HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.15.2020.work session minutesCOUNCIL WORK SESSION
June 15, 2020
4:10 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon.
Moved by Juon seconded by Grieder that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of change to residency_ policy for Leisure Services, Police Department, and
Public Works.
Randy Bennett, Public Works Division Manager, explained that the three departments making this
presentation are experiencing difficulty finding qualified applicants within the small radius
approved by the current policy. He explained that two of the three applicants on the certified list
live outside the approved radius. He noted that retirements are coming up and would not be able
to fill the positions from the certified list due to the residency limitation.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, explained that he is experiencing a similar issue to public
works. They have difficulty finding qualified applicants within the current radius. He commented
that expanding the radius to 30 miles would expand their pool of qualified applicants significantly.
Mayor Hart questioned if the concern is only for Forestry or if this also includes downtown
maintenance.
Paul Huting commented that Forestry is the only critical department limited by the radius. He
stated that qualified Forestry personnel is in high demand along with the competition of private
companies due to the influx of the emerald ash borer throughout the state.
Mayor Hart questioned if the challenge for Public Works is finding mechanics or all positions.
Randy Bennett commented that he wants to expand this for all positions.
Mayor Hart questioned if this would apply to new employees or existing employees as well.
Randy Bennett commented that he would want this opened up for all new and existing employees.
Chief Fitzgerald commented that he researched the topic with command staff and believes that
expanding the radius would be beneficial to the department and would allow for more
diversification.
Mrs. Juon questioned if the radius is for 30 miles from city hall or from corporate city limits.
Randy Bennett commented that he would be in favor of either.
Paul Huting commented that he believes it would be good to have uniformity with the Fire
Department and base the radius on corporate city limits, but that he would be comfortable with
either option.
Mr. Boesen commented that he is in favor of the corporate city limits and the 30-mile radius and
does not believe it will lead to a mass exodus of employees.
Mr. Amos commented that the policy was written in 2006 and if department heads are telling us
they need a 30-mile radius then the city should support the request.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he wants to see city employees live in the city and incentives given
to encourage employees to live in the community.
Mr. Grieder commented that he has concern about letting police officers live 30 miles outside of
the city due to the unique and important nature of the work they execute.
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Mrs. Klein commented that she was a longtime proponent of having employees live in the
community, especially emergency services. She stated that she does understand their need to
expand and will support the request.
Objective: Discussion of an amendment to the pedestrian safety ordinance.
Mr. Grieder provided an overview of his proposed changes to the ordinance.
Mr. Boesen questioned how municipal infractions are enforced.
Martin Petersen, City Attorney, commented that a municipal infraction is prosecuted the same as
a simple misdemeanor and are handled in court system. What may differ is the manner in which
the police department may engage a person that is allegedly violating that ordinance. In the case
of a simple misdemeanor, there are other tools available as far as enforcement goes and the
immediate ability to address a violation as compared to a municipal infraction.
Mr. Boesen questioned what happens when the individual does not show up to court but continues
to violate the ordinance.
Martin Petersen commented that the fines continue to increase and that with municipal infractions,
there are no contempt proceedings available to the city to charge or detain someone for failure to
pay fines.
Mrs. Juon requested clarification on whether the police might not enforce a municipal infraction
as much as a misdemeanor.
Chief Fitzgerald clarified that the officers have the discretion to enforce either a municipal
infraction or a simple misdemeanor.
Mrs. Klein commented that the police will do their job but there are no repercussions for
individuals cited under this code section.
There was considerable discussion on whether the ordinance should include language for a
municipal infraction verses a simple misdemeanor.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the officer would have to remove the party from where they are
standing or would they just ticket them and leave.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that they would not be able to stay in the median but the officer would
have the discretion on how to handle each case.
Mr. Morrissey commented that the ordinance has an expectation that the person does not need to
change. He questioned why the police could not issue a warning as an initial step, followed by a
municipal infraction.
Mrs. Klein commented that the ordinance is about the median. People can still pan handle from
the middle of the block or the sidewalk. She questioned if the city has had calls about panhandlers.
Joel Fitzgerald commented that he does not have the numbers today but confirmed that the officers
have received calls.
Mr. Grieder commented that he would be willing to change enforcement to a misdemeanor.
Objective: Update on Police Department policies and changes.
Chief Joel Fitzgerald provided an overview of planned policy and employee culture changes for
the Waterloo Police Department policies.
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Mr. Morrissey questioned if council will receive a copy of the power point.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Amos seconded by Morrissey that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Kelley -7�wchle 6
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk