City Council Minutes January 27, 2009

North Liberty City Council
January 27, 2009
Regular Session

Mayor Salm called the regular session of the North Liberty City Council to order at 7:05 p.m.
Council members present: Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Kuhl, Wozniak.

Others present: City Administrator Ryan Heiar, City Attorney Scott Peterson, City Engineer Kevin Trom, City Planner Dean Wheatley, City Clerk Tracey Mulcahey, Corinne Lemmage, Mollie Oakes, Bill Mausser, Melissa Evans, Barbara Beaumont, Lori Lindner and other interested citizens.

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

Consent Agenda. Kuhl moved, Hoffman seconded to approve the Consent Agenda including City Council Minutes – Regular Council Meeting – January 13, 2009, City Council Minutes – Special Council Meeting – January 20, 2009, the attached list of Claims, and the Gerdin Conference Center Divider Project Change Order #2 – $339.00 for SWA. The vote was: ayes – Wozniak, Donahue, Chipman, Kuhl, Hoffman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Public Comment. Mollie Oakes, Golfview Mobile Home Court, spoke to Council regarding the transfer of ownership of Golfview Mobile Home Park. Oakes expressed concern regarding the potential change in the park that could result in her being evicted and requiring moving. She listed her concerns regarding the required move. Oakes asked Council to assist in preventing a mass eviction. Dean Wade spoke requesting that the city will step in and provide assistance to residents. Mrs. Wade expressed her concerns regarding a proposed rezoning request.

City Engineer Report. City Engineer Trom reported that staff has been working on stimulus package projects. Staff has identified six streets and two trails that meet the criteria. Trom will update council regarding the ASR Well Project at next Council meeting.

City Administrator Report. City Administrator Heiar reported that the well project contractor has not worked much since Christmas. With regards to the stimulus package, staff is expressing some frustration as they try to get multiple packages out to multiple people meeting the requests. Heiar reported that staff continues to work on the budget and plans the next discussion on February 10 at the regular council meeting. Heiar is preparing for the trip to Washington DC and staff evaluations. Upcoming dates of importance are the Chamber banquet on Friday, January 30 and the Legislative Breakfast on January 31 in the Gerdin Conference Center from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Urban Renewal Amendment. At 7:20 p.m., Mayor Salm opened the Public Hearing regarding proposed amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan. No oral or written comments were received. The public hearing was closed.
Donahue moved, Kuhl seconded to approve Resolution Number 09-05 A resolution to declare necessity and establish an urban renewal area, pursuant to Section 403.4 of the Code of Iowa and approve urban renewal plan amendment for the 2009 Addition to the North Liberty Urban Renewal Area. The vote was: ayes – Donahue, Kuhl, Hoffman, Chipman, Wozniak; nays – none. Motion carried.

Assessment of Delinquent Water Bill. Kuhl moved, Donahue seconded to approve Resolution Number 09-06, A Resolution Authorizing the Assessment of Delinquent Amounts to the City of North Liberty, Iowa to Individual Property Taxes. The vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Chipman, Wozniak, Hoffman, Donahue; nays – none. Motion carried.
Kinderworld Request.
City Administrator Heiar presented the request from Kinderworld regarding her request for assistance for her new building. Melissa Evans, owner of Kinderworld, reported that they plan to be in new center the first week of March. She is asking for assistance due to rent increase.
Council discussed the potential funding of the facility at length. Discussion included staffing increases, city commitment in the past, other businesses seeking assistance, and other issues relating to the move. The consensus of Council was that funding of the request for assistance is appropriate. The request will be on the next agenda for council consideration.

Transit Services Survey. City Planner Wheatley presented draft survey in agenda packet. Wheatley provided a flow chart for assessing the potential revision to transit services including one flow determining whether expansion should occur or not and another option on how to expand service.
Council consensus was that both areas should be assessed as a part of the survey.

New Business. Councilor Kuhl attended NIMS Training. He encouraged all council members to make an attempt to attend an upcoming session. Kuhl reported on the ICCVB board meeting. Councilor Kuhl complimented staff regarding the ad. Heiar gave credit to the Telecommunications Department. City Planner Wheatley updated Council about school application. Councilor Wozniak reported that tomorrow is JCCOG meeting. It is anticipated that possible funding may be discussed. Wozniak has been nominated as vice-chair of the policy board.

Adjourn. At 8:12 p.m. Hoffman moved, Chipman seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.