HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.13.20.work session minutesCOUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 13, 2020
3:50 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Klein, Feuss, Grieder, and Juon joined the meeting
by telephone. Mrs. Klein was present.
Moved by Klein, seconded by Juon that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of the fireworks use ordinance.
Mrs. Klein, opened discussion regarding fireworks and asked that all fireworks be banned from
the City of Waterloo as the Police cannot enforce the current ordinance and the use of Fireworks
is escalating.
Mr. Juon commented she feels the fireworks used are on a commercial scale, are not being used
or cleaned up responsibly and that she would support the total ban of fireworks.
Mayor Hart explained on the day of the Mayor's fireworks display, it was legal to use fireworks
on that day.
Mr. Morrissey commented that the council has previously banned fireworks, currently allows
fireworks and that the City cannot enforce a ban on fireworks as the state legally allows the sale
of fireworks.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the council could research what types of fireworks are being sold by
the vendors as he feels the fireworks being used and sold are of a display type.
Mr. Morrissey requested the council pass an ordinance that would cite a property, as there is
evidence of illegal use, rather than a person, as it is hard for the police to prove who is actually
violating the ordinance.
Mr. Grieder commented that law is only as good as its enforceability.
Mr. Amos commented that the council is going to receive phone calls whether they allow fireworks
or ban fireworks, so banning fireworks would give the police a break to do other things during this
period.
Mr. Boesen commented he has concerns with the size of the fireworks being used and that there is
nothing currently in place to provide enforcement of the fireworks ban.
Mr. Feuss commented that his constituents were split on the use of fireworks and that he feels,
because of pandemic, more people were shooting them off at home as opposed to traveling to
commercial fireworks displays.
Mrs. Juon requested additional discussion and input from the Police Chief regarding improving
enforcement.
Mr. Morrissey reasoned that the issue is not banning or allowing fireworks, the issue is that the
state allows the sale of fireworks, so enforcement is the key.
Mrs. Klein questioned enforcement when a total ban would make all fireworks illegal.
Mayor Hart commented that he also recognized larger fireworks are being used by citizens.
Mr. Grieder proposed neighbors have communications with each other possibly green flags around
fence or property to let neighbors know fireworks are detrimental to their health.
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Mayor Hart indicated he will have a conversation with the Police Chief and City Attorney to
investigate to see vendor inventories include display fireworks and bring information to the work
session next week.
Objective: Discussion of a residential parking ordinance amendment.
Martin Peterson, City Attorney reviewed proposed changes to the ordinance regarding recreational
vehicle and trailer parking in residential districts, limiting those vehicles to 30 days parking per
calendar year.
Mrs. Klein presented photos and her concerns regarding the issue and feels the ordinance should
include restrictions for commercial grade trailers parked at residences and on residential streets.
Mrs. Juon commented she agrees the ordinance should include these types of trailers because Code
enforcement cannot enforce as currently written. Mrs. Juon suggested having a limit of three
citations in a year and then issuing a fine.
Martin Peterson has received proposed drafts from Code Enforcement for an additional parking
ordinance
Mayor Hart asked if the council would like commercial trailers and small homes added to the
proposed ordinance.
Mrs. Juon replied she would like those items added.
Mr. Greider stated he does not support adding these items to the proposed ordinance, reasoning
this would be a hardship for property owners that are small business owners, maintaining trailers
and equipment at their residences.
Mr. Morrissey commented that citizens have right to purchase recreational vehicles and tiny homes
and kept where the City code currently allows, but not in the street, so he is not in favor of adding
these items to the ordinance.
Mr. Amos stated he cannot support further limitations for citizens for recreational vehicles or
commercial trailers when the City has previously allowed parking if they were placed on a pad or
in a driveway.
Mr. Feuss stated he does not support adding additional items as some commercial business owners
cannot afford commercial property and therefore must use their residential property to park their
business trailers or vehicles.
Mrs. Klein commented that there has been a tiny home at a resident's driveway in her district for
over a year. Mrs. Klein questioned why the city has zoned districts if citizens are allowed to park
commercial vehicles in residential districts and that residents want to protect their property values.
Martin Peterson commented that tiny homes are on wheels so they are considered recreational
vehicles, and he is not aware of any state law prohibiting their use.
Mr. Grieder suggested neighbors start having conversations rather than expecting the City to
resolve personal issues.
Mr. Morrissey suggested the council read the proposed ordinance and objected to adding anything
to the ordinance.
Mayor Hart questioned if the majority of the council is that the ordinance as written is okay to
move forward without the suggested additions of recreational and commercial vehicles.
Mr. Grieder asked for definition of front yard.
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Martin Peterson responded the intention of the ordinance is to ban parking of the recreational
vehicle, as presented in a photo to the council, in front of that residence.
Mr. Grieder commented that if the additions were not just about parking a recreational vehicle in
the front yard on the grass, but about this camper specifically, then he would vote no.
Mr. Morrissey commented based on attorney Peterson's statement D2 needs to be re -written.
Mr. Amos commented the homeowner appears to comply with the current ordinance, as he is
parked on the driveway, and he cannot support the proposed ordinance as it is designed to
negatively affect this person in particular.
Mr. Feuss comment that families have spent money to comply with the ordinance and now the city
is proposing to change the ordinance, which would have a negative financial impact, and therefore
cannot support going forward with the proposed ordinance.
Mayor Hart determined from comments that the council was not prepared to move forward with
this ordinance
Objective: Discussion of renewing the downtown parking agreement with Republic Parking.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the management agreement was different.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer and John Rouse Republic Parking reviewed proposed
changes to downtown parking contract.
Mr. Morrissey questioned snow removal and if this agreement covered on street parking.
Michelle Weidner explained the agreement covers snow removal in the ramp only and collecting
revenue for metered parking. No snow removal around the meters.
Mr. Morrissey questioned security in parking ramps as security is supposed to be upgraded in
parking ramps.
John Rouse reviewed security measures.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if Republic Parking upholds the fair chance initiative.
John Rouse responded that Republic Parking does support the initiative in their employment
practices.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Morrissey, seconded by Feuss, that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:04 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
-Pearuv &rem,
LeAnn M. Even, CMC, IaCMC
Deputy City Clerk