HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.04.2008•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 4, 2008
3:50 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Pro Tem Reggie Schmitt, Cole, Getty, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt,
Welper, Hart.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Cole that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Hart. Motion carried.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, explained that staff attended
training sessions with Iowa Homeland Security. The State of Iowa has a priority order list that
starts with properties in the floodway, home/owner occupied, rental and then business properties.
The properties are located in Sans Souci, Riverside Drive, Sherwood Park and one property on
Black Hawk Road.
Councilperson Hart now present at 3:55 p.m.
Councilperson Getty asked if the homes in Sherwood Park are eligible. Mr. Anderson responded
that they are, and the council will have to decide the priority for them. The City of Cedar Falls
put properties that previously turned down an offer for a buyout lower on the list, which could be
an option for the council. Councilperson Getty commented what advantage would it be for the
Sans Souci and Riverside owners to ask for a buyout when they know they could have an second
opportunity. Mr. Anderson noted that all buyouts are 100 percent voluntary, and the property
owners could gamble whether there would be another event that would trigger the opportunity
for a buyout.
Aric Schroeder, City Planner, reported that the city has received a report from the state
contracted inspector assisting the city with substantial damages. For property on the floodway, a
determination will have to be made whether the property sustained substantial damage. If the
property sustained less than 50 percent damage, the owner can make repairs without meeting the
requirements. Homeowners whose property have been determined to have more than 50 percent
damage can appeal for a variance to the requirements to the Board of Appeals and then the
Department of Natural Resources. The Department of Natural Resources is careful about
granting a variance in the floodway, and at minimum would require the building to be built one
foot about the 100 year flood.
Councilperson Cole commented that if the city offers buyouts to the residents of Sans Souci and
five property owners say they are they staying, the next time there is a flood is the city obligated
to provide security, pumps, sandbags and other services. Mr. Anderson responded that would be
a policy decision. Mr. Schroeder noted that we could make it clear that if the owner does not
accept a buyout this time, they could be placed lower on a prioritize list for the next event.
Mr. Schroeder reported that property owners will receive a survey to complete and return by
August 11, 2008 so that staff will have time to prioritize the list in time for the September 12,
2008 Notice of Interest for Hazard Mitigation grant deadline. The state will re -prioritize the
city's list. Mr. Schroeder reviewed how the funds could be prioritized (floodway, 100-year
floodplain, 500-year floodplain). Staff recommends prioritizing those structures within a
floodway the highest. Consideration is needed if properties within a 100-year floodplain should
be included, but prioritized lower or not included in the Notice of Interest. Staff recommends
that properties within a 500-year floodplain or not in a flood hazard area not be included in the
Notice of Intent. All properties purchased with these funds must remain as open space and
cannot be developed.
Mr. Schroeder noted that the funds could be further prioritized based on factors such as: owner
occupied, rental, secondary home, commercial, other; previous flooding history; and
substantially damaged.
Mr. Schroeder explained that the to determine the value of a property the state recommends
using 110 percent of the assessed value. Other options include using 100 percent only or using a
Council Work Session
August 4, 2008
Page 2
percent but providing for an appeal process. The city include relocation costs up to $10,000.00
and moving expenses up to $850.00. Mr. Schroeder noted that substantial damage is only used
on the value of the structures. For buyouts, the entire property is included and FEMA uses labor
and the fair market of the homes.
Mr. Schroeder noted that that grant funds require a 15 percent local match and council will need
to decide if the city will pay all of the required match or require the property owner to participate
in the match.
Mr. Anderson reported that the City of Cedar Falls is going to offer 100 percent of the assessed
value, establish an appeal process and allow relocation costs up to $10,000.00 and moving
expenses up to $850.00.
Councilperson Welper noted that at this time we do not know the dollar amount we will receive
for the buyouts, and that a number of our homes may not be bought out and he asked what
happens to those properties. Mr. Schroeder responded that it depends if the property is in the
floodway and/or substantially damaged. Some property may be in the floodway but not
substantially damaged and the property owner could rebuild. If the property is declared
substantially damaged, the property owner can appeal to the Board of Adjustment and the
Department of Natural Resources for a variance. If they do not receive approval, they will have
to look at demolition of the property.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Cole that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:19 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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