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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Packet - 3/7/2022COUNCIL WORK SESSION March 7, 2022 Time indicated below Harold E. Getty Council Chambers RULES FOR WORK SESSION PUBLIC COMMENT Iowa Code Chapter 21 gives the public the right to attend council meetings, but it does not require cities to allow public participation except during public hearings. The city council shall not receive any public comment during a work session. Roll Call Agenda, as proposed or amended Approval of Minutes Minutes of February 21, 2022, Work Session, as proposed. 3:45 p.m. Discussion of the biosolids project. Submitted By: Randy Bennett, Public Works Division Manager Approx. Discussion of the Capital Improvements Plan. 4:10 p.m. Submitted By: Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director Approx. Discussion of the FYE2023 budget. 4:35 p.m. Submitted By: Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer Approx. Discussion of expanding the operating area for shared mobility devices. 4:55 p.m. Submitted By: Kelley Felchle, City Clerk ADJOURNMENT Kelley Felchle City Clerk CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Minutes of February 21, 2022, Work Session, as proposed. City Council Meeting: 3/7/2022 Prepared: REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Clerk Office Higby, Nancy Approved 3/2/2022 - 4:46 PM ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ Minutes of February 21, 2022 Backup Material COUNCIL WORK SESSION February 21, 2022 3:40 p.m. Harold E. Getty Council Chambers Members present: Boesen, Nichols, Amos, Chiles, Grieder, Wilder and Feuss. Absent: Nia Wilder. 106945 - Grieder/Chiles that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice -vote Ayes: Six. Motion carried. 106946 - Grieder/Chiles that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, February 7, 2020, at 5:30 p.m., be accepted and approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion carried. Objective: Update from Grout Museum District on the use of cultural and scientific facility levy funds. Billie Bailey, Executive Director of the Grout Museum, provided an overview of the services the Grout Museum provides to the community. She highlighted the recent renovation of the Norris Corson Planetarium. Nia Wilder arrived at 3:52 p.m. Morgan Lasley, Grout President, spoke on the various history, culture and exhibits that are the core mission of the Grout. He stated that the community really rallied together to support the renewal of the Planetarium. He commented that a substantial portion of their funding comes from the public levy. On the Grout Museum website, they provide minutes and financial statements on how their using the levy funds. Billie Bailey provided an overview of the museum's activities in the last year. She shared that the museum has an oral history archive program, which has stories from people who served in wars, farmed, and have begun collecting stories that showcase Black history. Morgan Lasley thanked the city council for supporting the mission of the Grout Museum Mr. Nichols questioned if someone wanted to have an event at the Grout, what would they have to do. Billie Bailey explained that people can call or go to the museum's website to find out more information about how to reserve meeting space at the museum. Mr. Amos questioned what the new initiative is. Billie Bailey explained that they are currently raising funds for an initiative called Opening New Doors. They are working to relocate the main entrance of the museum, and move the gift shop up to just across the hallway from the Planetarium entrance. The gift shop would be removed from the lower level, opening that space up to become a more spacious event center. This would allow the public to easily park in the parking lot adjacent to the museum and come into the door without ringing a bell. Ms. Wilder thanked museum staff for their work and for the Black Stories Collective. Billie Bailey commented that everyone's story is important. She explained that a portion of the museum would be a permanent exhibit about our community's black history and the focus would change every year or so. Objective: Update from Main Street Waterloo. Page 2 Jessica Rucker, Director of Main Street Waterloo, provided an overview of some of their upcoming goals and explained that they are part of a nationwide initiative to revitalize city centers. She reviewed the Four Point Approach strategu and shared how Main Street Waterloo works together with Grow Cedar Valley and Experience Waterloo to move our community forward. Mr. Boesen questioned why the district is so large considering Main Streets in other communities are much smaller. Jessica Rucker explained that they expanded the boundary recently after gathering input from community members and businesses on what they considered to be downtown Waterloo. Mr. Boesen questioned the average size of Main Street Districts. Jessica Rucker explained that most districts are 9.5 blocks while Waterloo is 9.5 square miles, the largest defined district in the state of Iowa and in the top five largest districts in the nation. Main Street Waterloo staff is comprised of one full time person and one part time person and they work with over 100 volunteers on a monthly basis. Mr. Boesen commented that the west side of the district is larger than the east side and questioned the reason for that. Jessica Rucker explained that much of the east side of the district is surrounded by residential areas whereas the west side is more commercial. Jessica Rucker further explained new businesses, financial investments, and residential living additions to the district. She shared that the district is working on moving forward with the SSMID process which would include a financial match by the City of Waterloo, implementation of a new community management system, grow our 4 councils and ensure they work collaboratively through the transformation strategy on the enhancement of Downtown Waterloo, develop a 2-year strategic planning to continue our progress and ensure a unified focus, market Downtown Waterloo and the organization to showcase all we have to offer. John Chiles, thanked Jessica Rucker for all she and her fellow staff member for all the work they do for the community. Objective: Discussion on the FYE 2023 budget. Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that at the last meeting Mr. Boesen asked about the city's debt capacity and its impact on future levy rates. She provided an overview of a handout showing sample debt service projection options. She explained that the debt issue this year would need to be limited to 10 million. She addressed the infrastructure bill that is coming from the federal government. New reports show that the funding will come through existing funding sources which all require a local match percentage paid by cities. Mr. Chiles requested further information on the shift away from including sewer projects in the general obligation bond issues. Michelle Weidner explained that it just makes better sense to use the state revolving loan for the sewer borrowing, as it does not count against the debt levy. Rates are comparable and no interest is owed until you draw the funds. John Chiles questioned if there is a reason why the city continues to borrow $7 million each year instead of reducing it to $6 million. Page 3 Michelle Weidner commented that the needs remain high. The city has been challenged to keep up and has gone many years without investing in most of our city buildings and there are still more new projects in the works. Mr. Amos questioned if the consent decree will have any impact on borrowing. Michelle Weidner explained that it is expected that will be done through the sewer revolving fund again, so we will be using state money for that. With a 5 percent annual rate increase, it allows us to fund enough debt service to do the project we need to do. Mr. Boesen questioned if it would be beneficial to reduce borrowing from $10 million this year and keep it lower down the road. Michelle Weidner explained that this year and next we should be able to afford to do a little bit more. It is about FY25 and FY26 that it is likely to get more difficult. She explained there would be opportunities to pick up lower interest rates to refinance outstanding debt and she will be watching for those. Mr. Boesen commented that the steep increase in debt service levy would be difficult for our citizens. Mr. Nichols requested clarification of Option 1 of the handout. Michelle Weidner explained that by FY30 the city could begin raising the borrowing capacity back to $10 million. However, because so many things change throughout the year(s) the numbers could change with all of the variables. Mr. Amos questioned the ramifications of maintaining a lowering borrowing level, as suggested by Mr. Boesen. Michelle Weidner explained that there is a trade off because maintenance or projects would have to be pushed to a later date. Mr. Grieder expressed frustration that councils past have deferred maintenance. Michelle Weidner commented that much of these issues are due as well to recovery from the Farm Crisis of the 1980s. Mr. Chiles questioned if a model has been created to predict taxable value for the next ten years. Michelle Weidner commented she is unaware of such a tool. She explained that she has assumed a one percent increase in valuation, which is probably generous. Mr. Boesen stated that it is important for our citizens to understand that when we restructure our debt, it does not extend the amount of time to pay off the loan we just pay less. Michelle Weidner thanked Mr. Boesen for pointing that out. Mr. Feuss requested an update on the schedule for future budget meetings. Michelle Weidner provided an overview of the upcoming budget sessions. Mr. Nichols questioned if historical data was reviewed to determine the one percent increase in valuation, and when council we see the CIP numbers. Michelle Weidner commented that it was just based on property value for debt service levy only. Noel Anderson commented that there will be a work session on March 7th and will get it to council before then if possible. Page 4 Objective: Discussion of redevelopment on Ricker Street. Rudy Jones, Community Development Director, explained that they are proposing a development project to make improvements, and Lindsey McEnaney will assist him on the presentation. Lindsey McEnaney provided an overview of the recent redevelopment project on Newell Street through the partnership with Hawkeye Community College. She introduced pictures of various vacant properties that would be part of the proposed Ricker Street redevelopment project. Mr. Amos questioned if 1804 E. 4th Street is under a development agreement. Rudy Jones explained that the property is held under a development agreement but they are working with the Planning Department to sever the agreement. He provided an overview of the anticipated rehabilitation for each of the properties. They are interested in entering into an agreement with Hawkeye Community College to build on the work and investment that is already there, similar to what has taken place in the Walnut Neighborhood. Mr. Feuss questioned the condition of the foundation of the properties that have been identified for rehabilitation. Rudy Jones commented that the foundations are very good and stated they all have good bones that will allow them to be rehabilitated. Mr. Grieder commented that it is very disappointing to him to see the quality of these homes rented out to citizens and expressed full support for rehabilitating these homes. Mr. Amos commented on recent successes close to downtown. Rudy Jones confirmed that the 900 block of Lafayette was rehabilitated and put the home ownership up to seventy to eighty percent occupancy. Mr. Nichols questioned if the conversations with the county have been fruitful regarding allowing the city to acquire properties prior to they land on the tax rolls. Rudy Jones confirmed. Ms. Wilder questioned what is the process of identifying homes and how does the council support those efforts. Rudy Jones provided an explanation of the process. Mr. Nichols questioned how people should reach out with properties they want to bring to Community Development's attention. Rudy Jones explained that people may contact his department via the website, email, phone or can stop in. Mr. Boesen questioned what funding sources are identified for these projects. Page 5 Rudy Jones explained the various funding sources available to help rehabilitate housing. Mr. Chiles encouraged everyone on council to help get the word out to their constituents about the services available to them through Community Development. 106947 - Amos/Grieder that the meeting be adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried. Kelley Felchle City Clerk CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Discussion of the biosolids project. City Council Meeting: 3/7/2022 Prepared: 2/23/2022 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Water Works Felchle, Kelley Approved 2/23/2022 - 4:17 PM ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ Presentation Backup Material SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement/ Background Information: Neighborhood Impact: Data: Community Engagement Methods: Analysis and Strategies: Implementation, Accountability, and Communication:: Expenditure Required/ Source of Funds: Alternative: Discussion of the biosolids project. Submitted By: Randy Bennett, Public Works Division Manager ib"A STRAND ASSOCIATES® Excellence in Engineering SM Since 1946 Strand Associates, Inc.® ('1) Biogas Reuse Opportunities City of Waterloo, IA - City Council Update March 7, 2022 Waste Management heti STRAND ASSOCIATES' WWTP Biogas Use 250,000 ft3/day (all high value biogas) Biogas is currently used to heat digesters; about 40-50% is flared (wasted) Gas could be cleaned and reused —$7.5 million capital project required to reuse the gas el STRAND ASSOCIATES® Lagoon Improvements 800,000 ft3/day (all lower value biogas) All biogas is currently being flared Gas could be cleaned and reused -$12 million capital upgrade Lagoon is a critical asset: Needed to maintain treatment capacity Also needed be able to reuse biogas Replace lagoon cover in kind + sludge/grease removal -$3.5 million capital cost within 5 years el STRAND ASSOCIATES® Previous Recommendation (2019) Strand to complete assessment to better estimate costs and revenue Strand hired ($80,000 contract) to complete concept design Project halted very early, funds still remain in this account el 2019 FEBRUARY Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa MARCH Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa APRIL Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa JANUARY Su Mo Tu We 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 30 SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 29 30 31 STRAND ASSOCIATES® Current Conditions We have been tracking the markets and potential value to the City On -going communications to keep everyone up-to-date Current market conditions are favorable, and third -party ownership models are available that would limit risk el STRAND ASSOCIATES® Third -Party Opportunity 1. Third party would design, build} own, and operate the gas reuse facilities Third party would market the gas and own the gas rights and carte rights City would receive a percentage of the net revenue from gas sales 1 O 2O-year contract is typical el STRAND . I-1ciritII Current Financial Outlook Assuming 20% net revenue sharing WWI Lagoon Gas ( day ) Capital Cost 250'0 57,5C10•000 800,04)0 S15:500,000 Ate Mai GrDss R cvenu e Annual O&M Expenses $2 33 ,0r' -S594, 00 0 $3,468,000 4971,000 Annual Net Revenue $117393000 'Z4971,000 City Revenue $1,739,000 $2,497,000 25.E so 12,333.000 -$594.000 Lagoon , 000 5 : 500a 000 3, 8, 0 -$971,000 S1.7395000 S25 7, 000 $348,0009,000 Debt Service [20 year loan 1 Excess Revenue (after debt Imy m e n t - 59 000 51028%000 - 9x000 51 54$r000 SO - 214 00 5348).000 5 000 heAl STD Next Steps Utilize previously authorized funds to complete the 2019 agreement/study o No additional fee needs to be authorized o Update the project costs and anticipated revenue Updated project financials can be used to negotiate with third -party owner/operator No -added -cost amendment to 2019 agreement will be presented at next council meeting el STRAND ASSOCIATES® ib"A STRAND ASSOCIATES® Excellence in Engineering SM Since 1946 CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Discussion of the Capital Improvements Plan. City Council Meeting: 3/7/2022 Prepared: 2/23/2022 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Clerk Office Felchle, Kelley Approved 2/23/2022 - 4:18 PM SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement/ Background Information: Neighborhood Impact: Data: Community Engagement Methods: Analysis and Strategies: Implementation, Accountability, and Communication:: Expenditure Required/ Source of Funds: Alternative: Discussion of the Capital Improvements Plan. Submitted By: Noel Anderson, Community Planning and Development Director CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Discussion of the FYE2023 budget. City Council Meeting: 3/7/2022 Prepared: 2/23/2022 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Clerk Office Felchle, Kelley Approved 2/23/2022 - 4:19 PM SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement/ Background Information: Neighborhood Impact: Data: Community Engagement Methods: Analysis and Strategies: Implementation, Accountability, and Communication:: Expenditure Required/ Source of Funds: Alternative: Discussion of the FYE2023 budget. Submitted By: Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Discussion of expanding the operating area for shared mobility devices. City Council Meeting: 3/7/2022 Prepared: 2/25/2022 REVIEWERS: Department Reviewer Action Date Clerk Office Felchle, Kelley Approved 2/25/2022 - 10:59 AM ATTACHMENTS: Description Type ❑ Proposed expanded operating area Backup Material SUBJECT: Submitted by: Recommended Action: Summary Statement/ Background Information: Neighborhood Impact: Data: Community Engagement Methods: Analysis and Strategies: Implementation, Accountability, and Communication:: Expenditure Required/ Source of Funds: Alternative: Discussion of expanding the operating area for shared mobility devices. 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