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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.14.2009• • ORDINANCE COMMITTEE September 14, 2009 4:45 p.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Hurley, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie Schmitt. Members absent: Cole. Moved by Welper, seconded by Steve Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt reviewed the proposed ordinance for on -street parking on the Westside. It would be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle on either side of the streets between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on W. 2nd Street, W. 3rd Street, W. 4d' Street, W. 5th Street, and W. 6th Street from the Cedar River to Washington Street. Also Commercial Street, Jefferson Street and Washington Street from W. Mullan Avenue to 6th Street. The ordinance would not apply to persons on emergency calls or when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or to comply with the direction of a police officer or traffic control device. Any vehicle parked in violation of the ordinance could be towed away and stored a the expense of the owner, and the owner would be charged an administrative fee of $100.00. Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated that Main Street Waterloo has been talking about this for over a year, and one question is how do downtown residents feel about the proposed ordinance and the idea that they could park under the viaduct or in the ramps. Councilperson Steve Schmitt asked if we have looked to see what other cities such as in Dubuque and Cedar Rapids are doing. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt explained that Chris Wendland did contact other cities, and the proposed language is based on what other cities are doing. Mayor Hurley noted that the little city of Spring Valley, Minnesota has no parking from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., so its not unusual. Police Chief Tom Jennings reported that the majority of the calls for service on the Westside are because crowds are hanging out on the streets and the police department is called to move them out. Councilperson Greenwood noted that someone could attend an event downtown, leave their car and return on Sunday to pick it up, and that this proposal seems like overkill. Chief Jennings stated that people will learn they have to move the vehicles by 2:00 a.m. and he thinks word will spread fast if we post signs. Chief Jennings stated on the Westside the police are called for different bars because the people don't want to go and hang around the streets. Councilperson Steve Schmitt noted that there is an all night establishment on the Westside and asked how does that factor in. Chief Jennings replied that there is one all night establishment and it has off-street parking. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt stated he will bring the proposed ordinance back at a later date and will get more information about the Eastside. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt discussed the proposed ordinance to allow potbellied pigs. The language was added to the dog/cat licensing ordinance with the same licensing requirements. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt stated that he believes a potbellied pig is a pig, and he doesn't think we should have pigs or chickens in residential areas. Councilperson Getty stated he asked to bring this ordinance to the committee because he received a call from a lady who owned a pig that died and she wants to get another one. She said a potbellied pig is as clean as a dog. Ordinance Committee September 14, 2009 Page 2 Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated that Councilperson Greenwood brought this issue up about 16 months ago. At that time a couple of veterinarians said they are not like pigs we know from farms, and that they are smaller. Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated its not so much about pigs, but having responsible owners. Councilperson Steve Schmitt stated he would much rather have a potbellied pig than a pit bull, and he does not see these as comparable to the pigs on a farm. Except for Councilperson Hart, it was the consensus of the members present to move forward with the proposed ordinance. Mayor Hurley asked if someone checked to see how many other cities are allowing potbellied pigs. Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt stated there are several cities in Iowa that allow them, including West Des Moines. Councilperson Welper stated he voted against the ordinance the first time, and if it passes he doesn't' think we will have a big run on them. With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Steve Schmitt, seconded by Greenwood that the meeting be adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Cole. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk • •