HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.04.2008• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 4, 2008
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie
Schmitt.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Tim Andera, Associate Planner, reviewed the Waterloo Historic Preservation Plan 2008, as
completed by Phil Thomason and Associates. The city received a Historical Resource
Development Program grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to complete the report.
Mr. Andera explained that the main purpose of the plan is to create a template/guideline for the
city. The focus of the report includes: economic benefits of historic preservation, downtown
and neighborhood revitalization, heritage tourism, enhances the rehabilitation and preservation of
historic neighborhoods, provides for additional incentives to private homeowners to invest in
their historic properties and to increase public awareness and support of historic preservation.
The plan lays out the course of action that the city can take to: preserve its historic and industrial
past, creation of new jobs, new business starts, continued downtown revitalization coinciding
with the Riverfront Renaissance Plan, stabilizing neighborhoods and increasing property values
and growing the tax base.
Councilperson Cole expressed concerns that adopting the plan obligates the city to acquire
property and pay for the fixtures using city funds, establishment of a revolving fund, registration
of craftsmen and disallowing Habitat of Humanity homes. Mr. Andera explained that the plan is
not filed with the state, and it is meant as a guideline and nothing is set in stone.
Councilperson Reggie Schmitt commented that the plan could apply to the downtown and River
Renaissance but, he expressed concerns with including the plan in residential areas as the face of
the neighborhood changes.
Don Temeyer, Community Planning and Development Director, explained that the plan is a
series of goals and objections that does not commit city funds without council approval. Mr.
Andera noted that the plan will not impose a hardship on other departments, and that
establishment of a revolving loan fund would have to brought back to the council for approval.
Councilperson Hart noted that Mason City has a historic plan they see as a way of showing the
uniqueness of the neighborhoods. Councilperson Hart stated he feels there is value in
preservation of neighborhoods, but there could be a problem with financing. Councilperson Hart
suggested a phase process, maybe look at one neighborhood per year. Councilperson Hart asked
how would residents be informed of the plan. Mr. Andera stated that there are state grants to
help residential areas and the city has the CURA District.
The council will hold a hearing on the Historic Preservation Plan at tonight's council meeting.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Cole
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:58 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk