HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-03/23/2009• •
March 23, 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, March 23, 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: Quentin Hart, Ward 4 Council Member.
128748 Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, March 23, 2009,
at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128749 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, March 16,
2009, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Mayor Tim Hurley presented Basketball Character Counts Coach of the Year to:
William Muhammad, Bill Campbell, Dan Goken, Sarah Sterner.
Mayor Tim Hurley presented Basketball Character Counts Player of the Year to:
Phynex Ambrose, Tahya Campbell, Domineque Terry, Queshandis Seals and Jaclyn
Spencer.
Mayor Tim Hurley recognized Volunteers of Young Men in Action Program.
CONSENT AGENDA
128750 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that the following items on the consent agenda be received, placed on file and
approved:
a. Resolutions to approve the following:
1. Resolution approving Schedule AP642, pp. 1-47, dated March 23, 2009, in
the amount of $1,345,875.93, 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. 2009-225.
2. Communication from Police Chief transmitting request of Waterloo Jaycees
to hold the Waterloo Jaycees Fireworks Festival on July 4, 2009 from 6:00
p.m. until midnight (July 5 rain date), including use of Veteran's
Memorial Park, 4th Street Bridge, Soldiers and Sailors Park, the lot along
4th Street next to the Courier building and the 6th Street Bridge, and road
closures.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-226.
3. Communication from City Engineer transmitting request of Gerald Wildebour
for a waiver for a concrete driveway to be located at 1403 Bowers Street,
together with recommendation of approval.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-227.
b. Motion to approve the following:
1. Randy Shepard and Troy Deeds, Airport Maintenance Workers, to attend FAA
Airfield Rescue & Fire Fighting Training in Duluth, Minnesota on March
25-26, 2009, with costs not to exceed $1,700.00, including use of city
vehicle.
2. Aaron McClelland and Greg Fangman, Police Sergeants, to attend First Line
Supervision School at Camp Dodge, Iowa on April 6-10, 2009, with costs
not to exceed $1,443.00, including use of city vehicle.
3. Aaron McClelland, Ann Meyer, Lisa Campbell, Police Sergeants; and Brian
Hoelscher, Police Officer; to attend Glock Armorer School in Des Moines,
Iowa on April 14, 2009, with costs not to exceed $648.00, including use
of city vehicle.
March 23, 2009 Page 2
Consent Agenda continued
4. David Meeks, Executive Director of Human Rights Commission, to attend
Fair Housing Law and Enforcement Training, in Chicago, Illinois, on April
16-19, 2009, with costs not to exceed $669.65, including use of city
vehicle.
5. Rob Camarata, Police Sergeant, to attend Chemical Munitions Instructor
Recertification Class in Camp Dodge, Iowa on June 2, 2009, with costs not
to exceed $155.50, including use of city vehicle.
6. Aaron McClelland, Police Sergeant, to attend Taser Instructor
Recertification School in Camp Dodge, Iowa on May 5, 2009, with costs not
to exceed $185.50, including use of city vehicle.
7. Chris Gergen and Greg Erie, Police Officers, to attend International Law
Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association Conference in Wheeling,
Illinois on April 21-25, 2009, with costs not to exceed $1,724.28,
including use of city vehicle.
8. Brad Hagen, Airport Director, to attend 2009 Iowa Aviation Conference in
West Des Moines, Iowa on April 22-23, 2009, with costs not to exceed
$125.00, including use of city vehicle.
9. Steve Decker, Superintendent of Streets, to attend 2009 APWA North
American Snow Conference in Des Moines, Iowa on April 26-29, 2009, with
costs not to exceed $900.00, including use of city vehicle.
10. Ellen Laughlin, Draftsperson, to attend Iowa Geographical Information
Council 9th Biennial Conference and Workshops in Waterloo, Iowa on April
20-23, 2009, with costs not to exceed $235.00.
11. Mark Boesen, Manager of Rehabilitation Services
Conference Certification and Recertification in
1-3, 2009, with costs not to exceed $275.00,
vehicle.
, to attend IAHO Spring
Waterloo, Iowa on April
including use of city
12. Brice Lippert and Greg Erie, Police Officers, to attend Defensive Tactics
Instructor Recertification Class at Camp Dodge, Iowa on April 8, 2009,
with costs not to exceed $230.00, including use of city vehicle.
13. Communication from Mayor Hurley transmitting recommendation of
reappointment of Jim Ziener and Reginald Haywood to the Waterloo Housing
Authority Board, with term expiration date of January 2011.
c. Bonds.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
HEARINGS & BIDS
128751 - Steve Schmitt/Hart
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on F.Y. 2009 Street
Reconstruction Program, Contract No. 756, as published in the Waterloo Courier
on March 6, 2009, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
128752 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections and there were none.
Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Rd, stated that as he watched Black Hawk County
discuss some of the roads that they had overlaid with asphalt they found that an
outside contractor had done a wonderful job on a section of road. They found
that their mix could be improved by using the mix used by the out-of-town
contractor. Black Hawk County is going to request this year that whoever gets
the bid, and he believes its a local contractor, that they use a different mix
than what they have been using in the past. Mr. Dillavou stated he thinks the
city should get with the county and find out if we shouldn't also be adopting
this new mix to give us a better street as they found on the county road that
was redone.
Mayor Hurley responded that would probably apply for the city's overlay program,
but to the extent in the recon that we would use asphalt we certainly will find
out what the county is doing.
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March 23, 2009 Page 3
Hearings & Bids continued
Steve Schmitt/Hart
that the hearing be closed and oral comments be received and placed on file.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128753 - Steve Schmitt/Hart
that "Resolution confirming approval of plans, specifications, form of contract,
etc. in conjunction with F.Y. 2009 Street Reconstruction Program, Contract No.
756", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-228.
128754 - Steve Schmitt/Hart
that "Resolution ordering construction in conjunction with above project", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-229.
128755 - Steve Schmitt/Hart
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk to open and read bids and refer to City
Engineer for review:
Division I: Base Bid +
Bidder Bid Bond Alt A + Division II (asphalt)
Aspro, Inc., Waterloo, IA 5% $5,639,821.01
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128756 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on 2008 Haz Mat Fire
Training Center 8" Water Main Extension Project, as published in the Waterloo
Courier on March 6, 2009, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
128757 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written
and oral objections and there were none.
Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that the hearing be closed. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128758 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that "Resolution confirming approval of plans, specifications, form of contract,
etc. in conjunction with 2008 Haz Mat Fire Training Center 8" Water Main
Extension Project", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-230.
128759 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that "Resolution ordering construction in conjunction with above project", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-231.
128760 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk to open and read bids and refer to Fire
Chief for review:
Bidder Bid Bond
Hudson Hardware, Plumbing & Htg., Hudson, IA no bond
C & J Construction, Cedar Falls, IA 5%
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Bid Amount
$69,000.00
$52,031.80
March 23, 2009 Page 4
Hearings & Bids continued
128761 Getty/Hart
that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on Commercial Street
Parking Garage Repairs Phase I - Stairwells, as published in the Waterloo
Courier on March 6, 2009, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven. Motion
carried.
128762 - 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: Seven. Motion carried.
128763 - Getty/Hart
that "Resolution confirming approval of plans, specifications, form of contract,
etc. in conjunction with Commercial Street Parking Garage Repairs Phase I -
Stairwells", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-232.
128764 Getty/Hart
that "Resolution ordering construction in conjunction with above project", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-233.
128765 - Getty/Hart
to receive, file and instruct City Clerk to open and read bids and refer to
Building Official/Maintenance Administrator for review:
Bidder Bid Bond Bid Amount
Failor Hurley Construction, Hudson, IA 5% $621,100.00
Prairie Construction Company, Inc., Waterloo, IA 5% $717,800.00
Cardinal Const., Waterloo, IA 5% $711,711.00
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
128766 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Superintendent of Central Garage transmitting
recommendation of award of contract in the amount of $37,991.00 to Witham Auto
Center of Waterloo, Iowa in conjunction with Purchase of 2009 Ford F-350 With
Service Body, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving award of
said contract", be adopted.
Prior to a vote on the above motion, the following comments were heard.
Mayor Hurley noted that the 2009 Ford F-350 will be purchased using existing
general obligation bonds. The $1 million plus for the Riverfront Stadium Locker
Room Renovations is a combination of G.O. Bond money, FEMA reimbursements and
insurance settlements. The First Base Party Deck will funded by FEMA
reimbursement, insurance and a little bit of bond money.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, noted that gaming funds from the Black
Hawk County Gaming Association will also be used for the Riverfront Project.
Mr. Huting noted that would be the lion share for the locker room project as
well as bond money, FEMA money and insurance 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. 2009-234.
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March 23, 2009
Unfinished Business continued
128767 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
Page 5
that communication from Leisure Services Director transmitting recommendation of
award of contract in the amount of $1,123,100.00 to Peters Construction Corp. of
Waterloo, Iowa in conjunction with 2009 Riverfront Stadium Locker Room
Renovations, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving award of said
contract", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-235.
128768 - Greenwood/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Leisure Services Director transmitting recommendation of
award of contract in the amount of $57,000.00 to Christone Concrete Inc. of
Waterloo, Iowa in conjunction with 2009 Riverfront Stadium First Base Party Deck
Replacement, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving award of said
contract", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-236.
DOCUMENTS
128769 - Hart/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Airport Director transmitting three-year lease with
MobileMoney, Inc. to provide an ATM machine at the Airport at a cost of $150.00
per month, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
agreement", be adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-237.
128770 - Hart/Steve Schmitt
that communication from City Clerk transmitting application with Black Hawk
County Gaming Association for grant in the amount of $7,903.00 for an
indoor/outdoor sound system for Veterans Memorial Hall and Soldiers & Sailors
Park, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said application",
be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-238.
128771 - Hart/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Police Chief transmitting application with the
Governor's Alliance of Drug Control Policy for the FFY 2009 Justice Assistance
grant in the amount of $670,460.00, with city's portion of grant of $366,628.00
and city's 25 percent match of $91,657.00, to be used for funding of the Tri -
County Drug Enforcement Task Force, be received, placed on file and "Resolution
approving said agreement", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same.
Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-239.
128772 - Hart/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Police Chief transmitting application with Department of
Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance for FY2009 Recovery Act: Edward Byrne
Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Formula Program for sharing of funding
in the amount of $441,589.00 with Black Hawk County and the City of Cedar Falls,
be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said agreement", be
adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-240.
March 23, 2009
Documents continued
Page 6
128773 Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Leisure Services Director transmitting Contracts, Bonds
and Certificates of Insurance in the amount of $63,996.00, plus unit price for
additional deck patch at $15.00 per square foot, to Tricon General Construction
of Dubuque, Iowa in conjunction with 2009 Riverfront Stadium Grandstand
Structural Repairs, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
documents", be adopted and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute same.
Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-241.
128774 Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Community Development Director transmitting agreement
with Mullin & Lonergan Associates, Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at a cost of
$49,980.00 to provide professional services to update planning documents to
receive continued direct entitlement assistance from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development for Waterloo/Cedar Falls HOME Consortium funds, 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 Cole noted that we are not taking low bid on this item.
Rudy Jones, Community Development Director, responded that is correct.
Typically on some of the professional service contracts it is in our best
interest to consider the services provided versus the cost. This is the five
year annual plan which is very extensive and this year is different from
previous years because we have at least three times the funding streams because
of the housing crisis and because of the natural disaster crisis that we are
dealing with. This particular firm has expertise in dealing with communities
within the Midwest and particularly the State of Iowa. We have a whole
different housing climate and the disaster is going to add a whole different
twist to this year's 5 year plan because we have all these issues to consider.
Councilperson Cole noted that the City of Cedar Falls is going to pay $7,500.00
of the $49,980.00, with the City of Waterloo paying $42,480.00, and Mr. Jones
responded that is correct.
Councilperson Greenwood stated that Community Development sent out 12 requests
for proposals so he assumes all 12 are qualified providers. Mr. Jones responded
yes.
Councilperson Greenwood stated that although all 12 would be qualified
providers, Mr. Jones still thinks that the Mullin & Lonergan is more qualified
than the other proposals received.
Mr. Jones responded yes because of the different entitlement cities that the
other ones have performed this same type of services. Either they were on the
east coast predominantly or the west cost. Of the 12, there was a firm out of
Nebraska, one out of Illinois, and one out of the Kansas area. Mr. Jones stated
he did not find it strange that we didn't have any out of Iowa submitting for
this type of work simply because it is a highly experienced requirement for this
kind of work. As the HUD regulations change from year to year, it probably
requires somebody to stay on top of that, and maybe that is why we didn't have
any local regional firms apply.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if in the past this is something we have had
to hire an outside consultant, and this is not something our staff was able to
do in the past.
Mr. Jones responded that is correct. We have always hired outside consultants
which brings a non -biased approach. The last time INRCOG provided the service,
and we inquired of their desire to do it this year, but they are tied up with a
lot of flood recovery activities.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated he noticed they only listed one Iowa
customer, Iowa City, and he thought all the rest of their clients were from
Pennsylvania, West Virginia and places like that.
Mr. Jones responded that he is counting on the fact that they have some Iowa
experience.
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• •
March 23, 2009
Documents continued
Page 7
Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated that is the only Iowa account they have as
far as we know. Mr. Jones responded that is correct.
Following comments a vote was taken on the above motion with the following
result. Ayes: Five. Nays: Greenwood, Steve Schmitt.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-242.
128775 - Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Assistant City Engineer transmitting agreement with
Waterloo Water Works for reconstruction of existing water main and main
extension on Spieker Road from Pleasant Valley Drive south to the end of the
cul-de-sac in conjunction with F.Y. 2009 Street Reconstruction Program, Contract
No. 756, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said agreement",
be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-243.
128776 Reggie Schmitt/Steve Schmitt
that communication from Associate Engineer transmitting agreement with Iowa
Department of Transportation for Federal Highway Stimulus Program funds to be
used for overlays on various street, 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.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained that these are some additional streets
that will be overlaid with stimulus money. This is money that was funneled down
from the federal government through the IDOT and through the COGS. There were
pretty specific requirements, and they are looking for shovel ready projects.
This type of funding has to be used on federal aide roads, which are roads of a
certain classification by the federal government. They are the higher traveled
streets, and there is heavier volume of traffic on those streets so there are a
number of requirements that come along with this money. These were some streets
we were planning on overlaying in the future with local option funds. By using
this stimulus money, we will go back and adjust our local option program to fill
back in with additional streets that we will do in the city. There are a number
of federal requirements with this money that we had to follow, and that is why
we chose the streets that are on the list.
Mr. Thorson noted there is another item a little further down the agenda that
was also a project the DOT and the COG were very interested in because a certain
percentage of the money needs to be spent on trails and enhancements. This was
a project that we had under design and nearly complete making it shovel ready.
Mayor Hurley noted that is the trail from 6th Street to 18th Street on the south
side of the Cedar River, which is an integral part of the Riverfront Renaissance
but it has the kicker that it actually helped the state out in their quota for
trails.
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. 2009-244.
128777 - Cole/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from City Planner transmitting agreement for Jumpstart Small
Business Assistance Program funds in the amount of $22,500.00 for King Racing at
3345 University Avenue and $12,592.24 for A & S Petroleum located at 127
Jefferson Street, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said
contracts", be adopted and Mayor authorized to execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-245.
March 23, 2009 Page 8
Documents continued
128778 - Cole/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from City Planner transmitting application with Iowa Homeland
Security and Emergency Management for Community Disaster grants for acquisition
of properties, City Hall building improvements, flood gate repairs/replacement
and Riverfront Stadium Levee Study, be received, placed on file and "Resolution
approving said application", be adopted and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to
execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-246.
128779 - Cole/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Airport Director transmitting agreement with AECOM of
Waterloo, Iowa in the amount of $21,000.00 for design services of the
acquisition of ground power unit at the airport, be received, placed on file and
"Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted and Mayor authorized to
execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-247.
128780 - Cole/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Community Planning & Development Director transmitting
agreement with Iowa Department of Transportation for stimulus funding in the
amount of $817,000.00 for the Riverfront Renaissance Trail from 6th Street to 18th
Street on the south side of the Cedar River, be received, placed on file and
"Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted and Mayor authorized to
execute same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-248.
128781 - Cole/Reggie Schmitt
that communication from Assistant City Attorney transmitting
Acknowledgement/Settlement Agreement in the amount of $300.00 with Kum & Go, 117
E. San Marnan Drive, for sale of tobacco, tobacco products or cigarettes to
persons under 18 years of age, 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. 2009-249.
ORDINANCES TO BE ADOPTED
128782 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (68a) E.
Louise Street to Section 553, No Parking Here to Corner, (install No Parking
Here to Corner on the north side of the 400 block of E. Louise Street
approximately 20 ft. in a westerly direction)", be received, placed on file,
considered and passed for the first time. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128783 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that rules requiring ordinances to be considered and voted for passage at two
prior meetings be suspended. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
128784 - Welper/Reggie Schmitt
that "an Ordinance amending the 2008 Traffic Code by adding Subsection (68a) E.
Louise Street to Section 553, No Parking Here to Corner, (install No Parking
Here to Corner on the north side of the 400 block of E. Louise Street
approximately 20 ft. in a westerly direction)", be considered and passed for the
second and third times and adopted. Ayes: Seven.
Ordinance adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 4938.
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March 23, 2009
NEW BUSINESS
128785 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
Page 9
that "Resolution setting date of hearing as April 6, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the
City Hall Council Chambers on sale and conveyance of property generally located
at 313 Monroe Street for $117,000.00 to Adeline Collins", be adopted and City
Clerk instructed to publish notice of same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-250.
128786 - Hart/Reggie Schmitt
that "Resolution setting date of hearing as April 6, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. in the
City Hall Council Chambers on sale and conveyance of property generally located
at 319 Monroe Street for $117,000.00 to Jennifer DeNeui", be adopted and City
Clerk instructed to publish notice of same. Ayes: Seven.
Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2009-251.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
128787 - Reverend Lawrence S. Wheeler, III Esquire, 433 Bratnober, stated he feels there
is a problem because we have meter maids clocking in and then they are clocking
out at the end of their shift and there are no tickets being written. Mr.
Wheeler stated he has been walking around downtown quite a bit, and there is on
average 50 to 100 cars a day in the downtown business district that are not
putting money in the meters. Mr. Wheeler stated he complained to the Mayor's
office twice. He tried to deal directly with the Police Chief and got the run
around and brushed off to a Captain who referred him to Sandi Greco, which he
doesn't know how in the heck she would have anything to do with parking meters.
Mr. Wheeler stated he has been keeping tabs on all the vehicles that have been
parking in the downtown and not paying, and so far in over 30 days he has seen
13 habitual offenders. Mr. Wheeler stated the city has a 3.9 percent budget
increase, and he doesn't think the 3.9 percent increase would be necessary if
the meter maids were doing their jobs. Mr. Wheeler stated he has been here a
year and half, and he has never seen any vehicles with any parking meter
violation tickets. Mr. Wheeler stated he asked KWWL if they would want to set
up a vehicle downtown and rig it with a camera to run a sting operation to prove
what he is saying, but they declined. Mr. Wheeler stated he also wrote a letter
to the Courier but he did not receive an answer. Mr. Wheeler stated that some
of these people who sit all day drinking in some of these bars downtown park
their vehicles on a public street and do not put money in the meters. There
does not seem to be any indication that there is some kind of parking permit
that they are buying to show that they are waived from putting money in the
meters. Mr. Wheeler stated there are people on mountain bikes riding around
various neighborhoods. They are getting into people's vehicles taking things
like packs of cigarettes off the dash and deposit bottles.
Mayor Hurley stated that the city has not had meter maids for a long time, but
the Traffic Department is the department responsible for parking meter repair
and parking ramp maintenance. They work in conjunction with the City Clerk in
terms of overall parking administration. Mayor Hurley stated that Mr. Wheeler
may think that no tickets have been written, but all you need to do is sit down
in the main lobby area on the first floor and you won't have to wait long for
people to come in to either pay for a parking ticket or object to a parking
ticket. Mayor Hurley stated we do recognize that we don't have meters on East
4th Street because of the reconstruction but they are in and will be going up
soon. Mayor Hurley explained that during the budget process when we talked
about parking maintenance and the City Clerk's budget, we knew we are short on
revenue. The revenue has receded and the reason is because we don't have enough
people to patrol and write tickets. The short staff that we do have that
normally do the ticket writing are first of all cut in half by necessary time
off, but secondly they spend most of their time repairing the meters we have or
maintaining the ramps and other parking lot areas. Council approved a budget
that allows us to hire part time individuals for parking enforcement, and that
will come into effect no later than July 1, 2009 and hopefully sooner. Mayor
Hurley explained that the Police Department is not directly responsible for
parking so when Mr. Wheeler went to the Police Chief that is probably why they
were a little bit mystified.
Cole/Reggie Schmitt
that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
March 23, 2009 Page 10
ADJOURNMENT
128788 - Getty/Cole
that the Council adjourn at 6:24 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert, CMC
City Clerk
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