HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-09-Work Session MinutesWAUKEE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
WORK SESSION MEETING
September 9,2013
A)Call to Order -The work session meeting of the Waukee City Council was called to order by Mayor
Pro Tern Hughes at 5:32 p.m.in the Waukee City Council Chambers.
B)Roll Call-The following members were present:Council Members Casey L.Harvey,Shelly
Hughes,C.Isaiah McGee,Mike Watts.Absent:Mayor William F.Peard,Council Member Shane
Blanchard.(Council Member Blanchard arrived at 5:34 p.m.)
Also in attendance:City Administrator Tim Moerman,Director of Finance Linda Burkhart,Director of
Development Services Brad Deets,Community and Economic Development Director Dan Dutcher,
Parks and Recreation Director Matt Jermier,City Clerk Rebecca D.Schuett.
C)Agenda Approval-Council Member Harvey moved to approve the agenda;seconded by Council
Member McGee.Results of vote:Ayes:Harvey,Hughes,McGee,Watts.Nays:None.Absent:
Blanchard.Motion carried 4 -0 -1.
D)Work Session:
1)Waukee Trailhead Public Art Project presentation -(Council Member Blanchard arrived at
5:34 p.m.)Randy Jensen and Cindy De Pond with the Raccoon River Valley Trailhead Public
Art Committee updated the City Council on the project's progress,reviewing the history of the
project,funding and construction plans,and the proposed pergola design.Mr.Jensen noted
the integrated art elements and site enhancements planned as part of the project.There was
much discussion on the proposed color scheme and design,which Ms.De Pond stated was a
reflection of the Union Pacific Railroad colors and railroad crossing stop arms.She also noted
that the project design could be implemented by other communities along the trail.Mr.Jensen
referenced the public meeting process through which the design was selected.Council
Member McGee spoke in favor of reviewing possible public art locations throughout the city;
City Administrator Moerman replied that public art funding would need to be addressed through
the CIP process.Mr.Jensen stated that Dallas County planned to connect the Raccoon River
Valley Trail with the High Tressle Trail system.Parks and Recreation Director Jermier stated
that the committee would request future City Council action on grant application letters of
support.
2)City Hall/Council Chambers renovation project -Jerry Purdy with Design Alliance,Inc.,
presented renovation plans,reviewing lobby and Council Chambers modifications and certain
materials.City staff had toured the council chambers of Urbandale,Pleasant Hill and Clive and
Mr.Purdy had incorporated certain elements used by those communities into the Waukee
Council Chambers plan.Council Member Watts expressed concern over the safety of the City
Council with the proposed Council Chambers layout;Mr.Purdy responded that the design
would include the use of appropriate materials for security.Council Member Harvey asked if
anticipated future staffing needs were addressed in the proposed plan;City Administrator
Moerman replied that the plan would meet staffing space requirements for 3-5 years.
3)L.A.Grant Pkwy.traffic study -City Administrator Moerman introduced Mark Perington with
Snyder &Associates,the traffic engineering with which the City was working on traffic concerns
in the city.Director of Development Services Deets reviewed existing conditions along L.A.
Grant Pkwy.,including lane configuration,traffic numbers and current speed limits.He then
noted future improvements,such as a left turn lane,deceleration lanes,a three-lane
configuration to Ashworth Rd.,and speed limit reductions.Council Member Watts requested an
update on long-term plans in the area to alleviate traffic congestion;Mr.Deets reviewed various
collector roads in the area,including the Alice's Road Corridor.Council Member Blanchard
asked about planned traffic flow around the Timberline School site;Mr.Deets reviewed stacking
areas and bus lanes around both the South Middle School and Timberline School sites.There
was some discussion regarding projected traffic numbers related to the proposed soccer fields
and academy site in the area,as well as future improvements to Ashworth Rd.Council
Member Watts expressed concern that planned collector streets might not be constructed if
development stalls in the area;City Administrator Moerman replied that the City Council could
consider funding the cost of constructing those streets during the CIP process,but that it was
unlikely that development would stall.
4)West Des Moines sewer access -City Administrator Moerman reviewed a strategy that would
give Waukee the authority to access sewer lines in West Des Moines,and allow West Des
Moines to do the same with Waukee sewer lines.City Attorney Brick is in the process of
drafting an agreement between the two cities on the matter.
S)City website update -(Council Member Harvey left the meeting at 6:55 p.m.)City
Administrator Moerman briefly updated the City Council on the process and timeline for
selection of a City website administrator.
6)Utilities Committee -City Administrator Moerman recommended the ordinance establishing
the Utilities Committee be repealed,noting that utility rates are a function of the budgeting
process and not a citizen advisory committee.
E)Comments
Adjournment -Council Member McGee moved to adjourn;seconded by Council Member Watts.Ayes:
All.Nays:None.Motion carried 4 -O.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Attest:
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Rebecca D.Schuett,City Clerk
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