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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/6/2021 - Work Session*** Proof of Publication *** State of Iowa Black Hawk County Waterloo, City of - Legals EMILY GRAHAM 715 MULBERRY ST. WATERLOO IA 50703 ORDER NUMBER 207311 The undersigned, being duly sworn, on oath, do depose and say that I am an authorized employee of the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier, that The Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier is a weekly newspaper regularly published and printed in the English language in the City of Waterloo, Black Hawk County, Iowa, and has a general circulation in the said city and county; and that I personally know that the notice, a true copy of which is hereto affixed, was published in the Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier on the following days, to -wit: Section: Legals Category: 950 Legal Notice PUBLISHED ON: 12/23/2021 TOTAL AD COST: FILED ON: 133.88 3/2/2023 That the issues of said paper containing said notice were duly circulated in the regular manner. IWON/lne Notary Public in and for S- d County MICHELLE GRAHAM Commission Number 837641 My Commission Expires February 23, 2025 Legal Notice Legal Notice Legal Notice COUNCIL WORK SESSION December 6, 2021 3:30 p.m. Harold E. Getty Commit Chambers Members present Beeson, Amos, Morris- sey, Klein, Feuss, Grader, and Jura. Mn Morrissey joined via Zoom. 160721 - Grieder/Amos that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved_ Voice -vote Ayes' Seven_ Mo- tion carried. Objective: Update from Grow Cedar Valley. Carey Darrah, Executive Director of Grow Cedar Valley, shared that the organiza- tion has worked on a strategic plan and is in the process of inserting the priorities outlined in the plan in their operations and work they carry out in the community. Lisa Skubal, Grow Cedar Valley, ex- plained 16 new project leads and 14 project proposals on behalf of the city_ They shared that they primarily see the most leads in durable goods manufactur- ing and food processing. There is serious competition for available industrial sites as is evidenced by competttion she has seen with the Cedar Valley losing protects for other locations in Iowa. Currently they are working with city staff on three business expansions and are excited that these expansions will lead to quality job creation. She shared that they are working on lead generation campaigns in the Netherlands to establish distribution and sales offices in the United States. ppppproxirrratoly 360 oonpanies in the Netherlands fit this criteria and it will take 6 months to work through these leads. Danny Laudick, Red Cedar and Grow Cedar Valley, explained how his role has evolved over the last year working with Red Cedar than taking back his prior role at Grow Cedar Valley. He shared that census numbers show the community lost approximately 7,000 people but that number was offset by births and migration into the oonnunity. He also shared that the community gained total income in the region because many of the individuals who left had lower paying jobs. In the next year they will be hosting newcomer socials to help get people who have moved into the community involved and connected He added that the community lacks young professional organizations. Census numbers snow that 30-45 year olds are moving to the area but they are also leaving due to the lack of network. Carrie Darrah provided an update on progress at TechWorks Campus. She shared that LOB has completed renova- tions on two of the floors they purchased and are now going to work on renovating the third floor. She shared that the board is swttching representation to include more industry and innovation leaders, which focuses more on the mission of unleashing innovation rather than the real estate and leasing end of the business. Rebecca Guinn, Grow Cedar Valley Board Chair and Waterloo Factory Manager for John Deere, shared that it has been exciting working wNt the Grow Cedar Valley staff on their strategic plan. She thanked city council tor their support on Grow Cedar Valley's endeavors and encouraged them to continue to reinvest in the community to make Waterloo an attractive place for people and business- es to thrive. Objective: Discussion of updates to the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code Greg Alhalm, Building Official, shared that they are looking to move from the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code to the 2021 International Property mainte- nance Code. He reviewed changes that will cane with switching to the 2021 International Property Maintenance Coda_ Council members discussed the changes to the 2021 International Property Mainte- nance Code with Greg A9etm. Objective: Discussion of the Complete Streets Advisory Cwnmit'ae's sidewalk infill projrsd. Col:..:.. u.- !`.......brio Cf....»o A.A.:....... to allocate funding to help with their endeavors. Council wanted to see a plan of how the funds would be spent and that is how this new plan came about_ She added that they have been working with INRCOG to devise the master inhll plan. Kyle Durant, INRCOG, provided an overview of sidewalk infill areas that are identified in the master plan. The plan identifies five categories for policy changes, titled General. Planning & Zoning, Engineering. Traffic Control, and Otter, and Mr. Durant provided an overview of each. The plan also recommends adopting a scoring matrix to execute when beginning a project The matrix includes four weighted categories which include safety/health — 45 points, equity — 30 points, pedestrian attractions — 25, and construotability — 40 points, for a total of 140 points. Mrs. Klein questioned it reduc'mg mini- mum parking spaces in lots would create more on street parking and congestion? Felicia Cass explained that it would have to be driven by each circumstance. Mrs. Klein requested clarification on pedestrian crossing signals_ Kyle Durant explained that the idea is to incorporate pedestrian crossing as part of the natural cyde of traffic lights. Several commit members requested to receive a copy of a downtown parking study conducted by the University of Iowa Mrs. Klein added that the library's perking is highly pressured by surround- ing businesses. Felicia Cass stated that part of what needs to be addressed is how to figure out how far people are willing to walk to get to a business or event. She shared the Scoring Matrix developed by Wayne Castle, City Associate Engineer, PLS, PE Mr. Grieder commented that the scoring mbrio should be broken down further for elementary and high school students who live under the busing distances who wit reed to walk. Mrs. Juon questioned what is needed from the council from the committee. Felicia Cass stated that they am asking that the council carve out hands for the construction of projects. She also recog- nized several oily and INRCOG employ- ees who helped formulate the plan. Ohjactive: Dismission of a resolution voicing support for local media and concern about newsroom consolidations_ Mr. Greder provided an overview of the resolution_ He shared that Alden Global Capital was looking( to purdrase Lee Enterprises, which owns the Waterloo Courier. He was concerned to find out about thls potential purchase due to the business practices employed by Aldan Global Capital. He stated that Aldan Global Capital Is a hedge fund whose primary purpose is to make money, while conversely he believes local papers have a higher purpose to inform residents in a community abut what is going on. Political science studies show that there am several detrimental impacts to a community when they lose a kcal paper_ Headded that generally it Is no the purview of oounoil to felt business what to do but newspapers shed light an what goes on in local government, especially to shed Tight accurately_ Mrs. Juon questioned when this would go to the aaggeenda and expressed concern for the resohton as being a slippery slope. Mr. Grieder stated that he would like to see the resolution on the agenda on December 20tn_ Mrs. Klein stated that it Is important that the council not attack companies looking to mane to the community or purchase a business and that govemment should stay out of the press to keep the press free. She stated that the resolution chills business and that tt goes against the oibJs oode of ethics and that this behavior warrants censure. Mr Morrissey stated that he understands what Mr. Grieder is sayingbut that council members have a fight to free expression. fie added that the Courier has significant- ly dowrsaed over time and that what is happening in this instance. Mr. Beeson commented that he agrees the resolution is a slippery slope and that Lee Enterprises is doing a geed job of heading that oft. He added that everyone supported UAW workers striking on council but the council did not send a resolution to John Deere to comment on their business practices_ Mr. Feiss stated that he does not believe he is 100% committed to the resolution and will have to think on it but is also concerned about what he is seeing happening at the paper. He enphas¢ed that it is important to have unbiased reporters available to do the job. Mr. Amos stated that he will be supporting the resolution. Mrs. Juon stated that she agrees with what Mrs. Klein stated and that we have a responsibility to let the community know the impact that such an acquisition would provide opportunities for businesses to stay in Waterloo. Mr. Morrissey stated that he would like to see this on tha December 201h agenda_ Mr. Grieder stated that he will not engage in political games but warded to address the slppery slope matter. It is inherently false to say that the city does not get involved In business practices, and argues It is our duty as elected officials to pay attention to what businesses do. Just because a business wants to come to our town does not mean it they have practices that are potentially harmful or dangerous to our community that we just throw open the doors. Studies show that this could be potentially dangerous, lead to increased polarization and leave our citizens less engaged and less Informed. 160722 - Feuss/Grieder that the meeting be adjourned at 5.05 p.m. Voice -vote Ayes: Seven. Motion carried_ Kelley Felchle City Gedr