HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.27.2006•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 27, 2006
5:00 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Welper, Gunderson, Greenwood, Getty, Cole,
Schmitt.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Seven. Motion carried.
Lou Cutwright, Building Official/Maintenance Administrator, reviewed the 28E Agreement with
Black Hawk County to provide maintenance administration. Mr. Cutwright reviewed the
background of the 28E Agreement and his work duties both with the county and the city. With
the approval of the first 28E Agreement for a one-year period, the city received $17,587.00 for
the use of its Maintenance Administrator. Of that amount, Mr. Cutwright received $8,700.00 to
support his salary. The city paid FICA/IPERS, so a total of $6,900.00 went to support the
General Fund.
During the first year of cooperation, the city embarked on the renovation of the swimming pools
and re -roofing several major structures. The county experienced a major problem with their
newly installed windows in the Courthouse that was discovered, coordinated and resolved with
coordination by the new -shared Maintenance Administrator. During this period, the renovation
of the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center was completed under the shared Administrator.
The two year 28E Agreement signed in March 2004 continued to produce many pluses for both
the city and the county. The county reduced its maintenance budget by $250,000.00 per year by
outsourcing cleaning and the city completed the renovation of the Men's and Women's Police
Locker Room.
Mr. Cutwright explained his main responsibility is Building Official for the city and county. As
Building Official, he continues to support and build the national certification of his staff. The
Building Department continues to operate in the black and has returned an average of
$400,000.00 per year to the General Fund to support other areas that affect building and growth.
Code Enforcement falls under the direction of the Building Official/Maintenance Administrator.
Mr. Cutwright stated he coordinated the research and adoption of the International Property
Maintenance Code.
Mr. Cutwright reported he works 45 to 50 hours per week, and that many administrators work
those hours. Mr. Cutwright stated the 28E Agreement has saved the taxpayers approximately
$148,000.00.
Councilperson Welper asked if Mr. Cutwright feels comfortable, obligated or spread too thin
because of the 28E Agreement. Mr. Cutwright responded he feels comfortable with the shared
Administrator position.
Councilperson Getty stated he feels Mr. Cutwright does a good job and is very conscientious, but
he does not think the amount of money paid by Black Hawk County is adequate and asked if the
city also provides inspection and zoning for the county. Mr. Cutwright reported that the city has
28E Agreements with the county for inspections and Planning and Zoning staff. The agreements
include an hourly rate using salaries, benefits and overhead costs.
Mr. Cutwright reported the 28E Agreement includes a salary of $48.00 per hour for the shared
administrator and he works about 2.5 hours per day at Black Hawk County. The first year of the
contract the county will pay approximately $31,000.00 and there is a 3.5 percent increase for the
second year of the agreement.
Councilperson Getty stated he feels we have enough work for our staff in Waterloo and that if
we don't need all those inspectors for our work then perhaps we could reduce staff.
Council Work Session
February 27,'2006
Page 2
Councilperson Getty noted it is lucrative and a great money maker, but he feels the city is
coming up short.
Mayor Hurley noted that the council is concerned if we are getting our share for Mr. Cutwright
and how long he will be able to continue doing both jobs. Mayor Hurley asked that the contract
be changed so that the 3.5 percent increase is effective July 1, 2006, and that the contract will
terminate on June 30, 2007. Mayor Hurley reported that staff has reminded him that the
buildings are better since Mr. Cutwright took on the Building Maintenance Administrator job,
and that the majority of staff gave Mr. Cutwright high marks. Mayor Hurley noted he also hears
that he gets to our buildings but some times it takes longer.
Mr. Cutwright reported the volume of work at the county is less than the city. In 2004, there
were 406 inspections for the county and 10,000 inspections in the city. Black Hawk County has
only four major buildings while the city has many buildings.
Mayor Hurley asked that the agreement be changed to include the 3.5 percent increase in salary
effective July 1, 2006 and make June 30, 2007 as the termination date of the agreement.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Schmitt, seconded by Cole that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:28 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
• •