HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.03.2020.work session minutes COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 3, 2020
3:40 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Boesen, Amos, Morrissey, Grieder, and Juon participated by telephone. Mrs.
Klein was present. Absent: Feuss.
Moved by Juon seconded by Grieder that the Agenda,as proposed,be approved. Voice-vote Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Objective: Discussion of amendments to Waterloo City Code Section 9-2-13: Fireworks.
Mr. Morrissey provided an overview of amendment changes.
Mrs. Juon commented that she is supportive of the amendments.
Mr. Boesen questioned what the decibel levels would be.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he hoped the city attorney could fill in the blanks with the decibel
level as it is listed in the noise restrictions section of the code.
Mr. Boesen questioned how debris pick up will be enforced.
Mr. Morrissey commented that neighbors can see where the fireworks are coming from.
Mr. Boesen questioned if landlords are penalized for tenants shooting off fireworks.
Mr. Morrissey commented that landlords should have an agreement in writing prohibiting
fireworks from being shot.
Mr. Boesen commented that he was contacted by landlords who are concerned they will be
penalized for something that their tenants are not supposed to do.
Mr. Morrissey commented that additional language could be added.
Mr. Amos commented that he is having a change of heart and is in favor of banning fireworks use
as the city has tried new things several times and the citizens continue to violate the law.
Mr. Grieder commented that he is willing to try the amendments and then consider a ban if citizens
continue to violate the law.
Mrs.Klein commented that there is no public compliance so with the laws now so she would prefer
a total ban. She added that she would be willing to support a one-year trial of the amendment but
would like to see fireworks banned.
Mrs. Juon commented that she would like to see a ban and for the mayor to work with other cities
on a coalition to encourage banning fireworks. She expressed her concern of debris at Crossroads
and how would the city know who set the fireworks off in an instance like that.
Mrs. Klein commented that she had heard that Crossroads was questioning the city about clean-up
when it was announced that people could park there and she was told that the city agreed that the
city would clean that up prior to the Mayor's Fireworks.
Mayor Hart commented that there were a number of volunteers and city staff trying to pick up and
clean-up, and that the city won't have the problem next year unless people are out there on their
own accord.
Mr.Morrissey added that he has heard comments about getting a statewide ban on use. A statewide
ban on use is illogical, in his mind, as he does not believe the state would have a law allowing the
sale of fireworks but not the use of fireworks.
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Mayor Hart commented that there is enough support to push the amendments to the agenda.
Objective: Discussion of a baby changing station ordinance.
Mr. Grieder commented that this idea came to him prior to being on council. He noticed that many
times, in commercial buildings,there are not changing stations in men's restrooms. The ordinance
would require changing stations in bathrooms in new construction or significant remodels.
Mrs. Juon commented that Paul Huting, the Leisure Services Director, shared some information
in looking what other states and cities have done with regard to state and local facilities but she
has a concern with the city mandating this in private facilities. She questioned how the phrase,
"up to 50 pounds", was determined and feels it might be excessive.
Mr. Grieder explained that he talked to Grow Cedar Valley and they commented they were
surprised commercial venues were not moving to this already. He explained that 50 pound was
determined to accommodate children with special needs.
Mr. Boesen commented that he believes it would be an ongoing problem in park restrooms as they
are repeatedly subject to vandalism, which would require frequent repair.
Mr. Grieder commented that he would be willing to look at an exception for Leisure Services
facilities.
Mayor Hart recommended Mr. Boesen and Mr. Greider meet with Paul Huting and Mr. Petersen
to discuss this further.
Mrs. Klein questioned how much money a changing station would add to construction costs and
if that could be a detriment for development. She also questioned which restrooms would be
required to have one.
Mr. Grieder provided clarification on where the stations would need to be located and shared the
cost of installing a changing station.
Mr. Morrissey commented that he is supportive of the ordinance.
Mrs. Juon commented that there should be language allowing a business asking for an exception,
especially if they have an outdoor restroom.
Mr. Grieder commented that the ordinance has an appeal process to request an exception through
the Building Official.
Mrs. Juon questioned if the appeal could address the concerns of Leisure Services.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, commented that he is not opposed to changing stations but
that he is concerned about them being vandalized.
Mayor Hart questioned if changing stations have had a positive impact in communities.
Mr. Grieder shared that he looked at San Antonio, Texas and Evansdale,Indiana. They conducted
surveys in these communities and found that they saw increased business from young families and
young parents are more likely to shop at a location.
Mrs. Klein commented that council should think about all the businesses that could be impacted
by the ordinance, such as plumbers, dry cleaners, insurance companies, etc.
Marty Petersen, City Attorney, commented that the ordinance addresses use occupancy
classifications for Group A and M. These apply to specific types of commercial establishments.
Objective: Discussion of face mask mandate resolution.
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Mr. Grieder provided an overview of the resolution. He explained that he would be adding a sunset
for the resolution. He added that his vision for enforcement is based on encouragement to wear a
mask, not punishment for not wearing one. He also addressed issues of whether the resolution is
allowed under the state and federal constitution.
Mrs. Juon thanked Mr. Grieder for bringing forward this resolution and is in support. She
questioned if the state has taken action against Iowa City for adopting their proclamation.
Mr. Grieder commented that to date, no legal action has been taken against them.
Mr. Amos thanked Mr. Grieder for bringing forward this resolution and stated that he supports the
resolution.
Mr. Morrissey questioned what a sunset clause would work and how its termination would be
determined.
Mr. Grieder commented that Iowa City put it in place for a specific amount of time. He stated that
he wants the public to wear masks while the pandemic is going on, not forever.
Mr. Morrissey read Section 1 and asked for clarification on if it is mandating social distancing.
Mr. Grieder clarified that someone going for a run and passing another individual would not have
to wear a mask. He added that when people cannot socially distance they should be wearing a
mask. He listed circumstances when a mask can be exempted.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the city has a mandatory mask policy and if people have to keep the
mask on the entire time one is in city hall and would that include council members in chambers.
Mayor Hart confirmed that there is a mandatory mask policy for citizens entering city hall. He
clarified that an internal mask policy requires staff to wear a mask when social distancing of six
feet is not possible and when you leave your department to enter another.
Mrs. Klein commented that she would not support this resolution because she believes it will lead
to people turning in other people and that the people of Waterloo are doing a great job.
Mr. Morrissey questioned if the resolution should become an ordinance.
Mayor Hart questioned if Mr. Grieder has talked with the city attorney about the resolution.
Mr. Grieder explained that he will be speaking with the city attorney about that, and noted that the
intention is not so people will turn other people in, but to encourage people to wear a mask.
Mrs. Klein commented that she believes the comments about mask wearing in city hall were
directed at her because she is attending meetings in person while other council members are not.
She reiterated that she believes the requirement will cause neighbors to turn on one another.
Mr. Boesen commented that he is in favor of the resolution and said that enforcement will be
difficult.
Mr. Grieder stated that COVID-19 is primarily spread by people who are pre-symptomatic or a-
symptomatic. He explained that his resolution is not meant to play gotcha but it is to protect others.
Mayor Hart shared that the enemy is not the council member who chooses to be a representative
for his community, or even the person who chooses to tell on others. The enemy is the virus. We
all know someone who has been impacted and this time is one of the most challenging we have
had in this country because we are all trying to adjust.
Mr. Morrissey questioned how the resolution would apply to schools.
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Mr. Grieder shared that schools are working through their own set of policies to protect children.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Morrissey seconded by Boesen that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Voice-vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kell,,# 5-elchle S
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk