HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-16 Council minutes
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: April 16, 2007
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Re: Council Work Session, April 16, 2007, 6:30 PM in Emma J. Harvat Hall
Council: Bailey, Champion, Correia, Elliott, O'Donnell, Vanderhoef, Wilburn
UISG Rep: Baeth
Staff: Atkins, Helling, Dilkes, Karr, Okerlund, Knoche, Davidson, Morris, Jensen, Rocca
Tapes: 07-31, Both Sides
(A complete transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office)
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS
Human Rights Commission - No applicants, readvertise
Public Art Advisory Committee - Patrick Carney
Council discussed various additional ways of advertising Board and Commission vacancies.
City Clerk Karr reviewed the present advertising procedure and suggested Council contact her
directly with suggestions for expanding the procedure.
AGENDA ITEMS
1. (Agenda item # 10 ... public hearing and resolution ... instituting proceedings... not to
exceed $600,000 general obligation bonds) Council Member Elliott clarified that City
High was paying for their share of the improvements but the bonds were for both
baseball and softball improvements.
2. (Agenda item # 11 ... public hearing and resolution ... instituting proceedings ... not to
exceed $440,000 general obligation bonds) In response to Council Member Elliott and
Vanderhoef, City Mgr. Atkins stated the 14 houses were owned by the Housing
Fellowship and not the City, and that the Fellowship was creating an LLC which would
buy them and they be managed as part of the Fellowship.
3. (Agenda item # 17 - resolution amending positions ... Public Works Department and
the AFSCME Pay Plan) In response to Council Member Elliott, the City Manager stated
there were no additional positions, and that pay grades were being amended.
Council Work Session
April 16, 2007
Page 2
4. (Agenda item # 15 - resolution ... Graze Iowa City... sidewalk cafe) In response to
Council, City Clerk Karr stated that renewals on approved on the agenda consent
calendar and all new (ownership) approved on the regular agenda.
5. (Agenda item # 13 - ordinance ... granting extensions to the Police Chief for good
cause) In response to Council Member O'Donnell, City Clerk Karr reported that the
ordinance is being requested by the Police Citizens Review Board. Council Member
Elliott stated it had not been requested by the Police Chief.
6. (Consent Calendar # 4e(5) - resolution changing the Deer Task Force to five members
...) City Manager Atkins reported that the Board had requested this change to allow
them to complete their work for the current year in light of recent resignations and
ongoing quorum problems.
7. (Consent Calendar # 4f(2) - correspondence from James Doroteo re immigrant petition
for spouse) In response to Council Member Correia, Ass!. City Mgr, Helling and City
Mgr. Atkins reviewed procedures for responding.
8. (Consent Calendar # 4f(6) - correspondence from John Johnson re geese) Council
Member Vanderhoef noted this letter should be forwarded to the University of Iowa.
9. (Consent Calendar # 4f(1 0) - correspondence from Leona Miller re railroad crossing on
First Avenue) Council Member Vanderhoef acknowledged the beautiful handwriting.
COUNCIL TIME
1. (IP5 of 4/12 Info Packet - memo from Public Works Director to City Manager re water
plant roof beams) In response to Council Member Champion, City Manager Atkins and
City Atty. Dilkes stated a consultant had been hired and staff would report back once the
report was available.
2. Council Member O'Donnell reported on the Bayard Street reconstruction by Frantz
Construction, and how beautifully it fits into the neighborhood.
3. Mayor Pro tem Bailey requested Council re-visit placement of taxicabs in commercial
loading zones after 5PM, and suggested having it reviewed by the downtown consultant
as part of their review. The City Manager reported that cars would not be towed but
tickets would continue to be written. Council agreed to schedule discussion at an
upcoming work session.
4. Council Member Correia stated she had contacted Stefanie Bowers regarding the
National League of Cities partnership for working with inclusive cities, and wanted to
know if the Council and Human Rights Commission could form a partnership to observe
Race and Equity Week. Majority of Council expressed and interest to proceed with a
partnership.
Council Work Session
April 16, 2007
Page 3
5. Council Member Elliott stated he was concerned about the establishment of "fight nights"
in local downtown bars, and questioned establishment of City regulations. Majority
agreed to schedule discussion at an upcoming work session. The City Atty. will
research State regulations of such events.
6. In response to Council Member Correia, the City Manager confirmed "Community
Foundation of Johnson County" is an item on the Council pending list.
FIRE STATION #2 (IP2 of 4/12 Info Packet)
Fire Chief Rocca and Architectural Services & Energy Coordinator Morris presented a power
point presentation.
STAFF ACTION: Proceed with the concept; contact Johnson County regarding interest
to locate EMS in the station. (Rocca)
HWY 6 AND GILBERT (IP3 of 4/12 Info Packet and # 4f(7) on the Consent Calendar)
Asst. PCD Director Davidson present for discussion. After discussion a majority of Council
agreed not to proceed with the project.
STAFF ACTION: Resolution repealing resolution authorizing acquisition will be on the May 1
agenda. (Dilkes)
SCHEDULE OF PENDING DISCUSSION ITEMS
Council Member Correia requested Council consider combining the formal meeting of May 15
with the work session on May 14 as she would be out of town on starting May 15. Council will
check their calendars and discuss at the formal meeting later in the evening.
The City Manager redistributed his March 21 memo of pending issues. After discussion the
following changes were made:
Recycling update - done
Cash balance policies - schedule before budget
Overview of transit services (finances) - April 30 work session
Fire safety regulations by occupancy - On April 16 formal agenda
Staff reviews - bring calendars to April 30 work session for scheduling
Community Foundation of Johnson County - will schedule
Downtown Market Study - currently underway
Housing Study - currently under review
Parks & Recreation Master Plan - expected completion of July 1
Trail gaps/connection discussion - to be scheduled
Fire Station # 2 - discussed earlier in the meeting; proceed as directed
Council Work Session
April 16, 2007
Page 4
Larger Capital Projects
Hwy 6/Gilberl - Rescinding resolution on May 1 per discussion earlier that evening
Dubuque/Church - Neighborhood Meeting scheduled for May 3
Lower West Branch - Bid
Gilbert/Bowery/Prentiss - Bid
McCollister/921/Bridge - Proceeding
Sand Lake Recreation Area - clean up included in bonding item on formal agenda
Fire organizational options - July 1
Parks & Recreation/Senior Center Shared Services - July 1 target date
Additional items added:
. Sales Tax
. Old Bus Depot
. Taxi Cab Parking
. Fight Nights
STAFF ACTION: New memo in Council Packet of April 26 (Atkins)
Meeting adjourned 6:40 PM.