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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-10-28 Council minutesI I P a g e MINUTES IOWA CITY CITY COUNCIL JOINT MEETING OCTOBER 28, 2013 IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY — ROOM A Present: Terry Dickens (IC), Coleen Chipman (NL), Jim Throgmorton (IC), Mitch Gross (C), Rod Sullivan (JC), Tim Kemp (H), Jeff McGinness ( ICCSD), Sally Hoelscher ( ICCSD), Don Saxton (0), Brad Kunkel (S), Cassandra Lippincot (S), Matt Hayek (IC), Jim Fausett (C), Tom Salm (NL), Gerry Kuehl (NL), Michelle Payne (IC), Louise From (UH), John Etheredge (JC), Tom Gill (C), Pat Harney (JC), Terrence Neuzil (JC), Michon Jackson (T), Connie Champion (IC), Tuyet Dorau ( ICCSD), Chris Hoffman (NL), Rick Dobyns (IC) Steve Murley ( ICCSD), Tim Kuehl (CCA), Dave Wilson (JCEMA) (IC = Iowa City; NL = North Liberty; C = Coralville; JC = Johnson County; H = Hills; ICCSD = Iowa City Community School District; O = Oxford; S = Solon; UH = University Heights; T = Tiffin; CCA = Clear Creek Amana Schools) CALL TO ORDER Iowa City Mayor Hayek called the meeting to order at 4:30 P.M. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Iowa City Mayor Hayek welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending. He then asked that the elected officials and attending staff introduce themselves; and noted that there is an attendance sheet going around for everyone to sign. DISCUSSION/UPDATE OF THE FOLLOWING: a. School District Facilities Plan Update 1) Iowa City Community School District ( ICCSD) — Supt. Stephen Murley presented an update of the District's facilities plan, noting that the School Board met last Tuesday. One of the items they were presented with was a $258 million 10 -year master facility plan, along with a phasing process timeline to show how this would all come together. Murley stated that the Board was also presented with a proposal for implementing the Diversity Policy in consideration of new attendance zones. The District has gathered quite a bit of feedback concerning this matter and has been busy revising the drafts that were originally presented to the Board. A discussion then ensued, with Mayor Hayek asking about the anticipated GO Bonds for this issue. Murley explained how the consultant they hired took all of the buildings in the District and their projects, and came up with the overall $258 2 1 P a g e REVISED million plan. He further clarified the District's financial standing, noting that they are currently underleveraged, with only two outstanding General Obligation Bonds. Both of these bonds are due to be retired in 2017. The recommendation to the Board was to consider a new GO Bond upon retirement of these two bonds. The District is looking at an equivalent of $109 per $100,000 house to complete the recommended master plan. Murley continued to respond to questions, with Hayek asking if the District ties specific facilities projects to RPS versus the anticipated GO Bond. Murley explained the revenue sources that the District has and how they would use these to accomplish the goals of the 10 -year master facility plan. He also noted that on the ICCSD's web site, there is a link to all of this documentation, if anyone would like to see exactly what was presented to the Board. Mitch Gross (C) stated that he has heard that kids will be redistricted multiple, multiple times. He asked Murley if there was any truth to this. Murley responded that they were working on this very issue earlier today, to see if they could reduce some of these transitions. He noted as an example the opening of Borlaug Elementary School and how when this occurs, the District would redistrict students coming out of Roosevelt, Horn, and Weber to balance the demographics here. In addition to these redistricting issues, Murley noted that they also have to take into consideration the Diversity Policy. This policy must be fully implemented by the 2018 -19 school year. Murley reiterated that the District's facilities plan is not due to be completed until 2023. Due to this, there may be some redistricting done prior to new buildings being opened, in order to comply with the Diversity Policy. Murley responded to questions, noting the plan addresses both new schools and existing schools. Existing schools are in need of additions, and new seats are needed for the continued growth of the District. Murley added that in any given year you will see both a major renovation project and a minor one, as well as an addition. The timeline lays out how each year addresses the District's needs, through both new schools and renovations to existing ones. Murley further explained the District's revenue streams and how they will be used to meet the plan's goals. Hayek (IC) asked for further clarification on the District's ability to gauge operational capacity as they move through this facilities plan. Murley noted that if you go to the District's web site you can find a very large graph, broken down by month, which shows how this process will work. From the beginning of a project to the end, it will be documented here. At the bottom of this same page, Murley noted that they have broken down the capacity standpoint by K -6, 7 -8, and 9 -12. It shows the enrollment capacity, with and without the District's modular facilities, as well an enrollment projections moving forward. 21 Page million plan. He further clarified the District's financial standing, noting that they are currently underleveraged, with only two outstanding General Obligation Bonds. Both of these bonds are due to be retired in 2017. The recommendation to the Board was to consider a new GO Bond upon retirement of these two bonds. ; The District is looking at an equivalent of $109 per $100,000 house to complete the recommended master plan. ley continued to respond to questions, with Hayek asking if the Dist ' t-ties spe 'fic facilities projects to RPS versus the anticipated GO Bond. ley explaai* ed the revenue sources that the District has and how they pld use these to acco plish the goals of the 10 -year master facility plan. He o noted that on the ICC 's web site, there is a link to all of this document on, if anyone would like to see actly what was presented to the Board. Mit ,..Gross (C) stated that he has heard at kids will be redistricted multiple, mu, ple times. He asked Murley if there was any truth to this. Murley respo , 'e"d that they were working on this very issu earlier today, to see if they cou reduce some of these transitions. He not d as an example the openi of Borlaug Elementary School and how when this o urs, the District wou redistrict students coming out of Roosevelt, Horn, and eber to balance t demographics here. In addition to these redistricting issues, urley note that they also have to take into consideration the Diversit Policy. his policy must be fully implemented by the 2018 -19 school year. Murle rei rated that the District's facilities plan is not due to be completed until 2023. e to this, there may be some redistricting done prior to new buildings being p ed, in order to comply with the Diversity Policy. Jim Throgmorton (IC).poke about he Press - Citizen coverage of the District's plan, stating that he was surprised to ee what looks like a new school being completed right a y in the District. urley responded, noting how the plan addresses both w schools and existin \ne Existing schools are in need of additions, and ew seats are needed for ued growth of the District. Murley add that in any given year yooth a major renovation project and a mi r' one, as well as an additionline lays out how each year address the District's needs, through chools and renovations to existi g ones. Murley further expl ainect's revenue streams and how the ; ' ill be used to meet the plan's go ayek (IC) asked for further clarification on the Dist 'ct's ability to gauge operational capacity as they move through this facilitie plan. Murley noted that if you go to the District's web site you can find a very 1 ge graph, broken down by month, which shows how this process will work. Fro the beginning of a project to the end, it will be documented here. At the botto of this same page, ' Murley noted that they have broken down the capacity stand oint by K -6, 7 -8, and 9 -12. It shows the enrollment capacity, with and without e District's modular facilities, as well an enrollment projections moving fo ard. 3 Page Hayek further clarified his question, asking if they will have the ability to staff new facilities as they come on -line. Murley responded, noting that they consider these First costs and Second costs. First cost refers to getting the facility built, and Second cost refers to operating it. Murley explained how the District looks at this, noting that when students and teachers go from modular units to new brick and mortar, there are no new costs associated as the teacher is already staffed there. He added that getting classrooms out of these modular units is actually more efficient as they are fairly expensive to operate. Murley continued, noting that they have been growing extremely fast. The District is slated to grow 2,500 students over the next 10 years, or 250 new students per year. The District has been above this pace for the past two years, according to Murley, and will continue to be above that this year. Funding is based on a per -pupil basis, and this is what funds much of the District's Second costs, according to Murley. Rick Dobyns (IC) asked Murley to describe what the first thing to be built is — the third high school or east side elementary schools. Murley responded that the Board will be getting plans for Penn and Twain Elementary Schools in the very near future, as both are in immediate need of additions. He continued, noting the needs at the different levels as the students move through the system. A third high school should be a reality by the 17 -18 or 18 -19 school year, depending on how the process works for that project. Connie Champion (IC) asked which schools are using the modular units the most. Murley noted that Grant Wood Elementary has 175 students in modular units currently. Penn is another school with quite a few students in modular units. Champion noted that she agrees they need a third high school but that she believes they need to upgrade some of these elementary schools first, especially the east side schools. Louise From (UH) stated that her concern has to do with the School Board's removal of public input from some of their agendas. Jeff McGinness (ICCSD) replied to From's concerns, noting that the School Board has been shifting the way they normally meet. Typically they would have two full -blown meetings per month, but they recently changed one of these to a business meeting. He noted that there were two meetings where they did not have public input as it was a consent agenda. Since then, however, public input has been added back in to all formal Board meetings. 2) Clear Creek Amana Community School District (CCA) — Supt. Tim Kuehl (CCA) spoke next about the CCA's facilities plan. At the School Board's October meeting, they set a bond election for February 4, 2014. Kuehl further clarified what this $48 million proposed bond would entail — a new elementary school for the east side of the District; an addition at the high school; and an addition at the middle school. These additions would include academic wings, as well as some extracurricular facilities at the high school. Kuehl continued, noting that there will be some community meetings on November 7th at Amana Elementary, November 12th at Clear Creek Elementary, November 14th at the middle school, and November 25th at North Bend Elementary. 4 Page Tom Salm (NL) asked if the District has any sites in mind for the elementary school that would serve the North Liberty, Tiffin area. Kuehl responded that they are still working on this issue, but that he would anticipate having an agreement done at the November 13 Board meeting. At that time they would be able to publicize the location of this new elementary school. Coleen Chipman (NL) stated that she has heard there will be no increase in their taxes and she questioned how the District could move forward with their plan with no increases. Kuehl responded, explaining how the CCA District set their levy rate for bonds and how they have lowered some other rates within the General Fund in order to achieve this. Chipman noted that this is a good thing for residents to know. b. Tier II Extremely Hazardous Substance (EHS) hazardous material facility fees (Johnson County) — EMA Coordinator Dave Wilson spoke to the issue of Tier II hazardous material facility fees for Johnson County. He began by stating that they were challenged a couple of years ago to come up with a better funding solution for the countywide hazmat team. As they began to look into the funding streams for this, one of the questions being asked was what's in it for the facilities that store Tier II and EHS's, and why aren't they contributing to those funding streams. First the per capita rate was increased from 25 -cents to 50- cents. As they continued to look at this, however, they noted that Cedar Rapids had taken on a new method of funding their hazmat team — a Tier II Extremely Hazardous Substance funding structure. In those situations, the facilities that house those hazardous chemicals actually pay in to fund the hazmat teams. Wilson continued, explaining what Johnson County has to contend with in the Tier II category. There are 86 Tier II facilities spread throughout the county, with nine major pipelines, and three bulk facilities that run throughout. The Johnson County team also responds to situations that occur on the interstates and on the rail system. Wilson stated that after the west Texas explosion, they looked more closely at what other cities and counties in Iowa and surrounding states are doing. If they were to use this new method of funding, it would basically be a move from a taxpayer -based funding stream, where it's a per capita levy that taxpayers pay, to more of a funding stream that is based on risk and the people that are causing that risk. Wilson then turned the discussion to what it costs to fund the Johnson County hazmat team. He reiterated what he said at the beginning of the discussion, that the question kept coming up as they reviewed the revenue stream for the hazmat team, just what was in it for those storing these hazardous materials. He reminded the group too that they only bill for actual spills. After looking at the model that Cedar Rapids uses, Wilson stated that they were able to come up with a way to fund the team at about a quarter of what Cedar Rapids charges. This would allow them to have a lot of funding for the team, which currently operates on about $71,000 a year. Wilson further explained how the facilities would be charged under this proposed system, noting an incentive for these Tier II and EHS 5 Page facilities to actually store less of these hazardous materials. Wilson noted that both Peoria and Cedar Rapids have had good success with this model and have seen a reduction in the amount of product stored in their communities. In order to achieve the proposed, Wilson explained that it would be necessary to do a countywide ordinance. He further explained that the Johnson County Board of Supervisors asked him to attend today's meeting to see if there is interest from the various municipalities to move forward with this. To make it work, Wilson reiterated that they would need to make it a countywide ordinance and resolution. The reason for this is the hazmat team responds countywide, and is also a part of the Emergency Management Commission, which is part of each of the municipalities in this area. Also in this proposal is an increase every two years based on the consumer price index. This will alleviate having to come back and readjust the formula constantly. Wilson noted that many cities themselves generate both Tier II and some hazardous materials, such as chlorine at the water plant or bulk diesel fuel. With these proposed changes, Wilson noted that a city like Iowa City could see their per capita rate go down to under $5,000 per year, which is much less than currently. With the initial proposal, the team would be looking at $116,750 per year. They could then adjust it down after the first year, but first they need to see what changes are coming from the State of Iowa. He further explained what this entails, noting that the team does not want to underfund themselves right away and want to wait and see what the changes will bring. Then they can adjust these rates. The team needs to make sure they are funded well enough in order to provide the services needed. Pat Harney (JC) asked Wilson to clarify if this money is being used for cleanup, as most insurance companies cover this, and whether this money is for equipment and training for the hazmat team. Wilson responded that this money is for equipment and training of the team. He further explained what is covered, and what is not covered, when they invoice for a spill situation. Mayor Kemp (H) asked if these fees will be constant to the Tier II or if they will fluctuate year to year. Wilson explained that they are trying to keep a consistent amount and that this is one reason they are using the CPI, the Consumer Price Index. Chris Hoffman (NL) stated that he is unable to find any downside to this proposal for either the cities or the taxpayers. He asked Wilson if he would share with them what the downside is. Wilson responded that he himself has considered this and has been unable to find a real downside. He did caution, however, that during the first year as they work through this restructuring, he would like to see the funding stay fairly constant so they don't end up in a deficit down the road. If this proposal is adopted, Wilson noted that they would like to get notices out in January. Jim Throgmorton (IC) asked if Wilson could better explain what Tier II is and what this involves. Wilson responded, noting how the EPA has different classes of chemicals — Tiers I, II, and III. These are based on the level of hazard associated with the chemical. He reiterated that quantities of these hazardous 6 Page chemicals and substances is part of what drives these fees. With a reduction in the amounts stored, businesses could see lower fees overall. Rod Sullivan (JC) stated that some of the businesses in town may need to store more of these materials, due to the nature of their business. His question is whether or not the hazmat team would be able to handle a spill of that nature and magnitude without the appropriate funding. Wilson stated that one of the questions that keeps coming up is which business or industry in the area is going to see the most impact. He stated that the University of Iowa will see about a $25,000 fee under the proposed plan. Procter and Gamble is next on the list, followed by some of the fertilizer companies, according to Wilson. Wilson did reiterate that the worst case scenario for anyone is the $25,000 fee per year. The discussion turned to some of the costs associated with having a hazmat team. The special suits can run $1,100 each and they are only used once. Wilson noted that a lot of the special equipment can decay over time. For example, the suits have to be tested annually and will degrade over time due to non -use. Pat Harney (JC) stated that one other concern he has is about railroad car storage. Wilson stated that this issue was brought up at a recent meeting and he did some checking with local railroad companies on this. He was told that these railroad cars are not used for long -term storage, that the railroads require the product be removed typically within 14 days. He further explained some of these timelines and who becomes responsible if there is an incident. John Etheredge (JC) brought up the topic of people locating outside of Johnson County, basically moving their Tier II outside of the county. He asked if the hazmat team would go away in a case like that. He questioned businesses storing outside of Johnson County just so they could avoid these fees. Etheredge questioned if businesses are going to have too many hurdles to jump to stay in Johnson County and whether this proposal will have a good impact or not. Wilson gave the example of Rockwell Collins, stating that they would be charged a quarter less in Johnson County than Linn County, under the proposed plan. He said if that was the case, Rockwell Collins would start moving things, but they won't. The fees amount to such a small expense that he does not feel they will be a hindrance to businesses. Tom Gill (C) also raised some questions, asking Wilson how long before the Johnson County rate is the same as the Cedar Rapids' rate. Wilson stated that he does not plan to increase the formula, and that ultimately it would be up to the Board or the Commission to raise this. Gill also asked how Des Moines handles this issue. Wilson explained that Des Moines still uses the taxpayer - funding model. Etheredge then asked how other emergency services are funded. He questioned the funding going from a `property tax' related thing to a Tier II or EHS facility fee. Wilson further explained hazmat and how most teams are funded. Brad Kunkel (S) brought up the fact that there should be less transporting of these substances into town if entities are going to store less of it. 71 Page Etheredge (JC) continued to express his opinions on this proposal. He stated that he believes this could put Johnson County at an unfair advantage for competition of business with surrounding areas. Throgmorton (IC) stated that he disagrees, that economically the risk associated with these Tier II and hazardous materials are a negative externality, and the wise thing is to internalize the costs of these negative externalities into the prices of goods produced by private firms — instead of shifting these costs to the public taxpayer. Wilson continued to respond to questions and concerns. Hayek then asked Wilson what he needs from them today on this issue. Wilson stated that the Board of Supervisor would like to have some kind of idea who supports this proposal before they move forward. After continued discussion, Hayek noted that they would await further word from the County on what they need to take to their respective boards on this issue. C. Opportunities for collaboration among local governments on subsidized services (such as bus passes and swim passes) (Johnson County) — Rod Sullivan (JC) spoke about possible opportunities for collaboration. He passed around a handout to the group, noting that this is something to help start this conversation. He noted that the County has been looking at some of their expenditures where the County is spending County tax dollars with the City's, such as in buying bus and swim passes. He questioned if there isn't a better way the two entities could work together in a more efficient manner on these types of things. Sullivan said the County is basically asking the City to look at this and mull it over, with the possibility of creating a committee to deal with this. Sullivan gave an example of their social service department attempting to buy a pass with the City. The focus here is primarily Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty, along with the County, according to Sullivan. Terrence Neuzil (JC) further clarified how they might work together on these issues, so that they can further stretch these dollars. It was also noted that the School District should be a part of this discussion, as well. A discussion will begin on this issue soon. d. Possible combination of County Assessor and City Assessor Offices (Johnson Coup — Terrence Neuzil (JC) spoke to this issue, noting that Supervisor Rettig was unable to attend this meeting. The issue is one in which it appears the opportunity will be coming up to consider such a change in the Assessors' offices due to retirements. He stated that he believes when you have such an opportunity you really need to relook at the structure of the organization. He suggested this begin at the Conference Board level and go from there. Neuzil noted that several years ago a study was done to see if there was an interest in combining these offices and there was not. Now that time has passed, he believes they need to check for such interest again. Sullivan (JC) noted that Polk County did this in 2005 and that their savings were approximately $300,000. Harney (JC) stated that he believes they should get the pros and cons of such a move from the Assessors themselves. 81 Page e. Update on planning to address Jail and courthouse needs (Johnson County) — Neuzil (JC) spoke to this issue, as well, noting that he is addressing this in Supervisor Rettig's absence. In regards to the jail and courthouse, Neuzil noted that the Board of Supervisors, along with the County Attorney and the County Sheriff have been meeting to review and digest the large amount of input they received at their public forums. The issue is, of course, that there is still a jail and a courthouse that are out of space. Neuzil continued, stating that neither facility is as safe and secure as it should be. He continued to share all of the issues that still need to be addressed with the jail and the courthouse. One idea is to reprioritize things and another is to put the issue on the 2014 ballot. Neuzil added that the County will continue to seek input from both elected officials and citizens as they move forward through these issues. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Hayek (IC) stated that he wanted to recognize Don Saxton (0) for a nice bio piece in the local paper recently; noting Saxton's long career of public service. Tuyet Dorau (ICCSD) noted that this coming weekend is a district -wide fundraiser with HyVee. Shoppers can `round up' their purchases and the extra amount will go directly to the School District's Foundation. PUBLIC COMMENT Becky Ross with `100 Grannies' for a Livable Future spoke to the group about a proposal for a phasing out of plastic shopping bags. She recounted many of the concerns, both with health and environmental, that plastic bags pose. The '100 Grannies' group is asking the assembled entities to consider a countywide phasing out of these plastic bags in order to keep them out of the landfill. Lorraine Arnsdorf, also of `100 Grannies', also spoke to the group. She spoke to the progressive nature of the area, asking the elected officials to consider imposing such a ban on plastic bags. Gerry Kuhl (NL) suggested that this presentation be given to the MPO group in order to come up with a countywide solution. Dianne Dillon - Ridgley, also of '100 Grannies', spoke to how Washington, D.C. has worked to phase out plastic bags and to help educate consumers about using reusable cloth bags. Citizen Bob Welsh of Iowa City then acknowledged that Mayor Jim Fausett (C) will be leaving public service soon, as will Council Member Connie Champion (IC). He thanked them for their public service over the many years. SCHEDULE NEXT MEETING The next joint meeting will be held in Coralville on January 27, 2014, with a 4:00 P.M. reception and 4:30 P.M. meeting. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 5:45 P.M.