HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.27.2009• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 27, 2009
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie
Schmitt.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Greenwood that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
The purpose of the work session was to discuss the renewal of the local option sales and service
tax and to have a consensus on the ballot language for the referendum to be held with the
municipal election on November 3, 2009.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the current language which states:
Zero percent (0%) of said local option sales and service tax is to be used for property
tax relief.
One hundred percent (100%) of the revenue generated in the City of Waterloo, Iowa,
be designated for (1) reconstruction/repair/replacement of existing streets, curbs,
structures, storm sewers; and (2) the construction/ improvement of streets, but only
for projects for which state or federal matching funds are available, all within the
corporate limits of the City of Waterloo.
The current tax will be expire on December 31, 2010. The mayors of the contiguous cities are
proposing to place the referendum on the general municipal election to be held on November 3,
2009 as a way to save money because no special election would be necessary. The City of
Waterloo could save between $15,000 and $20,000 by placing the referendum on the November
3, 2009 ballot. The City of Waterloo must adopt the resolution by August 3, 2009 so that the
resolution can be placed on the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors agenda of August 11,
2009. Mayor Hurley noted that the city has received $128.5 million in sales tax revenue in the
past 15 years.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained that there are 429 miles of streets within the City of
Waterloo, with 343 miles of improved streets and 70.5 miles of unimproved streets. The city has
worked on 55 miles of improved streets and 163 miles of overlay, which is about 63 percent of
the streets have been worked on using local option sales tax. The overlay streets will need some
work done again at some point. The 70.5 miles of unimproved streets have been seal coated
about 3 %2 times.
Mr. Thorson explained that the following roads were completed using about $2.2 million in state
or federal matching funds: VGM — Fitzway Drive, MidPort Extension for Con Agra, West
Commercial Street Extension, Cyclone/Titan Drive, West Shaulis Road is currently under
design, and Geraldine Road.
Mayor Hurley noted that a lot of cities have a smaller corporate size and use one-half or more of
the Local Option Sales and Service Tax for tax relief.
Mayor Hurley explained that he met with staff and others and they recommending the following
changes:
1. Add the word improvement under number 1 as follows:
One hundred percent (100%) of the revenue generated in the City of Waterloo, Iowa,
be designated for (1) reconstruction/repair/replacement/improvement of existing
streets, curbs, structures, storm sewers; and (2) the construction/ improvement of
streets, but only for projects for which state-er--federal matching funds are available,
all within the corporate limits of the City of Waterloo.
Council Work Session
July 27, 2009
Page 2
This would allow the use of sales tax on improved streets based upon traffic changes,
counts and conditions. It could be used for adding a turning lane on an existing street
for traffic flow and safety, removing a median, or widening a street.
2. Change the renewal from five years to seven years.
3. Under number 2 remove the words "state or federal".
Councilperson Reggie Schmitt suggested that ROW be added under number 1 right after
storm sewers. Councilperson Reggie Schmitt explained that since the streets are already torn
up, we could add sidewalks where there aren't any. We would need to define ROW, which
could say parkway and sidewalks where there are no sidewalks.
Councilperson Welper stated that are a number of streets that have not been repaired. In
talking with a contractor, he say that the streets on the east side last longer than the streets on
the west side.
Mayor Hurley explained that we try to be equitable by doing equal number of streets in each
ward. During Mayor Rooff's time, we started the chip coating program. Wallgate Avenue
off of University Avenue has a hard surface but no curb and gutter.
Mr. Thorson explained that the Engineering Department uses pavement management, streets
are rated, and information and suggestions are gathered from the council and citizens. Staff
then looks at the streets, the traffic volume and age. Sometimes if the sanitary sewer is
failing, the street is reconstructed. The overlay program is used to reserve streets to add more
life. We are unable to do all overlay or all reconstruction or we would never get ahead. Mr.
Thorson stated in talking with staff about adding sidewalks and parking, they think it could
add an additional two weeks to the length of time that a street would be closed. Mr. Thorson
noted that we are trying to design the sidewalks for Logan Avenue, but it has been very
challenging because of the sidewalks, trees, and utilities, so it takes more design time. Mr.
Thorson stated that the soil on the Eastside is more sandy, drains better and keeps moisture
out. The Westside has more clay which needs more drainage.
Councilperson Hart stated that not long ago council heard a presentation on a walkable
community. Councilperson Hart suggested the ROW language could help us create a
walkable community.
Councilperson Reggie Schmitt expressed concern that he is afraid that would lose voter base
if we go that way. Just add sidewalks where there are none when working on existing streets.
Councilperson Cole stated she is a little bit squeamish about adding sidewalks. Her ward
does not have a huge need for sidewalks, but her concern is we might lose voter base if we
add sidewalks when people say they have cracks in their streets.
Councilperson Greenwood stated that he agrees with Councilperson Reggie Schmitt.
However, he is aware that if we add more stuff the less likely it will pass because of the
boisterous voice of the contractors. Maybe if we would prioritize ROW by schools because
there are many schools where there are no sidewalks.
Councilperson Getty stated his is completely against number 2 in the resolution. We should
just go for number 1 as he feels that is what the voters wanted. It is now being suggested that
we nibble some more when that money could go for other streets. Councilperson Getty
asked what about water mains. He could not get anyone to move on fixing the water mains
during repair of the streets.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt inquired about the stimulus money. Mr. Thorson stated that the
city has received $2 million, and that was used for the overlay project. The money has to be
used on federal roads or projects. We used $1.2 million on overlay and $800,000 on the trail
between 6th Street and 18th Street.
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Council Work Session
July 27, 2009
Page 3
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Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated he is a proponent of expanding sidewalks, but he agrees
that if we expand we could lose support. Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated he feels the city
should find sidewalk money somewhere else.
Mayor Hurley noted that the local options sales tax dollars spent for match money helped
create jobs and kept Waterloo competitive with businesses wanting to expand.
Councilperson Hart stated seven years seems lengthy and he would like to stay with five
years. Mayor Hurley noted that the City of Cedar Falls and the other contiguous cities
agreed to propose seven years.
The consensus of the council to the changes was as follows:
1. Change the length of the tax to seven years. Six council members in favor,
with Councilperson Hart opposed.
2. Adding the word "improvement". Five members in favor, with
Councilpersons Getty and Hart opposed.
3. Removing the words "federal and state". Four members in favor, with
Councilpersons Hart, Getty and Steve Schmitt opposed.
4. Adding the word "ROW". Two members in favor.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Reggie
Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 5:25 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk