HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-20 Council minutesJOINT MEETING
OCTOBER 20, 2010
MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Hayek called the meeting to order at 4:30 P.M.
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS:
Iowa City -Bailey, Champion, Hayek, Wilburn, Wright
Staff present - Helling, Fosse, Karr, Davidson, Newmann, Baldridge
UISG -Higgins, Swearingen
North Liberty -Chipman, Salm, Donahue
Staff present - Mulcahey
Johnson County -Harney, Rettig, Sullivan, Neuzil, Stutsman
Staff present -Johnson, Greazel,
School District -Fields
Staff present -Murley
Tiffin -Phillips
UPDATE FROM COUNTY AND CITY ASSESSORS:
(Hand out -Johnson County (outside Iowa City) and Iowa City fact sheet) The discussion began
with Johnson County Board of Supervisors' Stutsman noting that the County and City Assessors
are present to give everyone some information regarding their predictions on what the State is
going to do with the rollback, property taxes, etc. It was stated that this information would be
helpful to everyone as they plan their next budget. County Assessor Greazel spoke first. He
gave some background history on what the State traditionally does, and how this can affect the
cities and the county. Greazel stated that the rollback is going to change this year. It is expected
to be a rollback year, meaning governmental bodies can actually tax more without raising
anyone's taxes. He further explained that there is a fine line that you have to watch, before you
start to raise people's taxes. Greazel also noted that commercial property taxes have been seeing
changes with the downturn in the market. City Assessor Baldridge stated that these figures are
just preliminary, but that they do expect the real figures to be very close.
UPDATE FROM SCHOOL DISTRICTS:
School Board Member Fields asked for clarification on how this item ended up on today's
agenda. City Councilor Champion noted that Iowa City put this on the agenda for an update
from the School District. Fields asked if in the future they could be notified ahead of time about
wanting information, so they can come prepared to the meeting. She then introduced the new
School Board Superintendent Steve Murley. Supt. Murley addressed the group, speaking first to
the Roosevelt Elementary issue. (Hand out Roosevelt Repurposing Study Group Minutes
October 18, 2010). He noted that the Task Force has been created to develop future plans for the
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building, once it no longer houses students. Supt. Murley continued, stating that the School
District is coming along nicely with the new Crossings development school plans. He
added that the Communications Committee of the School District will be meeting again on
October 26th
ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS CURRENT AND FUTURE:
North Liberty Mayor Salm spoke first about road construction projects. He noted that phase one
of the 965 project should be completed in mid-November. They will be doing this major project
in phases, with next year being a design stage on the Scales Bend intersection. He also noted
smaller. but still very important, projects such as turning lanes at Penn Street and the intersection
of Golfview Drive.
Acting Iowa City Asst. City Manager and Public Works Director Fosse spoke regarding Iowa
City's road construction projects. He began with the 420th Street project, noting that they are in
the process of converting this street from rural to urban. A similar project is taking place on
Sycamore Street, from Burns Street to the city limits. There is also a pedestrian bridge being
built over I-80, which should be completed next year. He continued, noting projects for 2011,
such as the reconstruction of Lower Muscatine Road from Kirkwood Avenue to First Avenue, in
addition to several pedestrian projects. In 2012, Fosse stated that the railroad grade separation at
First Avenue will be a major project, as will intersection improvements on Burlington Street.
Johnson County Board Supervisor Stutsman spoke on county projects. She reported that the 965,
120th Street project is finished. Another completed project is the four-corners intersection in
Swisher. She noted that this is a vast improvement over what they previously had here.
Stutsman also noted that the County is putting oversized shoulders in as they work on roads, and
that they are attempting to work with conjoining cities and counties to see if they will do the
same thing on their sections, so as to have more continuity. Supervisor Rettig added that the
Conservation Board, along with JCCOG's help, applied for aTIGER-2 grant recently for wide
shoulder paving, and they did not receive that grant. However, she stated that the Conservation
Board did receive a REAP grant last week to do a section near Tiffin.
UPDATE ON AREA IJOBS PROJECTS:
Johnson County Board Supervisor Rettig spoke about the IJOBS projects for the county. She
noted that the Armory project has gone well. Demolition is done, and concrete work is close to
being completed.
Iowa City's Interim City Manager Helling spoke about the City's IJOBS projects. The
UniverCity project, in conjunction with the University, is going well. He also mentioned the
wastewater treatment plant project and an expansion of the City's Literary Walk program.
CITY MANAGER HIRING:
Iowa City Mayor Hayek stated that the Council had selected Tom Markus from Birmingham,
Michigan as the new City Manager. He is expected to begin his duties the first of December.
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ISSUES/PRIORITIES FOR THE 2011 LEGISLATIVE SESSION:
Johnson County Board Supervisor Stutsman spoke about legislative priorities that the county
would like to put forward, and asked the other entities to consider working on the same issues.
She identified the first issue as unfunded mandates; noting that the county wants to make sure the
legislators don't give counties and cities more things to do, and have them be unfunded
mandates. Supervisor Stutsman mentioned TIF and the possibility of some modifications to the
current legislation as another priority. Supervisor Rettig noted permitting fees, such as food
licensing fees, have not been increased since 1991. Supervisor Stutsman noted the last major
issue of mobile home parks and a revision to State Code 555. Iowa City Councilor Wilburn
noted that Iowa City believes they have handled TIF use well, and he asked that others consider
their model before making any changes. Mayor Hayek suggested that copies of the County's
legislative priorities be distributed to the cities and school district for input.
ALCOHOL VIOLATIONS AND POLICIES:
North Liberty Mayor Salm and Council Member Donohue stated Council Member Kuhl had
requested the item be placed on the agenda. They reported Council Member Kuhl was interested
in a community or countywide policy perhaps requiring servers and bartenders to attend the TIPS
training, regulating drink specials, granting all new bars a six month conditional license with
some form of monitoring. This led to a discussion about a possible countywide ordinance for
alcohol, but noting the Cities could repeal it. Supervisor Stutsman suggested the item be
scheduled again at the next joint meeting after the November election. Supervisor Neuzil
suggested entities identify issues that could be worked on together prior to the meeting.
COUNTY DWELLING INSPECTION UPDATE:
Johnson County Board Supervisor Rettig stated the County's is considering a property
maintenance and housing code. She noted that they have been working on this issue for the past
year, and hope to have a draft to share soon. Supervisor Sullivan suggested that North Liberty &
Tiffin should notify whoever is doing housing inspections in their community to check in with
the County Health Department because they are updating their regulations and be sure everyone
is clear about the changes.
JUSTICE CENTER PLANNING:
Johnson County Board Supervisor Neuzil spoke to the Justice Center planning. He stated that
the Coordinating Committee is creating a timeline for this project, and that they are getting ready
to hire an architect to come up with building options. He briefly explained where they have been
looking to build such a center, and some of the various issues they have run into while doing so.
Supervisor Harney spoke to this issue, as well, stating that the Bar Association is adamant that
the Center be downtown. He explained some of the discussions they have had with the
Government Services Agency (GSA) over some possible `space trading.' Supervisor Sullivan
stated a big piece of the "buy-in" from other entities involved what else would be placed on the
ballot, for instance a school or a Center, noting anything else on the ballot presented a big
challenge. Supervisor Harney noted the construction costs are getting higher, but so is
transporting and housing of folks in alternative sites.
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BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REQUEST FOR ACTION RE: JECC:
(Hand out -Joint Emergency Communications Center Concerns) Johnson County Board
Supervisor Neuzil provided a handout that lists the issues that the County has with the Joint
Emergency Communication Center. He asked that each entity consider these issues. Mayor
Hayek suggested entities have the discussion internally and get back to Johnson County with
comments.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Johnson County Board Supervisor Harney stated that he wanted everyone to be aware of the new
weapon's law that will be coming online, and noting the Sheriff can not be as restrictive as he
once could and must issue permits to those requesting them. He added that the Sheriff is very
interested in how this is going to play out. Supr. Harney indicated he has asked the County Atty.
to look into making it illegal to being a weapon into county buildings, noting there was a
provision that allows communities and businesses to post signs saying they are not allowed. He
suggested entity review the provision.
Supervisor Rettig asked if others would be interested in inviting all governmental bodies within
Johnson County to these joint meetings. After some brief discussion, others agreed that
extending an invitation to all entities would be a good idea. UISG Representative Higgins asked
if they shouldn't also invite a representative from the University to these meetings, as well.
Everyone agreed to extending invitations. As the County hosts the next joint meeting, they will
be sure to send notice to all governmental entities, and the University.
SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting is set for February 23, 2011, at 4:30 P.M. and will be hosted by the County.
ADJOURN:
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 P.M.
(A complete transcription is available in the City Clerk's Office and the City website)