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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-02/04/2019COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 4, 2019 3:50 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Morrissey, Feuss, Klein, and Juon. Absent: Jacobs and Amos. Mr. Schmitt arrived at 3:54 p.m. Moved by Morrissey seconded by Feuss that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Four. Motion carried. Mr. Schmitt arrived at 3:54 p.m. Objective: Review of a new chronic nuisance vehicle ordinance. Dan Trelka, Chief of Police, explained that the ordinance would be designed to issue a citation to individuals who are chronic speed violators. He explained that he would like to make one change to the proposed ordinance and that is to reduce the number of violations from five down to three violations. Mr. Morrissey questioned if, to the best of Dan Trelka's knowledge, that this ordinance had been tried in any other communities, and if the ordinance was in any way unconstitutional. Dan Trelka responded in the negative for both questions, that he was not aware of any similar ordinances in other cities and that the ordinance was not unconstitutional. Mr. Schmitt questioned why these speed violations would go on the individual's driving record. Dan Trelka explained that the ATE violations do not go on an individual's driving record. Mr. Morrissey clarified that this ordinance would only apply to ATE violations. Mrs. Juon questioned when the Police Department would visit the individual with three violations and issue the citation. Dan Trelka explained that the Police Department would visit the individual as soon as they became aware of three violations. Mr. Morrissey asked if City Council had any language similar to this ordinance, and to reiterate that Chief Trelka wanted to further change the language from five violations as written to three. Dan Trelka responded that they did not have any such language, and to affirm that he did want to come back at a later date with a three violation ordinance. Mrs. Klein commented that she supports the ordinance Mr. Schmitt questioned how the ordinance could be used to go against their driving record and get their license pulled. Dan Trelka commented that it is up to the state to allow these violations to go onto someone's driving record. Mrs. Juon questioned if the state is wanting to change the program all together. Dan Trelka stated that the state needs to get on board an embrace this type of enforcement. Mr. Morrissey questioned if degrees of seriousness could be put into the ordinance and refer it to the county attorney's office. Dan Trelka affirmed that Mr. Morrisey's suggested changes could be included in the ordinance. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there is a law that handles habitual violators. Page 2 Dan Trelka explained that a habitual offender violation exists but the officer has to be at the car door to enforce it. Mr. Morrissey asked if reckless driving charges could be pursued even without an officer at the car door, but with red light cameras. Dan Trelka explained that they could when the driver was identified by the red light camera, but further investigation would be needed to identify the drivers of cars who are not picked up by red light cameras. Mrs. Juon clarified that the red light cameras are an additional tool to use to enforce traffic violations. Dan Trelka responded that he believed this would be a good progression in police behavior. Mr. Morrissey requested that the council receive a draft of the ordinance well in advance of it going to council for the first reading. Objective: Amendment to the automated traffic enforcement ordinance. Dan Trelka, Chief of Police, explained that he wanted to change the language in the aforementioned ordinance to allow the police to enforce speed violations at least 19 over with red light cameras. Mr. Morrissey explained that he sees this as an opportunity to help make the city safer and educate drivers. Dan Trelka explained that the cameras are located at intersections where traffic crashes are more likely. Mrs. Juon questioned what happens if individuals just did not pay the ticket. Dan Trelka explained that they could recover the cost of the ticket in minor ways, such as garnishing state tax refunds. Mrs. Juon expressed a need for a deterrent for the behavior warranting a ticket. Dan Trelka explained that they would need to establish what sort of violations are considered egregious. Mr. Schmitt questioned if an individual is in the intersection and the light is yellow would they get a ticket. Dan Trelka confirmed that they would not get a ticket. Mr. Schmitt asked if the revenue from this ordinance would continue to be separate from the Police Department's budget. Dan Trelka affirmed, and commented that he interacts with the public frequently and that citizens are supportive of the program. Mr. Feuss questioned if a graduated scale exists in traffic camera violations, and if so, that the same could be pursued in red light camera violations. Dan Trelka responded that both scales exist already, and their status would not change. Objective: Discussion of Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center RFP for convention center management and operation services. Page 3 Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that the management agreement for the convention center will expire at the end of the year and the city is looking to submit an RFP to find a new management company to run the facility. He further provided an overview of the contents of the RFP. He explained that once the RFP is submitted a committee would review the proposals and have one to two council members serve on the committee. The chosen consultant would then enter into an agreement to take over operation of the convention center by January 2020. Mrs. Juon expressed concern that the center might be sold while the contract is being drafted. Tavis Hall, Executive Director of Experience Waterloo, explained that they would like to see a multiple year contract but that the contract could include buyout language. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there are problems that have occurred in the not so recent past, are they addressed in the RFP. Noel Anderson explained that they are referred to in the RFP and would be addressed in a contract. Mr. Morrissey questioned if this should include recognition of consequences if standards are not met. Noel Anderson explained that punitive damages would be included in the contract. Mr. Morrissey stated that he wants the contract to include an escape clause. Mrs. Klein commented that escape clauses are very important to her and need to be included in a contract. Mrs. Juon commented that she was sure Noel Anderson would agree that such a clause be implemented in this contract. Noel Anderson affirmed and commented that the contract will be for three to five years and not a ten year contract. Mr. Schmitt questioned if the development agreement is null and void. Noel Anderson explained that attorneys for the city have confirmed that the development agreement is void. Mr. Schmitt questioned if the city is heading down a road that colludes the whole potential of getting changes at the Ramada by taking away the convention center. Noel Anderson explained that some buyers for the hotel are also looking into the center. Mr. Schmitt questioned if a buyer for the hotel could get back into the management of the center. Noel Anderson affirmed with some stipulations such as necessary experience. Mr. Schmitt questioned if the city had an RFP during conversations with previous owners of the Ramada. Noel Anderson explained that at one point there was an RFP sent out by the WDC, he believes, to purchase the Ramada with the hotel still having control of the convention center. Mr. Schmitt questioned if the presence of the agreement would increase the selling price of the Ramada Noel Anderson commented that he believed it might actually decrease the value of the Ramada depending on the identity of the hotel buyer. Page 4 Mrs. Juon questioned the timeline for the project. Noel Anderson commented that staff has sketched out a timeline but wants council input first. Mrs. Juon stated that Noel Anderson should send out the RFP. Objective: FYE2020 Budget overview presentation. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of the budget process to date and schedule. She explained that contractual information has been estimated, staff have submitted CIP requests, and staff have been directed to keep expenses flat. The Mayor is looking to have department budget presentations on Saturday, February 16. The budget hearing will need to be set on February 18, with the actual budget hearing set for Thursday, March 7. The public is asked to submit budgetary suggestions to the Finance Department by February 18. She then provided an overview of taxable valuation for the city. Mr. Morrissey questioned who at the state is setting the rollback factors. Michelle Weidner explained that it is set by state code and administered by the Department of Revenue. Mrs. Juon questioned when the CIP will come to the council. Noel Anderson explained that it will be finalized next week and will send it out to council. Mrs. Klein said that she believed the CIP presentations were repetitive. Kelley Felche, City Clerk, explained that Mrs. Klein was referring to the budget presentations. Mr. Morrissey commented that he wanted to help create the requests in October and November and that he believes there is a lack of input from both the citizens and council on what the CIP should look like. Noel Anderson commented that they are relying to the staff to submit proposals to department heads. Mr. Feuss commented that he would like a work session CIP. Mr. Schmitt concurred he would like to see a work session on the CIP. Michelle Weidner explained the initial budget draft. She stated the initial draft includes a slight increase to the property tax value. Mr. Schmitt questioned if all current open staff positions can be included in the budget presentations. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Morrissey seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 5:06 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Five. Motion carried. th ,,4, __A..., ls. elley Felchle City Clerk