HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.16.2001 (2)COUNCIL WORK SESSION
July 16, 2001
4:45 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Rooff, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Members absent: Anders.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Murphy that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Anders. Motion carried.
Lou Cutwirght, Building Official, reviewed the installation of accessible sidewalks on
University/FaIls Avenue Corridor. In April 2000 the ADA Commission received a letter from
A.R.C. of Black Hawk County, which contained two complaints. The commission addressed
both complaints; however, complaint number 2 was extensive and was without a simple solution.
The commission requested that the three organizations affected (Adults Incorporated, Exceptional
Persons, Inc. and Goodwill Industries of NE Iowa) write a formal letter of complaint to the
commission outlining corrections they thought necessary to rectify the situation.
Tim Mrozek, our former Traffic Engineer, addressed the commission on the University Avenue
corridor. The corridor, which is a state highway, was not designed for pedestrian traffic. The
state would have to be involved on any decisions made. The commission wrote a letter to the
Waterloo IDOT office requesting assistance. That letter was forwarded to Eric Thorson, City
Engineer. Mr. Thorson assigned an engineer and technician to look at the feasibility of creating a
pedestrian corridor in the area. At the February ADA Compliance Commission meeting, a
proposed accessible corridor was presented to the commission members. The commission felt it
was a very good idea and by unanimous vote approved moving forward with the feasibility study
of completing the accessible corridor.
Some property owners already have sidewalk along their property. The goal is to install sidewalk
along the complete outlined corridor for accessibility along with curb ramps. A meeting was
arranged with all property owners and was held on June 19, 2001. No property owners attended
the meeting. Property owners will be responsible for maintenance of the sidewalk.
The Engineering Department estimates the cost to be $85,000 to $90,000. If approved as a viable
project by the council, the ADA Compliance Commission will start a fundraising project to
provide funds for construction. Members of the commission feel there are transportation grants
(MET Transit) and federal grants through ADA that will also fund the project.
Mr. Thorson stated that the sidewalks will be located along the north side of Falls Avenue and
north side of the University Avenue frontage road.
Mr. Cutwright stated that once funding is available he will bring this item to the council for
hearing with bid letting in late winter or early spring.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Krizek to authorize the Building Official to proceed with the next
step for the installation of sidewalks along University Avenue/Falls Avenue and bring back as a
project to council. Ayes: Six. Absent: Anders. Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Getty, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 4:56 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Anders. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk