HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.08.2000• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 8, 2000
4:30 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Getty, Berry.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Berry that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
The proposed ordinance pertaining to parking in front yards was reviewed.
Councilperson Getty stated that several neighborhood associations have contacted the council
regarding parking on front yards. Sang Ki Han, Assistant City Attorney, worked with staff and
has drawn up the proposed ordinance. Councilperson Getty stated that the next step is to have all
the neighborhood associations review the proposed ordinance.
Councilperson Anders stated that Black Hawk County had an intern do a survey of cars parking
on the front yards, and the information gathered by the intern indicated that an ordinance was
needed. Councilperson Anders noted that there are a lot of vehicles in the Fourth Ward.
Lou Cutwright, Building Official, stated that the ordinance should specifically say the driveway
should be hard -surfaced in order to enforce the ordinance. The ordinance pertains to residential
areas only. Mr. Cutwright commented that the Code Enforcement Officers would enforce the
ordinance, and they already have a lot to do. If the city is going to enact the ordinance, Mr.
Cutwright recommended that another Code Enforcement Officer be hired or there won't be
anyone to enforce the ordinance.
Councilperson Anders stated that the calls he has received have been very adamant about
enforcing the ordinance. Mr. Anders commented that the question is do the people of Waterloo
want to pay for enforcement in the Fourth Ward where most of the violation occurs.
Councilperson Anders recommended that Rudy Jones, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, send
a letter with a copy of the ordinance to the neighborhood associations.
Councilperson Krizek stated that she receives complaints about habitual parking in front and side
yards. Councilperson Krizek stated that the vehicles tear up the lawns making the house look
tacky because of the yard, even though the house looks fine.
Councilperson Gronen stated that this is an anesthetic ordinance, and he doesn't feel the city has
anything that covers it. Councilperson Gronen commented that he does not want to hassle
citizens. Councilperson Gronen stated that he would be comfortable with the ordinance if all the
council members went to the residence and agreed that the resident was in violation of the
ordinance.
Councilperson Jordan commented that he does not believe it is necessary to hire another Code
Enforcement Officer. Councilperson Jordan asked what the fines would be for violators.
Councilperson Berry stated that she agrees with sending letter to all the neighborhood
associations to ask them for their review and also suggested that an article be put in the paper so
all citizens are aware of the ordinance.
Councilperson Getty suggested the Police Department could enforce the ordinance.
Councilperson Gronen stated that he would like to hear from the Code Enforcement Officers how
they feel about the ordinance.
Councilperson Getty asked if it was the consensus of the council to have Rudy Jones send a letter
to the neighborhood associations asking for their input and to get back to the council within 30
days.
Council Work Session
May 8, 2000
Page 2
Mr. Cutwright stated that there is an International Property Maintenance Code that is set up to
keep neighborhoods up so property value stays up. Mr. Cutwright recommended that the council
look at the complete ordinance.
Assistant City Attorney Sang-Ki Han stated that the fine would be a scheduled municipal
infraction.
Councilperson Murphy stated that it is a good idea to stop parking in the front yards, but he does
not want people's rights violated.
Councilperson Jordan suggested that Mr. Cutwright put together information on the proposed
ordinance and show it on the government access channel.
Don Temeyer, City Planner, stated that we need to be very specific on what is a driveway, and we
might want to require a permit so that it is laid out. Mr. Temeyer commented that he does not
think we want to require them to cement the driveway.
It was the consensus of the council to notify Rudy Jones to contact all the neighborhood
associations and get back to the council in 30 days. The City Clerk will notify Mr. Jones.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Krizek, seconded by Gronen that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:09 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk
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