HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.14.2010COUNCIL WORK SESSION
January 14, 2010
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Cole, Getty, Jones, Greenwood (arrived after role call), Schmitt (arrived after
roll call), Welper, Hart.
Moved by Hart, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Mayor Clark introduced Debra Anderson, the new Building Official/Maintenance Supervisor,
and Suzy Schares, the new City Clerk.
Mayor Clark reviewed items on the Standing Committee agendas for meetings scheduled for
Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Mayor Clark explained that the Public Works Committee agenda contains a request for
authorization to participate with the Iowa League of Cities on Statewide Wet Weather
Compliance. There have been serious issues with the Wet Weather Initiative with the
involvement of the EPA. There is a consortium of cities across the country that are hiring a
person to lobby and represent us at a national level.
Mayor Clark reviewed items on the council agenda for Tuesday, January 19, 2010.
Councilperson Getty questioned whether Pat's Auto Salvage is currently licensed and in
compliance with all inspections. Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development
Director, explained that this business is currently licensed and was in compliance with last years
inspection. The property in question is portions of unused alley's and street right of ways. The
hope is that by selling the land to Pat's Auto Salvage the business will remain in compliance
with all City codes. The business owner would like to work with the City and believes that
vacation and fencing these areas will help that and he has purchased the school near the property.
Mayor Clark questioned whether the requested property was of any use to anyone but Pat's Auto
Salvage. Mr. Anderson agreed with that statement and added that there will be a need for water
and sewer easements, along with access for the Fire Department. Councilperson Cole questioned
whether the pending litigation with Pat's Auto Salvage has been resolved. Mr. Anderson stated
that he believes that the case has been postponed pending this request of Pat's Auto Salvage to
vacate, sell and convey the right-of-way abutting their property on Lowell and Mitchell Avenues.
The property owner has been advised that if this is approved the Fire Department would need
turn around space and access when necessary.
Councilperson Jones questioned the funding source for the completion of the F.Y. 2009
Riverloop Exposition Plaza Signage contract. Michelle Weidner, Finance Director, reported the
funding sources are grant money from the State of Iowa, gambling money, along with several
other combinations of sources.
Louis Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, explained that after the Fire
Department went out to bid, Aramark had the low bid. Aramark voluntarily indicated to the City
that if the City extended their contract for 3 years, they would base their prices charged
throughout the entire City on the low bid given to the Fire Department. That dropped the cost to
the City about $219 per week, which is $11,350 per month. They are asking the City to extend
the contract set to expire in December 2010 to 2013. The current contract will see the savings as
soon as April. Councilperson Schmitt questioned whether the City sought bids for the combined
contract from other vendors. Council instructed staff to follow the bidding process policy.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Hart that the
meeting be adjourned at 8:35 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Suzy Schares
City Clerk