HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-03-15-Special MinutesWAUKEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING
March 15,2004 I
(1)Call to Order -The special meeting of the Waukee City Council was called to order
by Mayor Pro Tern Nick Gruber at 6:03 PM.
(2)Roll Call -The following members were present:Council members Nicholas Gruber,
Don Bailey,Jr.,Jeff Mertz,Bill Peard,and Darlene Stanton.Mayor Oberman absent.
(3)Discussion:Of City's position 011 potential voluntary annexation agreements with
small lot owners on L.A.Grant and 312"'Street Mr.and Mrs.Mark Vennard and Mr.
and Mrs.Jim Hermann present for this meeting.City Administrator Arentsen introduced
the topic.Council member Stanton recalled that the council wished to speak with the
land owners,especially those with animals,to determine what kinds of animals,how
many and to determine what the property owners,regardless of ownership of animals,
were thinking with respect to annexation,sewer connection,street paving and living next
to animals.Mrs.Vennard,speaking for her self and her husband,stated that they have a
number of different animals;but not many of anyone kind.They have a llama,a
peacock,geese,chickens,rooster,3 pot bellied pigs,4 miniature horses,one regular size
horse.Darlene Stanton and Don Bailey,Jr.are in favor of permitting animals on land
owned by the current property owners.
Council member Bailey raised the issues of road pavement and sewer connection.He
questioned the validity of the pre-annexation agreement.Planning Director Chad Weaver
stated that the purpose of a pre-annexation agreement was to permit variances from the
current ordinances the need for which would be determined by visiting with each
property owner.Council member Bailey requested that City Attorney Paul Huscher be
asked to review the pre-annexation agreement.
Council members Gruber and Bailey discussed improvements to L.A.Grant Parkway.
Agricultural deferment for assessed properties was discussed.Paving a rural cross
section rather than a 31-foot pavement with curb,gutter and storm sewer was briefly
discussed.Council member Gruber indicated that he had discussed this issue with
Attorney Bob Josten.One paving option involved an agreement between two property
owners.A developer working on one side of the road could pay for paving the entire
road.The property owner on the opposite side of the road would agree to reimburse the
original developer at such time as the opposite side owner develops or sells his property.
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Council member Mertz agreed with permitting 'farm'animals on property being annexed
as long as health or other issues were addressed.Mr.Mertz felt that an agreement should
limit the density of each type of animal or of the total number of animals.He also
indicated that permission for the 'farm'animals should not be given for future tenants or
owners of the property.Jody Gunderson,Community Development Director,wanted to
add a clarification,which would permit animals on the property as long as the current
owners reside there.Council member Mertz also suggested that developers close to the
property consider a berm or fence to help control the situation for homeowners in their
development.I
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Detention ponds and water run-off were discussed as to the possibility of contamination
of water occasionally used for recreational purposes.After much discussion,it was
suggested that this issue be addressed when platting of adj acent property occurs.
Planning Director Chad Weaver raised the issue of street paving costs to smaller lot
owners.Council member Stanton suggested that the benefits be assessed to each
property owner based on some type of mathematical or socio/economic equation which
would factor in size of lot,number of people accessing street,potential for future
development.
Mr.Jim Hermann spoke to the council with reference to the costs associated with
road/street improvements and with sewer connections.He stressed that the costs
associated with both was far more than he would be able to recover,if he were to sell his
property.
This meeting was scheduled for one hour.Mayor Pro Tern Nick Gruber closed the
meeting at 7:01 PM and indicated there would be a five-minute recess before the
regularly scheduled council meeting would begin.
Meeting Adjourned.
Mark J.Arentse,ity Administrator/Clerk
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