HomeMy WebLinkAbout07.15.2024 Council Work Session MinutesJuly 15, 2024
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
3:45 p.m.
Roll Call.
Members present: Mayor Pro Tenn Ray Feuss in the Chair. Mr. Boesen, Mr. Nichols, Mr.
Chiles, Mr. Simon and Mr. Feuss. Ms. Creighton -Smith and Ms. Wilder were absent.
Agenda, as proposed or amended.
Boesen/Simon
that the agenda, as proposed, be approved Voice vote -Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes of the June 17, 2024, Council Work Session as proposed or amended.
Boesen/Simon
that the agenda, as proposed, be approved. Voice vote -Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Update from Main Street Waterloo.
Jessica Rucker, Main Street Waterloo Director, provided an overview of the impact Main Street
Waterloo has had on Downtown Waterloo within the last year.
Mr. Boesen requested a map of the properties located within the 5-minute drive radius.
Ms. Rucker stated that she would send that information to Mr. Boesen.
Mr. Boesen commented that he would like to see the footprint of Main Street shrink to East and
West 4th Street.
Ms. Rucker commented that Main Street used to be smaller, but it was expanded through
strategic conversations, SSMID, Property Owners, etc.
Mr. Boesen questioned if the 247 businesses since 1996 are still in business here in Waterloo.
Ms. Rucker commented that this number is net.
Mr. Simon questioned if there has been any discussion about creating part of Downtown as part
of a pedestrian mall.
Ms. Rucker commented that she had a meeting with Iowa ABD on Friday to discuss a
pedestrian mall.
Mr. Chiles questioned why there are not any parklets.
Ms. Rucker provided a brief overview of conversations she has had with business owners. She
shared that part of the problem was where business owners would move and store their
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parklets. She is hopeful that next year will bring more interest in parklets as people begin to
understand the ordinance and have developed a plan and budget to move forward.
Discussion of Waterloo Fire Rescue Fees.
Chief Beck presented three ideas as possible methods of cost recovery for Waterloo Fire
Rescue. He explained Waterloo Fire Rescue's involvement in each of the three services and
reviewed the proposed fees through an ordinance he plans to submit for council approval at the
next meeting. He further explained that the collection of unpaid fees would run through the
current collection agency.
He proposed that a flat fee of $500 is assessed to the owner of a vehicle fire, not due to a motor
vehicle accident or arson, where Waterloo Fire Rescue responds. This is the typical maximum
amount payable by private auto insurance policies for fire department fees. For vehicles not
covered with comprehensive care, he would like to have the ability, as chief, to waive the fee for
underinsured or self -insured drivers who meet financial hardship guidelines set by Waterloo
Fire Rescue.
Chief Beck also proposed an increase in fees for the use of an absorbent by Waterloo Fire
Rescue personnel for the mitigation of engine fluid spills. This increase would be from $75 to
$150 per 40 pound bag.
The third increase would be for fees associated with Commercial Building Fires. These
updated prices will be the first increase since 2001. The current minimum fee for service is
$500, with rights for the chief to waive it. He is proposing to set fixed "per hour' rates of $170
for the Command Vehicle; $450 for the Aerial Device; $270 for the Engine/Rescue Truck and
$350 for an Ambulance. He would also increase the minimum charge to $1,100.
ADJOURNMENT
Chiles/Boesen
that the council adjourn at 4:45 p.m. Voice vote -Ayes: Five. Motion carried.
Kelley Felchle
Kelley Felchle
City Clerk
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