road so that they could complete that internal road.
A few things caused a delay and now with the snow and the frost has gotten into
the ground so they can't pour that concrete until spring.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated the question both he and Councilperson Getty
raised last week is given the conditions is there a purpose to extending this
closure until April, or if Deere maintained the road in an acceptable manner why
don't we open it until the weather clears up and then talk about closing it at
some point.
January 12, 2009
Petitions from Public continued
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if Deere is going to get anything done in the
next couple of months given the weather conditions because this is going to end
up totaling eight months by the time we are all done. Councilperson Steve
Schmitt stated there is number of folks who are feeling a little inconvenienced,
but if there is a good reason they want to facilitate making it as easy as
possible for John Deere. If nothing is going to happen would it make sense to
open it up for the next couple of months.
Mr. Kutz responded the reason they asked for the original closing was because
they have unlicensed vehicles using that road to get from around the north side
of the plant to the east side of the plant. They have gators, unlicensed
Kalamazoos, and their material delivery trucks that are used normally internal
to the plant downtown. They are out on the road, and it was just easier to
extend the closure because of the fact that Deere would have those vehicles on
the road.
Page 3
Councilperson Getty stated that his objection is that it takes a long time.
Councilperson Getty stated he gets a lot of phone calls from people in the
Rainbow Drive area and the north part of Waterloo who use River Road to get to
downtown Waterloo and Mullan Avenue. Councilperson Getty noted it was mentioned
the other day that they could use Westfield, but there are also four stops signs
and semi traffic using Westfield, and it takes much longer to drive Westfield
Avenue than it does River Road. Councilperson Getty stated he thinks Deere's
request is a big inconvenience and finds it difficult to approve this request.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt questioned from a public safety standpoint if this
is an issue having a semi -main arterial road closed for that period of time.
Doug Carter, Fire Chief, noted that the Fire Department's concern with any road
closure is the ability to respond. The only business along that road is Deere,
and they still have access to Gate 16. Fire Engines coming to Electric Park and
Cattle Congress would be coming from Station 4 at University Avenue and
Ansborough Avenue and Station 3 by Allen Hospital than coming from downtown by
Westfield Avenue, so they do not feel there is a great impact on the Fire
Department. Chief Carter stated their concern has always been the maintenance
of the road so if the Fire Department needs to use it then it is available to
them. Chief Carter stated as long as Deere meets their part of the bargain of
keeping the road accessible then they'do not have a problem with it.
Councilperson Greenwood asked who is maintaining it, are city plows maintaining
the road or is Deere.
Chief Carter responded that Deere' is maint*ining the road. The agreement was
not just the section they use but' the`_'elitire' road which means at the in -points
attention needs to be paid to the ridge left by our city plows, and it is his
understanding that Deere is to clean' that ridge. The barricades are set up
such that there is a gap to get in.' The Fire Department would have an issue if
there were three or four foot ridge of'snow.
Mr. Kutz noted he drove the road not 10 minutes ago, and it is clear on all
lanes all the way to Conger Street. At Conger Street, there are barricades, but
there is enough room for a vehicle to get through and the ridges from the city
plow is cleared out.
Councilperson Cole asked staff to display a map showing the distances people
have to detour.
Mayor Hurley stated that to him its like imagining a football and you have to go
from point to point. Its elliptical either way, and there are more stop signs
and a jog on the Westfield side. Mayor Hurley urged council to seriously
consider this request. They don't come very often, its John Deere with 90 years
of jobs and investment in this community, $1.1 million dollars to United Way,
several hundred thousand dollars in services and equipment given to the city
during the flood.
Tom Jennings, Chief of Police, stated tpe Police Department has no concerns in
that it doesn't effect them either Fray-:;- Hid ain concern was for public safety
and with the vehicles that were goingto be on that stretch of road. Chief
Jennings stated personal injury accidents and the injury to a person was why he
recommended to keep the road closed so` that they could get back and forth.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Six. Nays: Getty.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-12.
January 12, 2009 Page 4
DOCUMENTS
128406 Steve Schmitt/Welper
that communication from Airport Director transmitting Change Order No. 1 for a
net increase in the amount of $8,775.00 for work performed by K. Cunningham
Construction, Inc. of Cedar Falls, Iowa in conjunction with Rehabilitation of
General Aviation Apron and Taxilanes, Phase 2, at Waterloo Regional Airport, be
received, placed on file and approved and Mayor authorized to execute same.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 0
128407 - Steve Schmitt/Welper
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting
Change Order No. 6 for a net increase in the amount of $1,380.00 for work
performed by D.W. Zinser Co. Inc. of Walford, Iowa in conjunction with
Demolition of Chamberlain Manufacturing Property, Phase 1, Contract No. 741, be
received, placed on file and approved and Mayor authorized to execute same.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128408 - Steve Schmitt/Welper
that communication from Associate Engineer transmitting Change Order No. 1 for a
net decease of $8,440.00 for work performed by Peterson Contractors, Inc. of
Reinbeck, Iowa in conjunction with F.Y. 2007 Permanent Closure of Railroad
Crossing Across Black Hawk Creek, Contract No. 728, be received, placed on file
and approved and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
128409 - Steve Schmitt/Welper
that communication from City Engineer .transmitting Completion of Project and
Recommendation of Acceptance of work 'performed by Peterson Contractors, Inc. of
Reinbeck, Iowa at a total cost of$57,732.50 in conjunction with F.Y. 2007
Permanent Closure of Railroad Crossing. Across Black Hawk Creek, Contract No.
728, be received, placed on file and `"Resolution approving said documents", be
adopted and two-year Maintenance bond be received and placed on file. Ayes:
Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-13.
128410 - Steve Schmitt/Welper
that communication from Community Planning and Development Director transmitting
Completion of Project and Recommendation of Acceptance of Work performed by D.W.
Zinser Co. Inc. at a total cost of $542,349.20 in conjunction with Demolition of
Former Chamberlain Manufacturing Project, Phase 1, Contract No. 741, be
received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said documents", be adopted
and two-year Maintenance bond be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-14.
128411 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Airport Director transmitting
Department of Transportation for a grant in the amount
$4,285.00 city match, for pavement manance work at the
placed on file and "Resolution approving' said agreement",
and City Clerk authorized to execute sine. Ayes: Seven.
agreement with Iowa
of $10,000.00, with
airport, be received,
be adopted and Mayor
Resolution adopted and upon approval.Mayor assigned No. 2009-15.
128412 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from City Planner transmitting contract for Jumpstart Small
Business Assistance Program with La Chiquita, Inc., 301-307 E. 4th Street, for
$25,000.00, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
contract", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-16.
January 12, 2009
Documents continued
128413 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
•
Page 5
that communication from City Planner transmitting contract for Jumpstart Small
Business Assistance Program with Rock King L.P., 109 Jefferson, for $50,000.00,
be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said contract", be adopted
and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-17.
128414 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting a
lease agreement at a cost of $2,182.20 with Willard Frost to farm approximately
29 acres of land generally located near the Northeast Industrial Park, just west
of Northeast Drive between Newell Street and MLK Jr. Drive, be received, placed
on file and "Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted and Mayor and City
Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-18.
128415 - Cole/Welper
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting
agreement with Tallgrass Historians L.C. of Iowa City, Iowa at a cost of
$11,672.00 for architectural and historic review of the Chamberlain site, be
received, placed on file and "Resolzition approving said agreement", be adopted
and Mayor and City Clerk authorized toexecute same.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Councilperson Cole asked if this architectural and historic review on a building
that we have almost completely demolished is mandated by the federal government.
Noel Community Planning & Development Director, responded yes.
Councilperson Hart stated that he recently had a conversation with one of our
congressmen and the question came up in addition to doing this historical review
what are the possibilities of doing a video format to be able to speak a little
bit about the life of Chamberlain. That way when its time to advocate like city
staff is doing in D.C. maybe that video can used to present something to people
in a different format.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, stated he will speak
with Jan Nash from Tallgrass Historians based on the amount of information that
she is able to gather and see what kind of video or other information we can put
together. Ms. Nash has been talking with the State Historic Preservation
office, and they encourage new formats.. for these types of sites.
Councilperson Greenwood asked who gets that information.
Mr. Anderson noted that its the environmental review or the Section 106 process
for different projects, and we have.to do a historical documentation. A lot of
times that is filed with the Planning office, with the City Clerk's office and a
copy is sent to the library. The State Historic Preservation office has been
looking for new ways of conveying the information to the public so its not
always in the same book format. If there is a video or some other types of
thing that we can do, staff will explore those possibilities.
James Walsh, City Attorney, reported that the Library of Congress records these
documents, and they can be found on-line if you Google Waterloo Chamberlain
History. The Library of Congress will in a few months have on their website the
pictures and story about Chamberlain. They keep a very good record. There is
information on it already about Waterloo historically, and there are very
interesting pictures from Waterloo's history that are archived.
Councilperson Greenwood asked if the cost would be funded with HUD funds. Mr.
Anderson responded this would be an eligible expense for HUD money.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by' Mayor assigned No. 2009-19.
January 12, 2009 Page 6
Documents continued
128416 - Cole/Welper
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting
Assistance Agreement Notice with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a one-
year extension to the Waterloo Brownfields Petroleum Assessment Grant, be
received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted
and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-20.
128417 - Cole/Welper
that communication from Community Pianr ng & Development Director transmitting
Assistance Agreement Notice with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a one-
year extension to the Waterloo Brownfields Hazardous Assessment Grant, be
received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted
and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-21.
RESOLUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED
128418 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that "Resolution supporting the Cedar Valley Go 5210! Fit Families Alliance
Committee" be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-22.
ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED
128419 Reggie Schmitt/Welper
that "an Ordinance amending the 2007 Code of Ordinances of the City of Waterloo,
Iowa by adding Article B, Civil Emergencies,,. of Chapter 2, General Offenses, of
Title 5, Police Regulations (authoriz's Mayor to proclaim emergency during
natural disasters such floods, tornadoes, etc.)`', be received, placed on file,
considered and passed for the first time.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, he following comments were heard.
Mayor Hurley explained that currently the mayor is covered by Iowa State Code
372.14(2), and it is not in Waterloo's Code of Ordinances. Iowa Code 372.14(2)
states, "the mayor may take command of the police and govern the city by
proclamation upon making a determination that a time of emergency or public
danger exists. Within the city limits, the mayor has all the powers conferred
upon the sheriff to suppress disorders." Mayor Hurley noted this is reflective
of June 2008 when we did some mandatory evacuation orders. The mayor was
covered by State Code, but other cities specifically put it in their Code of
Ordinances, and, in fact, we borrowed heavily from the City of Iowa City.
James Walsh, City Attorney, explained the proposed ordinance really seems to
limit the mayor's power rather than to enhance it. The State Code was very
general, and sheriffs have wide duties, but there are no definitions in the
State Code. This ordinance defines the terms and makes it clearer to constitute
what is a state of emergency and makes a very vague state law into a specific
city ordinance. Mr. Walsh noted the argument might be made that the city has
gotten by since 1868 without this, why do we need it now. In his recollection,
this is the first time the city hai3fr `evacuation order, and that raised the
issue as to what are the limits f�1�. ` Its within the control of the city
council, and they have defined the mayor's duty in regards to this State
statute.
Councilperson Hart asked Mr. Walsh if he is saying the sheriffs had pretty much
jurisdiction instead of us having it locally.
Mr. Walsh replied not within the city limits. The sheriffs have broad duties
under state law and can do many of the things that are numerated in the proposed
ordinance. The reference is they bootstrapped in sheriffs because probably when
the state law was written, sheriffs were the primary source of law and police
action in the State of Iowa.
Councilperson Hart stated the only question he has is being able to offer input
and assistance to the mayor in a time of need, bouncing things off of each
other.
• •
• •
January 12, 2009
Ordinances to be Adopted continued
Page 7
Councilperson Hart stated it seems t'o'''F%m that will be taken away from council
to have even a little input as to the direction we need to move collectively
instead of putting the burden all on one particular office.
Mayor Hurley commented that in June, he was seeking every bit of advise and
consultation that he could get from staff and any available council members, but
this will take place in time of a natural disaster, a war, or an act of
terrorism and you need somebody who is empowered to act quickly. Mayor Hurley
stated that Mr. Walsh put a very important coloration on it that this ordinance
limits the powers of the mayor as opposed to giving him or her all of the power
that a sheriff would normally have.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128420 - Reggie Schmitt/Welper
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two
prior meetings be suspended. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128421 Reggie Schmitt/Welper
that "an Ordinance amending the 2007;Code of;,Ordinances of the City of Waterloo,
Iowa by adding Article B, Civil Emergencies; of Chapter 2, General Offenses, of
Title 5, Police Regulations (authorizes Mayor' to proclaim emergency during
natural disasters such floods, tornadoes, etc.)", be considered and passed for
the second and third times and adopted Ayes: Seven.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4937.
NEW BUSINESS
128422 - Hart/Greenwood
to instruct Leisure Services Director to prepare plans, specifications, form of
contract, etc. in conjunction with Purchase of 2009 Golf Turf Equipment, be
received, placed on file and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128423 - Hart/Greenwood
that plans, specifications, form of contract, etc. in conjunction with Purchase
of 2009 Golf Turf Equipment, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
128424 - Hart/Greenwood
that "Resolution preliminarily ap'pt'cing'• plans, specifications, form of
contract, etc. in conjunction with'a'bbdescribed purchase", be adopted. Ayes:
Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-23.
128425 - Hart/Greenwood
that "Resolution setting date of hearing on plans, specifications, form of
contract, etc. as January 26, 2009 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: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-24.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
128426 - Buck Clark, 217 Normandy Street, stated for the past few months it has been a
little bit of a tough time being a business owner in downtown Waterloo.
Starting in June with the flood, there were several businesses closed for a
while. The street was closed, which had a tremendous affect on the businesses,
and winter started early in downtown. Mr. Clark stated when we get snow on a
Friday or a Saturday, it shuts down the businesses, and it can cost several
thousand dollars over a couple of day..when the customers don't have access to
the businesses. This morning was the_.p*th-''t'ime`that he had to call the mayor's
office to get a little piece of taat'''4`°" Street cleaned that is the city's
responsibility.
January 12, 2009 Page 8
Oral Presentations continued
Mr. Clark stated he knows the city has a tough time getting snow removed, its
city wide and its all over the place, but its tough for those trying to make a
living in downtown when the customers can't get to them. The 100, 200 and 300
blocks of East 4th Street are really having a tough time this year with snow
removal in the parking areas and certain parts of the sidewalk. That little
stretch of about 60 feet of sidewalk .just north of the Screaming Eagle just
south of Jameson's next to Levi just continually gets left out. The whole block
of Lafayette between 4th Street and Park is almost impassable. All of the
parking areas for the cars along there seem to get left until the very last
before those parking areas are cleaned and nobody can park downtown. Mr. Clark
stated he doesn't know what it would take to get the priority issue changed for
maybe those three blocks so that t e.bmsinesses could get access sooner, and
anything that mayor and council could'i''do to help the businesses get that snow
out of there sooner than its getting out'' now would be greatly appreciated.
Mayor Hurley stated that everyone understands the tough year downtown business
owners have had, the flood happened, the snow happens and the street work was
planned. The street will be temporarily disrupted again next construction
season so we can finish on the 100 block. The city sent the Bombardier to clean
the sidewalk area of East 4th and Lafayette north of the Screaming Eagle and
around the corner. Mayor Hurley stated he doesn't know what caused that area
to be left out, but it has gotten the city's attention and will be taken care of
regularly. The snow removal policy is set by council. The city does plow
downtown at night, but there are vehicles parked, etc., and what we can't get to
right away during the priority will wait for removal until everything else is
taken care of. Mayor Hurley stated he was told by staff that the way things are
looking it could be Thursday night or maybe Wednesday night before the city
removes the snow piles. Mayor Hurley stated he has a tentative plan to attack
that tomorrow night using other personnel.
Mr. Clark stated its not the piles of snow that are of concern but its the
actual parking areas, the spaces where cars park. The plow comes down and plows
the street open, but they don't plow open the parking spaces for some time, and
the Main Street parking lot has not been plowed. Mayor Hurley responded that
Main Street pays for their own parking lot.
Mayor Hurley noted that the city has to' plow `downtown when there are the least
amount of vehicles so plows can cut and go curb to curb. Mayor Hurley asked
Mr. Clark how he thought downtown business owners would react if council adopted
an amendment to the snow removal ordinance that said no parking in the downtown
from November 1 through March 31t from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. Mr. Clark
responded he can't speak for anybody but himself, but he thinks it would be
fabulous.
Mr. Clark stated its really critical if we get snow on Friday that affects
Friday's business, and if the snow is not gone by Saturday then it still affects
his business on Saturday.
Mayor Hurley noted there is a fine number of equipment, a fine number of people
and a fine number of hours that they can be behind the wheel. They work really
hard and tonight with the wind, they will be in drift control.
Mayor Hurley noted that according to the state climatologist, we are at about
170 percent of our normal precipitation for this time of the year. Ominously
similar to last year, we are all cognizance of that and are watching things very
closely and trying to make the moves that keep us from having like we did last
spring and summer. Mayor Hurley passed along a request from the Fire Chief
asking citizens' cooperation in clearing snow from the hydrants. It slows down
the Fire Department if they have to find.. them and clear them themselves.
Mayor Hurley explained that the street,"'crews do' the best they can when garbage
containers are out in the street an. they try to go around them but just the
force of the snow knocks them over not necessarily the blade. Put them in your
driveway or try to keep them on the parking, do the best you can to keep your
garbage containers out of the street.' 'Mayor Hurley noted that early December
there was a press conference detailing with the city's snow and ice control
policy that runs regularly on Channel 15. The list of streets and the map are
shown on Channel 15 and are also available on the city's website.
Mayor Hurley commented that a good citizen has written saying the Street
Department is doing a good job clearing the streets but due to parked cars its
impossible to do an adequate job. The citizen feels that mayor and council are
not enforcing the odd and even parking policies, which the city does not have
that policy. Parked cars must be moved within so many hours but this too is not
enforced. The writer is correct in some of that.
• •
• •
January 12, 2009 Page 9
Oral Presentations continued
We have a snow emergency policy which allows citizens to park their cars for 48
hours and then it can be ticketed. Mayor Hurley stated that a few years back
the same kind of things came up and city council really got after the mayor and
staff to enforce that policy, but they reversed their decision about a week
later because of the outcry from the citizens because they had nowhere to put
their cars.
Mayor Hurley commented that the City of Cedar Falls has "Current" which is an
informative publication that comes out quarterly. The front page story is about
their snow removal on over 200 miles of city streets, and we have probably 500
miles of city streets. They are categorized by traffic load. Each street is
assigned a priority for service. Priority one streets are the major
thoroughfares with heavy traffic. Priority two streets are collectors and
priority three streets are residential. Mayor Hurley noted that Cedar Falls'
policy is very much the same as Waterloo's, so we are not doing anything odd.
Mayor Hurley gave an update on street lights. There are sections of street
lights out on Highway 63 North (Logan Avenue) on the west side of the street
from Parker Street to Donald Street, but all street lights on the east side of
the street are working. Sections of lights are out on the south side of W.
Ridgeway Avenue from Highway 63 (Sergeant Road) to the west side of the bridge,
and it will be necessary to work in the ditch along with MidAmerican Energy to
make the repairs. Street lights are out on the east side of LaPorte Road from
Easton Avenue to San Marnan Drive, but the lights are working on the west side
of LaPorte Road. Street lights are out on the south side of Mulberry Street
between Park Avenue and East 3rd Street, but the lights on the north side are
working. Due to an accident over the weekend five street lights are out on
Airline Highway, east of Leversee Road; however the city is working with
MidAmerican Energy to repair the damageand get them working as soon as possible
weather permitting.
Mayor Hurley noted the city appreciates the Waterloo Courier's editorials over
the loss of LS Power, and their encouragement of the community to move forward.
Mayor Hurley stated that a recent editorial leaves the impression that the City
of Waterloo lost the Monsanto Plant:The Monsanto Plant was a loss to Waterloo
but that was not a City of Waterloo project. The City of Waterloo had
peripheral involvement because we are paid by Black Hawk County to provide
Planning and Zoning services for the county. We do not impose the city's
Planning and Zoning ordinances on the county, we just provide the expertise and
manpower to enforce Black Hawk County's ordinances.
Councilperson Hart reminded people of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday,
January 19, 2009. Councilperson Hart noted that everyone is calling this a day
of service, and he encouraged citizens to find something in the community to do
to give back. Councilperson Hart stated that he knows a lot of people are
giving back a lot of time, but this is' a very special day. The annual Martin
Luther King Jr. banquet will be held on Sunday at Hawkeye Community College. It
is an excellent opportunity to celebrate in remembrance with a lot of our
residents throughout the Cedar Valley.
Getty/Reggie Schmitt
that the above oral comments be receiVed and placed on file. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
128427 - Welper/Greenwood
that the Council adjourn at 6:24 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy EckZrt, CMC
City Clerk