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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-Council Minutes-1/21/2020January 21, 2020 The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Regular Session at Harold E. Getty Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. Mayor Quentin Hart in the Chair. Roll Call: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder. Mrs. Juon joined via telephone. Prayer or Moment of Silence. Pledge of Allegiance: Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director 157331 - Morrissey/Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 157332 - Morrissey/Amos that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, January 13, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. ORAL PRESENTATIONS Jay Nardini, 5414 Bluebonnet Drive, commented that he and his wife have had involvement with the Hospitality House and the Warming Center. He stated that everyone wants to provide a safe environment. He understands that the fire code requires a sprinkler and stated that he spoke with the City Attorney, Mayor, and Dr. Holcomb from Hawkeye Community College. It is the desire of the college to keep the center open and to look at moving the warming center to the former Hawkeye Community College metro center. He asked the council to support keeping the current warming center open. He believes more people would use the center if it were closer to downtown and believes that the likelihood of someone being injured by a fire would be less than someone getting frostbite. Rev. Scott Spence, 151 Lovejoy, First Congregational Church, encouraged council to keep the warming center open. Chris Schwartz, 214 Highland and Black Hawk County Supervisor, commented that after people died on the street from the cold last year, they decided that something needed to be done to help people stay warm in the winter. He stated that he understands the need for fire restrictions and appreciates the need for sprinkler systems. He stated that the city is willing to work with them as they continue to work to meet needs of people in the community. David Dryer, 3145 W. 4 b Street, commented that there are public facilities that are all sprinkled and questioned why they cannot put cots up in council chambers and let people live here. He commented that he is a naysayer on climate change and that enough data is not available to know what will happen in a given year. He commented that he does not support the resolution. Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, commented on two homes recently purchased by the city of Waterloo. Todd Obadal, 124 Amity Drive, commented that he supports keeping the warming center open. Mr. Morrissey commented that he supports keeping the warming center open. He stated that the city's Human Services budget is non-existent and the Human Rights budget is incredibly small. He hopes that these areas can improve in the future. He stated that the Ban the Box ordinance needs to be defended and in place in every city in the state. He further commented on the fact that downtown businesses are upset with snow removal and asked that the snow be cleared faster. He questioned if business owners are responsible for snow removal in front of their business and the time frame for removing snow. He suggested that the city move to alternating side of street parking and ticket and tow those that ignore a snow emergency. Mrs. Klein commented that Raja Chari was in Waterloo today and is training for a Mars mission. He is from Cedar Falls but attended Columbus High School. She distributed a memo to the Mayor and City Clerk requesting that a motion be placed on the agenda to rescind the Fair Chance Initiative ordinance. January 21, 2020 Page 2 Mr. Grieder commented that he supports keeping the warming center open and encouraged the city council to support a climate action plan. Mr. Amos commented that council and the mayor have been actively working on the warming center concern. Mr. Boesen commented on the concerns brought before council regarding the warming center and supports finding an alternative location, such as the County Courthouse basement, instead of deviating from the code. Mayor Hart commented that this is a difficult position and asked that the citizens be careful to not mischaracterize the codes of the city and the Fire Department. He encouraged everyone to work together to find an ideal temporary solution and a permanent fix down the road. 157333 - Morrissey/Amos that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 157334 - Morrissey/Amos that the following items on the consent agenda be received, placed on file and approved: a. Resolutions to approve the following: Resolution approving Finance Committee Invoice Summary Report, dated January 21, 2020, in the amount of $2,871,280.05, 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. 2020-29. Resolution approving the request of Lola Burt for tax exemptions on the construction of home improvements valued at $25,000, for property located at 522 Albany Street and located in the Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area (CURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-30. Resolution approving the request of Curtis Plain for tax exemptions on the construction of home improvements valued at $51,500, for property located at 1107 Lincoln Street and located in the Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area (CURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. No. 2020-31. 4. Resolution approving the request of John Monaghan for tax exemptions on the construction of a single family home valued at $800,000, for property located at 4891 Shelley Court, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-32. Resolution approving the request of Eric Hyde for tax exemptions on the construction of a single family home valued at $168,780 for property located at 1201 Vermont Street, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-33. 6. Resolution approving the request of Elvis Cejvanovic for tax exemptions on the construction of a single family home valued at $330,000, for property located at 1732 Waxwing Way, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-34. January 21, 2020 Page 3 7. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of half a duplex valued at $230,000, for property located at 114 Harvey Lane, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-35. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of half a duplex valued at $230,000, for property located at 116 Harvey Lane, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-36. 9. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of half a duplex valued at $230,000, for property located at 128 Harvey Lane, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. No. 2020-37. 10. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of half a duplex valued at $230,000, for property located at 130 Harvey Lane, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-38. 11. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of half a duplex valued at $230,000, for property located at 185 Harvey Lane, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-39. 12. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of half a duplex valued at $230,000, for property located at 187 Harvey Lane, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-40. 13. Resolution approving the request of DS Rental for tax exemptions on the construction of a single family home valued at $250,000, for property located at 5801 Summerland Drive, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-41. 14. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of a single family home valued at $250,000, for property located at 5805 Summerland Drive, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-42. 15. Resolution approving the request of DS Rentals for tax exemptions on the construction of a single family home valued at $250,000, for property located at 5626 Summerland Drive, and located in the City Limits Urban Revitalization Area (CLURA). Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-43. 16. Resolution setting the date of public hearing as February 4, 2020 to approve the request by New Star for a Site Plan Amendment in the "S-1" Shopping Center District for exterior changes to the existing building located at 315 Fletcher Avenue, and instruct the City Clerk to publish notice. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-44. January 21, 2020 Page 4 17. Resolution approving request to certify assessment to 610 Oneida Street in the amount of $2,450, for work performed by the Waterloo Water Works, together with recommendation of approval by the Waterloo Water Works Board of Trustees. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-45. 18. Resolution approving naming financial institution depositories for the City of Waterloo, Iowa and rescinding Resolution No. 2017-004. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-46. b. Motion to approve the following: a. 10 Travel Requests Name & Title of Amount Personnel Class/Meeting Destination Date(s) not to Exceed Wayne Castle, Asphalt Paving Des Moines, January 27, 2020 $275 Associate Engineer Association of Iowa - IA Introduction to Asphalt Kelly Martin, Lead Inspection Risk Cedar January 24, 2020 $140 Housing Rehab Assessor Certification- Rapids, IA Specialist Third Party Test Approved Beer, Liquor, and Wine Applications Name & Address of Class New or Expiration Includes Business Renewal Date Sunday The Loft, 710 Jefferson C Liquor New 1/12/2021 x Street #4 Spectra Venue Management, C Liquor w/Outdoor New 1/31/2021 x 200 W. 4th Street Service and Catering- Wishbone, 201 W. 18th C Liquor w/Outdoor Renewal 1/31/2021 x Street Service 3. Recommendation of appointment of Brianne Boss to the position of Aquatics/Safety Services Specialist in the Leisure Services Department, effective February 3, 2020. 3. Recommendation of appointment of Jonathan Etringer, from the Civil Service list, to the position of Facilities Services Specialist at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, effective January 22, 2020. 3. Recommendation of appointment of Todd Swarts, from the Civil Service List, to the position of Fleet Parts and Supply Clerk, pending completion of physical and drug testing, effective February 5, 2020. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. RESOLUTIONS 157335 - Amos/Feuss that "Resolution approving request of Airport Director for a directive to begin working with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration to decommission and future permanent closure, of Runway 6-24 at the Waterloo Regional Airport, due to the severe pavement condition of this runway surface, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute documents regarding the decommissioning or closure process", be adopted. Todd Loes, 155 Woodlawn, commented that other cities in the Midwest have been able to maintain their third, former military runways. He proposed the city consider keeping a narrow portion of the runway available as an alternate when there is an accident or maintenance on the other two runways. Hugh Field, Airport Board chair, commented that under Ord. 4400, the operation and maintenance of the airport are delegated to the commission. The board has never made a decision to decommission January 21, 2020 Page 5 the runway. He explained that he has not seen any of the cost to decommission the runway and questioned the council's authority to take this step. He stated that he would potentially resign as board chair if council votes to decommission the runway. Wayne Natham, 548 Cloverdale, commented that he is a pilot, landed on the runway, and did not see a problem with the runway. He stated he believes the push to decommission the runway is due to economic development. Jeff Engle, 1235 Peters Drive, commented that the airport usage is very misunderstood. Light aircraft that move business owners and workers around the country to conduct business. He asked that the council consider maintaining the runway. David Johnson, 1802 Rainbow Drive, commented that he is a pilot for a major airline and a flight instructor. He stated that having three runways is a benefit to the community. He stated that closing the runway would at times cause a 60-degree crosswind which is difficult for flight students to land on. Scott Voight, 704 Lynkaylee Drive, commented that he is the vice chair of the Waterloo Airport Board. He stated that the third runway is an asset that will never be able to be used if the runway is decommissioned. He questioned why the city would stick money into decommissioning an asset when it could put money into enhancing the asset. He also explained that he is a business owner and flies throughout the state for work. The commission has not yet voted and asked that they get the chance to make a decision. Joel Harris, 912 Clough, commented that he is a private pilot and a business person in Waterloo. He explained he feels very strongly about keeping the runway open, especially since this is a safety issue. The commission needs to have a chance to make a decision on the runway prior to the council taking action. He stated that other regional airports are flourishing because the cities make their airports a priority. Mr. Boesen commented that he wants to make sure this action is being taken for the right reason. If it is for economic development, he is not in support. He would recommend postponing until the Airport Board can act. Mr. Morrissey questioned if there is a need to make this decision tonight. Keith Kaspari, Airport Director, commented that in five years, no member of the aviation community has come to him with creative, private, ways to repair the runway. The feasible way to pay for it is to bond for repairs. He is very concerned that the city is liable for the lack of maintenance of the runway. Mr. Morrissey questioned if this could be postponed for 4-6 weeks to allow the Airport Board to act. He questioned how many communities outside of Waterloo use the airport. Keith Kaspari commented that the Board meets again next week. Mr. Morrissey questioned how many communities outside of Waterloo pay into the operations, maintenance and improvements. Keith Kaspari stated there are none other than Waterloo. Mrs. Klein commented that the two liaisons to the airport board brought this resolution forward not the Airport Director and that the liaisons were provided an opportunity to tour the runways to see the condition first hand. She explained that she supports the decommission of the runway. Mr. Feuss commented that he is also a liaison on the board and took a visual tour of the condition of the runway. He stated that $300,000 was budgeted and not used and it is time again to look at budgeting to meet other needs within the city. He further questioned the timeframe for decommissioning the runway. Keith Kaspari commented it would take 18-24 months to keep the runway open. He further commented that keeping the runway open during that time exposes the city to liability. January 21, 2020 Page 6 Mr. Grieder questioned when was the last time the runway was repaved. Keith Kaspari stated its been thirty-nine years. Mr. Grieder questioned if the cost would be comparable, more or less to decommission the runway when compared to other solutions. Keith Kaspari stated the cost would be much less to decommission the runway. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the taxpayers have paid any cost towards the airport. Keith Kaspari confirmed and explained that FAA grant funds require a match in local funds in the amount of 10 percent. Mr. Morrissey questioned if any other communities have paid to help keep the airport open. Keith Kaspari explained that Waterloo is the owner operator of the airport and no other city is required to provide support. 157336 - MorrisseyBoesen To postpone the vote until February 10, 2020, to give the airport commission time to meet, make a report, and submit it to the city council, to include decommissioning, and requiring other communities to pay into the airport. Roll call vote -Ayes: Four. Nays: Three (Amos, Klein, and Grieder). Motion carried. Mr. Feuss asked to include in the motion, that the board discuss decommissioning the runway. Mr. Morrissey agreed. Mr. Amos commented that he has listened to a lot of conversations about the airport. There is not consensus on the board as to what direction to take. He does not support the motion. Mrs. Klein commented that she finds that on that board there is a lot of tension and two administrators have supported decommissioning the runway. Mr. Grieder questioned if this question came up in 2017. Mayor Hart commented that a request was asked to be placed in the CIP but was not supported. Mr. Grieder commented that postponing this is only going to prolong the pain. Mr. Morrissey commented that it is a matter of fairness and decency to allow the commission to meet. Mr. Boesen commented that he supports delaying the vote to allow the commission time to make a decision. Mr. Amos clarified his reason for not supporting the motion to postpone. 157337 - Morrissey/Amos that "Resolution approving a Black Hawk County Gaming Association grant application for a trailer and supplies to be used by Waterloo Neighborhood Services for National Night Out, in the amount of $5,500", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-47. 157338 - Morrissey/Amos that "Resolution approving a one month Lease Agreement with The Bowlers Group II, of Waterloo, Iowa, in the amount of $1, for the use of a parking lot owned by the City of Waterloo, located south January 21, 2020 Page 7 of 650 La Porte Road, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said agreement", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. David Dryer, 3145 W. 4"' Street, questioned why the city purchased the property and is now renting the property back to the previous owner. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, provided an overview of the item. John Sherbon, 1715 Robin Road, commented that the rent should be higher. Wayne Natham, 548 Cloverdale, commented that he believes the rent should be higher and questioned who would be liable for accidents. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-48. 157339 - Morrissey/Amos that "Resolution approving the FY 2020 Economic Development Grant Agreement with GROW Cedar Valley, in the amount of $28,500, with $56,500 in potential incentive funds, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said document", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Mr. Boesen commented that he would like copies from previous reports. Mr. Morrissey questioned if council has had meetings with Grow Cedar Valley. Lisa Skubal, Grow Cedar Valley, commented that prior reports would be sent to council. She explained how the organization has worked with the city over the years and a meeting will be coming up soon to report on activities in the last year. Mr. Morrissey commented that he wants the report to show when projects carryover from each reporting period. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-49. 157340 - Klein/Feuss that "Resolution approving a Real Estate Purchase Agreement with H & A L.C., in the amount of $145,000 with up to $5,000 in closing costs, to purchase 100-114 East 1Oth Street, 105 East llth Street and assessor parcel number 8913-25-181-004, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said document", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. David Dryer, 3145 W. 4t' Street, questioned who owns H & A L.C., if an immediate need for the property exists, and the impact on the taxpayer. Noel Anderson provided an overview of the item. Forest Dillavou, 1725 Huntington Road, commented that the city has too many properties and does not recommend pursuing this agreement. Mr. Grieder commented on the inherent need to spend money up front to receive the long term benefits available and asked Noel what benefit there is to the taxpayers for the properties the city is purchasing. Noel Anderson commented that a work session will be put together to provide an overview of the benefit of acquiring dilapidated properties and developing them in the future. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-50. 157341 - Klein/Feuss that "Resolution rescinding Resolutions No. 2017-558 and 2017-566 adopted on July 17, 2017 for a Development Agreement with LK Holdings Waterloo, LLC due to failure to meet stated deadlines of January 21, 2020 Page 8 project commencement and completion as specified within the agreement", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Todd Obadal, 124 Amity Drive, commented that he supports the item and questioned why it is now on the agenda. Noel Anderson explained that the development agreements include reversionary wording to nullify the agreement due to non-performance, however the resolution to rescind is to provide additional documentation used primarily for title purposes. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-51. 157342 - Klein/Feuss that "Resolution approving Supplemental Agreement No. 3, to the Professional Services Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc., of Waterloo, Iowa, originally executed June 27, 2011, in an estimated amount of $375,000, in conjunction with the FY 2020 Virden Creek Levee Improvements, Contract No. 947, and authorizing the Mayor to execute said document", be adopted. Roll call vote - Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Mr. Morrissey questioned the cost of the previous two supplemental agreements, along with the total amount of the project. Jamie Knutson, City Engineer, commented that he does not have the cost of the prior two agreements at this time but can send him the information and provided an overview of two previous supplemental agreements. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-52. 157343 - Feuss/Morrissey that "Resolution approving a Purchase Agreement with Boland Recreation of Marshalltown, Iowa, in the amount of $52,785.75, in conjunction with the Elks Park Playground Replacement Project, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-53. 157344 - Feuss/Morrissey that "Resolution approving a Purchase Agreement with Spohn Ranch Skateparks of Los Angeles, California, in the amount of $358,977, in conjunction with the Riverside Skatepark Project, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said documents", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, thanked and recognized the various organizations that made this project possible. Brian Helmrichs, 2237 Edgemont, commented that the bulk of the money has been raised by private donations. Mayor Hart thanked Mr. Helmrichs and the skate park supporters for their advocating for the project. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-54. 157345 - Feuss/Morrissey that "Resolution approving the Iowa DOT Transportation Alternative Program Grant Agreement, for the Park Avenue Bicycle Traffic Signal Improvements Project, No. TAP-U-8155(767)--81-07, in the amount of $137,000, and authorizing the Mayor to execute said document", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-55. January 21, 2020 Page 9 157346 - Boesen/Amos that "Resolution approving award of bid to Bill Colwell Ford of Hudson, Iowa, in the amount of $45,176, in conjunction with the purchase of one (1) 2020 3/4 ton, 4 wheel drive, crew cab pickup truck to support Waterloo Fire Rescue operations", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-56. 157347 - Boesen/Amos that "Resolution approving award of bid to Titan Machinery, of Center Point, Iowa, in the amount of $96,250, in conjunction with the purchase of a 2020 Case 580SN wide track backhoe with front wheel drive, to support Sewer Department operations", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Mr. Morrissey commented that he had heard that the Central Garage is down a few mechanics and is hopeful that the positions will be filled quickly. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-57. OTHER COUNCIL BUSINESS 157348 - Boesen/Amos that Change Order No. 1 for a net increase of $107,125, for the FY 2019 University Avenue Reconstruction - Phase II - Midway Drive to Greenhill Road, Contract No. 934, be received, placed on file and approved. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Jamie Knutson, City Engineer, provided an overview of the item. ADJOURNMENT 157349 - Feuss/Grieder that the Council adjourn at 7:35 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Kelley Felc e City Clerk