HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-05/16/2016COUNCIL WORK SESSION
May 16, 2016
4:20 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Jacobs (arrived at 4:43 p.m.), Schmitt, Lind, Morrissey, Welper, and Amos.
Moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Five.
Motion carried.
Work Session on Capital Improvements Program
Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director, explained the additional,
information provided to Council regarding the CIP and the minor changes to the material:
Mr. Lind suggested using the funds designated to the 4th Street Bridge for the Airport using
$250,000 to repair the parking lots and then repair the corporate hangar.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained that funds would have to be reallocated
and would have to be taxable bonds.
Keith Kaspari, Airport Director, explained that Hangar #5 is part of the grant application for state
funds to be repaired later this year. The parking lot and equipment cannot be repaired using those
grant funds.
Mr. Welper questioned how the City can start saving for a transfer station.
Michelle Weidner explained that there has to be an estimate in order for her to calculate the
increase in sanitation rates needed to establish a facility.
Mark Rice, Public' Works Director,- suggested the need to have a Public Works Committee
meeting to discuss what is wanted for a facility before any estimate of cost could be obtained.
Kent Shankle, Culture and Arts Director, explained that the Amphitheatre request is for seating
and updating the stage.
Mr. Amds questioned the lack of funds being designated td Virden Creek. He also questioned if
the Hwy 63 overpass located in this area has any impact on Virden Creek.
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, explained that the Virden Creek Levee is not as high of a priority -as
some, of the other projects is on the list as a place holder for right now in case the Core of
Engineers requires the repairs. The maintenance and cleanout issues will be done but not by
using CIP funds. He also explained that the area where the overpass is located is actually below
ground water level and the pump station in that area keeps the ground water level artificially low
in an attempt to keep that area dry.
Mr. Lind clarified that the sand in the tunnel is a maintenance issue.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if money would be reallocated to the Sink Creek.
Eric Thorson affirmed that,`with the next phase of that project; money would be reallocated to
the Sink Creek area and design is currently underway to keep that, area flowing properly. He
added that information and bid processing for that will be forthcoming:
Mr. Morrissey asked for clarification of the money requested for sidewalk infill and questioned if
this is related to the projects suggested by the Complete Streets Advisory Committee.
Eric Thorson explained that it is related was the highest priority suggested by the committee and
there should;be discussion by council on how this project is to be funded.
Mr. Morrissey asked if the money earmarked for the Sergeant Road Bike Trail Bridge
Replacement is related to the city's acquisition of University Avenue.
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Eric Thorson clarified that the two are unrelated.
Mr. Morrissey asked if the money for bridge repairs included repairs to the Park Avenue Bridge.
Eric Thorson stated that it did not include the Park Avenue Bridge as there are other issues with
higher priority at this time. However, if there is money remaining after the higher priority items
are taken care of, the Park Avenue Bridge could be considered.
Mr'. Lind asked for clarification on the allocation of money set aside for the 4th Street Bridge
Canopy Project if the current bid for the project is rejected.
Eric Thorson stated that, upon rejection of the bids, the plan is to seek other options for that
project using the funds set aside for it.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, explained the G.O. Bond costs including the
underwriting costs, etc.
Mr. Lind asked for clarification of this as it relates to the $8 million and Tech Works.
Michelle, Weidner stated that she is hopeful that it will include both.
Mr. Lind clarified that these new ambulances have saved the city a substantial amount of money.
Pat Treloar, Chief of Fire Services, confirmed that the new Ford F450 model has saved the city
approximately $40,000 on the chassis alone.
Mr. Schmitt asked for clarification of the. website redevelopment.
Chris Youngblut, IT Director, explained that the City has been exploring website options and
interviewing vendors. The City website needs to be mobile accessible and needs to be updated.
The City would like to consolidate the number of websites it has.
Mayor Hart explained that there is a technology team working on projects including the website.
Mr. Schmitt asked who is on the technology team.
Chris Youngblut stated that the team includes 15 people with representation from every
department included.
Mr. Jacobs asked for clarification on which vendors are being considered for this project.
Chris Youngblut stated that vendors located in the Cedar Valley as well as the entire Midwest
area are being considered throughout this process and is optimistic that a vendor will be found
locally.
Mr. Lind asked if the current city website was designed locally.
Suzy Schares, City Clerk, affirmed that it was. She added that the challenge is to find a vendor
locally who specializes in municipalities and is able to keep up with technology and still remain
affordable.
Mr. Lind questioned if the Sports Facilities Improvement Fund is what is used for equipment
replacement and improvements to the SportsPlex.
Paul Huting, Leisure Services Director, explained that the request is for non-SportsPlex facilities
such as the Riverfront Sports Complex where lighting will be replaced.
Mr. Lind asked for clarification on a request for a heated floor in a chemical storage facility.
Paul Huting clarified that a portion of that facility will be heated for chemicals that can't be
allowed to freeze.
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Mark Rice, Public Works Director, clarified that Police and Fire vehicles are not included in the
Public Works CIP.
Mr. Lind questioned if enough money had been budgeted for police body cams. He also
questioned the location of the proposed impound storage facility.
Dan Trelka, Director of Safety Services, .explained that it is expected that cameras will be
damaged and the amount budgeted is for replacement of up to 10 cameras as needed.' He stated
that there has not been a location selected for the impound storage facility.
Mr. Lind asked if Greenhill Road was a priority and is still in the works.
Sandie Greco, Superintendent of Traffic, stated that it is being considered as a part of the
acquisition of University Avenue and is still a priority.
Mr. Morrissey asked for an explanation of where the cleaning up of Virden Creek fits.
John LaPointe, Interim Waste Management Director, explained that this cleaning is more of a
maintenance issue and his department has been working on the higher priority CMOM tasks. He
added that he is working to weigh the option of contracting out the cleanup and maintenance of
the Virden Creek area versus city staff s ability to do the work and the costs involved.
Mr. Lind clarified that there is a high priority on the items relating to the EPA settlement.
Mayor Hart affirmed those priorities.
John LaPointe explained that those items relating to the EPA settlement and how they are being
prioritized.
Larry Berger, Speer Financial, asked Council if they could be available on Tuesday, June 7, 2016
for the bond sale. Council confirmed that they could be available.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper, seconded by Schmitt that
the meeting be adjourned at 5:06 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
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Suzy Sch4res, CMC
City Clerk/Human Resource Director