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Home My WebLink About2006-02-13-Work Session Minutes[ Meeting Adjoumed at 7:50 p.m. B.Richardson,Administrative Coordinator Attest: B)Roll Call-The following members were present:Mayor Pro Tem Stanton and Council Members Bailey,McGee,Mertz,Watts.Absent:Mayor Peard.l WAUKEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING FEBRUARY 13,2006 A)Call to Order -The special workshop meeting of the Waukee City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Stanton at 6:31 p.m. C)CLOSED SESSION:Motion by Council Member Watts,seconded by Council Member McGee,to close the regular session.Roll call:Ayes:Watts,McGee,Bailey,Mertz,Stanton. Nays:None.Motion carried 5 -O. Closed Meeting:Held by Council per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1) Motion by Council Member Mertz,seconded by Council Member McGee,to open the regular session.Roll call:Ayes:Watts,McGee,Bailey,Mertz,Stanton.Nays:None.Motion carried 5-0. D)Agenda Approval.Motion by Council Member Mertz,second by Council Member Watts,to approve the February 13,2006 special meeting agenda.Jolm Gibson asked that the sidewalk program be moved to the first item for discussion.Council Member Mertz amended his motion;Council Member Watts amended his second.Roll Call.Ayes:Mertz,Watts, Stanton,Bailey,McGee.Nays:None.Motion carried 5 -O. E)Work Session: 1.Sidewalk Program.Council Member Bailey stated that the property owners who had not constructed or repaired their sidewalks within the timeframe initially set forth by I the City should have been assessed last year and questioned why this had not occurred.He also reminded the Council that he had not supported the sidewalk 5 program initially,and still did not.Council Member Mertz said that the City should follow through with its initial policy for assessing those property owners affected by last year's sidewalk program.He then stated that to change policy now would be unfair to those citizens who had constructed or repaired their sidewalks in a timely manner.There was some questions as to the appeals process for assessment;Steve Brick replied that 75%of the affected citizens must file the appeal,which could only be granted by a super majority vote of Council.Mr.Gibson said that a letter would be mailed to those property owners not in compliance with the sidewalk program, informing them that they would be assessed if they did not install the sidewalk within a certain tirneframe,giving the property owners enough time to appeal assessment. Council Member McGee reminded the Council that fmancial assistance would still be available for those qualified property owners who applied for such help.He also stated that applying a newer,different policy to those non-compliant property owners might lead to possible litigation against the City.Council Member Watts said that he approved of the current sidewalk assessment policy for the non-compliant property owners ofthe 2005 program,but asked that the ordinance be revised so that property owners could pay for concrete while the City would install or repair the sidewalk. Council Member Stanton saw no problems with the current ordinance and stated that she did not support any change to the policy. 2.City Administrator Hiring Process -Search Firm Selection.Each council member named their top choices for search firms,agreeing to interview four firms: Springsted ofSt.Paul,MN;Slavin Management Consultants of Norcross,GA;The PAR Group of Chicago,IL;and Gerald Plock Associates,Inc.of Plano,TX.The interviews will take place on March 8 and 9,beginning at 7:00 p.m.each evening. 3.Waukee Taukee Newsletter.Council Members Watts,Bailey and Stanton all voiced their support of publishing the Waukee Taukee newsletter in the Waukee Today newspaper.Council Member McGee questioned the proposed allocation of savings, stating that the public library could use more funding as they try to attain certification.Council Member Bailey suggested that Council Member McGee meet with John Gibson to discuss possible sources for library funding.Mr.Gibson stated that the upcoming proposed Stormwater Utility ordinances would free up approximately $14,500.00 for other projects. 4.RAGBRAI Committee Assignment.John Gibson explained to the Council how the Waukee RAGBRAI advisory and executive committees had been set up,and stated that the advisory committee was in the process of recruiting volunteers for the numerous subcommittees.He also said that approximately 800 volunteers would be needed in order to ensure the success of Waukee's RAGBRAI.Council Member Mertz questioned if alcoholic beverages would be allowed on school property;Mr. Gibson replied that it would not,and that the school and City would encourage the riders to confine alcohol to Centennial Park.Council Member McGee suggested a contest be run to decide on a theme for Waukee's event;Mr.Gibson replied that the theme of "Wau-Kee-Kee"had been chosen.Council Membe McGee then asked if the City's regular festivals would still be shceduled;Mr.Gibson replied in the 6 affirmative.Mr.Gibson then explained to the Council that City funds could not be allocated to RAGBRAl,aud that the money to pay for the costs of hosting would I need to come from sponsorships,permits and vendors.Director of Finance Burkhart stated that a separate corporation was being created in order to handle RAGBRAI funds and expenditures. 5.Strategic Planning Session -discuss possible dates and times.The Council agreed to hold the Strategic Planning Session on April lv at 7:00 p.m.,with a location to be determined, F)Comments -John Gibson stated that letters would be sent to the Sunset Ridge property owners,as well as certain others along R-22,regarding the City's annexation plans. The Council agreed to hold the next workshop meeting on February 22 at 7:00 p.m. Adjournment.Mayor Pro Tern Stanton asked for a motion to adjourn.Motion by Council Member McGee,seconded by Council Member Mertz.Ayes:All.Nays:None.Motion carried 5 -O. Meeting Adjourned at 8:04 p.m. R.Schuett,Deputy City Clerk ~~.:~ arlene Stau6.d,ayor Pro Tern [ Attest: Jo~bson,Interim City Administrator/Clerk 7