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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.10.12002• • COUNCIL WORK SESSION January 10, 2002 9:00 a.m. Council Chambers Members present: Mayor Rooff, Berry, Welper, Greenwood, Clark, Jordan, Hurley, Getty. Moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the Agenda, as amended, be approved. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Mayor Rooff stated that with events happening in the State and the efforts with Vision Iowa he feels it would be in the best interest of the city to hire a Lobbyist for the city. The Lobbyist would work for the city and gave weekly reports to the council. Mayor Rooff stated that he held a meeting with Larry Murphy from L & L Murphy, Associates, Mayor Crews and City of Cedar Falls staff to discuss the issue of sharing the cost for hiring a Lobbyist. Mayor Crews discussed hiring a Lobbyist with the Cedar Falls City Council, and it was the consensus of the Cedar Falls' council members to proceed with hiring a Lobbyist. Mayor Rooff stated it is hoped that the Board of Supervisors will join with the cities of Cedar Falls and Waterloo. Mayor Jon Crews reported that on Monday, January 7, 2002, the Cedar Falls City Council held their annual goat setting session to establish policy priorities for FY03. One of the topics discussed was the retention of a Lobbyist that would represent the metropolitan area before State and Federal elected and governmental officials. It was the consensus of the Cedar Falls City Council to support this concept. Mayor Crews stated he believes it is important for the Waterloo City Council to be aware that the Cedar Falls City Council has endorsed the concept of sharing a Lobbyist who would represent the specific interests of the two cities. It is clear that there may be pending legislation that would create property tax freeze legislation. Mayor Crews stated that it is clear that the cities can benefit from joining an Eastern Iowa consortium represented by a common Lobbyist who would encourage legislators to bring project support and legislation that benefits eastern Iowa where the majority of citizens within the State of Iowa reside. Currently, Des Moines and surrounding communities in the central Iowa metropolitan area control the majority of legislation that is written for urban areas, leaving eastern Iowa cities often without the level of support that should be provided given the population base. Mayor Crews stated that a resolution will be placed on the Cedar Falls Council agenda for Monday, January 14, 2002 approving the agreement with L & L Murphy, Associates for a one year period. The Iowa League of Cities does a good job, but oftentimes cities are not informed of legislation until the bill has passed in committee. Mayor Crews stated that the total cost for the one year would be approximately $20,000 to $25,000, and Cedar Falls would be willing to pay its share based on per capita, with Cedar Falls paying $8,000 and Waterloo paying $16,000. Mayor Rooff stated that hopefully Black Hawk County will join with Cedar Falls and Waterloo. The Chamber of Commerce has a Lobbyist, but we are not getting weekly reports. Mayor Rooff stated there is talk about placing tax growth restrictions on cities and counties and there may be a change to the Road Use formula. Mayor Rooff stated that the Lobbyist would filter legislative information back to us with a weekly letter to the mayor and council. Councilperson Jordan stated he is very interested in hiring a Lobbyist. Councilperson Greenwood stated he feels a Lobbyist would help the city immensely. Councilperson Hurley stated this sounds like a great idea and it is practical. Councilperson Hurley stated we should approve the contact for one year at this amount. Councilperson Clark stated he feels working together with the City of Cedar Falls and Black Hawk County is a positive issue. Councilperson Jordan asked where Waterloo's share of funding would come from, and Mayor Rooff stated he will report back on the funding. Mayor Rooff asked for a roll call vote on approval of the one year contract. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. This item will be placed on the council agenda of Monday, January 14, 2002. Items that have been placed on the council agenda of Monday, January 14, 2002 were discussed with Department Heads who have items on the agenda. Council Work Session all IIII January 10, 2002 Page 2 Assistant City Attorney Sang-Ki Han stated that labor negotiation strategy is an approved topic of Executive Session per Iowa Code Section 20.17(3)(2001). Moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the council adjourn to Executive Session at 9:45 a.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION Hurley now absent at 10:20 a.m. Moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the council adjourn the Executive Session at 10:40 a.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Hurley. Motion carried. With no further business before the council, it was moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the meeting be adjourned at 10:41 a.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Hurley. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk