HomeMy WebLinkAbout03.17.2003 (2)•
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
March 17, 2003
4:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Kincaid, Welper, Greenwood, Jordan, Hurley, Getty.
Members absent: Clark.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Welper that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Clark. Motion carried.
The request of Louis and Nancy Carter to expand the Consolidated Urban Revitalization Area to
include property located at 2540 Burton Avenue was reviewed. At the January 13, 2003 CURA
Work Session this request was discussed and the council asked staff to look at a larger
expansion. Based on the location of infrastructure in this area and the amount of available land
currently undeveloped, staff recommends against expansion at this time. Previous expansions
have occurred in areas where infrastructure was readily available, and a developer was working
to actively develop. The Carters have noted a neighboring property owner has discussed plans to
develop with them, and staff asked them to have that property owner join the request with them
and pledge to build. At this time, the city has not received any type of additional information
from the Carters. The Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission discussed this request at
the March 4, 2003 meeting. The commission recommended against expanding the CURA at this
time based on the amount of land available and lack of infrastructure directly serving this area.
Councilperson Getty stated if there is no infrastructure in that area how will we ever expand.
Noel Anderson, City Planner, responded that some areas are being developed. Councilperson
Getty stated that west of Loder Road is just farm land, and he thought if the city extended the
CURA, that would give someone incentive to build.
The council discussed the advisability of extending the CURA further up to Big Rock Road.
Discussion was heard if we open up the CURA, there will be no incentive to clean up areas
already in the CURA.
Don Temeyer, Planning and Development Director, stated that there is sewer and water extended
to Big Rock Road. The Carters will have a septic tank system and a well.
The council may designate an area as an Urban Revitalization Area if it meets at least one of the
following criteria:
1. The area possesses a predominance of buildings or improvements which endanger life of
property by fire, is conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, infant mortality, juvenile
delinquency or crime and which is detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare.
2. The area possesses a substantial number of deteriorated or deteriorating structures with the
existence of conditions which endanger life or property by fire and other causes, or a
combination of such factors, substantially impairs or arrests the sound growth of the
municipality, retards the provision of housing accommodations or constitutes an economic or
social liability and is a menace to the public health, safety or welfare in its present condition
and use.
3. The area possesses a predominance of buildings or improvements which by reason of age,
history, architecture or significance should be preserved or restored to productive use.
4. An area which is appropriate as an economic development area as defined in Section 403.17
of the Code of Iowa.
Councilperson Welper stated if the entire city is designated a CURA, it would take away the
incentive to build in the inter -city.
Council Work Session
March 17, 2003
Page 2
Councilperson Greenwood stated he would like a developer to come in with a plan and
infrastructure that is good economic development.
Councilperson Getty stated he is not in favor of just including the Carters' property in the
CURA, but believes we should take the CURA to Big Rock Road to Highway 63 to Wagner
Road to Big Rock Road. Mr. Temeyer stated that the chances of getting development out there is
slim as there are no roads, sewer or water. Councilperson Hurley stated that the city would still
have to provide city services such as public safety and sanitation, and statistics show it doesn't
pay when a city moves out that far.
It was the consensus of the council to deny the Carters request.
Council members would like to review extending the CURA further out.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Welper that
the meeting be adjourned at 4:50 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Clark. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk