City Council Minutes January 9, 2007

City Council Meeting
January 9, 2007
Number 15

Mayor Franker called the regular Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

Council members present: Bahl, Kuhl, Moody, Salm, Wozniak.

Others present, Brian James, Scott Peterson, Kevin Trom, Tracey Mulcahey, Tommy Haines, Bill Mausser, Paul Osterholt, Paula Vincent, Adam Bohr, Guy Goldsmith, Eric Vandewater, Lori Lindner, Dan Gerot, Herb Loops, Bill Oglesby, Paul Anderson, Bob Sentman, Lisa Green Douglas, Brian Wayson, Doug Ducharme, Duane Musser, Matt Adam and other interested citizens.

Consent agenda. Kuhl moved, Wozniak seconded to approve the agenda and the consent agenda with the Police Chief’s report, Building Official’s report, Street Superintendent’s report, Park Superintendent’s report, Recreation Director’s report, Water Superintendent’s report, Wastewater Superintendent’s report, Parks & Recreation Commission minutes, Tree and Stormwater Advisory Board minutes, Alexander Way Project Acceptance, City Council minutes from the December 19, 2006 regular meeting and the attached list of bills with item number nine City Facilities Information and Possible Action.–North Liberty Recreation Space Needs being moved to after Public Comment. The vote was: ayes — Kuhl, Bahl, Wozniak, Moody, Salm; nays – none. Motion carried.

Public Comment. Dan Gerot from Citizens for Sensible Development presented information regarding annexation petitions submitted to the City of North Liberty on January 5, 2007.

Bill Oglesby, North Liberty Road, representing Citizens for Sensible Development spoke regarding the concept of self-determination. Oglesby presented information regarding the petitions received by the City of North Liberty last week for annexation from rural Johnson County into the City.
Herb Loops, 2900 North Liberty Road, commented regarding traffic concerns with the new large development going in on the Scanlon property. Loops reported that they anticipated the development of the property, but didn’t anticipate the density of the development that was proposed.

Paul Anderson, 3150 240th St. NE, mother’s land was left as agricultural. He would like to rezone his mother’s house to residential rather than agricultural.

Robert Sentman, 2851 James Ave, Tiffin, commented regarding committing funds to the Clear Creek-Amana School District for expansion of the school gymnasium. He expressed concerns regarding no formal or public discussion conducted by the CCA School Board. He suggested a focus on spending tax dollars on education.

Lisa Green Douglas, 3117 230th St NE, spoke in favor of the City’s contribution to the expansion of the gymnasium at the new elementary.

Brian Wayson, 1550 W. Forevergreen Rd, spoke in support of the partnership to upgrade the gymnasium facility at the new elementary. Additional recreation space is needed in the City especially on the west side. He encouraged council to support the expansion of recreational space on the west side of town.

City Facilities Information and Possible Action.–North Liberty Recreation Space Needs. Doug Ducharme of Shive-Hattery and the Clear Creek –Amana School District Architect provided Council with information regarding the partnership between the City and the School to meet the City’s recreation need. The proposal and funds would allow for an increase in gym size by approximately 4,000 square feet including office and storage space, change in floor type (rubber to wood), change in basketball goals (adjustable height), rough-ins for volleyball and scoreboard. He estimates the cost at $525,000 – 530,000.

Discussion was held regarding the potential contribution of funds to the Clear Creek Amana School District for gymnasium expansion.

Wozniak moved, Kuhl seconded to approve Resolution Number 07-02, A Resolution of Support to Cooperate with Clear Creek-Amana School District to Expand the Gymnasium Space for Expansion of the City of North Liberty’s Recreational Programs with a $500,000 contribution. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Salm, Wozniak; nays – Bahl, Moody. Motion carried.

Official Announcements – Mayor Franker. Mayor Franker presented the Lighten Up North Liberty program initiated by Mercy Care. Registration kick-off is set for Saturday, January 13 at the Community Center.

Mayor Franker presented information from the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce regarding the Washington DC lobbying trip in February. With regards to the issue of transportation, the number five rated priority is improvements at Penn Street and I-380 interchange, number six is Highway 965 improvements.

The Mayor announced the receipt of the voluntary annexation proposal.

City Administrator Report.
A. Escrow Report. Four escrows remain. Three have moved forward with plans on their improvements. All other escrows have been released.
B. Report I-380 Signalization & Improvement Project. This is in relation to traffic backing up on interstate. Staff has met with IDOT to discuss project. Funding is available up to $200,000 for spot improvements and up to $400,000 total for linear improvements. Shive-Hattery is looking at a proposal for services relating to this project. This project ties in with overall improvements in that area that will be discussed in Washington DC with the Chamber trip.
C. Report on Kansas Avenue Signalization Project. City Administrator James provided information about this project. He expects to have an agreement for consideration at the next meeting. This project allows for signals to be constructed much sooner. The business owner will install the signals. The TIF agreement will be amended to repay the expense.

Council offered their opinions regarding petition received regarding Charter Commission.

Board and Commission Appointments. Kuhl moved, Moody seconded to appoint Karyl Bonnett to the Cemetery Board. After discussion the vote was: ayes – Moody, Bahl, Wozniak, Kuhl, Salm; nays – none. Motion carried.

Hwy 965 Task Force. Councilor Salm reported on the Highway 965 Task Force. The Task Force is recommending that McClure Engineering and Howard R. Green be the consultant contracted with for the concept plan for Highway 965. Kuhl moved, Bahl seconded to approve Resolution Number 07-01, A Resolution Approving the Recommendation of the Highway 965 Task Force for the Consultants, McClure Engineering and Howard R. Green to provide services for Highway 965 Concept Plan. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Salm, Moody, Bahl, Wozniak, Kuhl; nays – none. Motion carried.

Departmental Budget Priorities. Fire Chief Eric Vandewater presented the Fire Department’s budget priorities for fiscal year 2008. Fire Department budget priorities include replacement of personal protective firefighting gear (bunker gear) for structure fires. The current equipment is approaching ten years in age. Replacement varies from every three years to ten years. The cost per firefighter is $2,000 for 35 members. The department is looking at increasing members to 40 in the next year due to call volume. Other budget priorities include creating two part-time positions for the Chief and Assistant Chief. State code and NFPA require that the inspections be conducted by staff, not volunteers. Other items include, but not necessarily this year, replacement of apparatus. Chief Vandewater recommends a 12 – 15 year rotation on trucks. Med rescue truck due for replacement in FY 09.

Conditional Use Ordinance. Moody moved, Bahl seconded to approve the third consideration and adoption of Ordinance Number 06-35, An Ordinance Amending Chapter 20, Entitled “Conditional Uses,” of the North Liberty Municipal Code by adding Sections 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 to allow the Board of Adjustments to Authorize Conditional Use Permits. The vote was: ayes – Moody, Wozniak, Kuhl, Salm, Bahl; nays – none. Motion carried.

The Villa’s at Liberty Executive Park– Preliminary Plat. Duane Musser, MMS Consultants, and Matt Adam representing Cedar Development presented the request for Preliminary Plat for The Villa’s at Liberty Executive Park. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommends approval of the revised Preliminary Plat subject to the correction to the name of the Villas on the Plat and the development to proceed with the original concept plan. City Attorney provided information regarding preliminary plat and would recommend approval. The plat meets the city’s platting requirements in the subdivision ordinance.

Wozniak moved, Kuhl seconded to approve Resolution Number 07-03, A Resolution approving the Preliminary Plat for The Villa’s at Liberty Executive Park. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Wozniak, Kuhl, Salm; nays – Moody, Bahl. Motion carried.

Council Comments.
Councilor Moody reported that the Human Rights Ordinance was approved by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors last week. Moody would recommend the city to advise the attorney to facilitate the City participating with the County. Councilor Moody provided an update regarding the Drinks Committee. Mr. Krantz has been working with the neighbors. Moody can see no reason to not renew the license when it comes back in front of Council.

Councilor Wozniak requested an update from the Drinks committee. Wozniak provided an update on the Parks Study steering committee.

Councilor Kuhl reported on attending the grand opening of Mercy Care North Liberty today. He will be attending Culver inaugural on Friday. Kuhl thanked Moody for apologizing to the Superintendent.

Mayor Comments. Mayor Franker commented regarding the vote of confidence in North Liberty by the annexation petitions submitted.

City Attorney Scott Peterson provided update regarding annexation applications being received. The City Development Board meeting is scheduled for January 17. With regards to the court case relating to annexation that was filed, an interlocutory request has been filed with Supreme Court.

Peterson reported that on January 16, Johnson County will be hosting Coralville and North Liberty to consider voluntary resolution of issues.

At 9:08 p.m., Bahl moved, Wozniak seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.