HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.28.2008• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 28, 2008
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Cole, Getty, Hart, Greenwood, Steve Schmitt, Welper, Reggie
Schmitt.
Moved by Reggie Schmitt, seconded by Cole that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the Standing Committee agendas for meetings scheduled for
Tuesday, September 2, 2008.
Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the council agenda for Tuesday, September 2, 2008 and the
following items were discussed.
Bids will be opened on Tuesday, September 2, 2008 on the composting of collected yard waste.
Tim Shea, Superintendent of Waste Management Services, reported that the composted waste
cannot be sold, but the city can give it away and charge a loading fee. Mayor Hurley noted that
the Leisure Services Department would be able to use the composted waste which will save
money on black dirt.
The development agreement with WATESSA Venture, LLC for the construction of the new
Social Security building at the southeast corner of Greyhound and Athens Drive was reviewed.
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, explained that new language is
being written that would specify if the property is sold to an tax exempt entity, the developer
would have to repay the city the tax rebates. Mayor Hurley noted that the location of the Social
Security building has been discussed for two years. The GSA has handled the specifics and at
one time they were in discussion with Nelson Properties to locate in the Blacks Building.
Councilperson Greenwood asked why the city is giving the developer tax rebates. Mr. Anderson
responded that they were looking at other sites, this area, the Martin Road and San Marnan Drive
areas. The city was contacted by Waterloo property owners regarding an economic package
since most cities use rebates as incentives for economic development.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the request by the Fire Chief for an exemption to the City's Relatives in
the Workplace Policy to hire a firefighter from a current Civil Service list. Waterloo Fire Rescue
has been approved to hire three firefighters, and Chief Carter's son is one of the candidates on
the list. Chris Wendland has reviewed the policy, and this is a case where the council can make
an exemption to the policy. Councilperson Cole noted that Chief Carter is in charge of the
Battalion Chiefs and in charge of their performance review, and to protect the Chief and the City
from issues she would like to set up an independent person. Chief Carter explained that he
expects to retire in five years, and his son is 30 years old and would not be eligible for promotion
during that time except fire engineer, which is a written test. Mike Jenn, Battalion Chief, is shift
commander and oversees the scheduling, assignments, etc. Chief Carter noted that he has not
even seen the last new firefighter since he pinned him. Councilperson Cole asked if the
Battalion Chiefs and Lieutenants are involved in discipline, which Chief Carter replied they have
the authority to discipline and the Chief would only be involved in termination. Mayor Hurley
explained if termination of his son was necessary, then he would involve a third party to make
that decision. Councilperson Getty stated he visited with Chief Carter, and he think it's a
tremendous honor that his son wants to follow him in his career, and that this has happened over
the years where sons and other relatives are on the force.
Councilperson Welper questioned the request of the Leisure Services Director to hire a
Downtown Area Maintenance II. Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, explained that this is a
new budgeted position. Currently there is a foreman and a part-time employee working in
downtown maintenance. Councilperson Greenwood asked if they thought about having a
maintenance building in the downtown area, so employees would not have to spend time moving
equipment. Mr. Huting responded that has been discussed, but no firm plan is in place as its a
matter of funding and the proper location.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Cole, seconded by Getty that the
meeting be adjourned at 8:25 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk