Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-01/13/2020COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 13, 2020 4:00 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon. Moved by Amos seconded by Feuss that the Agenda, as amended by striking "and of collecting delinquent payments by airport tenants" to item two, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Objective: Discussion of an ordinance proposing changes to 7-513-2(A) Nuisance Declared Maria Downing, Code Enforcement Foreman, explained that the ordinance changes proposed are to include volunteer trees to the definition section and nuisance declared section. Mrs. Juon questioned the notice, citation, and fees for these violations. Maria Downing explained the notice, citation, and fees for these violations. Mr. Morrissey questioned if this process is complaint driven. Maria Downing explained that this is complaint driven similar to the weed and grass ordinance. Mrs. Juon questioned if the ordinance will address suckers at the bottom of mature trees. Maria Downing commented that they would assess those on a case -by -case basis. She further commented that the biggest issue is volunteer trees. Mrs. Klein commented that she supports the ordinance change and has seen problems with volunteer trees first hand in her ward. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there is a difference with how these are handled in the right-of-way. She explained that Leisure Services makes an assessment of trees in the right-of-way. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there is an appeals process if someone disagrees with a tree being designated as a volunteer tree. Maria Downing explained that she works with the person receiving the violation. Mr. Morrissey questioned how it would be handled if the property owner wants to keep a volunteer tree. Maria Downing explained that they would be reviewed on the case -by -case basis. Mr. Boesen commented that the notice sent to property owners does not state that they have a right to appeal. He questioned if that can be added to the notice. Maria Downing commented that that can be added to the notice. Mr. Morrissey questioned when it would appear on the agenda. Kelley Felchle explained that if the council is in agreement the ordinance can appear on the agenda next week. Mrs. Juon commented that it appears council is in agreement. Objective: Discussion of the third runway (6/24) at the Waterloo Regional Aimort Keith Kaspari, Airport Director, explained that now that new members of council are seated, he wanted to revisit the topic of closing Runway 6-24. COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 13, 2020 Page 2 Mr. Boesen questioned if the airport remains closed the majority of the winter. Keith Kaspari confirmed. Mr. Boesen commented that he understands the desire to close 6-24 but noted that the notations of the handout show that another runway is listed in serious condition. Keith Kaspari clarified that the colors on the map are close but that the runway is actually listed as satisfactory. Mrs. Juon requested background information on why the city should be looking to close runway 6-24. Keith Kaspari provided an overview of the pavement rehabilitation needs. Mrs. Juon questioned if Waterloo is the only airport in the state with three runways. Keith Kaspari confirmed. Mrs. Klein explained that the runway was put in place to assist John Deere and Rath to get supplies shipped out during WWII. The FAA has abandoned the airport and stated that she believes that the runway needs to be removed. Mrs. Juon commented that the Airport Board has not reached clear consensus on this issue but is being brought forward by the liaisons to the board. Mr. Morrissey questioned what the economic impacts are of keeping the runway versus removing the runway. Keith Kaspari explained that there is little to no economic benefit to keeping the runway open. He further commented that it would take significant CIP needs to repair the runway. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the runway is removed would it open up opportunity for future development. Keith Kaspari commented that the city does not have the funds to remove the runway so they would close the airport then begin negotiations to decommission the nip -way and place it out of service for aircraft operations. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the runway is closed would it open up opportunitis for future development. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that infrastructure is being installed along Leversee Road. This would open up 70 acres for future development. Mrs. Juon commented that the only opposition is from those that own hangars. Keith Kaspari commented that he is no longer a pilot. Mrs. Juon commented that in most conditions they could use the other two runways. Keith Kaspari confirmed. Mr. Amos clarified that the dollars do not exist to repair the runway and there is not a consensus amongst the board on the future of the runway. He believes that shutting down the runway is the right course of action but is not understanding why the board is not in agreement. COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 13, 2020 Page 3 Keith Kaspari explained that a vocal minority wants to keep the runway. Mr. Boesen questioned the effect on the current pre -authorization for signage if the runway is decommissioned. Keith Kaspari commented that the Sign and Markings Plan would need to be updated to the FAA. Mr. Feuss questioned what would happen to Taxiway B. Keith Kaspari provided an explanation. Mr. Morrissey questioned if private investors can buy the runway and fix it up the way that they see fit. Keith Kaspari commented that an agreement such as that would not be advisable. Mrs. Klein commented that she supports closing the runway. Mrs. Juon commented that she senses from the council that support exists to close the runway. Objective: Discussion of a 5 Sullivan Brothers Convention Center Management Agreement with Spectra of Philadelphia, PA Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of the RFP process utilized to gather management proposals for the convention center along with the management agreement. Pete Zingoni, Vice President of Vendor Management with Spectra, provided an overview of the company and their scope of services. Brendon Wagner, candidate for General Manager of the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, provided an overview of his management experience. Mr. Grieder questioned what percentage of staff would be hired from Waterloo vs. brought to the company and what wages will be paid. Pete Zingoni explained that they would be looking to hire local as much as possible and retaining existing staff. Brendon Wagner explained that in December they held a job fair and hired thirteen existing employees part time and promoted one to a management position. They have brought in two employees within Spectra that were located in Iowa. He explained that interviews are set up for additional positions. The wages are comparable to industry norms. Mr. Morrissey questioned where Spectra stands on collective bargaining. Pete Zingoni explained that they have a close relationship with collective bargaining. Mr. Morrissey commented that there are 72 events planned between now and the end of their fiscal year. Pete Zingoni explained that from now through June 30, 2020 they are budgeting 72 events to bring to the facility. He then provided an overview of the budget for the agreement. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there will be yearly presentations to the council on the venue's performance. COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 13, 2020 Page 4 Pete Zingoni explained that they will have regular updates on the budgeting process along with event performance. A committee will be formed to provide direct oversite. Mr. Morrissey questioned the composition of the committee. Pete Zingoni provided an overview of the committee. With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Amos seconded by Feuss that the meeting be adjourned at 5:01 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Kelley Feld City Clerk