HomeMy WebLinkAbout12.13.2004BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
December 13, 2004
3:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Chairperson Cole, Schmitt, Gunderson.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes:
Three. Motion carried.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Cole that Mayor Hurley's recommendation of appointment
of Janet Barcherding to the Waterloo Housing Authority Board, with term expiration date of
January 2006, be approved. Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Moved by Gunderson, seconded by Schmitt that Mayor Hurley's recommendation of
appointment of Aaron Little and Willie Cody to the Telecommunications Commission, with term
expiration date of December 1, 2007, be approved. Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
With no further business before the committee, it was moved by Gunderson, seconded by
Schmitt that the meeting be adjourned at 3:48 p.m. Ayes: Three. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
Council Work Session
December 13, 2004
Page 2
trying to organize the parking better, but they do no see much of the grant funds going for
parking.
Councilperson Welper noted Waterloo is the only city included for funding, but when there are
events at the NCC the need for motels goes outside of Waterloo. Councilperson Welper asked if
any other communities are contributing. Mr. Mochal stated they spend some time with the Cedar
Falls Council and talked to them many times, but got no specific support from them. Mayor
Crews wrote a letter of support for the project. Mr. Hultman stated they are seeking funds
beyond the City of Waterloo which encompasses the Cedar Valley.
Mayor Hurley reviewed the language of Resolution No. 2001-701, which mentions $17 million
project for National Cattle Congress, and that with the assistance of Vision Iowa Program
funding, the project will be completed through the City of Waterloo's match of $2,460,780,
including interest. Mayor Hurley noted the city's match totaled about 14 or 15 percent of the
$17 million project, but now that the project has been downsized to $6.195 million project that
would be about 33 percent match. Mayor Hurley reported the council's June 9, 2003 hearing
was the public hearing on the issuance of $2 million General Obligation Bonds, which was the
city's declaration of intent. Also on June 9, 2003, the council authorized the Chief Financial
Officer to create a new fund for the Vision Iowa Projects.
Mr. Mochal stated he finds it baffling that the council was not aware the NCC project was
downsized to $6.1 million because when they submitted the original application a copy was
given to the mayor's office. There have been many Courier articles regarding the $6.1 million
project, and the NCC has been sitting on that amount for a couple of years. Mr. Mochal stated
they have been dealing with $6.1 million project for a long time and felt they had the city's
support.
Mr. Hultman stated these projects are moving targets. Within 72 hours, they as a committee
came to the conclusion of this proposal. Mr. Hultman stated they had two meetings at City Hall
within two days and it was hard discussed with the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo and other
players, and NCC made it very clear they were withdrawing, indicated their project and that they
would continue to support the overall project.
Mayor Hurley stated the question right now is what does this city council do with the previous
council's decision to give $2 million to NCC.
Mr. Hultman stated if the city doesn't have a legal obligation, they have a moral obligation .
Jim Walsh, City Attorney, stated the council does not have a legal obligation to back the new
project with the downsized cost. Mr. Walsh stated there is no agreement between the NCC and
the City of Waterloo. Mr. Walsh stated the city could give only $600,000 or $700,00 because of
the downsized project and reduced total cost. Mr. Walsh stated when the city goes to Vision
Iowa for funding, if we downsize our project we wouldn't get the funds.
Wallace Sullentic stated nothing in the resolution says it is a $17 million project, it was a $2
million obligation by the city council. Mayor Hurley responded the agenda item does not
mention a $17 million project, but the 2002 resolution did.
Councilperson Welper stated when the NCC reduced their project to $6.1 million, he received
two or three letters stating because the NCC reduced their project, the city should reduce its
amount of support as well.
Mr. Mochal stated the NCC needs the city's support for the negotiation phase. If the city's
support is reduced beyond $2 million, that will have a dramatic affect on their request. Mr.
Mochal asked for documentation on the city's position as soon as possible as there is a January
meeting for CAT funding, and they have requested to be on the agenda.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Clark, seconded by Welper that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:17 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk