May 16, 2012 —

The City of North Liberty and The University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, have started a program to help encourage, advise and assist small businesses in North Liberty.

“Small business is an essential part of our community,” said City Administrator Ryan Heiar. “We believe this will encourage innovators to come to and invest in North Liberty.”

The loans were conceived as gap financing to help worthy under-funded projects get off the ground.

Under the program, North Liberty will offer loans, to be repaid within five years, of up to $25,000 for projects that create or retain permanent jobs, make investments into the community’s tax base or provide unique services in the community. Proposal will be reviewed by a committee composed of city staff, elected officials, local business owners and business experts, and funding and terms will be approved by the city council.

Details of the program, as well the application, are available at northlibertyiowa.org/economicdevelopment

ARRESTS    57

CHARGES    73

OWI’S    6

.02 VIOLATIONS    0

WARRANTS    11

ACCIDENTS    11

CASES    50

SUPPLEMENTS    92

CITY INFRACTIONS    8

CITY WARNINGS    35

PUBLIC ASSISTS    290

LAW ASSISTS    60

FIRE ASSISTS    29

BUSINESS CHECKS    264

ANIMINAL CALLS    241
TIME SPENT    435 mins.

VEHICLE INSPECTIONS    52

2011 MONTHLY    1117
2011 TOTAL    4774

2012 MONTHLY    1295
2012 TOTAL     5064

Iowa State Code requires that cities have gender balance on all boards and commissions. With appointments and reappointments, gender balance will be considered.

Applicants must be 18 years old and a legal resident of the City. (Click here for a PDF of these descriptions)

Planning & Zoning Commission (Two positions)

This advisory board makes recommendations to the city council regarding requests for annexation, zoning, amendments to the Comprehensive Plan, subdivision plats and commercial site plans. The Planning & Zoning Commission assists in determining how North Liberty will grow and how land is utilized. The Commission meets on the first Tuesday of each month. Appointments are for three years.

Board of Adjustment(One position)

The Board of Adjustment hears and decides appeals for building permit approval when a permit has been denied because of non-compliance with certain requirements of the zoning code. This Board meets only when an appeal has been filed. Appointments are for a five year term.

Board of Appeals (Two positions)

The Board of Appeals hears and decides appeals to decisions made by the code official in the enforcement or interpretation of the building code. This Board meets only when an appeal has been filed. Appointments are for a three year term.

Park & Recreation Commission (Three positions)

The Park and Recreation Commission plans for the continuing development of parks and recreation facilities in North Liberty. They also set policies for operation of those facilities. This Commission meets monthly. Appointments are for a three year term.

Library Board of Trustees (Two positions)

The Library Board of Trustees oversees and sets policies for the operation of the North Liberty Community Library. The Board meets once each month. Appointments are for a three year term.

Tree and Storm Water Advisory Board (One position)

The Tree Board studies, plans, advises and recommends actions necessary for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, or removal of trees, shrubs and plants in City parks, along streets and in other public areas. The Tree Board meets quarterly. Appointments are for a three year term.

Telecommunications Commission (Two positions)

The Telecommunications Commission oversees the development and enforcement of the telecommunications ordinance and acts as a liaison between the cable provider and local subscribers. They also set policy for the local access television channel. The Commission meets quarterly. Appointments are for a three year term.

Cemetery Board (One position)

The Cemetery Board, jointly with the Penn Township Trustees, oversees the operation and maintenance of the Ridgewood Cemetery and the historic cemetery in Penn Township. The Cemetery Board meets several times each year. Appointments are for a three year term.

City Administrator, Ryan Heiar, says, “We are grateful for the years of service provided to us by the Iowa City Animal Shelter. They have always done a great job. The decision for the move to Cedar Valley is a financial one.  That being said, we are excited to build this partnership with CVHS. We are looking forward to a long relationship with the organization. They are even coming to the city-sponsored festival North Liberty Blues & BBQ to introduce themselves to attendees.”

With the transition from the Iowa City Animal Shelter to CVHS, the protocol for reporting a stray animal in North Liberty remains the same: residents should contact City Hall at 319-626-5700. Heiar says, “Residents won’t see a service-quality change due to the move.”

“We’re excited to be partnering with North Liberty,” says Bob Citrullo, executive director of the Cedar Valley Humane Society. “It’s a great community to be involved with, and, as a nonprofit organization, we’re looking forward to providing these vital services in a professional and fiscally responsible manner.”

The Cedar Valley Humane Society website is http://www.cvhumane.org/. They can also be reached at 319-362-6288 or email at info {at} cvhumane(.)org. For additional information contact the City of North Liberty at 319-626-5700.

(PDF version of packet: 05-08-12 Council Packet Complete)

1.    Call to order.

2.    Roll call.

3.    Approval of the Agenda. (PDF version: Agenda 05-08-12)

4.    Consent Agenda. (PDF version: Consent Agenda 05-08-12)
A.    City Council Minutes. Regular Session. April 24, 2012.
B.    Claims.
C.    Blues & BBQ Liquor License.
D.    Corridor Ventures Liquor License Renewal. Class E liquor, Class B & C carryout wine and beer and Sunday Sales
E.    Golfview Drive Project. Iowa Bridge and Culvert. Pay Application Number 6 – $41,678.14.

5.    Public Comment.

6.    City Engineer Report

7.    City Attorney Report.

8.    City Administrator Report. (PDF version: City Administrator Report 05-08-12)

9.    Mayor Report. (PDF version: Mayor Report 05-08-12)
A.    Older American’s Month Proclamation.

10.    Avenue of the Flags – Optimists. (PDF version: Avenue of Flags 05-08-12)
A.    Resolution Number 12-44, A Resolution authorizing the use of City right of way for the North Liberty Optimists Avenue of Flags Project.

11.    Noise Ordinance. (PDF version: Noise Ordinance 05-08-12)
A.    Public Hearing regarding revised Noise Ordinance.
B.    First Consideration of Ordinance Number 12-07, An Ordinance amending Chapter 53, “Noise,” of the North Liberty Code of Ordinances by repealing Chapter 53 and adopting a new Chapter 53.

12.    Tower Ordinance. (PDF version: Tower Ordinance 05-08-12)
A.    Public Hearing regarding proposed Tower Ordinance.
B.    First Consideration of Ordinance Number 12-03, An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 172 of the North Liberty Code of Ordinances, “Communication Towers and Antennas”

13.    Board and Commission Ordinance Updates. (PDF version: Board and Commission Ordinance 05-08-12)
A.    Third Consideration and adoption of Ordinance Number 12-04, An Ordinance Amending Chapters 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, And 166 of the North Liberty Code of Ordinances by amending sections related to meetings and composition of Boards and Commissions

14.    Water Rate Update. (PDF version: Water Rate Ordinance 05-08-12)
A.    Public Comment.
B.    Third Consideration and adoption of Ordinance Number 12-05, An Ordinance amending Chapter 92.02, entitled “Rates for Service” of the Municipal Code of the City of North Liberty by adopting a new section 92.02 to increase the charges for water used.

15.    Sewer Rate Update. (PDF version: Sewer Rate Ordinance 05-08-12)
A.    Public Comment.
B.    Third Consideration and adoption of Ordinance Number 12-06, An Ordinance amending Chapter 99.02, entitled “Rate” of the Municipal Code of North Liberty by adopting a new section 99.02 to increase the charges for Sanitary Sewer Services.

16.    Cemetery Board.
A.    Consider appointment of Don Koss to Cemetery Board.

17.    Blues and BBQ Approval. (PDF version: Blues and BBQ Approval 05-08-12)
A.    Resolution Number 12-45, A Resolution authorizing the use of Liberty Centre Park and city equipment for North Liberty Blues and BBQ and authorizing temporary street closings for the event.

18.    Library Expansion Project. (PDF version: Library Expansion Project 05-08-12)
A.    Resolution Number 12-46, A Resolution Accepting the Bid and Approving the Contract with Todd Hackett Construction and Establishing Compliance with Reimbursement Bond Regulations Under the Internal Revenue Code for the Library Expansion Project.

19.    Grand Rail Commercial Site Plan Application. (PDF version: Grand Rail 05-08-12)
A.    Planning Commission and Staff Recommendations
B.    Applicant Presentation.
C.    Resolution Number 12-47, A Resolution approving the Commercial Development Site Plan for 725 Pacha Parkway, North Liberty, Iowa.

20.    Kansas Speed Limit. (PDF version: Kansas Avenue 05-08-12)
A.    Resolution Number 12-48, A Resolution approving Special Speed Limits in the City of North Liberty, Iowa.

21.    Old Business.

22.    New Business.

23.    Adjournment.

Call to order.
At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Salm called the April 24, 2012 Regular Session of the North Liberty City Council to order. Council members present:   Chipman, Donahue, Hoffman, Kuhl, Wayson.

Others present: Ryan Heiar, Tracey Mulcahey, Scott Peterson, Dean Wheatley, Erika Harper and other interested parties.

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

Consent Agenda.
Hoffman moved, Kuhl seconded to approve the Consent Agenda including City Council Minutes from the April 10, 2012 Regular Session; the attached list of Claims; the Liquor License Renewal for L.D. Express, Class C Beer Permit with Sunday Sales endorsement; the Liquor License Application for Bluebird Café – Class C Liquor License with Sunday Sales and Outdoor Service endorsements; March Revenues; Pay Application #2 for the Streets and Maintenance Facility Project to Garling Construction, Inc. in the amount of $149,400.80; Change Order #1 for the Streets and Maintenance Facility Project to Garling Construction, Inc. in the amount of $10,623.00.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Public Comment.
No public comment was offered.

City Attorney Report.
City Attorney Peterson offered to answer any questions.

City Administrator Report.
City Administrator Ryan Heiar reported that the Ranshaw House will be featured in the Press Citizen this week. The Johnson County Historical Committee will be reviewing the application on May 3. The State Historical Commission will review the application in June.

The Small Business Program was unveiled at the NLD Breakfast and has received some media attention.  Another release will happen in May as the lifestyle magazines are distributed.

Heiar reminded Council that the City Clean Up Day is Saturday, April 28 from 7 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Items should be delivered to the Streets Department. A complete list of accepted items is available at NorthLibertyIowa.org.

Staff has provided additional updates to the noise ordinance. The first consideration and public hearing will be at the next City Council meeting.

The Employee Rally Group is hosting a team building event in May.

Mayor Report.
Mayor Salm proclaimed May 5 as Arbor Day in the City of North Liberty.

Mayor Salm proclaimed May as Building Safety Month.

Board and Commission Ordinance Updates.
Hoffman moved, Wayson seconded to approve the second Consideration of Ordinance Number 12-04, An Ordinance Amending Chapters 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 166 of the North Liberty Code of Ordinances by amending sections related to meetings and composition of Boards and Commissions.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Chipman, Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman, Kuhl; nays – none. Motion carried.

Water Rate Update.
No public comment was received.  The Council spoke about the proposed rate increases.

Donahue moved, Chipman seconded to approve the second consideration of Ordinance Number 12-05, An Ordinance amending Chapter 92.02, , entitled “Rates for Service” of the Municipal Code of the City of North Liberty by adopting a new section 92.02 to increase the charges for water used.  The vote was: ayes – Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman, Kuhl, Chipman; nays –none. Motion carried.

Sewer Rate Update.
No public comment was received.

Donahue moved, Wayson seconded to approve the second consideration of Ordinance Number 12-06, An Ordinance amending Chapter 99.02, entitled “Rate” of the Municipal Code of North Liberty by adopting a new section 99.02 to increase the charges for Sanitary Sewer Services.  The vote was: ayes – Wayson, Hoffman, Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue; nays –none. Motion carried.

Council Rules.
Council discussed proposed Council Rules. Items discussed include motions to reconsider, present vote versus abstain vote, handicap accessibility on field trips, public participation discussion and repetition, publication of rules and education of new council members.

Kuhl moved, Hoffman seconded to approve Resolution Number 12-38, A Resolution approving the City Council Rules as amended for the City of North Liberty, Iowa.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue, Wayson; nays –none. Motion carried.
Ranshaw House.
Hoffman moved, Wayson seconded to approve Resolution Number 12-39, A Resolution approving the specifications for the Ranshaw House Project. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Cedar Vista.
Wheatley presented the proposed Cedar Vista residential site plan. The proposed  site plan is recommended by staff and the Planning Commission for approval.

Council discussed the average size of the units, owner occupied vs. rental, energy efficiency/greenness of the building and siding variations.

Donahue moved, Wayson seconded to approve Resolution Number 12-40, A Resolution approving the Residential Development Site Plan for Cedar Vista, North Liberty, Iowa.  The vote was: ayes – Chipman, Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman, Kuhl; nays –none. Motion carried.

Flex Benefits.
Chipman moved, Wayson seconded to approve Resolution Number 12-41, A Resolution approving the City’s Cafeteria Plan and authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to execute a Contract and Agreement with Advantage Administrators. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman, Kuhl, Chipman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Animal Shelter Agreement.
Kuhl moved, Hoffman seconded to approve Resolution Number 12-42, A Resolution approving the agreement between the City of North Liberty and the Cedar Valley Humane Society for the provision of Animal Care Services in the City of North Liberty, Iowa. After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Wayson, Hoffman, Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue; nays – none. Motion carried.

School Board Letter.
Council discussed the proposed letter.  The word balance was proposed to be amended to appease.  Councilor Chipman will have a guest editorial in PC later this week.

Donahue moved, Kuhl seconded to approve a letter expressing support for the construction of a third high school in the Iowa City Community School District.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Hoffman, Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue, Wayson; nays –none. Motion carried.

Harvest Estates, Part 2.
Wayson moved, Hoffman seconded to approve Resolution Number 12-43. A Resolution approving the Revised Preliminary Plat Agreement between the City of North Liberty and Glynmor L.L.C. that establishes the terms and conditions under which Harvest Estates II will be developed in the City of North Liberty, Iowa.  After discussion, the vote was: ayes – Kuhl, Chipman, Donahue, Wayson, Hoffman; nays – none. Motion carried.

Old Business.
Heiar clarified the end time for City Clean Up Day which is 11:30, not noon.
Councilor Wayson reported on the Tree & Stormwater Board’s Muddy Creek Cleanup event. He thanked staff, the Scouts, and parents for clean up.

New Business.
Councilor Kuhl reported that he attended the NLD breakfast, the Chamber round table, the volunteer recognition luncheon at the library, and the Pike Powers/ICAD luncheon.

Adjournment.
At 8:17 p.m., Kuhl moved, Wayson seconded to adjourn. All ayes. Meeting adjourned.

(PDF version of packet: April 2012 NLTC packet)
Call to order.
Roll call

1. Public comment, items not on the agenda.

2. Welcome new commissioner

3. Mediacom update

4. South Slope update.

5. Franchise and community partnership agreements update.

6. Commissioners’ comments.

7. Telecommunications staff report.

8. Approval of most recent meeting minutes.

9. Determine next meeting date: August or September depending on availability

Adjourn.

Attendance:Joseph Wagner, Denise Schechinger, Valerie Hoffman andBrandon Underwood

Also Present: Telecommunications Director Cheryl Caplinger, Production Coordinator Nick Bergus andPromotion Producer Erika Harper

Absent: Katie Colony

Hoffmancalled the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Comments from the public.  None

Mediacom Update.

Lee Grassley was in attendance for the meeting.  Grassley said that Mediacom is going through a big transition, changes in personnel and attitudes.  Mediacom has a new spokeslady.  They also are doing some rebranding and want to be knows as simple and reliable.  Mediacom is working on 30 minute service windows which will fall between 8:00 am thru 8:30 am and 1:00 pm thru 1:30 pm and eventually working in 5:00 pm thru 5:30 pm.  Mediacom is doing this because they know people can’t miss work for hours just waiting on the cable company to arrive at their home.  Mediacom is also working on cycling their service calls.  Before they didn’t work on weekends so Monday and Tuesday would be their busiest days trying to catch up from the weekends.  However, the last 3 weeks they have started working on Saturdays, Sundays and nights.  Mediacom is currently working on a plan to be better in customer service.  They don’t want to lose customers because of customer service issues.  Mediacom currently has 101 HD channels.  The digital transition went smoothly.  Grassley touched on Retransmission Consent which is causing cable companies to be charged an alarming amount.  A letter from Mediacom is attached in the packet describing this in detail.  Grassley urged citizens to contact their Congressmen to help the cable companies fight against the unfair fees that are being charged by local broadcast stations.

South Slope Update.

Dan Swickwas in attendance for the meeting.  He also touched on the topic of Retransmission Consent.  Swick said that South Slope just went through retransmission negotiations.  He also urged citizens to contact their Congressmen.  Swick also urged citizens to visit www.americantelevisionalliance.com site.  Swick said that more HD channels are coming for South Slope.  On March 1^st, 2012 they will be offering Fox Business News.  Swick said they have one subdivision left for the fiber to home project.  They do have 400 homes left in which they are trying to get a hold of the homeowners so they can also participate in this project.  South Slope will be moving this project to Fairfax and Walford next.  Swick said they will be adding more marketing and sales personnel.

Franchise and Community Partnership Agreements Update

Caplinger said they are working with South Slope and Mediacom on HD signals and marketing events for North Liberty.  Caplinger said we should hear from the City Attorney before the next meeting.  Wagner asked what the City Attorney was putting together.  Caplinger said that this was still in the early stages and this is the first pass on this so they are just starting with that.  Hoffman asked how this will work if there was a contract or not.  Caplinger said it would be more like a good faith agreement.  Who knows how things will change in the future just want a continued relationship with South Slope and Mediacom.  Underwood asked if it would be a uniform agreement from both or one from each.  Caplinger said it would be separate agreements since one company may be able to do something that the other would not and maybe one will do something that both companies can share.

Commissioners’ comments.

None

Telecommunications staff report.

Caplinger said that their department has been working with the iPads and fielding calls from people throughout the country on how North Liberty made the transition and how it’s working.  Caplinger said they are taking two to three calls per week.  Livestream continues with improvement.  Caplinger said that the community outreach is growing.  They are working with the schools and nonprofits.

Last Meeting Of Commissioner Denise Schechinger.

Schechinger thanked everyone and encouraged citizens to volunteer for the committees to work with great people like the ones on the Telecommunications Commission.  Schechinger wished continued success of the NLTV department.

Approval of November 7^th, 2011 meeting minutes.

Schechinger moved to approve the minutes from November, Wagnerseconded.  Motion passed with all in favor.

Determine Next Possible Meeting Date.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 7th, 2012.  Wagner said that we should wait for the Community Partnership Agreements if the timing will be close.

Wagner moved, seconded by Hoffmanto adjourn the meeting at 6:33 pm.  Motion passed with all in favor

Respectfully submitted,

Denise Schechinger, Secretary

PDF version of the packet (Rec Packet 532012)

NEW BUSINESS:

1. Approve minutes from meeting (s) of: Minutes from April meeting.

2. Public Comments/Concerns: Open to public for comments and concerns; 5 minutes per person time limit.

3. Building & Grounds Report: See Guy’s monthly report.

4. Summer Program Registration: Registration continues for all summer programs.

5. Jones Gymnasium: Work began Tuesday on tearing up old floor; top layer to insurance company
Installation of new floor will follow; this gymnasium closed until middle of June.

6. Outdoor Pool Opening: Work has begun on filling the Outdoor Pool.
Katie is busy with hiring staff.
Outdoor Pool opens Saturday, May 26; 12(Noon)-6:00PM

7. Memorial Day Weekend Hours: Facility Hours are:
Recreation/Indoor Pool; Sat/Sun/Mon, May 26-28; 8:00AM-6:00PM
Outdoor Pool; Sat/Sun/Mon; May 26-28: 12(Noon)-6:00PM

8. Upcoming Events: Water Aerobic Classes Week of May 1
Land Aerobic Classes Week of May 1
Pee Wee Tennis May 9
Blastball May 23
Opening of Outdoor Pool May 26
Blues & BBQ May 26
Let’s Run Classes May 29

9. Other Issues/Concerns: Any new issues not on the agenda?

OLD BUSINESS:

1. Recreation Monthly Report: Report included in packet summarizing the past month.

2. Monthly Budget Reports: Request for monthly budget revenue & expenditure reports.

3. Other Issues/Concerns: Any old issues not on the agenda?

CONCLUSION:

1. Next Meeting Thursday, June 7, 2012 at 7:00PM
Location: City Council Chambers at 1 Quail Creek Circle

2. Adjourn