HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.21.2000• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
August 21, 2000
4:50 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Getty, Anders, Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Gronen, Berry.
Moved by Krizek, seconded by Jordan that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
The proposed fire lane ordinance was reviewed. Fire Chief Frank Magsamen stated that he is
proposing the fire lane ordinance based on information from his staff that they are encountering
difficulty accessing buildings during fire and ambulance calls. The ordinance is modeled after
Cedar Falls' fire lane ordinance. The ordinance covers both privately owned commercial property
and privately owned residential property. The ordinance defines a commercial vehicle as a motor
driven car or truck which is designated by lettering on the vehicle's body indicating a commercial
purpose or which has a commercial license plate attached and is duly registered to the vehicle. A
fire lane is defined as an opening not less than 20 feet of unobstructed width measured from the
farthest building projection or walkway/curb, whichever is the greatest distance from the building
wall, and shall have no vertical obstructions. The length of a fire lane shall be properly posted.
Chief Magsamen stated that he is not proposing to fill the city with fire lanes, but the ordinance
will be enforced when a business requests the fire lane. The business will have to pay for the
signage. Anyone violating the ordinance will be guilty of a municipal infraction and subject to
fines set out in the Waterloo Code of Ordinances.
Assistant City Attorney Sang-Ki Han stated that if the proposed ordinance is adopted, we must
enforce it. Councilperson Anders stated that he believes the ordinance should be city-wide or not
at all. Councilperson Murphy stated he feels this is a safety issue with children darting out
between cars. Councilperson Jordan stated that if we think it is a safety issue, he would support
the ordinance, and he would like it to be city-wide. Acting Police Chief Tom Jennings stated that
he would like the ordinance to be uniformed and apply to everyone. Chief Magsamen stated that
over the years the Crossroads merchants have asked for the fire lane ordinance, but he has not
heard from other businesses. Councilperson Gronen stated that he likes Chief Magsamen's
recommendation that fire lanes be installed only upon requests as this gives a business the option
to have a fire lane.
Councilperson Getty suggested that the ordinance be tabled for two weeks to allow Chief
Magsamen time to talk with businesses and the Chamber of Commerce.
Moved by Jordan, seconded by Gronen that Chief Magsamen bring the proposed ordinance back
in two weeks with a report from businesses and the Chamber of Commerce. Ayes: Seven.
Motion carried.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Krizek, seconded by Jordan that the
meeting be adjourned at 5:12 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk