City Council Minutes October 14, 2008

October 14, 2008
Regular Session

Mayor Salm called the regular City Council meeting of the City of North Liberty to order at 7:00 p.m.

Council members present: Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Kuhl, Wozniak.

Others present: City Administrator Ryan Heiar, City Attorney Scott Peterson, City Planner Dean Wheatley, City Clerk Tracey Mulcahey, Corinne Lemmage, Police Chief Jim Warkentin, Natlie Wilkerson, John Hruby, Bill Mausser, Brian Crawford, Lori Lindner and other interested citizens.

Approval of the Agenda. Chipman moved, Kuhl seconded to approve the agenda. The vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Chipman, Hoffman, Wozniak, Donahue; nays – none. Motion carried.

Consent Agenda. Hoffman moved, Wozniak seconded to approve the consent agenda including City Council Minutes – Regular Council Meeting – September 23, 2008, the attached list of bills, Jason Brandon Liquor Class C License Application, Southslope, October 18, 2008, and Waste Water Treatment Plant Project – Staab Construction, Pay Application No. 18 — $81,078.00. The vote was: ayes – Wozniak, Hoffman, Chipman, Donahue, Kuhl; nays – none. Motion carried.

Public Comment. Natlie Wilkerson representing the North Liberty Community Food & Clothing Pantry asked for community’s help with coat distribution. Wilkerson is obtaining 300 coats for distribution on November 1, 2008. She requested gently used, clean coats or funds for purchase of new coats. She reported that 270 bundles of socks and underwear were distributed.

City Attorney Report. City Attorney Peterson had nothing special to report.

City Engineer Report. Mayor Salm reported on behalf of the City Engineer. Signal installation is in progress at I-380 and Penn Street. The waste water treatment plant is operational and working nicely.

City Administrator Report. City Administrator Heiar reported on the following:
• There are twenty-six working days left in I380/Penn St. project.
• He reminded Council of the Wastewater Treatment Plant tour at the work session on October 21, 2008. The session will begin at 5:30. Hardhats will be mandatory for all.
• Updated Council on the Southslope noise issue. Southslope is working on a couple of proposals to address sound issues. A walk through is planned for tomorrow with consultant and Southslope to talk about options. Heiar met with neighbor today that is still concerned and want to make sure that Southslope is still moving ahead with project.
• As a result of the Scales Bend Road speed study, police will be providing extra patrols and utilizing the speed trailer from county. Painting and signage are planned for out there. Heiar met with neighborhood representative content with the actions.
• ICCSD working with City on design on expanded gym and before and after school program. Any agreement will come before the City Council for approval.
• Working with ECICOG on a CDBG housing application for Housing Rehab program. The cash match will be over two years. Council consensus was to proceed.
• Economy and how city could be affected. None of our banks have bought or sold subprime mortgages. Our funds are safe according to our financial institutions.
• Bonding and the bond market. Public Financial Management has had several bond sales recently. They have not had as many bidders. PFM projects that after election, the bond market should stabilize. We will continue to stay in touch with our financial consultants and monitor the situation.

Councilor Kuhl thanked Heiar for his work on financial update and work with school district on gym expansion. Councilor Wozniak stated that municipal bonds are one of the safest instruments. There is the potential that bond market may actually improve when conditions stabilize.

Mayor Report. Mayor Salm reported that the emails regarding Southslope are coming to him, too. We are continuing to monitor it closely.

The Joint Communications Center groundbreaking will be held on October 22 at 1 p.m. on site. This is an approximately $66 million project.

Bob’s Place Liquor License Renewal. Discussion was held regarding the liquor license. Chief Warkentin presented information regarding the liquor license application and calls for service.

Donahue moved, Chipman seconded to approve Resolution Number 08-107, A Resolution Approving a Six month conditional Liquor License Application for Bob’s Place for a Class C Liquor License with Outdoor Sales and Sunday Service. The vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Donahue, Kuhl, Wozniak, Chipman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Highway 965 ICAAP Application. Wheatley presented information regarding the application. Wozniak moved, Kuhl seconded to approve Resolution Number 08-102, A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of an Application to the Iowa Department of Transportation for Iowa Clean Air Attainment Program (ICAAP) Funds in Connection with the Highway 965 Corridor Improvements – Phase 1. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Donahue, Wozniak, Chipman, Kuhl, Hoffman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Cornerstone Nature Area. Donahue moved, Hoffman seconded to approve Resolution Number 08-103, A Resolution Accepting the Dedication of Property from Richard Ferguson for Cornerstone Nature Area. The vote was: ayes – Wozniak, Hoffman, Kuhl, Donahue, Chipman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Local Government Innovation Grant. Councilor Kuhl presented information regarding the Local Government Innovation grant application. Kuhl moved, Wozniak seconded to approve Resolution Number 08-104, A Resolution Committing Participation in the Local Government Innovation Fund Grant Application process. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Chipman, Kuhl, Hoffman, Donahue, Wozniak; nays – none. Motion carried.

Primus Construction Commercial Site Plan. Brian Crawford, McClure Engineering, made the applicant’s presentation. The site will include a 6,000 square foot, all masonry, multi-tenant building. Crawford believes they have addressed all of staff comments.

Planning and Zoning Commission Recommendation. Mausser reported that the Commission recommended approval with sidewalk waiver in place and moving of bike rack in relation to handicapped parking.

Staff Recommendation. Wheatley reported that the developer has been good to work with. They came in early to discuss the proposed developments.

Kuhl moved, Hoffman seconded to approve Resolution Number 08-105, A Resolution Approving the Primus Construction Commercial Site Plan for Lot 28, Corridor Commercial Subdivision, Part 2B, North Liberty, Iowa with the Planning and Zoning Commission recommendations. The vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Donahue, Wozniak, Chipman, Hoffman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Broadmoor Outlots. Heiar presented information regarding the Broadmoor Outlots. Hoffman moved, Chipman seconded to approve Resolution Number 08-106, A Resolution Authorizing the City to Accept Outlots in Broadmoor Estates, Part Six. The vote was: ayes – Donahue, Wozniak, Chipman, Hoffman, Kuhl; nays – none. Motion carried.

Applicant Standing Ordinances. Hoffman moved, Wozniak seconded to approve the third consideration and adoption of Ordinance Number 08-36, An Ordinance amending the Subdivision Ordinance, “Chapter 16.04 of Title 16, entitled “General Provisions” by adding a provision pertaining to Applicant’s Responsibilities. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Kuhl, Wozniak, Chipman, Donahue; nays – none. Motion carried.

Chipman moved, Wozniak seconded to approve the third consideration and adoption of Ordinance Number 08-37, An Ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 2 of Title 17, entitled “Organization and Enforcement” by adding a section pertaining to Applicant’s Responsibilities. The vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Wozniak; nays – none. Motion carried.

Old Business. Councilor Chipman inquired about the Jaycees finding a location for their Haunted House. The Jaycees were unable to locate a facility.

New Business. None was offered.

Adjourn. At 7:47 p.m., Kuhl moved, Wozniak seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.