HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-02/20/2017COUNCIL WORK SESSION
February 20, 2017
3:55 p.m.
Harold E. Getty Council Chambers
Members present: Morrissey, Powers, Lind, Amosand Welper. Mr. Schmitt arrived at 3:59 p.m.
Absent: Jacobs
Moved by Welper seconded by Lind that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved.
Objective: Discussion of Engineering Department Fees
Eric Thorson, City Engineer, provided an overview of Engineering Department permit fees as
they relate to other large cities. Waterloo fees are comparable to other cities but on the low end.
Raising fees to $40 would generate an additional $24,780 for Road Use Tax fund and raising
fees to $50 would increase revenue by $38,880.
Mayor Hart questioned the last time fees were raised.
Eric Thorson explained that fees were last raised 10 years ago.
Mayor Hart questioned fees for Des Moines.
Eric Thorson explained that they did not look at the fees for Des Moines since it is much larger
than Waterloo.
Mayor Hart questioned if a flat fee across the board would be easier for contractors.
Eric Thorson explained that there is benefit to both contractors and staff to making the fees one
rate and that other cities use that approach.
Mr. Lind commented that the fees do not seem unreasonable.
Mr. Schmitt questioned what the extra funds would be used for.
Eric Thorson explained that the revenue would help all departments funded by Road Use Tax.
He further explained that they are looking at raising fees for plumbing permits.
Mr. Morrissey questioned the revenue for excavation permits.
Eric Thorson explained that in years past were colder winters with more water main breaks and
that increased excavation needs.
Objective: Review of Republic Parking budget.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, introduced Megan Doolittle, Park Waterloo
Manager.
Megan Doolittle provided an overview of parking operations in Waterloo.
Michelle Weidner explained that Republic Parking is proposing increases in revenue but cannot
be accomplished without capital investment in equipment.
Mr. Welper questioned how rates in Waterloo compare to other cities.
Megan Doolittle explained that the meters vary by age between .10-.25 cents. They have
contacted other cities in the Midwest and Waterloo's rates are lower and need to be raised. She
further explained that they try to promote ramp parking with monthly payments, which are low,
but it helps get regular long-term parkers into the ramp and off the street. In order to raise ramp
fees, on street parking rates need to be increased.
Mr. Welper questioned the fine for expired meters.
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Megan Doolittle explained that the fee is $10 and goes up to $15 if not paid in 30 days.
Mr. Lind questioned the age of the meters.
Megan Doolittle explained that since the meters are older and they do not have the software or
equipment raise the rates. She explained that the city could invest in a multi space meter system
or invest thousands in upgrading the current equipment.
Mr. Lind questioned why the rates cannot be changed.
Megan Doolittle explained the inability to change rates is due to the outdated technology of the
meters
Mayor Hart questioned if having meters that allow you to pay by phone.
Megan Doolittle explained pay by phone and multi space meters. She further explained that
companies charge per transaction, which would mean that rates would increase and can deter
some people from utilizing pay by phone.
Mr. Morrissey questioned the increase in other contracted services.
Megan Doolittle explained that the line item includes payroll increases, elevator expenses, and
temporary labor service for projects such as ramp wash downs.
Mr. Morrissey questioned the hourly rate of employees.
Megan Doolittle explained the hourly rates of the parking employees.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if she has had any surprises, good or bad, since starting.
Megan Doolittle explained her experience taking over management of downtown parking in
Waterloo.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if the agreement states that the city conducts repairs.
Michelle Weidner explained that the contracts states that the city pays a management fee but the
revenue and expenses belong to the city.
Mr. Lind questioned if the budget will balance this year.
Megan Doolittle explained that the budget will not balance this year but is trying to cut expenses.
Mayor Hart questioned if she has thought of other ways to explain the benefits to having parking
services.
Megan Doolittle explained that the biggest challenge is that people want to park right next to
their destination.
Mayor Hart questioned if they provide assistance to people who have car troubles in the ramp.
Megan Doolittle explained that they have safety escorts downtown and in the ramp, can jump
start cars, and can fill deflated tires.
Mr. Lind thanked Republic Parking for putting large signs outside the ramps to help direct
parking downtown.
Mr. Lind questioned if they can charge for parking under the viaduct.
Megan Doolittle explained that they could do that but it is not their property to manage.
Mr. Schmitt questioned if she has been involved in discussions about parking at the Airport.
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Megan Doolittle explained that she has not been contacted.
Mr. Powers questioned if corporate gives Republic Parking funds for improvements.
Michelle Weidner explained that the funds for repairs have to come from Waterloo.
Objective: Review of Mayor/Council budgets.
Mayor Hart provided an overview of the functions of the Mayor's Office and the Mayor/Council
budgets.
With no further business before the Council, it was moved by Welper seconded by Morrissey
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:58 p.m. Ayes: Six. Motion carried.
Kelley Fele e
City Clerk