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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.11.2020.council minutesMay 11, 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 Monday, May 11, 2020. Mayor Quentin Hart chaired the meeting by telephone. Roll Call: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, Juon. Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Feuss, Grieder, Juon joined the meeting by telephone. Prayer or Moment of Silence. Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Quentin Hart 157795 - Juon/Klein that the Agenda, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, May 11, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 157796 - Juon/Klein that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, May 4, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Proclamation Declaring the Week of May 10-16, 2020 as National Police Week and Declaring May 13, 2020 as Peace Officer's Memorial Day. Proclamation Declaring May 9, 2020 as World Migratory Bird Day. ORAL PRESENTATIONS Mike Henning, 138 Sidehill Drive and Chair of the Orange Neighborhood Association, commented that neighborhood associations were told that they would receive notification when agenda items that affect their neighborhood come to the agenda. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that his department has a long-standing policy to notify neighborhood associations when items such as rezoning or subdivision come before the planning commission. Advanced notices are not always sent out for city council actions for something that has already gone through the planning commission, but changes can be made to the policy to include that as well. Mike Henning asked if a memorandum of understanding is necessary. Noel Anderson commented that a memorandum of understanding could be worked out to determine what type of notices would be included, and noted that city ordinance does not require such notification but staff sends these out as a courtesy to keep neighborhood's informed. Mayor Hart commented that neighbors need to be kept in the loop if there is a project extension. Rick Morris commented that he was only made aware of the Orange Neighborhood Association after last week's meeting and will make contact with Mr. Henning to address the concerns. Mike Henning questioned if a safety study would be done prior to finalizing the plat. Rick Morris explained that a safety study is necessary and will be submitted as part of the final plat. Mayor Hart commented that when the neighbors are on board that makes for a better situation for selling houses and attracting neighbors. The neighborhood association wants to be kept in the loop of what is happening around them. Mike Henning commented that the association is not opposed to the addition; they just want to be kept in the loop. Monique Walters, 5404 Kimball Avenue, commented that she concurs with the points Mike Henning addressed. Eileen McFee, 204 Lichty Blvd., commented that she would like to see better communication in the future. May 11, 2020 Page 2 Rick Morris commented that he has meetings lined up this week with Mr. Anderson to keep moving forward on the development. Mayor Hart thanked Mr. Morris for joining the project stated that cooperation is the theme moving forward. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the traffic study was completed and if it was not, why was it not yet completed. Noel Anderson explained that the traffic study is not yet finalized due to the final plat being delayed. Mayor Hart clarified that the traffic study will come to council prior to the final plat. Mr. Feuss provided notice that he intends to amend Resolution No. 2020-303 at the next week. He explained that at the time the motion was made a train was passing by and it was difficult to interject this intent at that time. He stated that he would forward the language he is proposing to all of council. Mr. Boesen questioned the status of mechanics in the Public Works department. Randy Bennett, Public Works Director, commented that they are ready to conduct interviews but they have been delayed due to COVID-19. Once lock downs are lifted, they will proceed with interviews. Mr. Boesen questioned if they could social distance during the interview or if some other accommodation could be met to keep the process moving forward. Mayor Hart commented that they would need to be screened in order to come into the building. Randy Bennett explained that preliminary candidate selection has been determined through resume review and now they are ready to begin oral interviews. Mr. Morrissey questioned why the interviews are not being conducted via zoom or some other platform. Mayor Hart questioned if phone interviews have been conducted. Randy Bennett explained that phone interviews have not been conducted and that they typically give a facility tour. Mayor Hart commented that phone interviews or a zoom interview needs to be conducted in order to determine initial skill set. Mr. Feuss questioned if a policy exists that would prevent a phone or zoom interview. Mayor Hart commented that a policy does not exist. Mr. Morrissey commented that he wants to see a tracking system so that council can stay informed on timelines on development agreements. He also requested an update every six months on how development agreements are progressing. He questioned if a resolution or ordinance needs to be drafted to that effect. Mayor Hart commented that the city does conduct quarterly economic development updates and questioned how staff knows that an agreement needs to be extended. Noel Anderson commented that staff keep a spreadsheet of development agreements and can make that available to council. Mayor Hart questioned if the economic development meetings are still being held and if they are attended. May 11, 2020 Page 3 Noel Anderson explained that the last meeting was approximately 6 months ago and that recent health concerns have made it difficult to convene. Mr. Morrissey commented that the first part of his request is exemplified with the Paradise Estates extension that was on last week's agenda, and that council should have the ability to review status updates and deadlines by way of a tracking system. He commented that he wants to have a presentation from the developer. He stated that he wants to see their face and hear from them what they are doing to keep the project moving. Mayor Hart commented that the city should not come off as anti -development. He stated that it would best to have an internal discussion first with staff to see how they can make improvements and have better communication with council. 157797 - Juon/Grieder that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA 157798 - Juon/Grieder that the following items on the consent agenda be received, placed on file and approved: a. Resolutions to approve the following: 1. Resolution approving Finance Committee Invoice Summary Report, dated May 11, 2020, in the amount of $3,599,450.40, 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. 2020-315. 2. Resolution accepting a U.S. Department of Justice FY20 Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program Grant for local communities affected by the COVID-19 virus in the amount of $190,086 and authorizing the Mayor to execute said documents. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-316. 3. Resolution approving a Lease Agreement with C & S Car Company, for a 2020 Hyundai Sante Fe, VIN#5NMS33AD8LH143049, to be used by the School Resource Unit for a six (6) month period at no cost to the City, and authorizing the Mayor to execute said document. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-317. 4. Resolution approving award of contract to Woodruff Construction LLC, of Waterloo, Iowa, in the amount of $199,890, and approving the contract, bonds and certificate of insurance, in conjunction with the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center Skywalk Improvements Project, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said documents. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-318. 5. Resolution approving award of contract to Peters Construction Corp. of Waterloo, Iowa, in the amount of $939,810, and approving the contract, bonds and certificate of insurance, in conjunction with the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center Exhibition Hall Ceiling Renovation Project, and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute said documents. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-319. 6. Resolution setting date of public hearing as May 26, 2020 to approve the request by the City of Waterloo to vacate, sell and convey a portion of Oregon Street right-of-way, located between Washington Street (Highway 218) and Williston Avenue, west of 1628 Washington Street (Lowell Elementary) to the Waterloo Community School District, in the amount of $1.00, and instruct the City Clerk to publish notice. May 11, 2020 Page 4 Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-320. 7. Resolution approving request of Craig Larsen for a waiver for a concrete driveway, located at 1351 Lyon Avenue, with the elimination of the sidewalk section due to the inability to meet grade requirements. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-321. 8. Resolution approving request of Ben and Jennifer Torrez for a waiver for a concrete driveway, located at 1715 Pinehurst Lane, with the elimination of the sidewalk section due to the inability to meet grade requirements. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-322. 9. Resolution approving a request from Larson Construction Co., Inc., for a temporary variance to the truck embargo on Williston Avenue from Washington Street to W. 1 Ith Street and on E. Ridgeway Avenue from W. 1 Ith Street to W. 9th Street, commencing May 12, 2020 through June 30, 2020, to allow for the transport of fill material from Friendship Village to the Lowell School construction site. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-323. 10. Resolution approving the contract for grant award with Waterloo Housing Trust Fund 7 in the amount of $30,000, for repairs to existing single family owner occupied homes, and authorizing the Mayor to execute said documents. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-324. 11. Resolution setting date of public hearing as May 26, 2020 for an amendment to the FYE 2020 Budget, and instruct the City Clerk to publish notice. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-325. b. Motion to approve the following: Travel Requests Name & Title of Amount Personnel Class/Meeting Destination Date(s) not to Exceed Chris Ferguson, Fire Arson K9 Recertification Omaha, NE June 8-12, $718.40 Marshal 2020 Investigator Hesse Child Forensic Waterloo, May 22, $225 Interviewer Course IA 2020 Approved Beer, Liquor, and Wine Applications Name & Address of Business Class New or Expiration Includes Renewal Date Sunday Risque Gentlemen's Club, C Liquor Renewal 5/27/2021 301 W. 4th St. BP Fuel, 127 Jefferson St. B Native Wine, C Beer, New 5/29/2021 x and E Liquor Behar Bar, 312 W. 4th St. C Liquor and Outdoor Renewal 4/30/2021 x Service 3. Mayor Hart's recommendation of the following appointments: Appointee Board/Commission Expiration Date New or Re -Appointment May 11, 2020 Page 5 Laura Stammler Cultural and Arts Commission May 11, 2023 New Jennifer Bates Cultural and Arts Commission May 11, 2023 New 4. Bonds. Roll call vote -Ayes: Six. Nays: One (Klein on item Ia. Risque Gentlemen's Club Liquor License). Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS 157799 - Grieder/Amos that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on the Application for State Revolving Fund Loan for Titus Lift Station, Contract No. 975, contents of Environmental Information and Project Plan., as published in the Waterloo Courier on April 10, 2020, be received and placed on file. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written and oral comments and there were none. 157800 - Grieder/Amos that the hearing be closed. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. 157801 - Grieder/Amos that "Resolution authorizing Mayor to execute Environmental Impact Document", be adopted. Roll - call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-326. RESOLUTIONS 157802 - Klein/Feuss that "Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to certify against certain parcels for unpaid lawn/weed mowing and property clean-ups", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Mr. Morrissey commented that he spoke to the City Attorney and found that many of the property owners on the list are absentee landlords. He questioned how the city recoups the money. He stated that the city does this on at least a yearly basis and questioned if the city is aware of repeat violators. He questioned how repeat violators are addressed. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, provided an overview of how the payments come to the city and added that sometimes the county writes off the fees prior to them going to tax sale. Mr. Morrissey questioned if the county is writing off the amount the city billed, leaving the city to receive nothing. Michelle Weidner confirmed that if the county decides to write off the debt, the city would receive zero dollars. Mr. Morrissey questioned how often that happens. Michelle Weidner commented that it would depend how many properties get to tax sale. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-327. 157803 - Klein/Feuss May 11, 2020 Page 6 that "Resolution approving a request by AutoZone, Inc. for the final plat of Kimball Addition, a 2-lot commercial subdivision located south of 3115 Kimball Avenue", be adopted. Roll call vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 2020-328. ADJOURNMENT 157804 - Grieder/Feuss that the Council adjourn at 6:27 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Ke//e# -7�5dchle Kelley Felchle City Clerk