HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-01-10 Council minutes City of Iowa City
MEMORANDUM
Date:
To:
From:
Re:
January 22, 1998
Mayor and City Council
Marian K. Karr, City Clerk
Council Work Session, January 10, 1998 - 8 a.m. in Council Chambers
Council Present:
Lehman, Champion, Kubby, Norton, O'Donnell, Thornberry,
Vanderhoef.
Staff Present:
Atkins, Helling, Karr, Franklin, Fosse, Schmadeke, Yucuis, Davidson,
Mansfield.
Tapes:
98-5, Side 2; 9806, all; 97-7, all.
Budget Discussion
Reel 98-5, Side 2
Lehman urged Council Members to review budget information in the January 9, 1998
Council Information Packet,
City Manager Atkins, Finance Director Yucuis, PCD Director Franklin, Asst. PCD Director
Davidson, Public Works Director Schmadeke and City Engineer Fosse presented budget
information and responded to council questions.
Lehman stated he asked City Engineer Fosse to prepare a list of what projects can be
postponed to free up funds and/or staff time for other projects.
Davidson presented an overview of the proposed Gilbert Street Project. Davidson
explained Hwy 6/Gilbert turn lanes and Gilbert/Benton signalization project are two
projects scheduled in the CIP. Davidson said staff would like to do a comprehensive study
of the Gilbert Street corridor.
Lehman inquired about Downtown Plaza Improvements Project. Atkins summarized
downtown plaza area projects: $100,000 replacement of playground equipment;
$250,000 general plaza improvements; 200,000 to address issues on Iowa Avenue and
$100,000 for sanitary sewer replacement.
Thornberry asked if FY98 Airport Master Plan budget requires all of the $4.6 million.
Yucuis explained the project will be phased in, bonds have not been sold for the second
phase and the amount is 90% reimbursable by the federal government. Atkins explained
the City understands it is a 90/10 project and the city will need to spend the money on
the front end. Thornberry noted the Siding Project is for the old United Building. Arkins
noted the old United Building has a historic preservation significance. Lehman stated the
building will be moved according to the Airport Master Plan.
Council Work Session
January 10, 1998
Page 2
Norton stated there will be cost sharing involved with the Court Street Extended Project.
Franklin stated staff is looking at impact fees for roads.
Kubby asked if short-term borrowing for the Airport Project gets paid back by Debt
Service. Atkins stated he would look at the Debt Service and using a short-term note.
In response to Thornberry, Fosse stated 3 & 4-lanes are being considered for Dodge
Street-Governor to Dubuque Rd. Fosse stated he met with the IDOT regarding funding for
the project. Davidson noted the Prairie du Chien intersection cannot be signalized until
Dodge Street is reconstructed.
Norton asked about the $1.66 million project costs for the Sycamore Regional Stormwater
Project. Fosse stated $1.66 million is not the total cost, the City hopes to recover some of
those costs, and work needs to be done in FY98 to accommodate drainage for
subdivisions. Atkins said that new Council Members Champion and O'Donnell will need to
schedule time with staff to review those project plans.
Lehman referred to FY98 Approved In Progress. Atkins explained that in a given fiscal
year, you have two construction seasons and In Progress projects lists which projects are
approved and the City is committed to doing, not the period of time in which money is to
be spent. In response to Champion, the project costs, not money already spent, is listed
on the FY98 Approved In Progress sheet. Atkins explained staff can prepare an accounting
of each project. In response to Vanderhoef. Atkins stated that there are carry-overs from
FY97 to FY98.
Norton asked about project costs for the Downtown Transit Interchange. Atkins stated
$219,000 is a federal grant and a stronger commitment to the actual design will be need
to get Old Capital Mall/Heitman's approval of the project.
Norton requested total project costs for projects in the CIP. Atkins referred to his January
8, 1998 memo re: Capital Improvement Program for project costs. Yucuis stated the
Three Year Financial Plan FY99-01 provided project cost and funding information. Yucuis
stated the he works with Engineering and Parks and Recreations Departments to insure
that the right projects are placed in and funded for FY98.
Vanderhoef inquired about funding for the Iowa River Power Dam project. Schmadeke
stated that the pedestrian trail across the top is $600,000 and $150,000 is state monies.
Atkins stated a REAP Grant will be used also.
Fosse reviewed the Hwy 6 Median, Sidewalk, Drainage Project. Major components are
enclosing that ditch on the southside, installing a sidewalk/trail, median and curb work,
and asphalt shoulders on outside of pavement. Fosse stated the IDOT recommended a
study of the Hwy. 6 Corridor (Riverside Drive to 420th Street) and is willing to pay 10%
of the cost of the storm sewer. Fosse noted the City is also eligible for traffic engineering
assistance. In response to Vanderhoef, Fosse said additional lanes will be looked at. In
response Norton, Fosse stated the project will include plantings, decorative lighting, etc.
Kubby noted she does not like too much lighting and use of low maintenance native
grasses should be considered for the median area. Atkins stated the project represents
CounciiWok Session
Janua~ 10,1998
Page 3
$3.6 million of borrowing and can be phased in. Davidson stated he has worked with
Grantwood Neighborhood Association. Staff and council members discussed sidewalk and
trails requirements. Arkins explained the project funding will need to be shifted for at least
one year out because of the corridor study, which will open up that financing for other
projects.
Vanderhoef asked that Beautification of Entranceway moneys be directed to lighting on
Dubuque Street, 1-80 to downtown.
Atkins and Davidson presented information about the Longfellow Pine Street Pedestrian
Bike Trail, schedule FY2000. Davidson explained the Engineering Department proposed
constructing a new tunnel.
Arkins proposed removing the Mormon Trek Sidewalk Project, $175,000, from FY01, and
explained the University of Iowa is developing a new recreation facility there. Davidson
noted that the University cannot use Institutional Road Funds for sidewalk construction.
Atkins stated the East West Parkway (Sycamore to Detention Basin) is scheduled FY01.
Fosse stated the City or private development could take the lead on this project. Staff and
council discussed east-west arterial issues, school location, and impact to Hwy 6 project.
Lehman referred to the FY01 Benton- Orchard to Oaknoll Project. Franklin stated FY01 is
probably as soon as it can be done to allow time to contact area residents and design
work. In response to Lehman, Davidson stated there is a technical basis for capacity
expansion on Benton. A council majority agreed to the FY01 Benton Street Project.
Vanderhoef requested information about the Civic Center 3rd Floor Project. Arkins stated
staff will prepare a formal presentation on the Civic Center projects.
Atkins reviewed FY02 capital improvements projects. Atkins stated First Avenue Extended
is back in the Plan and accordance with the referendum; staff is re-thinking GIS
Stormwater Quality Management budget placement; and the Scott Blvd. Extended- Design
Only fits together with the Captain Irish Project. Fosse stated the Park Road-Riverside
Drive adds left turn lanes on the three approaches adjacent to the new University building.
In response to Vanderhoef, Fosse stated that intersection will not be signalized.
Norton referred to FY02 Hwy 6 Median, budgeted $1 million every year for four years.
Atkins stated it is $3.6 million in borrowing and $400,000 is Road Use Tax.
Kubby asked about the Second and Third Avenue bridge projects. Fosse stated the project
will be similar to the Brookside bridge project. Atkins explained there is a statewide bridge
priority system on funding to receive 80% of project costs and the city tries to take
advantage of those moneys.
Kubby inquired about budgeting for Ralston Creek Trail (Scott Blvd. from Muscatine).
Atkins stated that project is listed in the CIP that are unfunded.
In response to Norton, Schmadeke stated the FY2000 Foster Road - Dubuque to Prairie du
Chien is for r.o.w. acquisition for the pipeline. Kubby stated she is not interested in doing
Council Work Session
January 10, 1998
Page 4
the road.
Atkins referred to Capital Improvement Program -Projects That Are Unfunded Or in Fiscal
Year 2003 and Beyond. Atkins noted Project //324 Burlington Street Bridge has been
moved up.
Champion inquired about the order of doing capital improvements projects. Atkins
explained decision are arrived at collectively to meet safety needs, available funding, and
council interest. Atkins briefly reviewed the Scott Park Area Trunk Sewer and Beer Creek
Storm Sewer Projects. Fosse explained Beer Creek flooding and storm sewer are
interconnected and the storm sewer has been patched.
In response to Norton, Atkins stated the Unfunded Project #345 Hwy 6 Improvements
would be looked at along with the Hwy 6 corridor study and overall project. Atkins noted
the Sycamore, Hwy 6 to DeForest, $200,000, is budget FY01.
Norton inquired about funding for the Library. Atkins stated it is scheduled in FY99.
[Council Break 9:25 - 9:40 PM)
CIP Discussion
Reel 98-6, Side I
Atkins referred to his January 8, 1998 memo re: CIP (Includes: Criteria For Review, Your
Vision-Comprehensive Plans, Creating a Development Opportunity Through City Initiative,
Community Initiatives, Maintenance and Enhancement of Public Service, and Maintenance
of Public Service.)
Atkins stated Maintenance of Public Service represent a continuation of a current public
service; Maintenance and Enhancement of Public Service is for projects the City plans for
repair or reconstruction of a capital asset to improve upon it; Creating A Development
Opportunity Through City Initiative are projects that provide council with broad
discretionary authority in determining whether these projects will proceed; and Community
Initiatives are projects where council has the broadest discretion and are projects that
meet community interests. Kubby stated that project should be tied to the City's
Comprehensive Plans. Atkins stated comprehensive plan language allows flexibility and
discretion. Kubby said the council should look at the City's comprehensive plans and
policy statements. Franklin stated comprehensive plans and general policy statements are
used for in planning infrastructure so staff can see where the city is going in terms of
where development will occur. Franklin stated council will receive the Planning
Department's Action Plan next month.
Norton asked if the City is anticipating new stormwater guidelines. Atkins stated the city
is addressing stormwater issues by separation of sewers, stormwater retention throughout
down and proposed stormwater projects. Atkins reviewed the federal Stormwater
Management Policy and Best Management Practice policies. Atkins stated that Public
Works Director Schmadeke is looking at the potential of switching the Clinton Street
Sanitary Sewer Plant to handle stormwater and the city is looking at a regional basin to
the west. Arkins emphasized a safe clean urban environment is a worthwhile goal.
Council Wo~ Session
Janua~ 10,1998
Page 5
Lehman pointed out the decisions on projects are based on a combination of what council
would like to do and market demands. Kubby said part of the job of government is to
guide the market.
Council and staff reviewed Maintenance of Public Service, Maintenance and Enhancement
of Public Service, Creating A Development Opportunity Through City Initiative, and
Community Initiatives projects as follows:
Library Carpeting and Heating. Library carpeting deteriorated and the HVAC system
must be renovated. Yucuis stated the carpeting project can be pushed back until the
referendum but the HVAC is needed.
· City Plaza Improvements. Separate City Plaza Improvements presentation.
Transit Parking Lot and Methane. Comprehensive study was done to figure out issues
relating to the methane collection system and parking lot and the City received a
federal grant for the parking lot. Lehman asked if parking lot repairs will last. Davidson
explained the original parking lot was designed to allow for sinking and settling. Atkins
stated another project is dealing with methane at the landfill.
· Lower Muscatine-DeForest to Spruce. Project is capacity improvement and the lane
width delineation is at the commercial area at Spruce.
· Airport Master Plan. Kubby stated she does not approve of all the improvements in the
Airport Master Plan.
· Airport T-Hangar. $350,000 is an internal borrowing loan amount.
Burlington Street Dam Safety. Project should be combined with bridge repair and
moved to FY2000. The University is responsible for safety grab lines and Iowa City
took over improving railings and bridge and signage on river to alert people that there
is a dam ahead.
Burlington Madison to Gilbert- Signal Controllers. Project will inner-connect the signals
and provide data for the entire system to allow for incremental improvements.
Thornberry inquired about allowing right turn on right at the Burlington street/Dubuque
Street corner. Atkins explained the No turn on Red was installed to allow Capital
House residents to get across the street in a safe and timely manner.
Foster Road/Dubuque Intersection. Project includes both sides of Dubuque Street.
Franklin said the project is coordinated with Foster Road on the west side so that both
sides can be signalized at once.
· Civic Center-3rd Floor/And Floor Police Dept. Additional information requested.
Public Works Complex- Phase 1. Project includes site improvements, office building
and part of the storage facility. Atkins stated the south side location of the project as
not been confirmed.
Council Wo~ Session
Janua~ 10,1998
Page 6
Napoleon Park Parking Lot, Street. Discussed using chip seal and shingle material.
Parks- Central Maintenance Building. Building is being designed.
· Library Computer System. Computer upgrade to their current system and debt will be
used to finance the upgrade,
· Cemetery Expansion. Design work is being done.
Public Works Complex-Phase 1. Project may not get done in FY99. Atkins stated he
wants to keep this project on target because of the building deterioration at the
present facility.
· Benton-Orchard to Oaknoll. Proceed with preliminary design work.
· Willow Creek Sanitary Sewer. Will open up approximately 500 acres for development.
· Mormon Trek/Abbey Lane Storm Sewer. An Unfunded Project # 320.
· First Avenue Extended. Schmadeke stated that FY02 is the latest he would want to
install the water lines through there.
· Court Street Extended. Kubby suggested shifting this project to FY99. Thornberry said
it should be kept if FY98 because of commitments made to the developer.
Kubby raised concerns about the number of projects in FY98. Fosse explained that FY98
looks busier than other years because of project carry-overs and maintenance issues.
Fosse distributed his January 10, 1998 memo re: Proposed Capital Program. Fosse
reviewed that projects that could be shifted to another year. Lehman stated that he would
like to reconsider what projects can be shifted to future years after council's Monday
night discussion. Norton asked Fosse to identify both design and inspection savings for
each project if the project were shifted to a future year.
Foster Road-Through Elks. $1.1 million is debt and $170,000 is Road Use Tax. Yucuis
said there is another $1.1 million in 2001 from bond debt to fund that project. Atkins
stated that traditionally the City has maintained a $1 million balance in the Road Use
Tax.
· Iowa River Trail-Burlington to Napoleon Park. Costs are increasing.
O'Donnell raised concerns about the lack of sidewalks when leaving Coralville and entering
Iowa City on Hwy 6. Davidson explained staff has talked with the University. Fosse stated
the Wolf Bridge Project will accommodate a sidewalk underneath.
· Mormon Trek Sidewalk. A council majority agreed to delete.
CounciiWork Session
Janua~ 10,1998
Page 7
· Hwy 6 Median, Sidewalk, Drainage. A council majority gave high priority to this
project.
East West Parkway & Hwy 6. Franklin reviewed long range plans for the corridor area.
Davidson explained the CIP includes the Sand Road to Hwy 6 and staff is working on
the South Central Plan, river crossing issues, and traffic analysis models to determine
future traffic volumes.
First Avenue Extended. In the CIP Plan in accordance with the referendum up for
council consideration in the year FY02. Atkins noted the referendum said the city
would not initiate this but there are intervening private property owners.
Hazardous Waste Recycling (Unfunded Project //343). Include in the Public Works
Project Plans.
Lehman requested that staff prepared a summary of CIP revisions.
Atkins noted that Citizen Budget Summaries were sent out to all Board and Commission
members and copies are available for distribution. Atkins announced that the City's
Taxable Assessed Value is up and the General Fund shows a projected increase of
$60,000.
Council agreed to schedule an additional budget discussion January 13, 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
Meeting adjourned at 11:50 PM.
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