City Council Minutes August 30, 2005

August 30, 2005
No. 6

The North Liberty City Council met in special session in Council Chambers.  Mayor Mekota called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Council members present:  Bahl, Franker, Gardiner, Moody and Salm.

Also present were Brian James, Erek Sittig, Paul Osterholt, Alison Smith, William Mauser, Cindy Diouf, Shelly Simpson, Mary K. Mitchell, Travis Alden and interested citizens.

Claims.  Moody moved, seconded by Salm, to approve payment of the attached list of claims.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes—Bahl, Franker, Gardiner, Moody, Salm; nays—none.  Motion carried.

Open Space Policy.  A proposal to set open space requirements for new developments based on the Iowa City neighborhood open space ordinance was reviewed.  City Administrator explained that the proposal requires either dedication of land, an equivalent cash fee, or combination thereof, in new developments based on projected density.  City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission members discussed methods for calculating required dedication and/or fees, restrictions on use of cash fees and accrued interest, requirement that dedication of land occur prior to completion of 50% of a development, and the need to develop an open space plan.  It was suggested that the open space requirements of other cities, i.e., Johnston, Norwalk, etc., be reviewed.

2005 Sidewalk Program.  Council reviewed the proposed 2005 Sidewalk Program and the list of sidewalk connections needed to complete safe walkways.  The list includes the sidewalk connection between Juniper Court and Hackberry Street and two lots in Deerfield.  It was suggested that the sidewalk connection between 60 and 80 West Penn Street be included.  Moody moved, seconded by Bahl, to adopt Resolution No. 05-136, PRELIMINARY RESOLUTION AND RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE PROJECT ENGINEERS FOR THE 2005 SIDEWALK PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SECTION 384.42 OF THE CODE OF IOWA.  Council agreed that both sides of the Juniper Court and Hackberry Street are to be included.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes—Bahl, Franker, Gardiner, Moody, Salm; nays—none.  Motion carried.

Bahl moved, seconded by Salm, to introduce Resolution No. 05-137, RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY ADOPTING THE 2005 SIDEWALK PROGRAM, and set September 27, 2005 as the date for public hearing on the sidewalk program.

Adjournment.  Bahl moved, seconded by Salm, to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m.  Motion carried.