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HomeMy WebLinkAboutInformal minutes of 10/3Informal Council Discussion October 3, 1988 Informal Council Discussion: The meeting started at 6:35 p.m. Mayor John McDonald presiding. Councilmembers present: Ambrisco, Balmer, Courtney, Horowitz, Larson, McDonald. Staff present: Atkins, Helling, Karr, Schmeiser, Timmins. Tape-recorded: Reel 88-53, Side 1, 501 -End; Side 2, 1 -End; Reel 88-55, Side 1, 1 -End; Side 2, End -502. CONSENT CALENDAR: Reel 88-53, Side 1 Council agreed to add the following to the Consent Calender: a motion approving an application for a liquor license refund for Farmer's Market; approving a Class B beer permit for American Seafood Partners - Long John Silvers; approving a Class C liquor license for Mama's; approving a Class C liquor license for the Gallery Bar and Restaurant; approving a resolu- tion to issue a cigarette permit for the Gallery Bar and Restaurant; and approving a resolution to issue a dancing permit for the Gallery Bar and Restaurant to the October 4 agenda. PLANNING AND ZONING MATTERS: Reel 88.53, Side 1 A. B. Schmeiser stated this amendment will allow taller signs in the highway commercial zone and more information will be provided to Council. In response to Horowitz, Schmeiser said that there was a typographical error in the agenda comment and it should refer to a CH -1 zone. Horowitz asked if this only applied to interstate highways. Schmeiser said yes, this only applies to interstates. Schmeiser stated this ordinance will vacate a 24 foot by 405 foot strip of propertyy along Madison Street for the purppose of construct- ing a laser f4cillty, SFhmaiser said vacatton tneludet a portion of the sidewalk along the right-of-way, it is staff's and Planning and zoning c4om..i5 QWi racom ndation that a Perpetual easement be established for a sidewalk to be constructed by the University after completion of the laser facility and, staff recommends that Council vote on an +yreaeant prior to the final adoption of this ordinance. El Ordinance to amend Chapter 36-23 of the Zoning Ordinance. the Commercial Intensive Zone. Schmeiser said this would allow greater square footage for manufac- turing use in this commercial zone. Schmeiser said expedited consideration of this ordinance has been requested. Schmeiser said a wording change was made to clarify the meeting of "manufacturing portion" of the ordinance. Clarifying language was added to define "manufacturing portions" as manufacturing as a principal use and not accessory use to principal use. Ambrisco asked if five or six Council votes are needed for expedited consideration. McDonald stated six votes are needed to approve waiving of the second reading. Horowitz asked if Council will rescind action taken on this ordinance if the business does not move in. Horowitz stated that she asked that performance standards be applied because of the business's proximity to residents. Horowitz asked how this application of the ordinance would be monitored and evaluated. Schmeiser said the merits of the ordinance should be considered and not the particular use. Schmeiser stated the manufacturing use must comply with same performance standards as for commercial use. Schmeiser said the ordinance specifically states that if there is any question regarding the particular use complying with the performance standards of the ordinance, the City can require a registered professional engineer to certify that the use will be in compliance with the performance standards. Schmeiser said the residence is to be located on a tract taken out of a larger farmstead for the purpose of building a residence to place of the existing farm residence. Schmeiser said the rezoning will not take land out of agricultural production, it was staff's and Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation that Council forward the recommendation for approval to the Johnson County Board of Super. visors. E. n a 7oning CQMajjjjQA_U_WIL1Ll, 0 king within the UylQ�ilrtion of Samuel Orfva. No Council cnemeht. R OR pI1lZATION Of l[QAL DCPARfMCNi: Reel 88.53, Side I McDonald stated Council received llmmins' September 9, 1988, confidential memo regarding staffln9 needs. McDonald stated two issues of concern are the proposal la add a faufth fuii-live attorney and Boyle'a raclatsiflc U tion, McDonald staled that he duet not support adding anothor ruWttma attorney at this time. WOonold asked If tome of the work could tN I a1 contracted out to alleviate the demanding work load. Timmins said the Legal Department has made extensive use of outside legal counsel and could continue to do so. Timmins explained that work related to property acquisitions for the sewer project is complex and difficult and said that the smaller property acquisitions could be handled by outside counsel. Timmins explained that the paper work for condemnations could be done by City legal staff but court appeals can be assigned to outside counsel. He recommended against assigning condemnation work for the Compensation Commission to outside counsel. McDonald stated that Boyle is a valuable member of the City's legal staff. In response to McDonald, Timmins stated that Boyle could be moved from the administrative pay plan to the execu- tive pay plan to provide Boyle with additional compensation, allowing the City Council to directly set Boyle's pay. Timmins also suggested that Boyle's position should have a new title to reflect the constitutional and land use planning duties. An annual resolution would be required to set the pay of the new position, similar to the current practice with City Manager, City Clerk and City Attorney. Horowitz said that she wondered what is done when a position is created, if the image of the person can be separated from the position, and if that position Is still going to remain that subject matter with the title and renumeration. In response to Larson, Atkins stated that as a governmental agency the City Council attempts to provide an overall pay plan. Atkins stated that traditionally the executive pay plan has been reserved for departmental directors and the cost of living and bonus system are also methods for compensation. Balmer asked if Boyle received a pay raise for this fiscal year. Timmins stated Boyle received a 3% cost of living increase and has been at the top of his pay scale for several years. Atkins stated there Is a reclassification process whereby the employee has to demonstrate their job has changed, Ambrisco noted that the City has kept positions unfilled. Atkins stated positions can be frozen. Timmins stated Council would be consulted regarding filling a vacant position. Atkins stated approximately 400 or 480 City employees are Union employees. Council discussed Boyle's position. Horowitz said that some of Boylo'r duties are capable of being delegated to a secretary and/or done by greater com. puterizatlon of the department. Larson said the City's legal department does not have the support staff that a private law firm would utilize. Timmins stated more data will need to be kept to demonstrate the need and economic benefit for more staff. Ambrisco stated Boyle Is viable to the community, Balmer stated that if legal staff is having problems priori. tizing projects, Council could assist in prioritizing. Horowitz said that a budget line is needed to address problem areas such is computeritation. Courtney asked If the Ledal Department could job out prosecution of traffic tickets. ilaseins said an entry level lawyer could be hired similar to what the Ccuety does. Larson stated the Count) does a poor job of prosecuting simple misdemeanors. Timmins noted that so" of the workload problems relate to uses being tried at the Johnson County Courthguse rather than the rivlc Center. in the past Asst. Cityy� etterneys would return to their offices downstairs In betwmen cases, ih r►sponse to LiPsOh, Tla+inihs said tho Clty closely supervises Interns. Larson and Timmins discussed the issue of charging people with violations under City code versus state code. Larson asked if the City should take back the cases now being handled by David Brown. Timmins stated Brown should still handle the cases that are in the Supreme Court on appeal and the condemnation cases could be handled in-house. Timmins said Council is notified of legal work handled by outside counsel in a form of a resolu- tion. McDonald requested status reports regarding what work is being handled by the Legal Department. Balmer requested information regarding what the City has paid out for outside legal assistance in the past five years. Council agreed to have the City Attorney proceed with a pay increase for Asst. Dick Boyle. KEGGER ORDINANCE: Reel 88-53, Side 2 McDonald stated that work was done on the proposed Kegger Ordinance in 1984. Atkins stated a Kegger Ordinance would bring control to large parties and would also aid the local bars and restaurants. Atkins stated staff has reviewed a Kegger Ordinance used by Cedar Falls and Atkins stated now is the best time to initiate a Kegger Ordinance. Council agreed to pursue the Kegger Ordinance. Atkins said the City will need to clearly articulate what the police policies will be. TEMPORARY OUTDOOR SERVICE AREAS: Reel 88-53, Side 2 Timmins noted Council received a September 29 memo regarding revisions to Chapter S. Timmins explained that the State of Iowa will allow an existing licensed establishment to have a temporary outdoor service area under their existing license, but the State of Iowa will not issue an additional fourteen day license or permit to an establishment that is already licensed. Staff recommends that existing establishments make an application following new regulations in the proposed ordinance and Council would direct the Clerk to send a letter to the Iowa Beer and Liquor Control authorizing the temporary outdoor service area. Seasonal or 14 -day licenses or permits would continue to be issued to a nnn- licensed holder. Timmins noted that the Temporary Outdoor Service Area Ordinance will include requirements similar to those for the Kegger Ordinance for security officers on duty and trash and toilet facilities. in response to Balmer, Timmins said that few changes are needed for annual events like the Regina Fall Festival. Regina would have to got a sound music permit and a dance ptrmit. Larson said that rewriting the code as issuos arise is an offactivo way to handle the overall Job of rewriting the entire code. In response to Larson. Timmins said that a dance permi is required only Waase the prPviouc Council requlrred it. AIRM COMMt#,ijQJ9: Real 08.66, Side 1 Dick Blum presented maps and aerial photos of the airport property and raViewe.T the history of the airport`s planning for additional runway length, Blinn +:e id the Airport fammi*cion hes decided not to extend Runway 06/24 and there is a commitment that the way the airport exists today is how the airport will remain. Blum reviewed the advantages and disad- vantages for extending Runway 06/24. Ockenfels noted that newer aircraft use less runway and noisy jets are being phased out by law. Blum commented that the length of Runway 12/30 will be reduced and the FAA's primary direction is to support one runway. Blum presented a map of airport property and outlined areas that are developable. Blum said three things are needed to develop airport property: a commitment, investment of airport monies, and an aggressive marketing plan. Airport Commission members, Council members and staff referred to maps and discussed develop- ment of airport property. In response to Balmer, Schmeiser said it would cost an estimated $700,000 to extend utilities and roads to the airport property. Balmer inquired about property taxes and mechanisms ensuring some type of benefit to the City when airport property is developed. Balmer stated the City staff, community economic development organizations and the Airport Commission need to all be involved in the development of airport land. Airport Manager O'Neil stated that the airport farms approximately 188 acres but industrial use would bring in more revenue. O'Neil stated the decisions need to be made if development of airport property is going to be actively pursued. Ambrisco asked if the City will be competing with the development of BDI versus airport property. Blum stated that certain types of businesses are tied to airport use and look for airport sites to develop on. Atkins said there will be significant public involvement in industrial park development in Iowa City's future. Balmer said a goal is to see the airport self-supporting. Atkins raised a concern about the major capital commitments where the City would need to use its debt service for airport improvement. Atkins stated information is needed regarding the airport's long-term capital plans. Blum said long-term financial commitment from the FAA could be approximately $2 million. Horowitz asked who would administer industrial development of the airport property. Atkins said there are plenty of economic development organizations in this community to assist with development of the property. O'Nell stated it Is important for the Airport to stay in compliance with the FAA and zoning will need to be chingod to allow development of the airport property. Atkins stated he viii meet with Ron O'Neil and Pett Cain to outline a plan for development of airport property. CA U Y ,,: Reel 88.55, Side 2 ( nda Item 6A - Geri Hall's Senior Contor Commission resignation) ZPisco referred to correspondence received from Cori Hell and questioned the limo commitment encouraged by Senior Center staff. He noted the suggestion by Hall to recruit retired people, Ambrlsco Stated a Commission member's duties oro primary advisory and commis• sions should bo noon to people of all ages and not limited to persons who are retired or St yaari end older. Ambrlsco requested City MAnAg�r to contort Geri (1411. I as 6 2. Regarding Council goal setting session - October 11, 1988. Horowitz stated that question 02 do we wish to undertake a review of environ- mental regulations should read: Do we wish to implement environmen- tal regulation policies that exist? 3. Horowitz reported she met with University Vice -President Phillip Jones, and he asked to work with the City on issues relating to alcoholism in this community. 4. (Agenda Item 3f(3) - Parking prohibition between Carousel Motors and Highway 1 West) Horowitz stated she met with Traffic Engr. Brachtel regarding Carousel Motors signs and the decision that "no parking signs" should be removed. Both Carousel and the City understand the area is to remain clear. 5. Ambrisco stated the August 1D, 1988 minutes of the Board of Adjust- ments were too long. Schmeiser stated the Board of Adjustment minutes are sometimes used in legal proceedings. Council agreed to schedule an informal discussion regarding Board and Commission minutes. 6. Karr noted an informal Council meeting is scheduled October 31 - Halloween night. Council agreed to reschedule that meeting to Tuesday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. 7. In response to Karr, Council members stated it was not necessary to wait until after January elections to hold a joint meeting with the Johnson County Board of Supervisors. Karr stated Johnson County Board of Supervisors are considering scheduling a meeting around November 30. Councilmembers should contact Karr with agenda items. O. McDonald noted Council's goal setting session is scheduled October 11 and Council members should contact him regarding any additions to the agenda. APPOINTMENTS; Riverfront Commission: I. Doug Jones 2. Al Rebal Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. T I) -J