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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/10/1997November 10, 1997 Page 1 The Council of the City of Waterloo, Iowa, met in Regular Session at City Hall Council Chambers, Waterloo, Iowa, at 7:00 p.m., on Monday, November 10, 1997. Mayor John R. Rooff in the Chair. Roll Call: Jordan, Krizek, Murphy, Anders, Collier, Mollenhoff. Absent: Getty. Invocation by: Father Patrick Geary, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Pledge of Allegiance: Walter Reed, Human Rights Director 109415 - Mollenhoff/Jordan that the Agenda, as amended, for the Regular Session on Monday, November 10, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. 109416 - Jordan/Collier that the Minutes, as proposed, for the Regular Session on Monday, November 3, 1997, at 7:00 p.m., be accepted and approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. Pat Harper, President of PRIDE, gave a presentation on the Parent Community University. Mayor Rooff read the proclamation declaring November 15, 1997 as America's Recycle Day. HEARINGS 109417 - Mollenhoff/Murphy that proof of publication of notice of public hearing on the request of Schenk Engineering for an "R-3, R -P" site plan amendment for the Cedar Hills -South View Estates area, as published in the Waterloo Courier on October 27, 1997, be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. 109418 - This being the time and place of public hearing, the Mayor called for written and oral objections. Murphy/Anders that the petitions and letters of opposition from residents representing over 20 percent of property owners within 250 feet of the proposed site plan amendment be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. 109419 - Jordan/Murphy that the petition containing approximately 167 signatures in favor of said proposed site plan amendment be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. 109420 - Melvin Wittwer, representing Southdale residents, stated that when he moved to the area 20 years ago it was residential property and he hoped it would be developed for single family homes. There are too many trailers already, and it could become one of the most densely populated areas in the county. Mr. Wittwer stated that the residents are concerned that allowing manufactured homes in the area could lower the value of their homes. The majority of people who submitted the petition in favor of the site plan amendment do not own property but rent. The area has had problems with the sanitary and storm sewer. Mr. Wittwer stated that the developer submitting the site plan amendment did not do a feasibility study, but a concept only. Mr. Wittwer stated that the residents feel there could be a better use for the land, perhaps a park. The streets and lots are considerably smaller. The manufactured homes would not be attractive to the area and could have a negative impact. November 10, 1997 Page 2 HEARINGS - CONTINUED Fred Debe, from Schenk Engineering, stated that the original development plan would have allowed for an additional 443 living units on approximately 33 acres The proposed development plan would have 133 lots maximum all devoted to one family manufactured homes. Mr. Debe stated that the owners propose open space areas and an earthen berm toward the existing housing subdivision. Mr. Debe stated that the sewer system could be upgraded to handle the additional load. Bob Wilson, Chief Operating Officer for the Southview Corp., stated that the city needs affordable housing that the 133 units can provide. The lots are approximately 60' x 100', with the homes ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 square feet, and the owner will be able to build a double garage, all owner occupied. Mr. Wilson stated that the project will. cost $.5 million generating taxes for the city and the proposal does not request any subsidy nor tax abatement. The development will provide work for local contracts. Shirley Smith, 5811 Dahlia Boulevard, stated that manufactured homes depreciate, and that the value of the homes in the area will not increase with improvements because of the mobile homes. Ms. Smith questioned if the manufactured homes will maintain their appearance or deteriorate. Patrick Joyce, 3329 Kipling Road, stated that while coming in tonight, someone said we need to keep out "trailer trash". He stated that the manufactured homes will cost approximately $40,000, plus an additional $11,000 for a garage and shed. Mr. Joyce feels that it comes down to one word "bigotry." He likes living in a mobile home and having a small area to maintain. Mr. Joyce stated that there are rules in the park which would allow nothing older than five years to be brought into the mobile park. He feels that the value of the homes will not decrease. A resident of the area stated that he does not believe that a trailer park is the best use of the property. He feels that 39 upscale homes would be affordable housing. The developers have not taken the time to draw up the plans, and that over 50 percent of the land would be covered with asphalt and not absorb water. The developers have not taken into account where the water will go, and that they need a holding pond. Alice Taylor, 3334 Bristol Road and resident manager of Southview Estates, stated that residents of mobile homes are no different than anyone else, but are classified differently because of their homes. She stated that statistics show the need and demand for affordable housing in the area. Mayor Rooff stated that in no way, shape or form are he or the council judging people. He hopes that does not come between neighbors. The council is here tonight to listen to both sides. Lenore Cook, 3103 Marigold Drive, stated that her major concern is that property values will decrease. Dennis Payne, owner of Coachlight Homes, Inc., stated that he feels there is confusion among the opposition as to the difference between a trailer and a manufactured home. The old tin sided mobile homes were built flimsy and were built to be pulled, while manufactured homes are larger and quality constructed. Manufactured homes are built to HUD standards and federal codes. The manufactured homes are appreciating due to the quality of construction of the homes. Mr. Payne stated that manufactured homes have come a long way. People are interested in manufactured homes, but buyers always ask where can they put the manufactured homes. Mr. Payne feels that the city needs better places to locate the manufactured homes. Mayor Rooff asked if the manufactured homes will have basements. Mr. Payne stated that basements will be constructed at the customer's request. Peggy Rowan, 5830 Daisy Drive, stated that they noticed the mobile homes when they purchased their home, but they were not as large. She is concerned with the potential of increased traffic. Kathy Joyce, 3329 Kipling Road, stated that the city council needs to take into account the jobs in Waterloo. New employees at John Deere will receive 50 percent of the wages of the current employees. We need to take into November 10, 1997 Page 3 HEARINGS - CONTINUED consideration the young people, as manufactured homes cost less and have lower taxes. Younger couples need affordable housing. A resident of the area stated that it seemed for the most part that the proponents for the development have been individual with vested interest such as engineers, mobile home park owners, Coachlight Homes, etc. He stated that many of the current homeowners have committed themselves to the community and pay an average of $1,500.00 per year taxes. He feels that 130 units of manufactured homes will generate approximately $80,000.00 in property taxes, and that the equity just isn't there. He purchased his homes because of the location and the amenities, and not possibly down the road seeing manufactured homes. Jerry Tappan, 3436 Quigby Road, stated that he purchased his mobile home in 1994 and that for 15 years prior to the purchase they hived in Cedar Knoll. One of the reason that they live in the park is that rules are enforced by the park managers. Phil Boyenga, 5906 Daisy Drive, stated he is concerned about the value of the homes. He questioned if these would be new manufactured homes. He also asked if the council had driven out to Southview Estate to look at the streets in need of repair. Jim Zuck, 5724 Aster Lane, questioned if a trailer court is the best possible use for the land. He is also concerned with the pumping station. A student from UNI stated that manufactured homes is a great place to start. It is an affordable place to live instead of renting. Manufactured homes allows citizens like himself a good start. Bob Meues, 5810 Dahlia Boulevard, stated that his biggest concern is that he now knows his neighbors and neighbors' kids, and that with that many more trailers you do not know who they are or what business they have in your neighborhood. Bob Johnson, 3007 Larkspur Drive, Planning, Programming and Zoning manufactured homes would be worth at are permanent, and the addition of existing sewer does not make sense homes. Mollenhoff/Collier stated that representatives at the Commission meeting said that the least $80,000. The houses in Southdale that many manufactured homes with the Mr. Johnson prefers single family that the hearing be closed and the recommendation of denial of the Planning, Programming and Zoning Commission and oral comments be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. 109421 - Mollenhoff/Jordan that "Resolution not to approve said site plan amendment and to uphold the recommendation of \denial of the Planning, Programming and Zoning Ayes: Two. Nays: Krizek, Murphy, Anders, Commission", be adopted. Collier. Motion fails. 109422 - Anders/Mollenhoff that "Resolution approving said site plan amendment", be adopted. Ayes: Two. Nays: Jordan, Anders, Collier, Mollenhoff. Motion fails. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 109423 - Mollenhoff/Collier that communication from Traffic Engineer transmitting recommendation of award of contract in the amount of $617,121.94 to Cedar Valley Corporation of Waterloo, Iowa in conjunction with the Broadway Street at Donald Street Traffic Signal Improvements Project, STP -U-8155(11)--70-07, Contract No. November 10, 1997 Page 4 UNFINISHED BUSINESS - CONTINUED 511, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said award of contract", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-695. PETITIONS FROM PUBLIC 109424 - Krizek/Jordan that communication from City Engineer transmitting request of Thomas M. Fereday for a waiver for a concrete driveway to be located at 121 East Tower Park Drive, together with recommendation of approval, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said request", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-696. DOCUMENTS 109425 - Jordan/Mollenhoff that communication from City Planner transmitting a Neighborhood Recognition Application from Southdale Neighborhood Association, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said application", be adopted. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-697. 109426 - Krizek/Collier that communication from City Engineer transmitting an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation to transfer jurisdiction of University Avenue from the West City Limits to U.S. Highway 63 to the State of Iowa and agree to a cash payment for a surface treatment and to plow snow for winter season 1997-1998, be received, placed on file and "Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted, and Mayor and City Clerk authorized to execute the same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-698. 109427 - Krizek/Collier that communication from Associate Engineer transmitting revised Supplemental Professional Engineering Services Agreement No. 12 with Rust Environment and Infrastructure and Subconsultant Services Agreement between Rust Environment and Infrastructure and Terracon Consultants in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, be received, placed on file, and "Resolution approving said agreement", be adopted, and Mayor authorized to execute the same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-699. 109428 - Krizek/Collier that communication from Police Chief transmitting grant in the amount of $126,567.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice in conjunction with F.Y. 1997 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program with a City's required match of $14,049.00 to be fulfilled with the purchase of the security camera system by the Waterloo Community School District, be received, placed on file, and "Resolution approving said grant", be adopted, and Mayor authorized to execute the same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-700. 109429 - Krizek/Collier that communication from City Planner transmitting an application with the Iowa Department of Economic Development to designate the downtown area as an enterprise zone in an area bounded by Franklin Street, 7`h Street, 3`a Street and Bluff Street, be received, placed on file, and "Resolution November 10, 1997 Page 5 DOCUMENTS - CONTINUED approving authorized said application", be adopted, and Mayor and City Clerk to execute the same. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-701. BILLS PAYMENT 109430 - Mollenhoff that "Resolution approving Schedule AP640, pp. 1-61 dated November 10, 1997 in the amount of $2,529,953.45, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office", be adopted, with Councilperson Mollenhoff abstaining on PV 1883, together with recommendation of approval of the Finance Committee. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Resolution adopted and upon approval by Mayor assigned No. 1997-702. NEW BUSINESS 109431 - Anders/Collier that communication from Human Rights Director transmitting recommendation of appointment of Thadine Graham to the position of Administrative Secretary, effective November 17, 1997, be received, placed on file and approved. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. TRAVEL REQUESTS 109432 - Krizek/Mollenhoff that the following travel requests, with expenses not, to exceed amount shown, be received, placed on file and approved: 1 Four instructors from the Fire Department to attend recertification for the spill team at Fisher Controls in Marshalltown, Iowa, on November 13- 14, 1997, with total costs not to exceed $330.00. 2.Douglas Erpelding, Plan Review Specialist, to take ICBG Test for Building Inspector Certification in Rochester, Minnesota on December 6, 1997, with costs not to exceed $190.00 including the use of city vehicle. 3 Mark McKinley, Lisa Campbell, Gregory Erie, Michael Vauthier, and Hector Camarin, Police Field Training Officers, to attend Instruction and Certification Training in Appleton, Wisconsin, on January 5-9, 1998 with total costs not to exceed $2960.00, including use of city vehicle. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. MISCELLANEOUS 109433 - Mollenhoff/Jordan that the following beer and liquor license permit applications be received, placed on file and approved and endorsed applications forwarded to the Iowa Beer and Liquor Control Department: 1.Beer/Liquor License Permit Application Class C Supervisor's Club, 3265 Dewitt Road (Renewal) (Expires 11/10/98) (Includes Sunday sales) New World Lounge, 120 Sumner Street (Renewal) (Expires 11/23/98) (Includes Sunday sales) Balkan Kafana, 213-215 E. 5th Street (New) (Expires 11/14/98) (Includes Sunday sales) Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. November 10, 1997 Page 6 ORAL PRESENTATIONS 109434 - Councilperson Collier requested that removal of the barricades on Courtland and Fowler be brought back to the council for consideration. Mayor Rooff requested that Councilperson Collier work. with Police Chief Koehrsen on the removal of the barricades. Mollenhoff/Jordan that the above oral comments be received and placed on file. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. ADJOURNMENT 109435 - Mollenhoff/Krizek that the Council adjourn at 8:30 p.m. Ayes: Six. Absent: Getty. Motion carried. Nancy Eckert City Clerk