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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-03-27-Work Session MinutesWAUKEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES WORKSHOP MEETING MARCH 27,2006 A)Call to Order -The special workshop meeting of the Waukee City Council was called to order by Mayor Peard at 7:02 p.m. B)Roll Call-The following members were present:Mayor Peard and Council Members Bailey,Mertz, Stanton,Watts.Absent:Council Member McGee. C)Agenda Approval.Motion by Council Member Mertz,seconded by Council Member Stanton,to approve the agenda.Roll Call.Ayes:Mertz,Stanton,Watts,Bailey.Nays:None.Motion carried 4 -O. D)Work Session: 1.University Plaza Park Lamar Koethe addressed the Council,asking that either the commercial lots of University Plaza Park be granted TIF status or that he not be assessed his portion ofthe University Ave.improvements.Mr.Koethe explained that such incentives would allow him to construct the complete infrastructure of the plat,thus allowing property taxes to be paid sooner. He also stated that he had no commitments yet for development of any of the commercial or residential lots in the plat,but envisioned more office space than retail in the commercial portion. Council Member Bailey asked for an explanation of the City's current assessment policy for road improvements.John Gibson answered that any development abutting a rural section of road must pay for 3.5 feet of shoulder,curb and gutter,storm sewer and sidewalk along the length of the abutting development.Council Member Bailey stated that if the plat was added to the TIF district,Mr.Koethe would not be able to recoup his costs until lots were sold;Mr.Koethe agreed with Council Member Bailey's statement.Jody Gunderson reminded the Council that it was difficult to discem the worthiness of University Plaza Park's inclusion in a TIF district without knowing what types of business would locate there.Mr.Koethe stated that,without some incentive from the City,he would wait to begin construction of the plat until a later date.Council Member Mertz spoke of the benefit University Plaza Park would bring to the City,specifically the extension of SE Parkview Crossing Dr.to connect with University Ave.,allowing for another means of access to the residential subdivisions to the south.He also suggested a deadline be instituted by which Mr.Koethe would have the infrastructure completed.Council Member Bailey asked City staff to meet with Mr.Koethe to discuss the costs involved with the possible incentives he requested.He also expressed his desire to see some of the funds resulting from the project earmarked for the general fund.Council Member Bailey then asked if a development agreement similar to that for Stratford Commons in Clive would be appropriate for University Plaza Park.Mr.Gibson asked the Council if they wished to limit the types of development in the commercial portion of the plat.Mr.Koethe stated that any retail uses in the development would need to be built to higher standards in order to fit in more harmoniously with office uses.Council Member Stanton suggested that no restaurants be allowed on Lots 2-4,which abut University Ave.Council Member Mertz asked if the extension ofSE Booth Ave.to the east ofSE Parkview Crossing Dr.was necessary at this point,as it was unknown how the property to the east of the plat would develop.Mr.Gibson replied that the City was in discussions with the property owners to the east of University Plaza Park,and that those property owners favored the SE Booth Ave. extension. I 2.RAGBRAI Update -Outdoor License Limitations.John Gibson stated that,in order to help recoup the $124,000 budgeted for the event,the RAGBRAI committee would like to limit the hours of operation of extended outdoor service areas,with such special licenses expiring at 7:00 p.m.that evening.Council Member Watts asked ifthere were enough officer to handle law enforcement during RAGBRAI's stop;Mr.Gibson replied that off-duty officers from surrounding communities would be recruited to help with law enforcement.Council Member Mertz agreed with the idea of a time limit on the licenses,but felt that 7:00 p.m.may be too early for the licenses to expire.Pat Puetz,co-chairperson of the food vendor committee for RAGBRAI in Waukee,addressed the Council and stated that he had visited with most of the businesses in town that might apply for an extended outdoor service area license and explained to them that there would be an expiration time on the license.After 7:00 p.m.,all outdoor activity in the extended service area must cease;however,any alcohol sales could continue after 7:00 p.m.in outdoor service areas already covered by a business'existing liquor license.Mr.Puetz stated that the RAGBRAI committee would be asking the Council for approval of four resolutions:1) limiting outdoor service area licenses to expire at 7:00 p.m.;2)requiring all businesses with an approved outdoor service area licence to provide and pay for their own security officers and outdoor restroom facilities;3)requiring that all vendors be registered with the RAGBRAI committee in order to conduct business within the city limits;and 4)requiring all vendors to provide their own liability insurance. 3.Alice's Road Improvements -Right-of-Way Acquisition.John Gibson reviewed the status of right-of-way acquistion along the Alice's Road Corridor,stating that City staff were working with representatives of the Giles,Beasley and Koethe properties.There was some discussion as to the aligmnent of Alice's Road south of those properties;Mr.Gibson said that it was still uncertain how it would align in those areas,but that a "first come,first served"policy was being used regarding right-of-way location.Council Members Bailey and Watts both stated that they wished to avoid the road being too near existing homes in the area. 4.Northern Natural Gas/Northern Lights Expansion Agreement.John Gibson explained that the agreement would increase the City's gas capacity,and that Northern Natural Gas needed a signed agreement in order to coordinate their capacity to provide for Waukee.Council Member Bailey asked if the City Attorney had reviewed the agreement;Mr.Gibson replied in the affirmative. 5.Annexation -Sunset Ridge and R-22 Properties.John Gibson informed the Council that City staff would be meeting on Friday,March 31 with representatives of Sunset Ridge.He also stated that City staff was in the process of responding to the questions ofthe R-22 property owners,and that the Council would receive a copy of the City's response.A meeting will then be scheduled with the R-22 property owners. 6.Special Permits for Outdoor Concerts and Bands.There was some discussion as to how decibel levels could be measured,as Council Member Watts stated that decibel level meters could be cost -prohibitive.Council Member Stanton referred to a portion of the City of Clive noise control ordinance stating that sounds could not be disturbing to a reasonable person of reasonable sensitivities,and also suggested the Council consider the Overland Park,KS noise 2 control ordinance.John Gibson stated that a proposed ordinance would be provided for the next workshop meeting. 7.Limiting Hours of Construction.Council Member Stanton thought 6:30 a.m.was too early to begin lawn work and construction,and suggested 7:00 a.m.as a more reasonable hour.Council Member Watts pointed out that it may be necessary to run snow removal equipment at odd hours during a storm,and that the ordinance should make provisions for such events.City Engineer Mik Briedis mentioned that certain construction operations,such as concrete cutting,needed to take place at night due to curing times.The Council discussed that limited hours of construction should be stricken from the ordinance at this time,but that limited hours for lawn work be included. 8.Discounted Greens Fees at Sugar Creek Municipal Golf Course for employees,board members and elected officials.Council Member Mertz stated that he had supported this concept last year,but did not think the City could afford it at the moment.Council Member Watts explained that the Park Board had voted unanimously to approve the discount.He also stated that he favored the discount,and that he would soon be proposing other incentives and benefits for City employees.Council Member Bailey said that he did not support the discount. Council Member Stanton also said that she did not support the discount,as the golf course was funded by taxpayers,and that increasing employee salaries would be a better incentive.Mayor Peard believed the discount should be offered to employees. 9.Position of Fire Captain.John Gibson said that the Fire Department had held a meeting earlier that evening,voting to elect Clint Robinson as fire chief.The election will come before the City Council for approval at the April 3,2006 regular meeting.Council Member Mertz stated his desire to have the fire chief as a full-time position,and asked that the fire department hierarchy be reviewed.Mr.Gibson replied that a study conducted by the City of Clive recommended a combined fire district for the west side of the metro,and that City staff was discussing with Dallas County the possibility of shared EMT services.He also stated that Clint Robinson supported the concept of shared services. 10.Lino's,Inc.Lease Agreement.John Gibson explained that Lino's lease with the City would expire in July 2006 and that he would like to move the Public Works administration and engineering departments into Linos vacated space.Another option would be to extend the lease for another year so that the new city administrator could decided how best to proceed on the matter.Council Member Bailey stated that there would be a benefit to relocated certain departments at City Hall,as the administration of the city would be run more efficiently.Mayor Peard expressed his opinion that the lease should be extended for another year so that the new city administrator could make the decision on the space.Council Member Mertz also suggested the City wait a year.Council Member Stanton expressed no preference. F)Comments -Council Member Bailey asked for a report showing the percentage of commercial property located in TIF districts,as well as funds received by the City from TIF districts,including past funds received.The Council agreed to hold the next workshop meeting on Monday,April I 0,2006 at 7:00 p.m. 3 Adjournment.Mayor Peard asked for a motion to adjourn.Motion by Council Member Watts, seconded by Council Member Mertz.Ayes:All.Nays:None.Motion carried 4 -O. Meeting Adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Attest: R.Schuett,Deputy City Clerk 4