HomeMy WebLinkAbout06.02.2008• •
ORDINANCE COMMITTEE
June 2, 2008
3:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve
Schmitt, Welper, Mayor Hurley.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Getty that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt reviewed changes to Section 5-2-6, Discharging Weapons, of
the Waterloo Code of Ordinances. This change was brought to the council during oral
presentations at a city council meeting. A new Subsection B(4) has been added which allows
bow fishing from a boat as long as the person has a valid fishing license and during time periods
permitted by state law. The language for this amendment came from DNR regulations.
Councilperson Getty noted he is opposed to any type of bow fishing in the city limits.
Councilperson Steve Schmitt commented that he talked to several bow hunters who said the
same persons who bow hunt deer would bow fish, and he would be in favor of this ordinance
change. Councilperson Welper commented that with the restrictions he would support the
change. Councilperson Hart favored moving the amendment forward. Councilperson Cole
noted that she does not feel we need any hunting within the city limits. It was the consensus of
the council members to place the ordinance change on next Monday's council agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt reviewed proposed changes to the Waterloo Traffic Code,
Section 310-Prohibited Parking During Snow Emergency, which would create odd/even parking
during emergency snow removal. Councilperson Welper questioned how citizens would be
notified. Mayor Pro Tem Schmitt responded that we would use the same media we presently use
for declaring snow emergency for Priority 1 roads. Councilperson Getty noted that he is in favor
of odd/even parking and he requested this ordinance change. Councilperson Getty commented
that it is hard for plows in the winter and street sweepers in the summer because some cars are
parked on the street and some areas never get cleaned. Councilperson Getty asked if cars are not
moved will they be ticketed and towed. Steve Decker, Superintendent of Streets, distributed a
hand out with number of employees currently used for snow removal. Mr. Decker noted that
with odd/even parking, the plows would have to return the next day to plow the other side and
that a decision will have to be made as to what time the snow emergency declaration would take
effect. Some of the concerns noted by council members and staff included: towing cars and
impound area, mail and garbage services, notification of citizens and time allowed once snow
emergency declared. Mr. Decker suggested the city contract with a company for towing
services, and he noted that one city has odd/even parking six months out of the year.
Councilperson Welper suggested that Mr. Decker bring a proposal to the council. Mayor Hurley
will meet with staff to look at the suggested changes. This ordinance will be brought back to the
committee in two weeks.
Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt reviewed changes to the Waterloo Code of Ordinances, Chapter
1, Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission, of Title 2, Boards and Commissions. The
proposed ordinance includes minor language clean up as recommended by Planning staff.
Mayor Pro Tem explained that the commission would be composed of seven members at large.
Members from the Community Development Board, Human Rights Commission and Waterloo
School Board would serve as ex officio members with no voting rights. Councilperson Hart
would like the members from Community Development Board and Human Rights Commission
to have voting rights. Mayor Pro Tem Schmitt reviewed the change to attendance of members.
The new language says any commission member who misses more than two meetings (excused
and/or unexcused) in a twelve month period may be recommended for removal. If a member has
a valid excuse for nonattendance, the member must notify the commission chairperson or
secretary prior to the meeting. Councilperson Hart suggested that changing that section to three
excused absences in a twelve month period and/or two unexcused absences in a twelve month
period. Councilperson Cole asked if the attendance requirement is added to this commission will
the council also require it of all the other boards and commission members. Councilperson Cole
noted she feels this is one of the city's most important commission and the current size of the
board should be changed. Councilperson Welper noted that there are seven council members
Ordinance Committee
June 2, 2008
Page 2
who are in charge of the city's budget and oversee city policy so he feels seven members for the
Planning Commission should be sufficient. Councilperson Greenwood commented that he
thinks seven is a good number, as he talked to a former member of the board who felt 13
members is dysfunctional and that seven is workable. Councilperson Hart suggested that the
attendance requirement be two excused and one unexcused absence from the date a new
chairperson is appointed. Councilperson Steve Schmitt requested that this ordinance be tabled
until we can nail down why the three members from Community Development Board, Human
Rights Commission and Waterloo School District have been members of the Planning
Commission. Mayor Pro Tem Sclunitt responded that Don Temeyer said when three
commissions were combined, it was deemed necessary that each have a seat from their
respective commission. Councilperson Getty noted he would agree with the seven members as
long as the three board members are voting members. The ordinance amendment will be brought
back for further discussion in two weeks.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Steve
Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 3:54 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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