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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.08.2007COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 8, 2007 8:00 a.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Welper, Gunderson, Getty, Cole, Schmitt, Greenwood. Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Greenwood. Motion carried. Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the Standing Committee agendas scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2007.. Greenwood now present at 8:02 a.m. Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the council agenda scheduled for Monday, February 12, 2007 and the following items were discussed. Councilperson Gunderson inquired about the property owned by Rich Penn on West 4th Street. Mayor Hurley responded that he met with Mr. Penn before Christmas and Mr. Penn was to meet with Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator. Mr. Cutwright reported that he met with Mr. Penn and reviewed his plans. Mr. Penn was to return to the Building Department by January 30, 2007 to obtain permits for his project. Mr. Cutwright will contact Mr. Penn. Councilperson Getty suggested that an item could be on the agenda the first of part of March to demolish the building. Mayor Hurley stated he was unsure of the legal process, but we would probably start with code violations. Councilperson Cole indicated that she receives comments from owners who share the block with Mr. Penn. Councilperson Welper stated he met with Mr. Penn and his wife five years ago, and they said they weren't going to do anything until the rest of the downtown was cleaned up. Don Temeyer, Community Planning & Development Director, explained the site plan for the monopole cellular tower to be placed at 351 Fletcher Avenue. This is a single pole without structures attached and the equipment is inside. Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, reported that the low bidder, Paul Christensen Construction on the Byrnes & Gates Pools Bath Remodel Project is required to supply the city with a performance bond. The contractor will also be required to meet the timeline for completion of the project. Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained the changes he is requesting to the F.Y. 2007 Asphalt Overlay Program. Charles Street is being removed from the program as the sewer is in bad shape, and the street will be added to a future reconstruction program. Mayor Hurley asked if there would come a point in the local option tax funds that we would not have enough funds and would have to back off some of the streets. Mr. Thorson stated at this point, there appears to be adequate funding. Ned DeBerg, Fire Chief explained that the 28E Agreements with East Waterloo Township, Cedar Township and the City of Elk Run Heights have a 5 percent increase to provide fire and emergency medical response. Eric Thorson, City Engineer, noted that the agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for federal funds for the U.S. 63 Corridor from U.S. 218 to Donald Street will allow the city to be reimbursed about $250,000.00 in work already performed by Earth Tech. Mayor Hurley stated that he will take time Monday night to discuss the FYE2008 Budget as part of the resolution to set the date of hearing as March 5, 2007. He will share with the council where we are, the state of the budget and will be seeking council's input. Eric Thorson, City Engineer, reviewed the two agreements on the agenda regarding the Digital Terrain Model. Black Hawk County is working on a new mapping system and the city is Council Work Session February 8, 2007 Page 2 piggybacking with them to get our system digitalized and update the information. The city jointly bid with Black Hawk County and our cost will be approximately $77,000.00. Other entities may join, which will reduce the city's cost. The cost is based on square mileage. Councilperson Greenwood asked about the building on Ralston Road and U.S. 63 which houses the Gates Park Optimist Club as it could end up to be an eyesore for development in the area. Don Temeyer, Community Planning & Development Director, responded the city sold the building to the Gates Park Optimist Club, but the city owns the land around it. Councilperson Greenwood suggested that the city have communication with the organization to see if they have plans for the building as that property would be good in -fill in our economic development efforts in that area. Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, reported that the Leisure Services Commission Park Committee looked at that property as a potential place for the dog park, but it was the consensus of the committee that the land will become valuable in the future. Mr. Huting stated that Walter Reed is listed as the owner of the building. Mr. Huting will contact the organization and report back. Mayor Hurley inquired about the former Nellie Carver School. Mr. Temeyer responded that property is owned by the Waterloo School District, who have been trying to reach Pat Rooff without success. With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 8:24 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk