HomeMy WebLinkAbout10.11.2007•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
October 11, 2007
8:00 a.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Welper, Gunderson, Getty, Cole, Schmitt.
Members absent: 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 for meeting scheduled for
Monday, October 15, 2007.
Mayor Hurley reviewed items on the council agenda for Monday, October 15, 2007 and the
following items were discussed.
Don Temeyer, Community Planning and Development Director, reviewed the request from Allen
Memorial Hospital to vacate, sell and convey Heath Street and the alley generally located within
the block west of Heath Street from Donald Street to Dale Street. Mr. Temeyer noted that Allen
Hospital employs 1,300 people and they do not pay taxes. The city traded some land with Allen
Hospital needed for the Donald Street Trail project.
Noel Anderson, City Planner, explained that the supplemental development agreement with Vern
Nelson for redevelopment of the condos at 25 Westfield Avenue is part of the Master Agreement
for the former Winterbottom Supply building. As each unit is completed, the developers are
required to apply for the tax rebatements and the minimum assessments.
The request from Midwest Building Inc. to vacate the portion of the sidewalk located along West
13th Street adjacent to 174 West 13`h Street to allow the sidewalk that was recently removed for
construction of a building to not have to be replaced was reviewed. Don Temeyer, Community
Planning and Development Director, explained that previously council approved an
encroachment agreement with Midwest Building and now the company does not want to put the
sidewalk back. They say the sidewalk doesn't go anywhere, but there is sidewalk along this area
except for one segment.
Concerning the request of Allen Memorial Hospital to vacate, sell and convey Heath Street and
the alley generally located within the block west of Heath Street from Donald Street to Dale
Street, Councilperson Getty is concerned with closing of Heath Street. He thought Allen
Hospital was going to building on this area, and now they just want to close the street and use it
for a parking lot. Councilperson Getty is concerned because there are 70 single family homes,
Mount Carmel and Prairie Park Apartments using Heath Street. With the closing of Heath Street
the families will have to use Columbia Street to get to Donald Street, and Councilperson Getty
feels there is already a lot of traffic on Donald Street because of the John Deere traffic and Allen
Hospital employees. There is a small hill to get to Columbia Street, and there are no lights on
Dale and Louise Streets.
Mayor Hurley noted that he presumes that as part of the Technical Review Committee input has
been received from public safety and the Traffic Department. Mayor Hurley noted there could
be a possibility that lights would be installed at that location. Mr. Temeyer responded that more
than likely lights would be put on Highway 63. Mr. Temeyer noted the helipad is going to be
located on the south side of Dale Street. Mr. Temeyer noted that Allen Hospital is in a tight
situation, and they need to build. The neighborhood wants to keep Allen. Staff has met with
Janice Holmes, who is circulating a petition against the closing of Heath Street.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Cole that the
meeting be adjourned at 8:18 a.m. Ayes. Six. Absent: Greenwood. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk