HomeMy WebLinkAbout02.20.2023 Council Work Session MinutesFebruary 20, 2023
Roll Call
Members present: Mayor Hart in the Chair, Boesen, Nichols, Chiles, Grieder, Wilder and Feuss.
Agenda, as proposed or amended
Boesen/Grieder
that "Agenda, as proposed or amended", be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Four. Motion Carried.
Approval of Minutes
Nichols/Wilder
that "Approval of Minutes of the February 6, 2023, Council Work Session", be approved. Voice
vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
4:10 p.m. - Discussion of amendments to the noise variance ordinance.
Kelley Felchle, City Clerk, addressed the council regarding proposed amendments to address
the process for requests for variances to the noise ordinance. Ms. Felchle explained as we
have switched to two meetings a month applications are not being submitted in time which is
why the Clerk's office is requesting the amendment to the ordinance. The proposed changes
will streamline the application process through Mayor's office for review by Police Department,
with approval by the Mayor.
Mr. Grieder requested that, once approved, the applications still be forwarded to the Council
members so they are aware of variances if someone makes a complaint.
Mr. Boesen stated he doesn't have a problem with the current process and questioned how the
changes would allow the general public to know of the request if it no longer appears on the
council agenda.
The Police Chief stated he had no objections to the changes.
Approx. 4:25 p.m. - Discussion of amendments to the automated traffic enforcement ordinance.
Martin Peterson, City Attorney, addressed the council regarding changes to the automated
traffic enforcement ordinance with regards to municipal infraction fines to clarify the ability to file
one infraction for multiple citations and stated this will mirror the Cedar Rapids ordinance.
Mr. Boesen questioned if multiple tickets exceeded the $750.00 municipal infraction limit.
Mr. Peterson explained the change allows us to file one municipal infraction case to include
cost up to what small claims court allows, $5,500.00.
Mr. Boesen questioned what the process was in the past for filing multiple tickets and
questioned how we collect on one ticket.
Mr. Peterson explained we currently file small claims petitions for the aggregated amounts and
that single unpaid tickets are collected through an agreement with GATSO, and that these
proposed changes would take the worst offenders to combine their tickets into one judgment to
collect them ourselves.
Mr. Boesen questioned how long the GATSO agreement has been in place and stated we need
to move forward with collecting on unpaid tickets.
Mr. Peterson stated he believes the contract was signed in 2020 with GATSO.
Feuss/Chiles
to adjourn at 4:22 p.m. until Grout Museum representatives join the meeting. Voice vote -Ayes:
Six. Motion Carried.
Approx. 4:40 p.m. - Update from Grout Museum District.
Grieder/Chiles
Motion to resume session at 4:31 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Seven. Motion Carried.
Billy Bailey and David Albaugh representing the Grout Museum presented an overview to the
council of the establishment of the Grout Museum additions, activities, construction, operating
procedures and budget information regarding use of levy funds, income and expenditures. Mr.
Albaugh explained that admissions, memberships and programs income still have not
recovered from the Covid shutdown, but that revenues are increasing.
Mr. Boesen questioned fundraising efforts and asked how people can donate.
Mr. Albaugh explained various donation efforts and asked they donate to "opening doors" or by
visiting the website for phone number and addresses.
Mr. Grieder questioned the easiest way to get a membership and if that membership can be
used at other museums throughout the US.
Mr. Albaugh explained memberships can be purchased by visiting the website and that the
Grout has a partnership throughout the country to use memberships at other Museums.
Mr. Boesen questioned if that included the Dan Gable Museum.
Ms. Bailey explained that the McElroy Trust has funded events that allow people to visit the
downtown museums for $1.00 which includes the Young Arena, Sportsplex, John Deere and
Dan Gable museums.
Mayor Hart provided the museum website address at www.ciroutmuseum.org and thanked them
for the presentation.
ADJOURNMENT
Ray Feuss/John Chiles
that "the meeting adjourn at 4:55 p.m.", be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Six. Motion Carried.
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Deputy City Clerk
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