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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 JOINT REORGANIZATION & PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEES October 2, 1989 6:00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Budak, Buck. Members absent: Wright, Angel, Dell. The item of discussion was a proposed Fire Department Administrative Program Reorganization (tabled from September 25, 1989) . A quorum was not established. Councilperson Budak stated that since the previous meeting, his questions and concerns had been answered. The meeting was delayed until such time as a quorum of the committee was present. The meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at 6:28 p.m. on October 2, 1989, with Councilperson Angel now present and a quorum established. Moved by Budak, seconded by Angel that the proposed Fire Department Administrative Program Reorganization be approved. Motion carried. With no further business before the Committee, it was moved by Budak, seconded by Angel that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor JOINT PUBLIC SAFETY & REORGANIZATION COMMITTEES September 25, 1989 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Budak, Wright, Angel, Dell, Buck. The Agenda, as proposed, was approved. The proposed Fire Department administrative program reorganization was presented by Fire Chief Stan Stapella. The new structure would include one Chief, two Assistant Chiefs/ Division Chiefs, 3 Battalion Chiefs and five Line Captains. The Battalion Chiefs would respond to fires and one would be assigned to each shift. The Chief stated that this organization would allow for better utilization of personnel and would not result in any cost to the department. If approved, the plan would become effective January 1. Personnel Director Jim Rodemeyer pointed out that there would be an additional cost in the hiring of a mechanic that currently is a Division Chief. Although there would be no changes in the salary, the Battalion Chiefs' salary would need to be reviewed. Councilperson Budak asked for proposed salary ranges and additional time to review the plan. The Chief stated that he would anticipate that the Battalion Chiefs would be placed in range 62, step 5, Division Chiefs would remain at range 63, step 5, and Captains would remain at range 61, step 5. This equates with the ranks in the Police Department. Moved by Angel, seconded by Buck that action on this item be delayed for one week. Motion carried. Chief Stapella presented a proposed increase in ambulance service fees. This recommended fee schedule was determined after charges were compared with Covenant Medical Center and Sartori Hospital. Fees were last increased in 1982. The Chief stated that the collection of fees has increased since the Fire Department has taken over bill collection. Moved by Angel, seconded by Dell that the recommended fee structure be forwarded to the City Council with the committee's recommendation of approval. Motion carried. Fire Chief Stapella also presented a proposed amendment to the City Code of Ordinances relating to ambulances and ambulance driver attendants. No official action was taken on this ordinance. Chief Stapella presented the proposed promotion of Lieutenant Michael Whalen to the position of Captain and the promotion of John Frost to the position of Lieutenant. Moved by Angel, seconded by Buck that a recommendation of approval be forwarded to the City Council of said promotions. Motion carried. With no further business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES September 5, 1989 6: 00 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Dell, Buck, Budak. Moved by Buck, seconded by Dell that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Motion carried. Molly Frazer, Assistant City Attorney, reviewed the proposed changes in the Skateboard Ordinance since last discussed by the Committee on August 21. In summary, the changes included the additional of the definition of "plaza area. " The ordinance was also amended to make it unlawful for a person to skateboard "upon any public street or highway." This would allow skateboarding in City parks since this is not dedicated public right-of-way. It was also suggested that when requested, streets could be barricaded to allow skateboarding as is done with block parties. A procedure for allowing barricading of streets for these purposes would need to be developed. The ordinance was also amended to restrict skateboarding in the downtown area between the hours of 7: 00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Monday though Friday, and between the hours of 10: 00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. It was also amended to make it unlawful to skateboard "upon the ramps, sidewalks and benches at any time at the Waterloo Public Library, the Waterloo Recreation and Arts Center, the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, the MET Transit Authority Central Transit Facility, the Holiday Inn, Russell Lamson Building (209) West Fifth Street) , Park Tower ( 500 Sycamore Street) and Cedar River Tower Housing ( 106) East Third Street. " Councilperson Budak expressed his concern for safeguarding the safety of children. Councilperson Buck stated that he had received no comments on the proposed ordinance. Rick Tagtow, Director of Parks and Forestry, cited examples of where skateboarding would be allowed in City parks. Several skateboarders were present and expressed their desire to have an area where there is sufficient obstacles to challenge them. They also presented pictures of an indoor skating arena in South Dakota. Police Chief Roger Shook commented that ticketing individuals for illegal skateboarding will be done on a minimal basis and only as time allows. The skateboarders were encouraged to form an association of skateboard enthusiasts who would be willing to develop a skateboarding area. Due to the excessive liability that the City would incur, the City' s involvement would be minimal. Chairperson Dell stated that he would contact Jill Lockey in Waverly who has been instrumental in organizing a non-profit organization for skateboarding. Moved by Buck, seconded by Budak that the Skateboarding Ordinance be forwarded to the City Council with the recommendation of approval with the amendment to allow skateboarding on public streets or highways when authorized. Motion carried. With no further business before the Committee, it was moved by Budak, seconded by Dell that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES August 21, 1989 5:30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Sammie Dell, Buck, Budak. Moved by Buck, seconded by Dell that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Motion carried. Chairperson Dell stated that the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the proposed Skateboard Ordinance. Sue Eggleston reiterated her support for skateboards as a sport for the young, indicating that if kids were not involved in this sport, they may be involved in undesirable activities. She asked that money be allocated to skateboarding similar to the City' s commitment to bike trails. She indicated that skateboarding is a big business and that it is a fun activity for kids. Budak now present at 5:33 p.m. Dave Van Dee, Executive Director of the Waterloo Redevelopment Authority, stated their support of the adoption of a code to allow the regulation of skateboarding. He encouraged the City to consider the development of facilities that could be utilized for skateboarding prior to the adoption of any codes. He also stated that skateboarding may create a pedestrian traffic conflict as well as damage to things such as park benches. Molly Frazer, Assistant City Attorney, reviewed the contents of the ordinance. The proposed ordinance would not allow skateboarding on residential streets, sidewalks or streets within the downtown area and various city-owned facilities. The ordinance also provides for a fine structure for violators. Councilperson Wright stated that her understanding was that the proposed ordinance would only control skateboarding in the downtown area. She stated that she would be unwilling to ban it over the entire City because it would limit recreational opportunities for the young. Chairperson Dell stated that if the ordinance was put into place, it would be imperative for the City to develop a facility to skateboard at. Councilperson Buck asked whether a plan for skateboarding has been proposed. Rick Tagtow, Director of Parks and Forestry, stated that he would oppose any plan due to its overwhelming costs and the limited resources of the department. He also indicated the City' s liability if such an area was developed. Mr. Tagtow supported skateboarding in parks where appropriate. Councilperson Brown stated that he would favor a downtown skateboard ban. Mayor McKinley stated that money for such a project should come from the skateboard enthusiast. Sean Picken reported that skateboarding is a big business for area retailers. The Mayor suggested that skateboard enthusiast be willing to undertake a drive to form an organization to assist in the development of a skateboard park. Scott Hunt spoke in support of skateboards. Police Chief Roger Shook stated that skateboarding creates traffic hazards and recommended against allowing them on public streets. Cheryl Scholl, Waterloo Public Library, stated that their users experience conflicts with skateboarders. She also stated that if the downtown area is restricted, except on evenings and weekends, the Library and Convention Center would still be open. After discussion, the Assistant City Attorney was instructed to redraft the ordinance limiting skateboarding to certain after-store hours in the downtown area and change the wording to restrict public skateboarding in public streets or highways. Public Safety Committee August 21, 1989 Page 2 Concerned citizens were encouraged to inform the Committee of their concerns and enlist the help of their parents in formulating an association. With no further business before the Committee, it was moved by Buck, seconded by Budak that the meeting be adjourned. Motion ° carried. Larry P. Burger City Clerk/Auditor PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MINUTES April 17, 1989 4: 30 p.m. Large Conference Room Members present: Chairperson Dell, Buck and Budak. Moved by Budak, seconded by Buck that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Motion carried. Molly Frazer, Assistant City Attorney, presented a proposed ordinance on the prohibition of skateboards in the downtown area and on any public street or highway within the city limits. A proposed fine schedule was presented as follows: first offense-- $10, second offense--$15, third offense--$25 and fourth or more offense--not less than $25. The proposed ordinance was introduced at the request of the Police Department. Other areas of the community have been identified as potential problem areas, including the library, parks and other City structures including parking ramps, the flood control dikes and flood retaining walls. The potential liability the City could have was also discussed. Councilperson Buck inquired as to whether or not there were other places that skateboarders would be allowed within the city limits. Rick Tagtow, Parks Director, responded that there are currently no facilities in public parks that specifically allow skateboarders. He reiterated the serious concerns he has with skateboarders in public areas, particularly areas that have been identified as sit-down areas or plazas. He also stated that skateboards damage tennis and handball court surfaces. It was reiterated that the proposed rate schedule could be changed. Enforcement of violations of the ordinance outside the downtown area would most probably be done on a complaint basis. There were comparisons made between bicyclists using public rights-of-way versus skateboarders. In lieu of the fine structure, it was suggested that the skateboards be confiscated. There was also a suggestion given that parents be responsible for their children' s actions in violating skateboard laws. It was suggested that the matter be researched further, and that other cities with similar ordinances be solicited for their input. No action was taken by the Public Safety Committee on this issue. With no further business before the Committee, it was moved by Buck, seconded by Budak that the meeting be adjourned. Motion carried. Larry P. Burger Clerk/Auditor